String Trimmers & Accessories

When you finish mowing your lawn, a string trimmer can make it easy to finish your task by cleaning up hard-to-reach areas mowers can't get to, such as in and around shrubs, walkways, fences and more. Touching up those areas gives your lawn a clean, uniform look and improves the overall appearance of your home. With gas and electric trimmers and several different kinds of trimmer line to choose from, it's important to do some research before you buy to ensure that you find the trimmer that best suits your needs. Keep the following questions in mind as you begin your search for a new trimmer:

• How big is your yard and where are power outlets located?
• How frequently do you trim your lawn?
• Do you prefer a gas or electric model?
• Will a straight or curved shank be better for your yard?
• Do you need standard or commercial-strength trimmer line?

Shanks, Trimmer Line, Usage and Power Source 
 

You'll have to make a few choices when purchasing a trimmer. The most important factors in making a decision are the size of your lawn, the trimmer's primary purpose and your personal preferences. Buying a model that matches your wants and needs most closely will ensure you get maximum performance from your trimmer. There are also a number of ways you can increase efficiency through intelligent use and proper care. Safety is also an important consideration when using a line trimmer, so be sure to take adequate steps to protect yourself and others when operating the device.

 

Shanks: There are two different shank, or shaft, styles. Units with straight shanks tend to provide better weight balance and longer drive shaft life. Their longer shafts make them ideal for trimming underneath fences, hedges and bushes. Trimmers with curved shanks use a flexible-cable drive shaft to provide power to the head and generally require a lower investment upfront. They are excellent for trimming around flower beds and other squared-off areas.

• Straight shanks provide safer operation by keeping the head farther away
• Curved shanks are easy to maneuver and often weigh less for more comfortable use

 

Trimmer Line: Using the right type of trimmer line will go a long way toward ensuring efficiency and dependability. Standard-grade line is best for low-intensity trimming in smaller yards. It provides excellent performance on light grass and is an economical choice. Commercial-grade trimmer line is ideal for use in larger yards where there are more likely to be heavier patches of grass and troublesome weeds. Whichever kind most suits your yard, make sure you have a spare spool on hand as a replacement so you don't get stuck in the middle of a job.

• Commercial grade offers improved cutting performance and durability
• Consult the trimmer's manual for suggestions on recommended line grade
• Let the very tip of the line do the cutting to avoid premature wear

 

Usage and Safety: There are a number of things you can do to ensure proper and efficient use of your trimmer. Always use the recommended line size, since using a heavier line will put extra stress on the motor. Models with tap lines feature a button on the bottom of the head that lets out extra line when you tap it on the ground. More advanced trimmers may have automatic line-advance systems that sense when the line is worn and automatically release more. Be extra careful when trimming around the base of trees, as flying bark can be dangerous and trimmers can severely damage young saplings. Wear shoes or boots to protect your feet and, if the vibration bothers your hands or gives you blisters, find a good pair of work gloves.

• Always use fresh line -- old line can break or crack prematurely
• Keep the trimmer head free of dirt and debris for optimum operation
• Use safety goggles to avoid flying debris and ear plugs to protect your hearing
• Avoid cutting materials, such as shrubbery and ivy, that aren't at ground level

 

Gas vs. Electric: One of the biggest decisions you'll need to make when purchasing a trimmer is whether you want a gas or electric model. Gas trimmers are cordless, tend to be more powerful and require a 2-cycle mix of gas and oil to operate, though some models feature a 4-cycle engine that runs more smoothly, starts up easier and doesn't require the gas/oil mixture. Electric units can be either corded or cordless and are ideal for smaller yards. Which type you choose depends in large part on how big your lawn is, where your power outlets are and how frequently you trim. Compare the benefits and keep in mind a few other considerations when deciding between the two types:

 

Trimmer Type	Benefits to Consider	Points to Consider
Electric	Corded or cordless Doesn't require gas and oil mixture Easy startup Quieter operation More economical Lighter weight Low maintenance	Use protective eyewear Cordless models have much greater range Recharge cordless models after every use Corded units tend to weigh less
Gas	Cordless Covers a large area Ideal for heavier cutting and brush removal Allows a wider range of attachments Accepts lines with larger diameters Dual trimmer heads cut faster	2-cycle engines require mixture of gas and oil Use protective eyewear Protect ears during operation Requires periodic maintenance Features pull starters

 

Features

 

Wheel-Mounted Trimmers: Trimmers with wheels mounted to them provide increased mobility and ease of movement.

 

Edging: Some trimmers have the capability to convert to edgers by allowing you to rotate the head to put the trimmer in a vertical position, making it easier to cut precise lines for a uniform appearance.

 

Translucent Fuel Tank: Gas trimmers with see-through tanks make it easy to monitor fuel level, taking the guesswork out of when to add more.

 

Vegetation Guard: If you do a lot of trimming around gardens or flower beds, look for a trimmer that features a vegetation guard. The guard will enable you to trim the grass while protecting plants and flowers from damage.

 

4-Cycle Engine: Gas trimmers with 4-cycle engines do not require a mixture of gas and oil to run, so they cause less pollution. They also tend to run more quietly than models with 2-cycle engines.