How to choose a trimmer line How to choose a trimmer line A trimmer is the right solution for cutting grass in hard-to-reach places for a wheeled lawnmower, in particular around trees, bushes, along
How to choose a trimmer line
The trimmer is the right solution for mowing grass in hard-to-reach areas for a wheeled lawnmower, such as around trees, bushes, along fences and paths. The performance of the unit directly depends on the correct choice of line for the trimmer. Cutting tooling requires flexibility, rigidity, and unbreakability. It must have a high level of wear resistance and be tear-resistant.. What are the first things to look for when choosing a trimmer line?
First, the thickness of the thread. In the individual instruction manual for the trimmer, you can find out the required line diameter. It is important to note that you do not need to be guided only by the inscriptions on the bobbin of the lawn mower, since the trimmer kit usually includes universal spools that are suitable for lines of different diameters and engines of different powers. For each trimmer model, we allow its own individual line diameter. So, when installing a fishing line, the diameter of which exceeds the limit value indicated in the operating manual, the resistance to rotation increases, the load on the engine increases, which inevitably leads to overheating and breakdown. Of course, using a fishing line with a smaller diameter will not lead to engine damage, but will significantly increase its wear. Currently, the most common thread is 1.2 mm to 4 mm in diameter. Line diameter variation depends on engine power. For example, for electric or cordless trimmers, which are characterized by low power, a line with a diameter of 1.3 1.6 mm is suitable. For more powerful electric or gasoline trimmers that can cut any grassy vegetation, a 1.8-2mm thread will do. On professional benzo and electric scythes, a thread with a thickness of 2.5 4 mm is used. Such a fishing line will be enough to clear the area from small shrubs.
Secondly, the shape of the section. In most cases, a round trimmer line is enough, it is the most common and affordable. The main disadvantage of such a line is the high noise level produced by the trimmer during operation. But even here modern technology does not stand still. Line manufacturers have been able to reduce noise by using a spiral line. Also, there are star, rectangular or square cross-sections. These sections have sharp edges, which makes the cut of the grass smoother. The curly shape of the fiber increases the productivity of the technique. However, at the same time, the consumption of the line increases, and when using such a thread, problems of feeding from the spool often arise. For the best possible mowing of grass, there are variants with notches and teeth. Notched line designed for mowing weeds and tough vegetation. The main disadvantage of such a line is poor retrieval from semi-automatic spools, so it uses discs into which it is inserted in small pieces. The two-piece round line is more tear resistant and is most suitable for dry and tough grass.
Thirdly, the service life directly depends on the composition of the line. The most common trimmer line is nylon. This thread has a high degree of wear resistance, and also provides effective work at elevated temperatures and loads. In addition, it does not lose its qualities at low temperatures, and does not exfoliate during long-term storage.
The main advantage in favor of choosing a fishing line over other cutting equipment is the ability to use it to delicately trim vegetation, for example, near young trees or small bushes.
Manufacturing material
The line is made from nylon polyamide, or polypropylene. Cheap products may contain polyethylene additives. It significantly reduces temperature and wear resistance.
Long-lasting polypropylene trimmer line can become brittle. It is recommended to soak it in water for 30 minutes before use.
In strings with a large diameter of 4 mm, aluminum particles are added to increase strength.
Do not use cables or wire in lawn mowers: pieces of wire broken off at such a high speed easily pierce leather shoes.
Trimmer line: features
There are several parameters to consider when choosing the right string. Firstly, the characteristics of the device must indicate how thick the fishing line can be. When trying to thread a cord with a large diameter, the thread on the spool will become tangled, the engine will overheat, and the bushings will wear out much faster. Secondly, the task of mowing lawn grass or cutting dead wood matters. The power of the device itself also sets its limits.
Which trimmer line is better: which one to choose?
Caring for a lawn or flower garden includes not only watering and weeding, but also cutting the grass. Bare land on a flower bed or summer area looks unattractive. A smooth, soft, green carpet is certainly much better.
Choosing a trimmer line
But to make the lawn look like this, you need special equipment.
Trimmer line: features
There are several parameters to consider when choosing the right string. Firstly, the characteristics of the device must indicate how thick the fishing line can be. When trying to thread a cord with a large diameter, the thread on the spool will become tangled, the engine will overheat, and the bushings will wear out much faster. Secondly, the task of mowing lawn grass or cutting dead wood matters. The power of the device itself also sets its limits.
Why lawn mowers?
This type of gardening technique is designed for small areas where maneuverability is more important than productivity. If we are talking about the same flower bed, then mowing the grass in the immediate vicinity of flowers using a wheeled lawn mower is unrealistic. The trimmer, electric or petrol, will do the job perfectly.
The essence of his work is as follows: the fishing line or knife rotates at a fairly high speed and cut off the stems. A string or cord is used specifically for cutting grass. Which trimmer line is best depends on the task. For soft and hard grass, respectively, a cord with different technical characteristics is needed.
Manufacturing material
The line is made from nylon polyamide, or polypropylene. Cheap products may contain polyethylene additives. It significantly reduces temperature and wear resistance.
Long-lasting polypropylene trimmer line can become brittle. It is recommended to soak it in water for 30 minutes before use.
In strings with a large diameter of 4 mm, aluminum particles are added to increase strength.
Do not use cables or wire in lawn mowers: pieces of wire broken off at such a high speed easily pierce leather shoes.
Threading
So, when you decide and buy a line for the spit, the following problem will arise: how to fill it? It will take about half an hour, if you have not done this before.
The cord is wound on a trimmer reel, which is a plastic case with a cassette from the inside, on which there is a small winding hook. The standard type of fastening is a button-screw. When you press on it, you can draw out the thread of the required length. The winding method is almost the same.
The following is the usual case with two antennae. Unscrew the center screw clockwise. Use a screwdriver to disassemble the head. Take out the coil. Measure the standard length of the line (2-4 m), cut and fold in half, and then simply start winding it around the removed part.
Its ends will be opposite to each other. Slide them out through the small locking holes and reassemble the head in the opposite direction. Make sure the ends do not slip out.
Varieties
There are options with notches and grooves, which allow you to mow impassable weeds. The volume level is low, additional power is provided.
Which line is better?
There is no definite answer to this question. Round types are universal, but star-shaped cords are not suitable for everyone. Experienced workers believe: the correct selection of thread will increase productivity, save a quarter of time for cleaning the yard.
It is necessary to take into account the category of the device for which the purchase of the cutting device is planned. It is believed that twisted ones are best suited for beveling all trimmers (except for gasoline ones, they should be given cords with metal in the center). Twisted lines cut grass easily, which is not always the case with smooth lines.
The thinner the threads, the easier the bevel, however, their wear resistance is less, they quickly break or wear off. And the fat ones overload the device, spoil the lawn, as they crush the greenery.
TRIMMER LINE (CORD)
The classic cutting tool for all types of tools is a special trimmer line or line, also sometimes called a string. Its thickness (diameter) ranges from 1.2 to 4 mm. Each trimmer specifies the maximum cord thickness that can be operated without overheating the engine and accelerating bushing wear.
In addition to differences in thickness, the trim cord also has a different cross-sectional shape: a circle, a polygon (from three to hexagon), an asterisk, rounded protrusions, etc. In addition, it can be twisted along the longitudinal axis in the form of a twisted square or a spiral round string, and have various notches and recesses. All these tricks are designed to increase efficiency when mowing vegetation.
The most versatile is the round cross-section trimmer line, which can be used for cutting both fresh grass and dead wood. In addition to this versatile cord, manufacturers also produce more specialized line.
Taking into account that the smaller the contact area of the cord with the stem, the greater the force of its impact, a figured cord with a cross-section in the form of a polygon or an asterisk with sharp corners appeared. Later, for strength, particles of aluminum began to be added to it.
Square fishing line with a thickness of 2.4 mm and more will allow you to easily cope with thickets of dry weeds and even stems of raspberry bushes. The star, on the other hand, is designed for gentle mowing of fresh grass. Due to the profile, it cuts vegetation cleaner, the grass leaves faster after cutting and does not dry out as often as after using a round fishing line.
A round spiral line is considered low noise, but this parameter is only relevant for electric trimmers, since the sound of a running gasoline engine blocks the whistle from any line.
When using a trimmer line with a curly section, its thickness should be taken less than the maximum for this trimmer, this will avoid problems with the supply of line from the mowing head. Fill such a cord into the spool with gloves.
The trimmer line comes in a variety of colors and in most cases it has no functional value. But with some manufacturers, the color determines the diameter of the cord (for example, Stihl) or the properties of the material used (for example, Oregon).
Trimmer lines are made from nylon (polyamide) or polypropylene. Leading manufacturers use PP6 polypropylene for cord production. Various low-quality polyethylene is often added to the fishing line of Chinese origin to reduce the cost. But in any case, after long-term storage, the polypropylene cord becomes brittle. To increase elasticity, such a fishing line should be soaked in water for half an hour before use.
Under no circumstances should thin wire or stranded wire be used as a trim cord. Thinking in this case about the strength and durability of the fishing line, they forget that the trimmer string is specially made in such a way as to break off to soften the dynamic impact on the transmission and engine of the tool. In addition, the cable and wire still break off. At the same time, broken-off pieces accelerated to high speed easily pierce leather shoes.
TRIMMER WE MAKE THE OPTIMAL CHOICE. Part 3 (trimmer line, trimmer head, trimmer knife)
The optimal choice of trimmer characteristics will not be enough for comfortable cutting of vegetation in the personal plot. Both the electric trimmer and the petrol lawn mower need the right cutting tool. As such, a trimmer line (cord) or a special knife is used.
The type of vegetation is fundamental when choosing what to mow. For the convenience of work, the user can choose the type of cord, the type of trimmer head, the method of threading the cord into it, choose a knife of a certain shape. Therefore, you should familiarize yourself with these characteristics in more detail.
TRIMMER HEAD
The trimmer head, often also called the mowing head, is a specially designed reel that contains a cord of a certain length. An 8-15 m piece of cord is wound onto the inner spool, the ends of which are pulled out of the reel to the required length as they wear or break off when they encounter a too hard obstacle.
As a rule, for different models of trimmers, certain mowing heads are used, which differ in both the internal structure and the way of attachment. For some trimmer heads, special adapters are available that allow the use of such heads on trimmers of various models and from different manufacturers.
Trimmer heads are usually subdivided into manual, semi-automatic and automatic according to the type of line feeding. In the first, as the name implies, the line is fed from the head manually. To do this, you will have to stop working, turn off the trimmer and manually lengthen the ends of the cord.
For the second, it is enough to hit the ground with the mowing coil. In this case, by pressing upon impact on a special button, the anchor mechanism is released and the cord is fed due to centrifugal force. Line lengthening is carried out with the trimmer working.
In the third option, to lengthen the cutting line, simply reduce the engine speed, then with a subsequent increase in speed, the trimmer line is automatically fed.
As follows from the above description, the most inconvenient is the mowing reel with manual cord feed, and the most optimal is the mowing head with automatic feed. However, it has not won much love from users due to the increased line consumption compared to other types. Therefore, the most popular and demanded today are semi-automatic trimmer heads.
Also, different models of trimmer heads differ in the way the line is threaded. They can be quick-loading (for example, Shindaiwa Speed-Feed), when there is no need to disassemble the reel to wind a new portion of the cord, and collapsible.
In the first version, you can leave the mowing reel on the trimmer. The end of the cord is threaded through both ears in the spool, then the required amount of line is wound and cut off. Or both ends of a pre-cut piece of cord of the required length are tucked into the corresponding holes and screwed on.
In the second option, to charge a new portion of the cord, the trimmer coil will need to be removed, disassembled and wound on the spool inside. Different models of reels have different ways of disassembling and winding the line. But in all cases, the line must be wound in the direction indicated by the arrow on the body (both ends in one direction).
On cheap Chinese mowing heads, the so-called no-name, such an arrow is often absent. Also, branded models may have two arrows in different directions (when it is possible to use them on trimmers with different directions of head rotation). In this case, the cord must be wound in the direction of rotation of the shaft (that is, the engine must wind it). If the cord is wound in the wrong direction, then when the button hits the ground, it will fly out too much.
The opposite option is also possible when the line is not fed when the semi-automatic mowing head hits the ground. This can be caused both by improper winding of the line, or by the fact that after installation on the trimmer, you simply forgot to pull the ends of the cord out of the retaining grooves on the spool.
Another problem when mowing vegetation with a trimmer line is sintering the turns inside the coil. This happens because, when meeting with an obstacle that is too hard, the cord is sharply inhibited. With such jerks, it is pulled inward and sticks to the part wound on the spool. As a result, it is necessary to interrupt work, disassemble the coil and tear the stuck together turns of the cord. In some cases, this can be avoided by spraying the line wound on the spool with silicone spray before installing it into the spool.
Most often, a semi-automatic head is used for trimmers, consisting of two spring-loaded parts (body and spool). Structurally, the spool can be in two versions. Two-section, where each end of the cord is wound into its own section, which reduces entanglement and sintering. Or one-piece, when both ends of the line are wound together.
Our craftsmen came up with a simple, cheap and elegant way to turn a one-section spool into a two-section one, the essence of which can be understood from the photographs given.
For this, a ring is cut out of a strong and thin plastic plate, the inner diameter of which corresponds to the thickness of the spool in the winding zone of the fishing line, and the outer diameter to the protrusions. That is, such a ring should move freely along the spool. Then a cut is made for the cord, the ring is cut, put on the spool and the cut is glued with tape. Now each end of the line can be wound into the section intended for it.
The prewound mowing head has two or four opposed openings from which the mowing ends protrude. In addition to feeding reels, there are also trimmer heads with plug-in pieces of fixed length line (such as the Oregon Jet-FIT).
In this case, the number of working whiskers can be up to twelve. Some users consider such a design to be quite convenient, but the other part is unhappy, because they believe that this increases the consumption of the cord and it is necessary to stop working to replace it. In such heads, as a rule, cross-cut fishing line is used.