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:
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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.
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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.More features
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Adjustment of an inclination of a bar. The ability to tilt the bar or the working head relative to the bar. 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 inclination of the rod, you can adjust the grip of the trimmer to the height of the user.
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Telescopic rod. The possibility of increasing the length of the trimmer by lengthening the bar. Due to the 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.
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Collapsible bar. The ability to disassemble the trimmer bar into several parts. This feature greatly simplifies storage and transport: it is easier to pack, carry and transport components folded side by side than a solid long rod. Theoretically, this design is less reliable than non-separable, however, trimmers are usually not subjected to such high loads that this is noticeable.
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Shoulder strap. Strap for carrying the trimmer on the shoulder - including during operation. This design significantly simplifies the operator's task and reduces fatigue: carrying on the shoulder is not as tiring as holding it in the hands of weight. Note that in models without a sho
...ulder strap, it may be possible to purchase it separately; however, it is easier (and often cheaper) to buy a tool with this accessory right away.
— Restrictive bracket. The bracket acts as a limiter and is designed to protect high (necessary) vegetation from mowing. Those. you can put forward a small structural element at the base of the bar, which, approaching the bushes, will move them away, thereby not cutting them off. The bracket will also be appropriate when mowing a site with a fence, a decorative landscape with many elements that can be damaged during mowing, or they themselves can “shorten” the fishing line once again by breaking off its ends.
- Swivel head. Possibility of rotation of a working nozzle of a trimmer on a bar. Typically this function is used to change the cutting system from a horizontal position to a vertical position. Cutting in a vertical plane can be useful, for example, for leveling edges and forming borders on lawns.
- Edging roller. The roller is necessary for a neat "haircut" between the lawn and the sidewalk. It is found in models with a swivel head and is designed for more comfortable work. Since the device does not need to be suspended, it is much easier to frame flower beds, decorative elements on the lawn, borders, etc., relying on the roller.
- Support rollers. Special rollers mounted on the cutting head of the trimmer. Thanks to these 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 keep the working attachment at the same height, which means that mowing is as accurate as possible, almost like using a conventional lawn mower (with all the advantages of a trimmer). The main disadvantages of models with rollers are the high cost, as well as the increased weight, which makes it difficult to work “off the ground”.Soft start
The presence of a
soft start system in the lawn mower engine.
The design features of electric motors are such that when power is applied directly, the start occurs very abruptly — both in a mechanical and electrical sense. Firstly, the engine itself spins up in a jerk, in a very short time, which increases the wear of its parts. Secondly, at the moment of start-up, there is a sharp jump in current strength, which creates significant loads on the power grid (or the batteries of the unit). The soft start system eliminates these phenomena: it limits the starting current, allowing the motor to accelerate smoothly and preventing voltage surges.
On the other hand, additional electronic circuits affect the cost, sometimes quite significantly. So there are few models with this feature nowadays, and you should pay attention to them mainly in cases where the mentioned advantages are of fundamental importance — for example, if the device is purchased for a house with weak wiring that does not tolerate voltage surges.
Noise level
The level of noise produced by the device during operation. Usually, a certain average indicator is indicated in the characteristics — in the standard mode of operation; however, the actual values usually do not differ much from the claimed ones.
The lower the noise level, the more convenient the unit to use and the less tired the operator. In the case of lawn mowers, this is especially true, since such equipment is quite noisy — even the quietest models (some robots) give out about 47 – 48 dB, which is comparable to talking at an average volume. Note that the decibel is a non-linear quantity, and it is easiest to evaluate the actual loudness using comparative tables. Here is the simplest table for the values found in modern lawn mowers:
— 60 – 65 dB — talking in raised tones at a distance of about 1 m;
70 dB — loud conversation of several people at the same distance;
75 dB — loud laughter at a distance of 1 m;
80 dB — motorcycle engine, medium power vacuum cleaner.
90 dB — loud screams, freight car at a distance of 7 – 10 m;
100 dB — a subway train or a loud car signal at a distance of 5 – 7 m, an industrial workshop;
110 dB — tractor engine at a distance of about 1 m.
In addition to subjective sensations, there are specific sanitary standards that limit the impact of strong noise. So, according to European standards, noise of 85 dB is allowed to be heard without protective equipment for 8 hours, 91 dB — 2 hours, 97...dB — half an hour, and 103 dB — only 7 minutes. So when choosing a unit, you should take into account the duration of work with it — with high noise, you may need protective headphones.
