The principle of operation of the trimmer, recommendations for use

Caring for the lawn, local area, garden and vegetable garden is impossible without special equipment. It is very difficult to achieve the desired effect using a hand scythe, sickle and pruning shears: your arms and back quickly get tired from the load, the swaths turn out to be uneven, the hard twigs of the bushes are not cut off the first time and stand out against the general background. To forever give up hard work with poor results, it is enough to purchase a special garden tool, but first you need to know how a grass trimmer works.

What is a trimmer

The concept of “trimmer” is a type of lawn mower, but more compact and lighter. This tool is designed for processing smaller areas and complex landscapes: with uneven areas, bushes, trees, flower beds, buildings and paths between them . In such conditions, a full-size mower is inappropriate, and many buyers cannot afford a large unit.

To cut grass, trimmers use a cord (string, fishing line); for branches, a disk with blades or knife attachments are used. The working parts rotate at high speed, so that the sharp ends of the fishing line or the sharpened edges of the discs cut the stems of plants. The grass clippings are thrown to the left as the spindle on which the attachment is attached rotates counterclockwise. The energy source in trimmers can be gasoline or electricity.

On a note! Many devices need to be kept suspended, but there are models with 2, 3 or 4 wheels.

Reviews and prices

Olga, 40 years old, Moscow: “I decided to purchase special garden tools after reading reviews about the electric trimmer. I didn’t save money and opted for the Makita UR3501 model, which cost 4,500 rubles. I’m happy with the purchase: now, when mowing the lawn, I save a lot of time and effort.”

Timofey, 42 years old, Saratov: “For more than 5 years I have been taking care of my garden using Makita trimmers: I have both the lightweight Makita UR3000 and the more powerful Makita UR3501. Both units cost approximately 8,000 rubles. But the technology is worth it: not a single failure in 5 years.”

Device diagram and operating principle of the trimmer

The design and operating principle of trimmers are very simple, but at the same time the tool is quite effective.

Motor and cutting elements

The trimmer looks like this - a motor and a cutting mechanism are attached to a long metal rod. They can be located at opposite ends (motor on top, spindle below) or grouped at one end (motor above the working tool). Inside the rod (this is a hollow tube) there is a flexible or rigid shaft that transmits the rotational impulse from the motor to the cutting mechanism. This can be done in three ways:

1. Straight rods use a rigid structure - rotation is transmitted to the gearbox through a sequence of interlocking parts, and then to the spindle of the working head.
2. In curved tubes, flexible shafts in the form of a cable are used.
3. When the motor is located at the bottom, a transmission mechanism is not needed; in this case, the torque is supplied directly from the motor shaft to the spindle.

Barbell and handle

The rod can be collapsible or sliding (telescopic). Approximately in the middle of the tube there is a handle for holding the device, on which the controls are located: start/stop buttons (for electric models), a gas adjustment lever and a stopper for fixing the key responsible for the flow of fuel (for gasoline devices).

On a note! The handle can be moved and its angle can be changed to make the trimmer comfortable to hold during different types of work. Handles are available in the form of the Latin letters T (like a bicycle handlebar), D or J.

Belt system

Often the barbell has a metal loop to which an adjustable length shoulder strap is attached. The belt helps reduce stress on your arms, making long-term work easier and reducing the likelihood of injuries and pain in muscles and joints due to overexertion .

Working head

The working head of the trimmer is partially covered with a protective cover to prevent the cutting head from coming into contact with the mower's feet or obstacles in the form of large plants, fences and buildings around which the grass needs to be cut. The spindle can be fitted with: a spool (spool) with fishing line, a metal/strong plastic disk with sharp teeth, or attachments for special needs (chainsaw, knife, garbage roller, etc.). The cord is wound onto the bobbin with turns with a reserve or cut pieces are inserted. In the first case, the fishing line can be pulled to the desired length as it wears out.

On a note! The semi-automatic reel extends the cord when it hits the ground lightly, so there is no need for a person to stop working. The excess length is cut off on the sharpened edge of the casing.

Schematic diagram of operation

The operating principle of this type of garden tool looks like this: when the motor is turned on, its shaft begins to rotate, and the movement is transmitted to the spindle with a coil or disk attachment attached to it (the cutting tool is attached with a bolt). Head rotation speed is from 3000 to 12000 rpm. This parameter depends on the engine power and varies among different models. At this speed, the ends of the fishing line cut through the leaves and stems of lawn and ordinary grass, while the blades of the disc cut through tougher stems, dense thickets, bushes and thin tree branches.

Characteristics of devices of various powers

To describe the characteristics, we selected the most popular devices and divided them into groups according to engine power :

• low-power (≤1 hp);
• medium power (1–2.5 hp);
• powerful (≥2.5 hp).

Low-power

ECHO SRM-2305SI is a lightweight trimmer with a 0.77 hp two-stroke motor.
pp., equipped with a direct drive shaft made of steel rod. You can install steel knives and cutting discs, and also use them for cutting young growth (only with a sharp multi-blade sharpened knife or disc).

Despite the rather high cost, a normal suspension system is not included in the package.

Husqvarna 122C is a small-sized brush cutter with a curved drive shaft, inside which a rigid cable runs. Two-stroke engine power 0.82 liters. p., working with any type of knife or cutting disc is not provided. The new model of muffler effectively dampens the sounds of engine operation, so that when cutting grass, the lawn mower produces a much less loud sound than its counterparts with engines of the same power.

DDE GB26RD is one of the most inexpensive gas trimmers with a 1 hp two-stroke engine. With. and a direct drive shaft. It can work with all types of cutting tools, and due to its low cost it is very popular.

Medium power

CHAMPION T 333-2 – this trimmer is one of the best in terms of power and price, and the package includes only a trimmer head and a three-bladed knife with rough-sharpened blades. The device can work with a disk, but it will have to be purchased separately.

In addition, the brush cutter is equipped with a split drive shaft , due to which it takes up minimal space during transportation or storage. Despite the fact that this brush cutter is made in China, it is distinguished by high quality workmanship and good reliability.

HUTER GGT-1300S - despite a slightly higher power-to-price ratio than the previous model, the variation in the manufacturing quality of this device is very large, so you can purchase either a copy that does not require modification or a crookedly assembled device.

The trimmer is also not very reliable, so use it carefully, otherwise it will quickly fail.

However, with careful use, it can last 5–10 years before major repairs.

STIHL FR 131 T – this backpack brush cutter is equipped with a flexible shaft, making it suitable for cutting grass in hard-to-reach places. The build quality, as well as reliability, is always at its best , however, due to its high cost, this model is not in demand. In addition, the trimmer differs from other models in the location of the controls and the absence of a full-size handle.

PATRIOT RT 4555 ES Countri - despite the low cost for such engine power, the lawn mower is distinguished by high-quality assembly and good reliability. The delivery set includes a four-bladed knife and a trimmer head.

Powerful

DAEWOO DABC 520 - this brush cutter is supplied with a saw blade and trimmer head, as well as a full-fledged backpack suspension system. This configuration allows you to use a trimmer to mow any grass and trim trees, as well as cut out unnecessary tree growth. The workmanship is always very high, as well as reliability , so with careful use the device will last for several decades.

BISON KRB-2500 – this powerful semi-professional brush cutter is suitable for cutting grass and pruning trees, because the delivery set, in addition to a trimmer reel with fishing line, includes a cutting disc.

The workmanship is uneven, so you can find both a well-made model and one that needs some work.

Reliability is also low, but with careful use it can last 5–10 years before replacing the engine . But along with the lawn mower they supply a convenient hanging system, so you don’t have to buy it separately.

STURM BT8972D – this brush cutter is one of the most powerful and is even suitable for commercial use. Good workmanship and reliability are combined with various configurations, so you can find models both equipped with a saw blade and a knife, and those without such a tool.

In combination with a disc, it is suitable for trimming branches and cutting down even mature trees whose diameter does not exceed 120 mm.

Features of electric and gasoline trimmers

The type of energy that drives the trimmer motor affects the design of the tool. The duration of its operation, performance, features of use and maintenance depend on this.

Features of the gasoline group of trimmers

The design of a gasoline trimmer has some features - the engine is located at the upper end of the rod, along with a tank for fuel or its mixture with lubricant. The operating cycle of an internal combustion engine consists of several stages: the entry of the fuel mixture into the cylinder, its compression, combustion, and the formation of flammable gases. The combustion products expand and push the engine piston down, resulting in useful work being performed. There are two types of motors: two-stroke and four-stroke. In the first, in one working cycle the piston makes two movements (stroke) - up and down, and the crankshaft makes one revolution. Secondly, there are four piston movements and two crankshaft revolutions per cycle.

Diagram of a two-stroke trimmer motor

Important! For two-stroke engines, fuel must be pre-mixed with oil in the proportions specified by the manufacturer. In four-stroke engines, gasoline and lubricant are poured separately - each substance into its own tank, and are not mixed during operation.

Four-stroke lawn mowers are more powerful, more economical, their efficiency is higher than that of two-stroke models, and the noise and vibration levels are much lower. However, trimmers with a 2-stroke motor are very popular among buyers due to their low cost (for example, Shtil lawn mowers).

Diagram of a four-stroke trimmer motor

You need to start a gasoline trimmer using a starter, which is located under the engine and is also attached to the rod. Manual starters are often found - in order for the engine to start, their cords need to be pulled several times. Electric starters allow you to start the unit by pressing a button or turning a key. To turn off the tool, you need to press the button on the handle to break the ignition circuit.

On a note! The number of revolutions per minute of a brush cutter is regulated: if the carburetor damper is opened wider, the flow of fuel will increase and, accordingly, the shaft rotation speed will increase.

An internal combustion engine trimmer can work for 40-60 minutes at a time. The engine will need to be cooled periodically, but the breaks will need to be short (10-20 minutes). In general, the operating time of a brush cutter is limited by the capacity of the fuel tank.

Features of the electric group of trimmers

Electric trimmers are powered from a 220 V network or from rechargeable batteries . In the first case, their range is limited by the length of the cable, so many users connect these devices via an extension cord. The motor of the electric mower can be located at the top or bottom. To turn on the electric trimmer, you will need to press the “start/stop” button on the handle. The device does not require any other regulators: the engine operates at maximum speed. This technique can mow for 20 minutes, but then it will take the same amount of time for the motor to cool down. Whereas a cordless trimmer runs on removable batteries. It can be carried over long distances, but operating time is limited by battery charge (usually 15 to 25 minutes).

Other types of trimmers

Devices can be divided into portable, which need to be held in your hands, and mobile, which are equipped with wheels.

On a note! Gasoline trimmers are produced, the engine and fuel tank of which are attached to belts in the form of a backpack. In such models, a flexible tube is used instead of a rigid rod.

How to look for mechanical faults

The transmission of rotation from the electric trimmer to the mowing head is carried out in the same way as in models with an internal combustion engine: a solid shaft operates inside the rectangular section of the bar, and a cable operates inside the curved section.

Their length, diameter and design are selected by the manufacturer for the specific dimensions of the composite rod.

Features of the connection point of the composite rod

It is made with an adapter with a screw clamp.

The large screw head is made for easy adjustment of the position of the mowing unit at the bottom of the bar. The rotation angle is selected individually.

It is convenient for me to set it so that the longitudinal axis of the protective casing and the axis of the electric motor are located in the same plane.

At this point, a malfunction may sometimes occur due to the transmission of torque from the direct shaft to the cable. It manifests itself in the fact that when the engine is idling, the trimmer works normally, but under a small load the mowing head stops rotating.

The method for eliminating it was well demonstrated by the owner of the video “Repairing an Electric Trimmer,” Roman Shapkov. I recommend watching it.

Method of fastening the mowing head and casing

On my trimmer, the bottom of the rod has an adapter secured with rivets, into which the fastening bolt of the protective casing is screwed.

The output shaft of the rotating cable has a hexagon at the end. A plastic mowing head is placed on it.

A return spring for automatic line release when mowing is inserted into it from the inside.

A spool is inserted onto it. It is screwed on top with a fixing nut.

The structure of the mowing head with fishing line is quite simple.

However, all plastic parts do not have high strength and are subject to wear. Their work surfaces are erased. After three seasons of working on my trimmer, the output holes of the line from the mowing head have widened, and the thickness of the fixing nut has decreased.

Applying protective measures to wear is difficult, and the easiest way to repair these parts is to completely replace the head. It is not difficult to buy: you just need to know the exact dimensions of the hexagon and evaluate the new design based on its performance characteristics.

Secrets of choosing fishing line

Among the common malfunctions of a trimmer reel, there are cases when the line runs out or simply gets tangled due to improper winding on the spool. Eliminating them is not difficult.

But in practice, I encountered another defect in the fishing line, which was sold in the state retail chain from Moscow. Its appearance is in original packaging.

As I understand it, it is specially hidden in a sealed bag: you cannot touch it when purchasing.

When I opened the packaging to install the fishing line into the spool, I immediately noticed its plasticity, not its elasticity. It bends easily and behaves like a soft wire: upon contact with grass, it immediately breaks. It is impossible to mow it: I managed to return it to the seller.

Since then, I only buy fishing line that I can crush in my hands and evaluate its performance properties.

I try to avoid varieties of regular round fishing line. I prefer a ribbed shape with edges: a star, trapezoid, square or triangle. They cut grass better.

How to eliminate increased vibration

The trimmer's reliably assembled mechanics are well balanced. It provides convenient operation. However, bearings can wear out over time and lose lubrication.

The assembled shaft, which transmits rotation from the engine to the spool, is capable of touching the inner walls of the rod, creating excessive friction with heating.

Such a defect can and must be eliminated. Repairman TV demonstrates this technology in his video “Vibration during operation of an electric mower.”

If you still have questions about how to repair an electric trimmer, then ask them in the comments. I will answer.

Trim Setting

Before you start working with the trimmer, you need to perform a number of preparatory steps.

1. Assemble the unit, lubricate the gearbox (if equipped), adjust the length of the rod and the position of the handle.
2. The gasoline device must be refueled according to the instructions, and the condition of the fuel and air filters must be checked.
3. The electric trimmer must be connected through a grounded outlet, and the battery tool must be fully charged.
4. A fishing line of suitable diameter should be wound onto the bobbin in advance.
5. If you have to work with other attachments, they need to be inspected for damage, carefully checked for the sharpness of the blades and secured to the working head.

The preparation procedure for a specific trimmer model is described in detail in the instructions for the device, as well as in videos published by manufacturers, representatives of online stores and users who have experience working with garden equipment.

Manual gas mowers: weight and type of handle

Sometimes the buyer makes the mistake that there is no need to take into account the weight and type of handle when choosing a unit. This is a misconception. After all, the uninterrupted operating time of the operator will depend on the weight. The heavier the unit, the less time you will work.

Typically, powerful trimmers can weigh between six and ten kilograms. If you decide to choose just such a unit, then you need to carefully study its configuration. These models always have shoulder straps, which make work much easier.

When reviewing the models, pay attention to the type of handle. After all, when working with a trimmer, you must hold it firmly and confidently. Most manual lawn mowers have a T-shaped handle, which is convenient and practical.

Advantages and disadvantages

If we compare the type of garden tool in question with a similar technique for mowing grass, we can highlight both undeniable advantages and some inconveniences.

The main purpose

• for mowing grass;
• to remove weeds;
• for mowing bushes, reeds, vines.

Petrol mowers are divided into three types depending on power.

1. Household.
2. Semi-professional.
3. Professional.

The first type is ideal for a summer house, garden and lawns in private areas. For medium and large areas, more powerful units of the second and third types are suitable. As a rule, the first type of units has a two-stroke engine, but the second and third have a 4-stroke engine.

Operating rules

For diverse tasks and volumes of work, fishing line of different diameters is used: 1.5-2 mm - for mowing the lawn, up to 2.7 mm - for thick wild grass (for example, on the side of roads), 3-3.3 mm - for heavily overgrown grass an area where tall grass, thick-stemmed weeds, and small shrubs grow . For mowing and cleaning woody stems and large shrubs, it is better to use a disc. They are also convenient for mowing dense thickets of tall grass, especially if you need to cut the shoots at the root.

The cutting width of the trimmers is from 20 to 42 cm. In one pass, you need to make one movement from right to left or two or three from side to side when mowing tall grass and weeds. The swathing area is related not only to the size of the cutting surface, but also to the physical characteristics of the person: the wider the swing, the more grass will be cut in one go.

Advice! You should move in one direction so that all the grass is strictly to the left. This makes it easier to collect after mowing.

When using different types of trimmers, there are STRICT restrictions:

• electric trimmers cannot be used in wet weather;
• You cannot mow wet grass with devices with a lower motor;
• lawn mowers can be turned on in bad weather only if this is permitted by the manufacturer, since the devices have different degrees of protection from moisture;
• drops that fall on the body should be wiped off, the wet device must be turned off and dried;
• Trimmers should be stored in dry rooms.

The principle of operation of the trimmer, recommendations for use

What is a trimmer and types of hair trimmers.

More and more men are replacing scissors, razors, barbershops and professional hairdressers with home trimmers. And this is understandable - a hair trimmer is relatively inexpensive, it is intended for personal use, therefore, it is safer than its salon counterparts, it is convenient, small-sized, versatile and always at hand.

Many people mistakenly assume that a trimmer is the same hair clipper, only with a modern foreign name. However, the function of the device is not only to trim, but also to trim hair, which can be considered a big advantage of the device. A trimmer is a device for cutting and trimming hair, which is equipped with a kind of scissors and a razor.

Figure 1. Hair trimmers

Before purchasing a device, you need, firstly, to figure out what part of the body it is intended for, and secondly, what characteristics are the priority of the future owner.

Safety precautions

To ensure that using a trimmer brings only positive emotions, both after mowing and during work, you should follow strict safety recommendations.

1. It is better to mow in dry weather.
2. The operator's arms and legs must be covered with long sleeves/legs. It is better not to wear open shoes.
3. You need to wear special glasses when working: small debris and pieces of grass can injure your eyes.
4. In case of loud noise, you should use earplugs.
5. It is better to hold the cutting attachment with the casing towards you.
6. Do not place your hands or feet near the head of the device when it is turned on!
7. It is necessary to monitor the position of the wire: it should be behind the operator.

So, the variety of trimmer models on the market makes it easy to choose the optimal device for any need. Despite the presence of gasoline lawn mowers, the rating of compact mowing devices is headed by electric models. This speaks to consumers' desire to avoid the hassle of refilling their tank. While using a trimmer powered by mains/battery, you need to be careful because of the possibility of a short circuit .

How to make a trimmer with your own hands

The simplest electric scythe can be built from plastic pipes, a small electric motor and a battery from a regular screwdriver. For this you will need:

• a plastic pipe with a diameter of 40 mm of sufficient length to make it convenient to mow the grass;
• corner made of plastic profile at 45 degrees;
• plug for a plastic pipe with a diameter of 40 mm;
• adapter 40/50 mm.
• connecting wires.

To make a simple battery-powered trimmer with a bottom-mounted engine from these materials, you need to:

1. Drill holes in the plug to install the electric motor;
2. Attach the motor to the plug and solder the wires to it. Install the assembled structure in the 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 angle with the motor to its lower part.
4. Install the switch button and terminals for connecting wires in series with the battery outputs.
5. Attach the battery through the adapter to the pipe. It fits perfectly into a hole with a diameter of 50 mm.
6. From the blades of a stationery 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 a wire clamp.
7. Cut out a protective casing from a plastic bucket and glue it to the corner with a hot glue gun.

The trimmer, fully capable of cutting grass, even with a hard and thick stem, is ready. For ease of use, you can come up with a simple handle.