Cutting width
The capture width provided by the unit, in other words, the width of the strip of land cultivated in one pass. In fact, this size corresponds to the width of the working nozzle.
The large working width is useful when processing large open spaces, as it allows you to finish the job in a small number of passes. On the other hand, for hard-to-reach places, relatively narrow tools are better suited, able to go where a wider unit will not fit. In addition, the width of the tool directly affects the weight and price.
In general, it makes sense to compare in terms of working width only units of the same type (see above). However, it is worth noting here that trimmers do not differ so much from each other — most models capture from 25 to 45 cm (and a wide processing band is provided by moving the nozzle from side to side). As for the other types, in the most modest models the capture width
does not exceed 40 cm, in the heaviest and most powerful it can be
56 – 60 cm or even
more(in mini tractors — up to 1.5 m).
Handle type
The type of handle provided in the design of the trimmer or combisystem (see "Type").
The choice for this parameter depends primarily on the personal preferences of the user, however, there are also quite objective differences between different types. The types themselves can be:
—
Bicycle. A handle in the form of a pair of characteristic "horns" on either side of the trimmer bar, reminiscent, in accordance with the name, of a bicycle handlebar. This design allows you to comfortably mow the grass and perform other similar work; it is good in that the user's hands are in the most natural position when holding the tool. In addition, we note that the handles are convenient for both right-handers and left-handers. The disadvantage of models with bicycle handles is the relatively large weight and dimensions, as well as poor suitability for cutting branches and other work "at height". However, in the case of trimmers, such a need arises extremely rarely (especially since there are specialized varieties of garden tools for this — brush cutters and pole saws). Therefore, it is this option that has received the greatest popularity in modern trimmers.
—
Loop -shaped. The handle, which looks like a characteristic loop, usually in the shape of the letter D. The role of the second handle in such a tool is usually played by the back of the bar, and the trimmer controls are also located there.
...In general, this design is considered less convenient than a bicycle one: the user has to either hold the tool with the barbell to the side, or pull one hand back strongly. On the other hand, the loop-shaped handle gives good vertical manoeuvrability and allows you to work both at ground level and much higher, and you can easily change the height of the nozzle. As a result of all this, although this option is less popular than the “bike”, it is still quite common, mainly on relatively light and low-power trimmers.Line diameter
The diameter of the fishing line supplied with the trimmer (more precisely, with a reel attachment, see "Tips").
In modern models, this parameter can be from 1 to 4 mm. At the same time, a thicker fishing line handles better with dense thickets, but it works rougher, the treated lawn is not particularly even, and for the effective operation of such a nozzle, a fairly powerful engine is needed. On the other hand, a fine line provides a clean and neat cut, but is not suitable for heavy vegetation and large stems. Thus, thick fishing line is usually equipped with powerful units designed for "launched" lawns with an abundance of thick stems. Thin, on the other hand, is found mainly in low-power electric trimmers with a lower engine location, designed for neat lawns with regularly cut grass.
We also recall that many trimmers have the ability to replace the standard reel with another one that differs in line thickness.
More features
—
Adjustment of the tilt of the rod. Possibility to tilt the rod or the working head relative to the rod. The setting will come in handy for mowing grass in hard-to-reach places. Trimmers with this function are much more convenient to work under swings, benches and garden furniture. Also, by adjusting the tilt of the rod, you can adjust the grip of the trimmer to the height of the user.
—
Telescopic rod. Possibility of increasing the length of the trimmer by extending the rod. Due to design features, this solution is available only for models with a lower engine and helps to maximally adjust the device for a person of any height.
—
Collapsible rod. Possibility to disassemble the trimmer rod into several parts. This feature greatly simplifies storage and transportation: packing, carrying and transporting side-by-side components is easier than a solid long rod. In theory, this design is less reliable than a non-removable design, but trimmers are usually not subjected to such high loads that this would be noticeable.
-
Belt. The strap for carrying the trimmer is
a shoulder or
backpack strap. This design significantly simplifies the operator’s task and reduces operator fatigue: carrying it with a belt is not as tiring as holding the tool in your
...hands. The shoulder strap is supposed to be worn over one shoulder. It helps you control the trimmer better and reduces fatigue, especially during long periods of use. A more complex backpack strap system allows you to distribute the weight of the tool on both shoulders and back. In this implementation, the belt will not slip off the shoulder when wearing the trimmer. Please note that in models without a belt, it may be possible to purchase it separately. However, it is easier (and often cheaper) to immediately buy a tool with this accessory.
— Limit bracket. The bracket acts as a limiter and is designed to protect tall (necessary) vegetation from mowing. Those. you can extend a small structural element at the base of the rod, which, when approaching the bushes, will move them away, thereby not cutting them off. The bracket will also be appropriate when mowing an area with a fence, decorative landscape with many elements that can be damaged during mowing, or can once again “shorten” the fishing line by breaking its ends.
— Rotating head. Possibility of rotating the trimmer working attachment on the rod. Typically this function is used to move the cutting system from a horizontal to a vertical position. Vertical cutting can be useful, for example, for leveling edges and creating borders in lawns.
— Edging roller. The roller is necessary for a neat “haircut” between the lawn and the sidewalk. It is found in models with a rotating head and is designed for more comfortable work. Since the device does not need to be suspended, leaning on the roller makes it much easier to edge flower beds, decorative elements on the lawn, borders, etc.
— Support rollers. Special rollers mounted on the cutting head of the trimmer. Thanks to such rollers, you can rest the head on the ground and roll the tool in front of you - this is more convenient than carrying it “on yourself”. Another advantage is that the rollers support the working attachment at the same height, which means that mowing is as accurate as possible, almost like using a regular lawn mower (with all the advantages of a trimmer). The main disadvantages of models with rollers are the high cost, as well as increased weight, which makes it difficult to work “off the ground.”Brushless motor
The presence of a brushless (brushless) motor in the device. Such electric motors have a number of advantages over traditional collector motors: in particular, they are more economical in terms of energy consumption, less noisy, and also do not spark. The disadvantages
of brushless motors are complexity and high cost.
Battery platform
The name of the battery platform supported by the device. A single battery platform is used to combine various power tools of the same brand (drill, grinder, saw, etc.) into one line. Devices on the same platform use interchangeable batteries and chargers. Thanks to this, for example, there is no need to select a battery for each individual model of a power tool, because one purchased as a spare battery can be used in various power tools, depending on the situation or as needed. Batteries of the same platform basically differ from each other except perhaps in capacity.
Battery voltage
Nominal voltage of the battery used in the unit with the corresponding engine type (see above). Theoretically, a higher voltage allows you to achieve more power, but in fact there is no direct relationship between these points. In addition, manufacturers choose batteries to deliver the intended power, rotational speed, and other performance. Therefore, in the selection and normal use of the unit, this parameter has a secondary, reference value; it may be needed mainly for some specific tasks, for example, searching for a spare battery or a “non-native” charger, or comparing different batteries by capacity (see below).
Compatible batteries
The name of the battery that is compatible with the device. It helps to buy a spare or find a suitable one in case of a breakdown of the main one.
Powered by two batteries
The device is powered
by two batteries at once.
For battery models in general, see above. And this feature means that due to its high power characteristics, a single standard battery is not enough for a lawn mower.