Advice: Brushcutters and trimmers

In all gardens you find places difficult to access with a lawn mower, whether in corners, along edges and walls, or under benches. Here, grass trimmers and brushcutters come into their own and cut this growth to the desired length. In this way gardens receive that finishing touch.

There is a distinct difference in application between trimmers and brushcutters. Trimmers are mainly used for trimming as the name indicates. Three types of trimmers are available, the bottom-mount and top-mount electric trimmers, petrol trimmers and push type.

Bottom mount trimmers

Fitted with an electric motor with a tap’n’go nylon head fitted, these trimmers are light and easy to operate. Adjustable loop handles often rotates to change between horizontal and vertical cutting, and small guide wheels are fitted to some models.

Top-mount electric trimmers

The motor is fitted on the opposite side of the shaft, similar to petrol trimmers. This distributes the weight better, and generally this type of trimmer, although more expensive, provides longer lasting performance. The motor is situated away from dust, and drives the nylon cutting head via a cable through the shaft.

Petrol Trimmers

The advantages of petrol trimmers are mobility and power. One is not restricted by the length of the power cable. They have a flexible drive shaft with a tap’n’go nylon head. Motors are either two-stroke or normal petrol.

Trimmers use a monofilament line, varying in thickness. It is crucial not to use line thicker than prescribed by the manufacturer of the product. The length of line is extremely important, and is kept to the correct length by a small cutter situated on the stone guard. “Nylon” line is available in different shapes. The traditional line is round, but a quieter twist line is also available. The more flexible the line, the better. To keep the line flexible and supple place it in water overnight.

Push Type trimmers

Walk behind push trimmers are available with petrol or electric motors. These trimmers are mounted on wheels which adds more stability, and fitted with a blade. It is easier to operate for long pathways or edges.

Brushcutters

Brushcutters are ideal for mowing long grass and can even cut thin tree trunks, depending on the power and size of the machine. Brushcutters are used for maintenance of large areas, thinning bushes along rivers and streams, embankments, landscaping, and road maintenance crews. They can also be used for bush clearing.

Brushcutters are available from 25cc up to larger than 50cc. These heavy duty machines differ from line trimmers as they have a straight shaft. A wide range of nylon heads as well as blades are available for brushcutters, it is all dependent on the application.