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.
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.
