To choose a gas trimmer and not regret your purchase, you need to carefully study the characteristics of this tool.
Types of trimmers on a gasoline engine
Depending on the mowing area and the characteristics of the tool, gas trimmers are divided into the following categories: household, professional, universal, motokosa.
Household trimmers
These devices are suitable for short-term work in a small garden area. They differ in small capacity (1–1.5 l. From.) And limited duration of operation - up to 1.5 hours per day. Household trimmers are notable for their low price and low weight; a woman or an elderly person can control such a tool.
Universal trimmers
These trimmers are a cross between professional and domestic models. Universal trimmers can work up to 4 hours a day with periodic interruptions. They are suitable for lawn care, if the cottage is not more than 20-30 acres. Power devices 1.5-2.5 liters. from. allows you to cut not only fresh grass, but also stiff, large stems. Universal devices are heavier than household ones, therefore manufacturers obligatorily equip them with a shoulder strap.
Professional trimmers
Trimmers with a capacity of more than 3 liters. from. Suitable for professional lawn processing. As a cutting tool in such models, not only reinforced fishing line can be used, but also metal knives that can cope with small bushes. Trimmers with a capacity of 2.5-3.5 liters. from. can work 8 hours a day. The devices are equipped with an anti-vibration system, a T-shaped handle, a shoulder or knapsack belt.
Motokosa
Powerful, massive devices capable of handling hard work. Complete with motokosa there are many nozzles, including knives for cutting small trees and a bobbin with two-component thread. Models with a capacity of over 3 liters. from. able to work without interruptions until the fuel is completely depleted in the tank. The devices are equipped with a knapsack belt, a comfortable handle with buttons and control levers, anti-vibration system. Motokosa cost more than trimmers of other types, so they are used only by professional services. In a small area, their use is impractical.
Key Features Trimmers
You need to carefully study the characteristics of gas trimmers before buying them:
Trimmer type
Trimmers come in two types, depending on how you carry them:
- Tame. Compact and mobile models that are in the hands of the operator or hang on his shoulder during operation. They allow mowing in conditions of limited space, are common on sale, however, require physical effort.
- Wheeled. They are an intermediate version between a lawn mower and a portable model. They are distinguished by good cross-country ability and performance. Even a teenager is capable of controlling such a model. Disadvantages - high price, limited lineup and large wheelbase.
You can choose a manual gas trimmer for a summer residence with a complex relief. Wheeled are more suitable for flat, straight areas.
Type and engine power
Gas trimmers are available with 2-stroke and 4-stroke engines. In four-stroke engines, the duty cycle consists of 4 stages: intake, compression, stroke and exhaust.There is no gas distribution system in two-stroke systems - the fuel mixture is introduced and the exhaust gases are released at the stages of compression and expansion. It is impossible to say unequivocally which of the engines is better - both designs have their own advantages and disadvantages.
Two stroke engine
Such engines weigh less, they are unpretentious in operation. A two-stroke engine runs on a gasoline-oil mixture, which is poured into the fuel tank. The disadvantages of such an engine include a high noise level, strong exhaust and increased fuel consumption.
Four stroke engine
A four-stroke engine is devoid of almost all the disadvantages of a two-stroke engine. It does not make so much noise during operation, consumes less fuel and emits less exhaust gases into the atmosphere. There are two separate necks for filling oil and gasoline. At the same time, four-stroke engines weigh more and differ in an intricate design, which can complicate a possible repair.
Many trimmers (both domestic and professional) are equipped with 2-stroke engines because of their simplicity and low price.
Engine power
This is a characteristic of the device, which determines how easy it will be to cope with the trimmer running area and dense grass. It is worth considering that a powerful engine will weigh more and consume more fuel.
To maintain order on a small lawn, a trimmer with a capacity of 1-1.5 liters is enough. from. For a plot of 10–20 hundred parts, it is worth taking a 2-3 liter model. from. If you have to work with a trimmer every day for 6-7 hours in a large area, then a powerful option for 3 liters is suitable. from. and more.
Trimmer cutting element
The reel with fishing line is used as the main cutting element in all trimmers. The line feed mechanism can be:
- Mechanical - pulling the line by the tip will have to be done manually.
- Semi-automatic - the thread is fed by pressing the wide button at the base of the spool.
- Automatic - the length of the fishing line automatically increases with a decrease in the number of revolutions.
Semi-automatic feed is considered convenient and efficient. The operator himself decides when there is a need to increase the length of the fishing line and pull it out with one click. It is necessary to pay attention to the maximum permissible diameter of the fishing line. Only young grass lends itself to a thin thread; thick grass can chop already stiff stems.
Knives act as an additional cutting tool. They may differ in the number of blades, material, shape. Knives allow you to cut young growth of trees and thick stems.
Cutting Width
In gas trimmers, this value is 20-60 cm. It characterizes the ability of the device to cut a strip of grass of a certain size in one pass. The larger the mowing width - the faster the device will cope with weeds on the site.
Boom design
By design, the rod is:
- Whole. The absence of components increases the strength of the transmission shaft, however, such a rod takes up a lot of space during transportation and storage.
- Composite. It can be disassembled and folded, which increases mobility, but violates the integrity of the shaft.
In the shape of the bar there are two types:
- Curved. Flexible drive rods are used in budget and low-power trimmers. They make it easy to mow in aisles, under bushes and trees.
- Direct. Used in universal and professional models. The rigid shaft inside the boom is robust and resistant to stress.
A curved bar is easier to hold at the right height, however, it is more vulnerable to increased loads. The straight line is more reliable, but it requires additional efforts to keep the trimmer in position.
Weight and type of petrol trimmer handle
The weight of the trimmer can range from 3.5 kg (manual models) to 57 kg (wheeled). A massive device is hard to work for a long time, arms, back, shoulders get tired. Vibration from the device causes numbness in the limbs.But the small weight of the models indicates a low engine power and budget design.
To choose a gas trimmer for grass, you need to pay attention to the handle of the tool. It can be of the following configuration:
- T-shaped. The wide, two-handed handle is equipped with control levers, in shape and design it resembles a bicycle steering wheel. Used in professional models, allows you to do wide swings with your hands.
- D-shaped. Used in universal and household models. Allows you to control the device with one hand, easily setting the direction of movement.
- J-shaped. It makes it possible to be at the maximum distance from the cutting parts and operate the tool with one hand.
Regardless of the configuration, you need to choose a model with ergonomic, providing reliable grip handle.
Additional devices
A popular accessory is a carrying strap. It happens:
- Brachial. The trimmer presses with one mass on one hand.
- Knapsack. The weight of the instrument is distributed throughout the body.
When buying a massive gasoline trimmer, it is better to choose a knapsack belt that can effectively support garden tools for a long working period.
Additional nozzles that come with the device or are sold separately expand the capabilities of the equipment. Gas trimmers are equipped with the following nozzles:
- Snow removal.
- Brush cutter.
- Chain saw for trimming branches.
- Cultivator, etc.
The nozzles included in the kit increase the price of the equipment, so they are recommended to be purchased separately.
