How to replace the line in a lawn mower

How do I load the line into the trimmer spool? Video instruction

replace, line, lawn, mower

The warranty production of the factory trimmer refueling will inevitably require line replacement. Having a very rough idea of ​​how to thread the line into the trimmer reel on their own, beginners are reluctant to take up this business. However, with some skills, mastering this simple science does not present any difficulties, and the similar instruction presented below will facilitate this process as much as possible..

Coil with one working tendril

The simplest option and uncomplicated sequence of actions:

  • The dimensions of the reel and the length of the original factory winding determine the recommended length of the line for winding – 2 … 5 m.
  • One end of the line is inserted into the fixing technological hole located inside the spool.
  • The fishing line is wound on the drum in the opposite direction of the spool rotation on the trimmer product – as a rule, on the inside of the reel, an arrow indicates in which direction the winding is carried out.
  • A small section of the line is left free to bring it out – it is fixed in a specialized groove on the inner side of the bobbin, designed to hold the winding when assembling the bobbin into working condition.
  • The left end of the line is passed through the hole in the outer part of the reel.
  • The bobbin halves are assembled and put on the trimmer bar.

The first way to wind the line

The required amount of line has been cut off. Now you need to carefully examine the bobbin in order to understand what type it belongs to. It depends on how the line is to be wound on it..

There are two types of bobbins. In general, they differ slightly from each other. Regardless of the type, the coil is divided into two sections – upper and lower. In the first type, the dividing edge does not close into a ring and has a depression.

In the second type, it is solid, but near it there are small through holes on the sides on both sides. The method of winding the thread should be studied depending on which of the above types the coil belongs to..

  • The previously prepared six-meter segment must be bent in half. It is best not exactly in the middle, but in such a way that one half is about fifteen centimeters longer.
  • Then the place of the fold must be inserted into the recess in the dividing face. One half of the line should be at the top of the reel, the other half at the bottom..
  • Now you can start winding directly. You need to wind in the direction of the arrow on the bobbin. When winding, you need to hold the threads so that they do not intertwine and the upper half winds up in the upper part of the spool, and the lower half in the lower part. Each half should have about fifteen centimeters free from the end..
  • There are small indentations (or, in other words, grooves) in the upper edge of the bobbin for securing the consumable. The ends of the threads must be inserted into these grooves so that they are fixed against each other..
  • The final stage of threading the consumable into the tool – the ends attached to the bobbin must be threaded into the corresponding holes in the trimmer head.
  • That’s all. The winding process is complete. Now all that remains is to assemble the head into a single whole. The spring fits neatly back between the bobbin and the head. Then you need to insert the bobbin into the head and press them together..
  • It is recommended that the free ends of the thread be pulled out more. To do this, pull the ends of the consumable one by one so that they are removed from the grooves of the bobbin. You can make sure that the cutting element is removed from the retaining grooves by trying to pull the threads a little – they should freely exit through the holes in the head.
  • While pressing the bobbin down, you need to put the cover over it. The cover must be screwed to the head so that all the grooves on their bodies are aligned and the bobbin remains fixed between them..
  • And finally, the very last action – the head is screwed back into place at the bottom of the tool.

The process is complete. The line is tucked into a reel. The trimmer is ready for further work.

Which line to choose to refuel the lawn mower

The thickness of the polyethylene thread depends on the model of equipment and varies from 1.2 to 4 mm. She may be:

  • with a round cross section – this is the most durable material for mowing grassy plants;
  • with a curly section – used for mowing soft plants;
  • twisted – used for thin grass;
  • professional type, not suitable for all models of equipment.

To change the line on a lawn mower, you need to purchase a cutting thread that will be ideal for the type of mower..

You can soak the thread in a bowl of water for a few minutes to increase elasticity and strength..

Removing and disassembling the coil

The mowing trimmer head consists of a cover, a spring (not available in every model), a bobbin with a cord, and a cover. Before proceeding with the disassembly of the coil of the electrical unit, be sure to disconnect the trimmer from the mains. The disassembly method depends on the attachment of the mowing head. First option:

  • To remove the cover that covers the inside of the head, press on the latches (latches) that are located on both sides of the head..
  • Remove the cover, under which you will see the spool – remove it from the body. Some trimmer spools have a spring under the bobbin, which must also be carefully pulled out..
  • After removing the bobbin, you will see a screw in the center of the case. Unscrew it with a screwdriver.
  • After removing the fasteners, take the body of the part and, shaking it in different directions, remove the gearbox from the shaft.

In the second version, the trimmer head is screwed onto the gearbox shaft. To remove it, you need to fix the shaft. For this, such devices have a hole through which a thin screwdriver or metal rod is inserted. Brief instruction:

  • Insert a screwdriver into the special hole, then lock the shaft.
  • Grasp the body of the head and start twisting it. This should be done clockwise, since the thread on the shaft is left.

Winding the line to the reel

Second winding method

  • A previously prepared segment of six meters in length must be bent exactly in the middle and cut. Thus, two segments of the same length are obtained..
  • At one end of each segment, you need to make a small “hook”. To do this, it is necessary to bend a couple of centimeters from the edge and fix it for a short time so that the “hook” does not unbend.
  • Then one segment is taken. The hook is inserted into the through hole at the top of the bobbin.
  • Now you can proceed to the key stage – winding. The direction in which to wind is indicated by an arrow on the bobbin. It is important to ensure that the line is wound strictly within the upper part of the reel. You do not need to wind the thread to the very tip – about fifteen centimeters should remain free from the end.
  • In the upper edge of the spool there are small recesses (so-called grooves) for fixing the consumable. The loose “tail” of the thread must be inserted into one of these grooves.
  • The top of the coil is tucked in. Now you need to do the same procedure with the bottom. Take the second piece of thread. The “hook” is threaded through the through hole at the bottom of the bobbin.
  • After that, you can start winding the fishing line (within the lower compartment). And for this segment, you also need to leave about fifteen centimeters free from the end. This remaining “tail” must be inserted into the notch opposite to the one into which the end of the first segment was inserted.

The subsequent steps for this type of coils are exactly the same as described for the previous type in paragraphs five to nine..

This is how the line in the trimmer spool changes. There is nothing complicated in the process. And after several refueling operations, all actions will come to automatism..

To visually study the process described above, you can turn to the Internet for help. On the popular YouTube portal there are many different videos showing how to wind the line on the trimmer reel..

Thickness selection

In addition, you should pay special attention to the thickness of the consumable. For mowing young grass, a thread with a diameter of one and a half millimeters is suitable. The larger the diameter of the thread, the drier and coarser weeds it is capable of overpowering.

When choosing a fishing line by thickness, there is one “but”. It is important not only to assess the capabilities of the material, but also to take into account the features of the trimmer. Be sure to check the user manual that came with your tool for information on cutting element requirements..

Using the wrong thread can damage the tool. Using a thread that is too thick will overload the machine’s motor. And the use of a thread that is too thin will significantly increase the wear of the twisting mechanism..

That is why it is necessary to approach the choice of consumables no less responsibly than to refuel it in the trimmer. When a suitable fishing line is found and purchased, you can begin to consider ways of winding it on a reel..

How to wind the line on a trimmer spool: winding methods and video

Any garden owner knows how quickly weeds can fill an area. A trimmer will help to defeat them without undue effort. This incredibly useful device is an indispensable tool for trimming and mowing grass..

It is no secret that an ordinary lawn mower cannot be used everywhere. In contrast, the trimmer can handle even very difficult areas. This is especially true for those tools in which the cutting element is not a knife, but a fishing line..

How to wind line on a lawn mower

Any garden owner knows how quickly weeds can fill an area. A trimmer will help to defeat them without undue effort. This incredibly useful device is an indispensable tool for trimming and mowing grass..

It is no secret that an ordinary lawn mower cannot be used everywhere. In contrast, the trimmer can handle even very difficult areas. This is especially true for those tools in which the cutting element is not a knife, but a fishing line..

In single flute model

The line must be pulled into the hole, and its mustache must be folded together and aligned..

Then winding is performed in the opposite direction to the rotation of the bobbin on the mower. Often there is an arrow inside the spool indicating how to put the line on correctly..

The ends of the string are fixed in special grooves or simply temporarily held by hands and pulled into the hole located on the outside of the bobbin.

After that, the spool is closed and attached to the rod, after which the mower is ready to work..

How to reel?

Knowing how the reel is disassembled can speed up the line change process. It all depends on what design the coil has and how many antennae. Threading into a spool that has only one working mustache is quite easy, especially if you stick to a consistent plan..

Depending on the parameters of the reel and the length of the line set initially, it is recommended to choose a string from 2 to 5 meters.

First you need to remove the bobbin from the tool, and then open it..

One of the ends of the line must be installed in the hole inside the bobbin..

Next, the string should be wound onto the drum. Moreover, this is done in the opposite direction from the normal rotation of the spool. Usually on the trimmers on the inside of the bobbin there is an arrow that shows in which direction to wind..

Part of the line must be pulled out and secured in a special groove located on the inside of the reel. Its purpose is to hold the winding while bringing the bobbin into working condition..

The end of the string must be passed through the hole located on the outer part of the bobbin..

At the last stage, you need to collect the parts of the bobbin and put it on the mower bar..

The installation of the line on a reel with two mustaches occurs in a slightly different way. First, you need to determine how many grooves go along the inside of the reel, on which the line is put on. There are options with one groove, and then both mustaches must be wound together. There are also models with two grooves, when each of the mustache goes separately.

For all double-whisker reels, a 2 to 3 meter string is recommended..

The first way to wind the line

The required amount of line has been cut off. Now you need to carefully examine the bobbin in order to understand what type it belongs to. It depends on how the line is to be wound on it..

There are two types of bobbins. In general, they differ slightly from each other. Regardless of the type, the coil is divided into two sections – upper and lower. In the first type, the dividing edge does not close into a ring and has a depression.

EASY! HOW TO FIX a Briggs and Stratton lawnmower STARTER PULL ROPE

In the second type, it is solid, but near it there are small through holes on the sides on both sides. The method of winding the thread should be studied depending on which of the above types the coil belongs to..

  • The previously prepared six-meter segment must be bent in half. It is best not exactly in the middle, but in such a way that one half is about fifteen centimeters longer.
  • Then the place of the fold must be inserted into the recess in the dividing face. One half of the line should be at the top of the reel, the other half at the bottom..
  • Now you can start winding directly. You need to wind in the direction of the arrow on the bobbin. When winding, you need to hold the threads so that they do not intertwine and the upper half winds up in the upper part of the spool, and the lower half in the lower part. Each half should have about fifteen centimeters free from the end..
  • There are small indentations (or, in other words, grooves) in the upper edge of the bobbin for securing the consumable. The ends of the threads must be inserted into these grooves so that they are fixed against each other..
  • The final stage of threading the consumable into the tool – the ends attached to the bobbin must be threaded into the corresponding holes in the trimmer head.
  • That’s all. The winding process is complete. Now all that remains is to assemble the head into a single whole. The spring fits neatly back between the bobbin and the head. Then you need to insert the bobbin into the head and press them together..
  • It is recommended that the free ends of the thread be pulled out more. To do this, pull the ends of the consumable one by one so that they are removed from the grooves of the bobbin. You can make sure that the cutting element is removed from the retaining grooves by trying to pull the threads a little – they should freely exit through the holes in the head.
  • While pressing the bobbin down, you need to put the cover over it. The cover must be screwed to the head so that all the grooves on their bodies are aligned and the bobbin remains fixed between them..
  • And finally, the very last action – the head is screwed back into place at the bottom of the tool.

The process is complete. The line is tucked into a reel. The trimmer is ready for further work.

In the version with two grooves

The line is first folded in half to determine where the middle of the fold is..

Next, the loop formed at the bend is threaded into the groove that is formed between the two grooves.

After that, you can wind both bars of the fishing line in a separate groove..

You can fix the mustache and assemble the coil completely in the same way as already described above..

Opening a reel for the first time and winding a new line is not always easy. Over time, this procedure becomes almost automatic and will not take much time. Some reels have an automatic system that spins the line by itself. As a result, it remains only to correctly set the end of the line, and you’re done. In such models, the string must be put in the hole that is on the outside of the body. Next, the bobbin is assembled, and when the winding rotates, the fishing line is put on it.

The convenience of such reels is that it is impossible to wind up incorrectly, since the line will always turn only in the right direction..

If you have a summer cottage or a large plot of land near your individual house or cottage, then for the convenience of cleaning grass and weeds, you need to use a lawn mower. In case you are thinking of choosing an electric lawn mower or a gasoline one, then click here and you will find comparative characteristics of different models..

Over time, the line on the mower wears out and needs to be replaced – you can do this yourself. The choice of this polyethylene thread is necessary depending on the model of the mower. It is also worth keeping an eye on the rest of the unit’s details, here, for example, you will find information about Craftsman lawn mower knives, which also wear out and can lead to irreversible consequences..

How to Replace a Pull String on a Push Mower : Lawnmower Maintenance & Repair

The device of the reel into which the fishing line is inserted is very simple. But it differs depending on whether the coil is operating with one or two tendrils of thread. It is important to observe safety precautions when changing the line in the reel..

With the arrival of spring, summer cottages are becoming the main residence of many of our compatriots. However, with the arrival of warm days, there is such a problem as fast-growing grass. It is inconvenient to constantly mow it with a hand scythe, and not all types of grass lend themselves to this old working tool. It is much more convenient to use modern lawn mowers for these purposes. Particularly popular among them are devices with a fishing line, which is easy to change if necessary..

How to wind the line onto the trimmer spool

At first glance, threading a line into the reel of a tool is not an easy task. But it is enough to carefully study this process – and in the future all the necessary actions will be performed without any difficulties..

It is worth reading this guide to find out how to tuck the line into the trimmer. The step-by-step instructions below take into account the peculiarities of the spools of different types of trimmers, therefore, it is applicable to any tool.

So, the procedure is as follows..

  • The line spool is the bottom end of the trimmer. First of all, of course, you need to remove this head from the device. To do this, you need to fix the rod (or, in other words, the shaft) on which the coil is attached. It is required to fix it in such a way that it does not scroll. The easiest way to do this is by placing a kind of stupor (preferably metal) between the shaft threads through a special hole. When the shaft is fixed, the spool can be unscrewed.
  • At this stage, you have to remove the bobbin from the head, on which the fishing line is attached. To do this, you need to disassemble the head into elements. To do this, you first need to find a retainer on its body. It is located on the circumference of the product and is like a button. When the latch is found, you need to press it firmly. Keeping the latch pressed, turn the head cover clockwise. Then you need to remove the cover and remove the bobbin.
  • A tight spring is placed between the bobbin and the head. It needs to be put aside for a while so that it does not interfere with the winding process. Before proceeding with the step of winding the line, it is necessary to inspect the bobbin. If there are remnants of old fishing line on it, they must be removed. When the bobbin is cleaned, you can start preparing a new bobbin..
  • From a previously prepared skein of new fishing line, it is necessary to measure and cut off six (maximum – seven) meters. Keep the bobbin close at hand.

At this point, the key stage actually begins, which this article is devoted to..

Trimmer coil device

Trimmer mowing heads come in a variety of designs, both simple and complex. The picture below shows an exploded view of the semi-automatic trimmer head from a Husqvarna (Husqvarna) lawn mower..

This type of head is present on most lawn mowers and trimmers such as Stihl (Stihl), Patriot (Patriot), Champion (Champion), Bosch (Bosch), Huter (Huter) and others. The device of the mowing head is quite simple. It includes the following details:

  • mowing head base;
  • button for semi-automatic cord feed;
  • bobbin (spool) into which the line is tucked;
  • spring;
  • eyes – through them the line comes out;
  • trimmer head cover;
  • line (cord).

There are also simpler trim heads shown in the following photo..

All these attachments do not allow you to change the length of the line in a semi-automatic mode (after pressing a button). If the cord breaks, you have to stop the mower and change it manually.

DIY trimmer coil repair

The trimmer, whether petrol or electric, is the only solution for mowing grass in hard-to-reach places that a wheeled lawnmower cannot handle. As a cutting tool in trimmers, metal knives or special fishing line are used, which is tucked into the trimmer coil. But, unfortunately, trimmer heads become unusable over time during operation. Some malfunctions can be eliminated by hand, and some require a complete replacement of the mowing head..

The cord lengthens spontaneously

There are times when the trimmer user notices a very fast line flow. However, he never hit the ground with a button to lengthen the line. The reason for the fact that the line spontaneously lengthens, being cut on a special knife on the casing of the device, may be the absence of a spring in the mowing head. Often novice users of mowers, trying to load the line into the reel, forget to install the pressure spring in the head, or completely lose it when opening the lid, and in the future, do not even know about its existence.

Also, the line can be lengthened without using a button if the spring is loose. If checking the spring has confirmed this fact, then several washers must be placed under it in order to enhance its clamping properties..

How to remove the spool and replace the line

Trimmer owners, mostly beginners, find themselves in confusion, bordering on panic, when they need to change the cutting tool or line in the reel. Very often, when trying to unscrew the mowing head, users simply render it unusable, not suspecting that it is unscrewing in the opposite direction. To prevent this from happening, if you need to replace the tool, it is recommended that you read the step-by-step instructions below..

  • Stop the mowers engine or power off the trimmer before placing the line into the spool to avoid injury from accidental starting rotation of the cutting tool..
  • Unscrew the attachment attached to the gearbox shaft. To do this, the shaft must be fixed by aligning the holes on the washer and on the axle, and inserting a metal rod or screwdriver into them..
  • Unscrew the nozzle. You should be aware that the thread on the shaft is left-handed. Therefore, turn the trimmer coil to the right, that is, clockwise.
  • Disassemble the mowing head. Most often, the head cover is attached to the clips. To remove it, you will need to sink these latches into the case, squeezing the edges of the cover. If your trimmer has a semi-automatic mowing head with a button on the bottom, then the disassembly of the attachment should be done carefully, since you can lose the spring, which sometimes flies out when the cover is removed..
  • Cut off the required amount of line. Usually its length is 5 meters. Use a cord of the same diameter as indicated in the instructions for the tool. It is not recommended to exceed the maximum line diameter as this will result in increased engine load and higher gas mileage.
  • Find the midpoint of the line by folding it in half. You will have a loop.
  • Special grooves are cut inside the coil (there may be holes). Insert a loop of line into this groove..
  • Wind the line around the spool by turning it counterclockwise. It is necessary to fill in the cord as evenly as possible, the turns should lie down without overlap and with good tension. When the winding is finished, leave free ends of the line about 20 cm long and fix them in the grooves on the sides of the reel..
  • Assemble the mowing head. Be sure to insert the spring and washer (if equipped) before final assembly of the accessory. Place the spool in the body and thread the ends of the cord through the holes or lugs.
  • Put on the cover and secure it with the latches.
  • Screw the adapter back onto the gearbox shaft, also securing it with a screwdriver. You will need to twist the trimmer coil to the left (counter-clockwise).

Line does not lengthen automatically

If the line does not lengthen when you lightly hit the trimmer button on the ground, then the reasons for this may be the following.

Option 1 – a bite has occurred, i.e. clamping the cord between turns. This problem usually occurs if the user has been winding the line on the reel unevenly, with intersecting turns, or winding it with insufficient tension. In the latter case, when the mowing head rotates at high speeds under the influence of centrifugal force, the cord begins to tighten, as a result of which inter-turn clamping of the fishing line is possible. To fix the problem, you will have to disassemble the coil on the trimmer and rewind the cord correctly, that is, in even turns with good tension.

Option 2 – too short ends protrude from the head. The line may not come out when hitting the ground if the ends sticking out of the head are not long enough (short). In this case, the centrifugal force is not enough to stretch the line. Therefore, it is required to stop the unit (turn off the engine or disconnect the trimmer from the mains) and pull out the line manually, after pressing the button.

Option 3 – the line is brazed inside the mowing head. This causes the coil to lock and not spin when the button is pressed. Basically, this happens for several reasons: poor quality of the cord, overheating of the coil during prolonged operation of the unit, hitting the line against hard objects.

  • In the first case, third-party cord can be made of low-quality and low-melting materials that cannot withstand mechanical and thermal stress. Therefore, you should give preference to “branded” lines.
  • But, if you nevertheless purchased a fishing line of unknown quality, and it is often soldered during operation, then you can follow the example of some users who, after filling the cord into the reel, wet it with either silicone grease (from a can) or mineral oil. This procedure greatly reduces the likelihood of soldering the turns of the fishing line together.
  • Also, the line can be soldered if it hits a hard object (stone, fence, dry branch, etc.) during mowing. As a result, it stretches slightly and is pulled back into the head at high speed. From friction, the cord heats up, and its turns stick together. The only thing that can be done to eliminate this malfunction is to open the trimmer spool and rewind the line..

Major coil malfunctions

Trimmer users and lawn mowers often face a problem with the semi-automatic mowing head. Coil malfunctions can be as follows:

  • the line does not lengthen automatically;
  • the cord spontaneously comes out of the reel.

Is it possible to make a coil for a trimmer with your own hands

  • Take a piece of plywood or PCB and draw a circle about 14 cm in diameter on it.
  • Cut the disc with a jigsaw or metal hacksaw.
  • Drill a hole in the center of the disc that matches the diameter of the gearbox shaft. Do not forget to put a washer on it before installing the disc on the shaft..
  • Small corners can be screwed on the edges of the disc or 1-2 holes can be made on opposite sides. They will serve for refueling the fishing line in them..
  • Several screws can be screwed into the plywood to secure the line..

This homemade mowing head is secured to the shaft with a nut. It will not work to tighten or unscrew the nut without fixing the shaft. To replace the cord, it will be enough to loosen the screws, insert a piece of line of the required length and press it again.

Also, the mowing attachment for attaching the fishing line to it can be made of metal sheet. How to do this can be understood from the following video..