Strimmers
Strimmers have become extremely popular recently. They are great for trimming lawn edges, but just as effective for cutting down large overgrown areas where it may be difficult to get a lawnmower into.
Strimmers need not be particularly expensive and many of the larger supermarkets offer their own versions, however the cheaper the model, the fewer the features. Many of the recent strimmers have a range of features which make a strimmer very versatile and able to cope with jobs that the original strimmers could not. Today it is possible to buy strimmers which have changeable head positions and handle lengths which can be altered to enable the strimmer to not only trim gardens at ground level, but also enable the tool to be used to trim hedges and overhead branches. For people who find it difficult to bend or stretch, the strimmer is a versatile piece of equipment which enables them to carry out their gardening tasks, where at one time they may have had to alter or limit what they do.
Strimmer Buying Guide
There are a number of choices to be made before buying a strimmer, depending on the task that the strimmer is required for. There are various cutting edge sizes available. If the strimmer is simply required to cut weeds or lawn edges in small areas, then it is likely that a small lightweight model with a small cutting area will suffice. Where there are larger areas to clear then a larger cutting edge is needed. As the strimmer works as the head is swept over the grass or weeds, the larger the cutting head, the bigger the area that can be cut. It may well be that a smaller, more accurate strimmer is required for shrubs and borders. There are models available where the head angle can be altered, which allows a much more accurate finish to be achieved. Some of the latest strimmers have heads which rotate a hundred and eighty degrees, therefore they can be used to cut a flat area, or rotated ninety degrees to cut edges. This is much more convenient than having to buy separate tools for each job.
The majority of strimmers have nylon cord, which rotates at speed to cut down vegetation. For larger areas, some of the strimmers have double cords, which allow for more efficient cutting over larger areas and reduces the need to have to repeat the cutting process to achieve a good result. Occasionally the cord can be damaged and break off. As the cord is usually supplied on an integral spool, it is normally quite straightforward to simply feed more cord through to enable cutting to continue. Some models can actually replace the cord automatically when it breaks. Replacements are usually available when the spool runs out altogether. If a spool does need replacing, you should ensure that the strimmer is switched off, as injuries can occur if the machine switches on by accident. Some of the latest models have a cutting blade, which is invariably a piece of plastic which attaches on to the rotating head. These should be hard wearing, but may also need replacing if they work loose.
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Petrol Strimmers
If you need to work at different distances, then there are strimmers which have adjustable shafts. These allow the strimmer to be lengthened to enable you to work at ground level without too much bending, or if you are working higher up, for instance when cutting a large hedge, then they can be used for this also. You should ensure that you choose a lightweight model for these types of jobs, as it can become tiring working at a higher level with heavy equipment. Some models have handles which can be shortened sufficiently for the strimmer to be used as garden shears. This does allow for more accurate handling. Many strimmers have two handles which allow the strimmer to be controlled easily, although some of the cheaper, more lightweight models may not. Again, if you are likely to be using a strimmer for extended periods, it is advisable to choose a model with two handles as this will distribute the weight more easily. Strimmers are available which have adjustable second handles and also wrist supports. These features allow the user to customize the strimmer for their own particular use and should make the job easier if used for long periods of time.
The majority of strimmers are powered by electricity. They are invariably lightweight and easy to use and can be used for long periods of time, if required. For safety reasons they should not be used in wet weather. Occasionally the cord may restrict the area which can be cut and may require an extension lead. Care should also be taken that the electrical lead is not cut.
For more heavy duty cutting, then it may be better to choose a petrol driven model. This allows more flexibility as the petrol strimmer can be taken into areas where a power source is not available. Petrol strimmers are usually much heavier and this should be taken into account if the machine is to be used for long periods. Regular breaks may need to be factored in to prevent the user becoming tired. Petrol strimmers can also be smokier and noisier, therefore proper protection for the eyes and the ears should be worn
Modern strimmers are available as battery operated models. Again, they have the advantage that they offer a degree of flexibility regarding the areas which can be worked on. They are invariably lighter, but you should bear in mind that even with a five to seven hour charge, this may only power the strimmer enough for half an hour’s use. A second battery may be needed to enable the tool to be used for longer. Some manufacturers are able to supply battery packs which are interchangeable with other equipment in the range.
One of the better known makers of strimmers are Stihl. They produce top quality lightweight strimmers which are available in a range of power and weight options. Some of their models come with interchangeable heads to suit a particular job, but all are aimed at providing ease of use during garden and landscape maintenance.
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