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).
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
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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”.Motor power
Lawnmower engine power expressed in watts. This designation is used absolutely for all electric models (see "Engine type"), and it is also often found in gasoline and diesel units along with horsepower (these units are clearly related, 1 hp is about 735 watts).
In general, the more powerful the engine, the more performant the mower and the better it will cope with heavy work such as cutting thick grass, bushes, etc. On the other hand, high power has a corresponding effect on fuel / electricity consumption, as well as the weight and price of the engine. In addition, note that the power requirements depend on the type of mower itself and its engine (see above for both). For example, for most
robots, the power
does not exceed 500 W — more, taking into account specialization, is not required, besides, otherwise the devices would turn out to be too bulky and heavy. Trimmers and lawn mowers of similar power are only electric, and the power limit for power tools is
2500 – 3000 W when powered from the mains and
1500 – 2000 W for battery models. But in gasoline tools, the minimum power is about
500 – 1000 W for trimmers and
1000 – 1500 W for mowers; the maximum value can exceed
4 kW.
Detailed recommendations for choosing a lawn mower d
...epending on its type and features of the planned work can be found in special sources.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.
