For those seeking an environmentally conscious alternative to gasoline-powered products, STIHL offers electric and Lithium-Ion battery-powered trimmers. These revolutionary grass trimmers are lightweight, incredibly quiet and start with a simple squeeze of a trigger. The best-rated product in Electric String Trimmers is the 18 in. 10 Amp Attachment Capable Electric String Trimmer. What is the most common feature for Electric String Trimmers? The most common feature for Electric String Trimmers is cord lock. What is the price range for Electric String Trimmers?
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Electric strimmers are the cheapest strimming option available if you're looking to tidy up the edge of you lawn or elsewhere your lawn mower won't go. If your lawn is very small and you only wish to cut the grass once a week or so, then an electric strimmer is going to be more than suitable for your needs. Garden strimmers tend to have a nylon line that spins at speed to cut your grass and weeds, perfect for finishing the edges of your lawn or to cut back weeds on a drive. A brushcutter will use a blade and are useful for cutting back thicker vegetation, such as overgrown grass to make it more manageable to mow. Black + Decker GL7033GB Electric Strimmer Grass Trimmer, 700 W, 33 cm. 4.5 out of 5 stars 1,281.
A string trimmer, also called a weed eater, weed whacker, weedwacker, weed whip, line trimmer, brush cutter, whipper snipper (in Australia, Canada, and South Africa) or strimmer (in the UK and Ireland), is a garden tool for cutting grass, small weeds, and groundcover. It uses a whirling monofilament line instead of a blade, which protrudes from a rotating spindle at the end of a long shaft topped by a gasoline engine or electric motor.
String trimmers are commonly used for cutting low foliage near obstacles or on steep or irregular terrain.
History[edit]
The string trimmer was invented in the early-1970s by George Ballas of Houston, Texas,[1] who conceived the idea while watching the revolving action of the cleaning brushes in an automatic car wash. His first trimmer was made by attaching pieces of heavy-duty fishing line to a tin can bolted to an edger. Ballas developed this into what he called the 'Weed Eater', since it chewed up the grass and weeds around trees.
Design[edit]
A string trimmer works on the principle that a line spun fast enough on its center stiffens by centrifugal force; the faster the hub turns, the more rigid the line. Even round-section nylon line is able to cut grass and slight, woody plants quite well. Some monofilament lines designed for more powerful cutters have an extruded shape, like a star, that helps the line slash the material being cut; the line is thus able to cut quite large woody plants (small shrubs) or at least girdle them effectively. These lines make solid disks less necessary for tough jobs.
The line is hand-wound onto a reel before the job is started, leaving both ends extending from the reel housing. The motor turns the reel and the line extends horizontally while the operator swings the trimmer about where the plants are to be trimmed. The operator controls the height at which cutting takes place and can trim down to ground level quite easily.
As the line is worn, or breaks off, a bump feed string trimmer the operator knocks the reel on the ground so a release mechanism allows some of the line in the reel to replace the spent portion. Newer models 'auto-feed', where a small cutter ensures the exposed length does not exceed what can be swung efficiently. Newly extended line operates more efficiently because of its heavier weight and surface effects. The speed of the spinning hub is controlled by a trigger activated throttle[2] on the handle.
A fixed line string trimmer has a trimmer head that takes pre-cut line inserts. There is no wound spool of line in the trimmer head, the user instead feeds the pre-cut line in to the appropriate slots. The advantages are that they're easier to feed line in to and troubleshoot than a bump feed system.
For vertical cutting the whole machine can be tilted or some trimmers allow the head to be adjusted at different angles.
String trimmers powered by an internal combustion engine have the engine on the opposite end of the shaft from the cutting head, while electric string trimmers typically have an electric motor in the cutting head, but there are other arrangements such as where the trimmer is connected to heavy machinery and powered by a hydraulic motor.
The head contains a safety shield on the user side and a rotating hub which may also be called a head or spool. Disadvantages of a gasoline-powered string trimmer include its greater weight, the need to refuel, and the significant vibration that carries throughout the device, both of which interfere with its maneuverability and contribute to muscle fatigue. Advantages include complete mobility and higher maximum power.
Large trimmers, used for cutting thick roadside grass and weeds in large areas, are both heavier and more powerful. Some are fitted with a harness to spread weight onto the shoulders. Often referred to as brush cutters, these often mount straight or circular metal blades instead of monofilament line.
Accessories[edit]
Many string trimmers allow the hub, the head or the lower part of the shaft to be replaced with accessories. Common accessories include:
- metal or plastic blades
- a small chain saw
- a toothed hedge trimmer
- a cultivator
Quick-release shafts are offered on many newer models which do not require any tools to switch in accessories.
Power and emissions[edit]
Gasoline-engine powered trimmers usually have a minimum of 21 cc (21 cm3; 1.3 cu in) displacement motors. At this size they can easily turn 2-millimetre (0.079 in) line and some have nylon blades as accessories to the line-reel. A 32 cc (32 cm3; 2.0 cu in) engine can swing a 2.75 mm (0.108 in) line and often has metal-blade accessories. Most trimmers use two stroke engines and require gasoline mixed with oil. Due to pollution laws four stroke engines are becoming more popular, particularly in the commercial market. Manufacturers include Honda, MTD and Craftsman. Companies such as John Deere carry low-emission two-stroke engine trimmers. Stihl manufactures a hybrid four stroke engine trimmer that still requires oil to be pre-mixed into the fuel.
Electric edge trimmers have the advantage of being very light, easy to maneuver and easy-to-operate. However, both the power cord and total cord length limit them. Typically less powerful and robust than gasoline-powered units, they are normally are limited to 2.5 mm (0.098 in) maximum diameter nylon because of their lower power output (400 to about 1200 watts). Recharge time for a battery model using small or large sealed lead acid, nickel metal hydride, or lithium ion batteries is typically several hours; some models offer a quick-charge option of as little as half an hour, or a removable battery pack.
Propane-powered string trimmers were also manufactured by Lehr.[3][4][5]
Plastic pollution[edit]
Earth Island Journal criticised string trimmers as a source of plastic pollution due to the string being shredded while in use.[6]
Safety concerns[edit]
A string trimmer works on the principle that a line spun fast enough on its center stiffens by centrifugal force; the faster the hub turns, the more rigid the line. Even round-section nylon line is able to cut grass and slight, woody plants quite well. Some monofilament lines designed for more powerful cutters have an extruded shape, like a star, that helps the line slash the material being cut; the line is thus able to cut quite large woody plants (small shrubs) or at least girdle them effectively. These lines make solid disks less necessary for tough jobs.
The line is hand-wound onto a reel before the job is started, leaving both ends extending from the reel housing. The motor turns the reel and the line extends horizontally while the operator swings the trimmer about where the plants are to be trimmed. The operator controls the height at which cutting takes place and can trim down to ground level quite easily.
As the line is worn, or breaks off, a bump feed string trimmer the operator knocks the reel on the ground so a release mechanism allows some of the line in the reel to replace the spent portion. Newer models 'auto-feed', where a small cutter ensures the exposed length does not exceed what can be swung efficiently. Newly extended line operates more efficiently because of its heavier weight and surface effects. The speed of the spinning hub is controlled by a trigger activated throttle[2] on the handle.
A fixed line string trimmer has a trimmer head that takes pre-cut line inserts. There is no wound spool of line in the trimmer head, the user instead feeds the pre-cut line in to the appropriate slots. The advantages are that they're easier to feed line in to and troubleshoot than a bump feed system.
For vertical cutting the whole machine can be tilted or some trimmers allow the head to be adjusted at different angles.
String trimmers powered by an internal combustion engine have the engine on the opposite end of the shaft from the cutting head, while electric string trimmers typically have an electric motor in the cutting head, but there are other arrangements such as where the trimmer is connected to heavy machinery and powered by a hydraulic motor.
The head contains a safety shield on the user side and a rotating hub which may also be called a head or spool. Disadvantages of a gasoline-powered string trimmer include its greater weight, the need to refuel, and the significant vibration that carries throughout the device, both of which interfere with its maneuverability and contribute to muscle fatigue. Advantages include complete mobility and higher maximum power.
Large trimmers, used for cutting thick roadside grass and weeds in large areas, are both heavier and more powerful. Some are fitted with a harness to spread weight onto the shoulders. Often referred to as brush cutters, these often mount straight or circular metal blades instead of monofilament line.
Accessories[edit]
Many string trimmers allow the hub, the head or the lower part of the shaft to be replaced with accessories. Common accessories include:
- metal or plastic blades
- a small chain saw
- a toothed hedge trimmer
- a cultivator
Quick-release shafts are offered on many newer models which do not require any tools to switch in accessories.
Power and emissions[edit]
Gasoline-engine powered trimmers usually have a minimum of 21 cc (21 cm3; 1.3 cu in) displacement motors. At this size they can easily turn 2-millimetre (0.079 in) line and some have nylon blades as accessories to the line-reel. A 32 cc (32 cm3; 2.0 cu in) engine can swing a 2.75 mm (0.108 in) line and often has metal-blade accessories. Most trimmers use two stroke engines and require gasoline mixed with oil. Due to pollution laws four stroke engines are becoming more popular, particularly in the commercial market. Manufacturers include Honda, MTD and Craftsman. Companies such as John Deere carry low-emission two-stroke engine trimmers. Stihl manufactures a hybrid four stroke engine trimmer that still requires oil to be pre-mixed into the fuel.
Electric edge trimmers have the advantage of being very light, easy to maneuver and easy-to-operate. However, both the power cord and total cord length limit them. Typically less powerful and robust than gasoline-powered units, they are normally are limited to 2.5 mm (0.098 in) maximum diameter nylon because of their lower power output (400 to about 1200 watts). Recharge time for a battery model using small or large sealed lead acid, nickel metal hydride, or lithium ion batteries is typically several hours; some models offer a quick-charge option of as little as half an hour, or a removable battery pack.
Propane-powered string trimmers were also manufactured by Lehr.[3][4][5]
Plastic pollution[edit]
Earth Island Journal criticised string trimmers as a source of plastic pollution due to the string being shredded while in use.[6]
Safety concerns[edit]
String trimmers can send debris flying randomly at high speed. It is typical for the user to wear either safety glasses or a suitable visor to protect their eyes, but passersby are still at risk. The debris can even damage cars and buildings, with a particularly high risk of broken glass.
Chain-link flail rotors, and any other trimmer head with linked metal parts, were prohibited from sale in the EU after a fatal accident in 2010.[7][8]
See also[edit]
- Brushcutter (garden tool), a heavy duty tool which may take a line trimmer head or various other blades
References[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to String trimmers. |
Look up strimmer or strim in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. |
- ^Miller, Stephen (30 June 2011). 'George Ballas, Weed Eater's Inventor, Dies at 85'. The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 9 May 2017.
- ^https://homeguides.sfgate.com/adjust-idle-weed-eater-85202.html
- ^Plueddeman, Charles (1 October 2009). '10 Most Brilliant Products of 2009: Lehr Propane Trimmer'. popularmechanics.com. Retrieved 15 May 2020.
- ^Will, Hank (24 August 2009). 'LEHR Propane Powered Eco Trimmer: Clean, Green and Mean'. grit.com. Retrieved 15 May 2020.
- ^Neil, Dan (2 May 2009). 'Yard work cleaned up'. latimes.com. Retrieved 15 May 2020.
- ^Quinn, John (1 November 2013). 'Strung Out'. Earth Island Journal. Retrieved 1 November 2019.
- ^'Use of chain flail/non standard cutting attachments on brush cutters'. www.hse.gov.uk. Retrieved 25 July 2016.
- ^'Anthony Robinson death: Firm fined over strimmer accident'. BBC News. Retrieved 25 July 2016.
Grass loves water. However, the very rain parts of the year can make lawn maintenance a problem. The extra moisture will make your lawn grow faster and it will be equally hard to trim especially if it rains for hours on a daily basis.
Those few patches of sunlight can be quite enticing if you want to mow your tall neglected grass. The only problem is the grass will be wet and you don't know if it is safe to use an electric strimmer on wet grass.
Can I Be Electrocuted When Mowing a Wet Lawn?
Pro Tip: Even though the chances of electrocution are low, you shouldn't gamble and do it anyway. Wait for the lawn to dry up or use a petrol strimmer if it can't wait.
Electric Strimmer B&q
Electrocution is not likely if you are using a well maintained electric strimmer. Outdoor electrical equipment is normally highly insulated and the chances of coming into touch with live wires or stray current are very low.
Things can still go wrong if you slip and fall into a pool of stagnant water or if your electric strimmer has a minor fault such as a compromised power line.
Is it Safe to Cut Wet Grass With an Electric Lawn Strimmer?
Wet grass is sticky, slippery and hard to work with. The grass blades will stick to your tools and also make it hard for you to maintain your footing. This in itself makes strimming wet grass with an electric strimmer dangerous and inconvenient.
Electric Strimmer Uk
Moreover, wet grass clumps up into a soggy mess as you more it. These clumps will either stain any surrounding walls or fall in limps over your lawn hence suffocating the grass you were trying to save.
The grass blades might also have bent from the rain meaning that you might miss some leading to an unevenly mowed lawn.
You shouldn't strim or mow a wet lawn unless it is absolutely necessary. And if you do, don't use an electric strimmer.
Things to Consider When Mowing a Wet Lawn
Electric Trimmer Oil
Here are some things you can consider when mowing a wet lawn.
- Use petrol equipment instead of electric to reduce the risk of electrocution
- Strim the grass on a high level and rake formed clumped grass then let the lawn dry up
- Sharpen your blades before mowing
- If you are using a mower, lubricate the underside to keep grass from sticking
Wet grass is more like to bend or split when mowing. Even though it won't dull your blades, it might not be the healthiest thing to do to your lawn. Hold off until it's dry – especially if your lawn sits on heavy clay soil.