Weed trimmers are one of the more obscure-looking tools in the garden shed, but they are one of the most useful tools for giving a lawn a well manicured look. Sometimes called weedeaters, a grass trimmer is the tool of choice to speed the edging and trimming of a lawn for the residential or commercial property. It can be done by the homeowner or the entrepreneur.
Grass trimmers fall into two main categories, gas and electric. Among the electric models, there are corded trimmers and those that run on batteries. For the consumer, the choice is usually determined by use. A cord limits what can be trimmed to a distance less than the length of the electrical cord. Corded electric trimmers are lighter, quieter, and great for small yards. A battery frees the operator from the limitation of an extension cord, but limits what can be trimmed to the amount of work that can be accomplished within a 15 to 20 minute life for a battery charge. The battery models are not usually as powerful as the other types, but are okay for medium yards up to about a third of an acre.
A gas motor is heavier and requires more maintenance than electric, but it will deliver the power needed for cutting through tough vegetation or edging large yards. Among the gas models, there are four-stroke and two-stroke engines. Two-stroke engines are usually less expensive than their four-stroke counterparts, but they are also louder. Oil and gas has to be pre-mixed for fueling. Two strokes tend to release more hydrocarbons in their exhaust, but they still meet EPA guidelines and some models come with catalytic converters. A four-stroke engine will run on straight gasoline with less vibration than the two-stroke. Because they are also quite heavy, they are usually fitted with a shoulder strap. Most commercial lawn services favor four-stroke gas trimmers for their large jobs. They make light work of basic landscape maintenance contracts.
Propane weed trimmers are marketed as a more environmentally-friendly alternative to gasoline motors, but because their fuel source comes in non-refillable canisters, not only is the fuel more expensive, but the manufacturing of the canister negates some of the ecologically green advantage.
Using a weed trimmer proficiently takes a little practice and a bit of knowledge about some basic techniques. Check the manual's instructions about trimming close to concrete and wood. After a little experience, the lawn will look well-kept and professionally done. Always clean and store the weed trimmer properly to prolong its life. Clean off excess vegetation and debris. Check the string. Coil the cord, recharge the battery, or check the fuel level before storage to be sure the trimmer is ready for its next use.
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