The principle of operation of the trimmer and how to use it correctly: we explain in order

The principle of operation of the trimmer and how to use it correctly: we explain in order

Different methods are used to control weeds, but one of the most effective is to mow the grass with a mower. Motorized devices are divided into gasoline and electric. By conducting a comparative analysis, the benefits are outweighed in gasoline trimmers. This technique will be discussed in the article.

Grass trimmer, its device and principle of operation

The grass trimmer is a tool that works on the principle of a normal braid, but is equipped with a motor for rotating the cutting element. Depending on the type of this engine, there are two types of trimmers:

    lawn mowers powered by a gasoline engine, the distinctive element of their design is the presence of a fuel tank;

A distinctive feature of trimmers on a gasoline engine is the presence of a tank for fuel. In this model, lawn mowers are located under the engine.

mechanized braids with an electric motor, they are less bulky due to the lack of a fuel tank.

Mechanized spit with electric motor has a lighter design

Electric braids, in turn, come with a power cable for connecting to the mains and battery.

Battery operated trimmer. In this model, the electric motor is located at the bottom, and the battery at the top

Each of these types of trimmers has its own design features that affect the energy block. Otherwise, their device is very similar. Grass trimmers consist of the following elements:

The scheme of the lawn mowing device. An electric trimmer has an electric trimmer instead of a gasoline engine and no fuel tank

  • an engine, which is located above or below, in the area of ​​the mowing head;
  • a conical gearbox, which is installed only in models with a direct rod, with a curved rod, the main bearing, consisting of two bushings, acts as a connecting element between the cable (flexible shaft) and the trimmer head;
  • an intermediate shaft located inside the rod of the mechanized scythe (the shaft is available only in trimmers with a straight rod, in braids with a curved rod instead, rotation from the engine to the mowing head transfers a flexible cable);
  • the bar itself, often of the telescopic type (which is convenient for fitting the tool to the operator’s height) with a handle fixed to it;
  • mowing head with cutting element;
  • control panels;
  • head guard

In mechanized braids, a sharp fishing line (cord) is used as a cutting part, with any cross-sectional shape, most often round or spiral. It is wound on a reel that is inserted into the bobbin, leaving the two ends of the fishing line free. It is with these ends that the grass is cut off during the fast rotation of the bobbin.

The reel with fishing line is inserted into the bobbin located on the mowing head of the tool

Instead of fishing line, other cutting elements can be used. plastic and steel knives and discs. The tool can be adapted to use a cutting part of one or more types. This is convenient when you need to work with grass of different stiffness.

The use of a steel disk for the trimmer allows you to cut not only hard stems of weeds, but also the vine, and small shoots of trees

The principle of operation of grass trimmers is quite simple. Rotation from the motor shaft is transmitted to the countershaft or cable connected to it on the splines. The other end of the shaft enters the bevel gear, changing the direction of the axis of rotation, and causing the output shaft to rotate at high speed, on which the cutting element of the braid is mounted.

The section of the trimmer cone gearbox clearly shows how the direction of the axis of rotation changes and torque is transmitted from the intermediate shaft to the output shaft of the gearbox

In trimmers with a curved rod, the rotation from the engine to the cutting part is transmitted by a cable through a connecting part consisting of two bushings.

Getting started with safety

Of the protective devices, glasses and gloves recommended by the instructions do not interfere, but the most important is the protection of the legs. A cutting tool, especially when mowed with a gas trimmer with metal knives, rotating at high speeds, picks up debris, pebbles and scraps of vegetation that fly apart at such a speed that they can cause injury to humans. Therefore, it is advisable to work in trousers and closed shoes or boots.

What will happen if you don’t protect your legs?

As for ear protection, a tangible need for this arises only for the “loudest” benzotrimmer. based on a two-stroke engine. They are usually equipped with special headphones with a headband necessary to reduce sound pressure on the eardrum.

Principle of operation

Trimmer It functions due to the presence of an engine that transmits rotational movements through the shaft to the working head. This ensures the rotation of the cutting part, which is installed a few centimeters from the ground. It’s easy to control the device; this is facilitated by a convenient handle. The weight of the lawn mowers is redirected to the torso of the person controlling the equipment. Trimmer kit includes straps that hold the structure on the shoulders of the operator. An important point is the use of a protective casing, which holds flying debris and debris.

Reference! A mixture of gasoline and oil is used as fuel for trimmers. In different models, liquids are mixed in one tank or filled separately.

Types of Trimmers

In general, devices can be divided into the following types and subspecies:

  1. Female (trimmers for a bikini or intimate area, for cuticles, armpits, eyebrows) or male (trimmers for a mustache and beard, for hair of the head, for nose and ears, eyebrows, for the body);
  2. Trimmers for face or body;
  3. Professional or for home use;
  4. Universal or highly specialized.

When choosing a device, you need to consider:

  • female. designed for more delicate work with sensitive female skin, to prevent damage to delicate skin (bruises, abrasions, cuts) devices are equipped with additional protective nozzles;
  • universal. thanks to interchangeable blades and nozzles, can be used for various parts of the body;
  • highly specialized. they cope well with one or two specific tasks, for example, trimmers for a mustache and beard, nose and ears, for eyebrows, for a bikini zone, etc.;
  • the ability to set the length: varies from 0.5 mm to 10 mm;
  • type of power, also an important characteristic of the device. Trimmers for nose and ears, for eyebrows mainly work on batteries, models with high power work on mains or battery, there are also models with a combined type of power (mains with stand-alone);
  • blade material: either stainless steel or ultra-modern titanium, carbon, ceramic coatings, there are, of course, metal blades, however, the latter fail relatively quickly (tear off the hairs, become rusty, the blades become dull);
  • Modern device models have additional advantages: backlight. for hard-to-reach spots, laser guidance. to create an ideal contour, self-sharpening the blade, charge indicator, vacuum container for cut hairs, etc.

Figure 2. Highlighting trimmer for nose and ears

Figure 3. Laser-guided beard trimmer

Of course, there are other nuances that you need to consider when choosing. this is the care of the blades, and the possibility of wet cutting, battery life, ergonomics. Before purchasing, you must remove the device from the package, hold it in your hand, feel its weight, convenient location of the case, lack of slipping, the availability of control buttons while holding the device with one hand. Also, you should not get carried away with inexpensive models, most likely, they will not last for a long time, you should not take expensive professional trimmers, for personal care you can buy home-made analogues of the device at a more loyal price.

The right choice of trimmer is the key to convenient work and the desired result.

Preparing the trimmer for work

Preparation of the trimmer for work begins with a check of the condition of all parts and assembly according to the instructions. At the same time, you need to make sure that there is lubricant in the gearbox, and that there is enough oil in the crankcase of the four-stroke gasoline trimmer. The fuel, depending on the type of engine, two- or four-stroke, is a mixture of gasoline with special oil in a ratio of 40-50: 1 or, accordingly, pure gasoline. After the fuel tank is full, it remains only to open the faucet and you can try to start the trimmer, not forgetting that before mowing it is necessary that it runs at idle for 2-3 minutes.

With an electric cordless tool, everything is simple. after checking for grease, just insert a charged battery into the appropriate socket so that it is ready for use. If the tool is powered by the mains, then an extension cord will be required to the intended place for cutting. The wire must be placed outside the range of the possible action of the trimmer knives.

The site should be maximally free of foreign objects: glass, stones, wire, snags, etc. The presence of people closer than 15 meters is also undesirable. Depending on the capabilities of the particular trimmer and the intended work, you need to choose the appropriate cutting nozzle. You can use a mowing head with fishing line for grass, metal knives for weeds or harvesting hay, or a saw for shrubs. Mowing should be planned in such a way as to advance, moving away from buildings and people.

How to use a trimmer?

The principle of operation of the hair trimmer is quite simple, however, to get the desired result, to give an exact contour, you will have to adapt to its use and to the technique of contouring a beard and mustache.

Familiarization with the instructions for use is the first and most important part of working with the device. Before you start working, you need to carefully read the instructions that show which nozzles and modes to use to get a specific result, how to use the trimmer correctly, how to store it correctly, what safety measures should be observed when working with the device.

For example, some models work with wet mode, while others are forbidden to use on wet hair; some devices require careful care, while others are enough to shake and brush; there are models, the use of which, possibly, in the already switched on mode, meanwhile, some must first be brought to the treated hairline, and then already included, etc.

It is necessary to carefully read all the points in the instructions, and only after that start work.

Various nozzles, combs are used to control the length of the hair, the number of nozzles varies based on the configuration of the device, usually these are nozzles from 0.5 mm to 10 mm.

Figure 4. Universal device with nozzles

Nozzles are not used for cutting hair as close to the skin as possible. Using the appliance without nozzles usually guarantees a hair length of up to 0.5 mm (short haircut). The nozzle is used to give the hair the required length, it is installed on the device turned off.

Video: The principle of operation of the trimmer and how to use it correctly: we explain in order


For a more effective result during operation, you need to hold the device against hair growth. At the first use, it is advisable to start work with a nozzle for maximum hair length in order to understand the principle of operation with the device and, if necessary, correct the result.

To obtain a uniform result, it is necessary to hold the device close to the skin, and do not make sudden movements.

The device requires proper care and storage. After each use, it must be cleaned.

Figure 5. Brushing the device

Cleaning the device depends on its type, purpose, features of this model. All models, without exception, are prohibited from being cleaned with aggressive agents: abrasive, iron washcloths, corrosive liquids. Any non-observance of the care rules can lead to a blunt blade, to scratches and defects on the case, blade and nozzles, which in the future will negatively affect the quality and result of the device. Typically, devices are cleaned with a special brush, which is included with the device. Some models can be washed; there are models that require more detailed cleaning and oiling.

It is recommended to store the device with all components in the device box, which usually has separate compartments for all parts of the device. It is also not recommended to store the device in the bathroom or in high humidity.

On the site you can also read an article about pet clippers.

How to mow with a trimmer

The trimmer should "lie" well in the hand. Many people prefer a rather light tool that can be used "on weight". Otherwise, it should be well balanced, on a convenient belt or knapsack suspension, since it is impossible to mow correctly with a trimmer without this. A tool with a bicycle handle is very convenient, when mowing it is easy to hold the mowing head at about a constant height, and the tip of the cutting tool at the right distance from the ground. In order for the fishing line to last longer, it is undesirable to bring it close to fences, borders, brickwork and other hard objects. In addition, do not touch the ground head unnecessarily.

General principles of grass trimmer

As a rule, the cutting tool rotates counterclockwise, so you can work with a trimmer in the same way as an oblique casting, doing 1-2 strokes from right to left with a gradual advance of 15-30 cm. Then the mowed grass remains on the treated surface on the left. Since the line cuts best with the tip, the sweep speed and grapple are selected empirically. With quick wiring, the cut occurs along the entire length of the cutting tool, in which case the motor is overloaded too much, and the grass is often wound around the head.

Flat lawn

If the site is large and even, and the grass is quite soft, it is more convenient to mow along imaginary squares, mentally breaking the entire area into them. After preliminary mowing the grass around the perimeter of the first, continue to work along the tapering square spiral clockwise until the site is completely mowed. Then proceed to the next square. With this method, mowed grass always remains on the treated surface on the left side. In order to mow vegetation at the very root, it is necessary to keep the cutting plane at an angle of 30 °, with the tip of the fishing line almost touching the ground.

Of course, it is better to mow even lawns with a lawnmower-cart, which allows you to make a more even cut and collects the mowed grass in a special grass catcher. This lawn mower is described in this article.

High grass

In this case, it is more convenient to mow in both directions. The first pass is from left to right, cutting the tops of the grass, and then, lowering the tool to the desired level, the lower part is cut off by reverse movement. Mowed grass also remains on the treated surface on the left side. If the thickets of weeds are too high, then in order to reduce the likelihood of winding grass on the drum, you have to mow several times from top to bottom, but this is fraught with increased consumption of fishing line.

Slope processing

The slope is also treated according to the principle of “mowed grass to the left”, choosing a direction so that its top is on the right. When they reach the end of the site, they return to the starting point, rise higher by the width of the swing and mow the next strip.

Trees and bushes

In the area where there are many similar obstacles, the trimmer is simply irreplaceable, since mowing the grass with an ordinary scythe is not enough scope, and the lawn mower is too large. The fishing line is best for this. Before you begin to process the site, you need to cut each tree or bush from all sides. In order not to damage them, you need to hold the trimmer with a protective cover almost close to them, slightly tilting the head to the ground and going around from left to right.

Pruning

It is convenient to trim the flower beds, lawns and paths along the edges with a trimmer with a lower engine, since its cutting plane can be set vertically. For an even greater effect on the cutting line, it is useful to dig a groove of about 4×4 cm. Then the line will cut the grass below ground level without touching its surface. The result is a very clean, flawless vertical haircut.

How to use and care for the trimmer

Using any trimmer begins with starting its engine. In electric braids, you just need to connect the power cord to the network (or install a lithium-ion battery in battery-type devices), and press the engine start button. The situation with the launch of a gasoline engine is much more complicated.

Before starting use, the lawn mower must be filled with gasoline and oil. In modern trimmers, two types of gasoline engines are used. 2-stroke and 4-stroke. Two-stroke engines, and most lawn mowers are equipped with them, should be refilled by pouring directly into the tank a mixture of AI92 gasoline and engine oil in the ratio indicated by the tool manufacturer in the instructions for use. This may be the ratio of oil to fuel 1:20, 1:25, 1:40 or 1:50. over, some manufacturers recommend their own branded oil.

With a two-stroke engine, a mixture of oil and gasoline is poured directly into the fuel tank

If a four-stroke engine is installed on your trimmer, then only gasoline is charged into the tank, and oil is separately poured into the engine crankcase. When refueling, the following safety rules must be observed:

  • do not smoke during refueling;
  • it is necessary to unscrew the fuel tank cap slowly in order to relieve pressure in it, and to avoid splash of residual fuel through the neck;
  • fill the fuel mixture or gasoline and oil only with the engine turned off and cooled;
  • to refuel at a distance of at least 3 meters from the place where the engine will start.

To start the gasoline engine, you must:

Lawn mowing engine elements involved in starting it

  1. Turn on the ignition.
  2. The primer, which is a hand pump with a silicone button, pump up fuel. This will require 8 to 10 clicks on this button (usually the exact number is indicated in the instructions for the tool).
  3. Shut off the choke.
  4. Lock the gas lever with the stopper at high speeds.
  5. Pull the starter handle two or three times.

If the engine starts up and stalls right away, you need to half open the air damper and repeat the start in the indicated sequence. After starting the engine, vent gas and open the air damper. The tool is completely ready, you can get to work.

When working with a trimmer, you must adhere to certain rules:

  • it is imperative to observe the operating mode specified in the instruction manual. alternating a continuous cycle and a technological break (usually after 15.20 minutes of operation, a stop should be made for 3-5 minutes);
  • a mixture of oil with gasoline needs to be finalized or drained from the tank during a long break in order not to clog the carburetor jets with an oil film when gasoline dries, because it, unlike oil, quickly disappears;
  • mowing grass is necessary only at full speed;
  • if the design provides for a shoulder strap, it should be used to ensure maximum balance of the tool during operation;
  • it is forbidden to use other materials (for example, a cable) instead of fishing line. this can lead to premature wear of the trimmer, and create a danger to the operator and others;
  • Before starting work, you need to carefully inspect the site and clean it of foreign objects;
  • in the process of mowing, they are carried out in front of them from right to left with a trimmer so that the cut grass falls on the already mowed area;
  • at the end of work, it is necessary to turn off the engine, clean the cutting element from grass residues and fold the tool bar, if it has a telescopic design.

In the process of using a mechanized scythe using a fishing line as a cutting element, it may be necessary to increase the length of the cord. the free ends of the fishing line, which cut the grass. The trimmer head can have three options for feeding the fishing line, providing different ways to increase its length:

    when manually feeding, stop the engine and pull out the cord with your hands;

Mechanical head with manual feed of fishing line. To increase the length of the cord, you need to pull the fishing line to the desired distance with the engine turned off

the semi-automatic feed head has a special button in the design, when pressed on the ground, we open the anchor mechanism, and the fishing line itself is lengthened by centrifugal force when the engine is turned on;

In trimmers with a mowing head that has a semi-automatic supply of fishing line, you can increase the cord without stopping the engine. You just need to press the button to the ground

head with automatic feed, provides for the extension of the fishing line with a sharp decrease and a subsequent increase in the number of revolutions of the bobbin.

If an automatic head is installed on the trimmer, the line is fed directly during operation. To do this, simply reset and immediately add speed

The basic safety rules for working with the trimmer include the following requirements:

    grass can be mowed only in closed clothes and shoes, with gloves and goggles (when working with a lawn mowing, you should use noise-protective headphones or ear plugs);

Rules for safe work with the trimmer require the operator to have closed clothing and shoes, as well as gloves, eye protection and noise-attenuating headphones when working with the lawn mowing

  • Before starting work, it is necessary to check the integrity and reliability of the fastening of the protective casing and the electric cable, as well as the serviceability of the tool braking mechanism;
  • It is strictly forbidden to work with the trimmer in bad weather. fog, rain or wind;
  • when moving to another area of ​​work, the engine of the tool should be turned off;
  • cutting grass should be done with the tips of the fishing line;
  • do not allow the head of the tool to come into contact with the ground during operation.
  • To ensure long-term operation of the trimmer, it needs constant care, which consists not only in cleaning the cutting elements from the remains of grass, dust and dirt, but also in the timely lubrication of the gearbox or main bearing. To do this, unscrew the bolt that covers the lubrication hole and check for lubrication in it. If not enough, add about 5 g of grease.

    Beard and Mustache Trimmers

    Probably the most interesting to use are devices for mustaches and beards. Modeling a mustache and beard requires some simple skills and a little time.

    If removing hair in the nose and ears or smoothing the eyebrows is not difficult, then for the contouring of a symmetrical beard it is necessary to master the sequence of work and mastery of movements.

    Figure 6. Beard and mustache trimmer

    Modern models make it possible to create any kind of beard: the effect of five-hour facial hair, three-day stubble, goatee, Hollywood, skipper beard and other types of beard and mustache. The result depends on the imagination, oval of the face and facial hair.

    Before starting work, it is necessary to cleanse the hair of sebum and other dirt. To do this, wash the beard with shampoo, you can use air conditioning. Dry hair is combed in the direction of hair growth, from top to bottom, to smooth out all the hairs. These simple procedures will provide an even result.

    When modeling a beard and mustache, it is first necessary to determine the optimal length of the beard. If the beard is very long, you can first shorten it with scissors, and then proceed to modeling directly with the device. Work with a beard must begin with one part of the face, moving sequentially from one ear to another.

    The device first needs to create a flat beard surface, then, using the appropriate nozzles:

    1. Form the desired length;
    2. Give the correct contour starting from the mowing line of the ear;
    3. Orient on the sharp part of the beard cone, which should be in the center;
    4. When forming whiskers, you need to remember the hair of the temporal part;
    5. Keep the device at an angle when modeling oblique lines and bends;
    6. After the design of the beard, you can do the mustache, modeling the area near the lips and the upper contour;
    7. Using the device, give the hair on the neck a contour, perform further actions using a razor;
    8. If the model is not equipped with an appropriate vacuum container, take care of additional measures to collect the cut hair;
    9. Clean the device according to the instructions.

    May be useful: the pros and cons of a t-shaped razor.

    Wet weather

    If there is a need to trim with a trimmer in any weather, then it should definitely be gasoline, since it tolerates wet weather well. Although, according to the instructions, work in the rain or on wet grass by some manufacturers of such gasoline equipment is also prohibited. When choosing a trimmer, it is also worth paying attention to.

    The electric motor is the most vulnerable place for moisture in battery trimmers. Accordingly, if it is located on top, then there is less chance of moisture getting there from the grass, but in rainy weather they can’t work either.

    The most sensitive to moisture trimmers powered by the mains.

    Typically, water gets from wet grass to the extension cords, where an electric arc can occur that could ignite the insulating plastic or cause a short circuit. Such a defect is “fixed” by buying a new extension cord or replacing the plug, but moisture entering the engine or control circuit leads to irreversible damage to the trimmer. In addition, working with such an instrument in the rain is simply dangerous, since there is a high probability of electric shock.

    How to make a do-it-yourself trimmer

    The simplest electric braid can be built from plastic pipes, a small electric motor and a battery from a conventional screwdriver. To do this, you will need:

    • a plastic pipe with a diameter of 40 mm of sufficient length so that it is convenient to mow the grass;
    • a corner from a plastic profile at 45 degrees;
    • a cap on a plastic pipe with a diameter of 40 mm;
    • adapter 40/50 mm.
    • connecting wires.

    To make the simplest battery trimmer with a lower engine arrangement out of these materials:

    1. Drill holes in the plug for installing an electric motor;
    2. Fasten the engine to the plug, and solder the wires to it. Install the assembled structure in a corner;
    3. Drill a hole for the switch in a convenient place on the pipe. Pass the wires coming from the engine through the pipe and attach the corner with the motor to its lower part.
    4. Install the switch button and terminals for connecting the wires in series to the battery outputs.
    5. Secure the battery through the adapter on the pipe. It fits perfectly in a hole with a diameter of 50 mm.
    6. From the blades of a clerical knife, a metal plate with holes and a bolt with a diameter equal to the diameter of the motor shaft, construct the cutting element of our trimmer. Attach this structure to the shaft using the wire terminal.
    7. Cut a protective casing from a plastic bucket and stick it to the corner with a hot glue gun.

    The trimmer, quite capable of mowing the grass, even with a stiff and thick stem, is ready. For ease of use, they can come up with the simplest handle.

    The trimmer is an indispensable tool for people who have their own plot of land, and who want to keep it in order, not allowing grass and weeds to overgrow. The main thing is to be able to choose the perfect version of this device that is ideal for home or garden, learn how to use a trimmer and take care of it. The tips and recommendations outlined above will help you make a choice and learn how to fix some malfunctions of mechanized braids with your own hands.

    Storage and care of the trimmer

    Special care is required petrol trimmers. In addition to cleaning and lubricating cutting and rubbing surfaces from plant sap and dirt, you must also take care of the engine. The air filter is most likely to clog him. The frequency of cleaning is approximately 10 hours. Besides, engine cooling radiator fins are sometimes dirty, why it quickly overheats, and this can lead to its jamming. How to clean the radiator and air filter is described in the instructions for a particular gas trimmer.

    Before leaving the trimmer for long-term storage at the end of the season, all fuel should be drained from it., then start the engine and wait for it to stop. This ensures a complete lack of fuel in the tank and carburetor. After the motor cools down, you need to unscrew the candle, pour 30-40 ml of two-stroke oil into the cylinder, slowly crank the crankshaft with the starter cable so that it spreads over all the cavities inside the engine, then tighten the candle. After this, you need to disassemble the rod, if it is disassembled, cover with a preservative lubricant all metal parts that may rust and then store the trimmer in a place protected from moisture.

    After finishing work at electric trimmers it is necessary to wipe and curl the wires and extension cords, and for batteries, put the battery on charge, since it is not recommended to keep the trimmer even for a very short time with a discharged battery. this leads to a quick failure. Thereafter the head should be removed, since the protective cover and the inside of the drum itself will have to be cleaned. If this is not done, the grass juice may dry on them and cause the bobbin with the mechanism that fixes the fishing line to stop functioning normally the next time it starts.

    Preparing electric trimmers for long-term storage is much easier. The main thing is to protect them from moisture from getting inside the control circuit and the engine, as well as from rust on unprotected metal elements using preservative grease. Be sure to charge the battery before storage, then your spring trimmer will be as good as new.