Trimmer Machine Buying Guide

The process of buying a trimmer machine can be daunting and stressful, especially if you have never owned or used one before. With the market flooded with various brands, types, sizes, and features, settling for one can be a tough decision to make.

This article will guide you through the crucial factors you should consider before making your purchase and help you make an informed decision.

Types of Trimmer Machines

There are three main types of trimmer machines in the market, and they include:

• Walk-behind string trimmers: These are heavy-duty machines designed for large lawns or commercial landscapes. They are mostly gas-powered and have wider cutting widths, making them ideal for weed-whacking and clearing tall grass in large areas. They can be self-propelled or push-propelled and come with different cutting mechanisms such as string, blades, or a combination of both.
• Handheld string trimmers: These are lightweight machines designed for home use and small lawns. They are affordable, easy to use, and come in electric or gas-powered options. They have narrow cutting widths that make them ideal for trimming around flower beds, trees, and fence lines. Handheld trimmers come with either a straight or curved shaft. Straight shaft models offer more reach and are ideal for taller individuals or hard-to-reach areas, while the curved shafts are more comfortable to use and ideal for shorter individuals.
• Walk-behind brush cutters: These are heavy-duty trimmers designed for turning dense brush and saplings into mulch. They are ideal for large properties and commercial landscapes and mostly come in gas-powered options. They have wide cutting widths, are self-propelled, and can handle thick vegetation that handheld trimmers or walk-behind string trimmers can't.

Power Source

The power source of your trimmer machine is an essential factor to consider. Trimmer machines come in two power source options: gas-powered or electric.

Gas-powered: These machines are heavy-duty and can handle tough weeds and tall grass. They are ideal for large properties since they offer long run times, unlimited mobility, and more power than electric trimmer machines. However, gas-powered trimmer machines are loud, high maintenance, emit harmful exhaust fumes, and require fuel and oil changes.

Electric: These machines come in two options, corded or battery-powered. They are less noisy than gas-powered trimmer machines, require less maintenance, are environmentally friendly, and are ideal for small lawns. However, corded models have limited mobility and can only be used within reach of an electrical outlet. Battery-powered options, on the other hand, have a limited run time and require recharging or battery replacement to keep working. They are ideal for small properties or light-duty trimming tasks.

Cutting Mechanism

The cutting mechanism of your trimmer machine is another important consideration. Trimmer machines come with three cutting options: string, blade, or a combination of both.

• String: Also known as line, this cutting mechanism uses a flexible plastic string that spins at high speeds to trim grass and weeds. String trimmer machines are easy to use, affordable, and are ideal for light-duty trimming tasks such as around flower beds and trees.
• Blade: This cutting mechanism uses metal blades that rotate at high speeds to cut through thicker weeds and dense vegetation. Blade trimmer machines are heavy-duty, versatile, and ideal for commercial landscapes and large properties that require aggressive trimming.
• Combo: This type uses both string and blades to cut vegetation. Combos are versatile and ideal for properties that require both light-duty and heavy-duty trimming tasks.

Cutting Width

The cutting width of your trimmer machine is the area it can cover in one pass. Trimmer machines come in various cutting widths, and the wider the cutting width, the faster the trimming task.

When considering the cutting width of your trimmer machine, remember that larger cutting widths aren't always better since they may be heavy and difficult to maneuver around obstacles. Similarly, smaller cutting widths may take longer to trim a large property. Therefore, consider the size of your property and your landscaping needs to determine the ideal cutting width for your trimmer machine.

Shaft Type

The shaft type of your trimmer machine is another essential factor to consider. Trimmer machines come in two shaft types: straight and curved. Your height, the terrain of your property, and the type of trimming job you have influence the ideal shaft type for your trimmer machine.

Straight shaft: This type is ideal for taller individuals and hard-to-reach areas such as under bushes and shrubs. Straight shafts offer more reach, providing better leverage for those tougher trimming jobs. They are also easy to change cutting attachments.

Curved shaft: This type is ideal for individuals who trim for an extended period, such as landscapers. Curved shafts are more ergonomic, providing better maneuverability and control. They are also ideal for short individuals since they allow for a more comfortable posture while trimming.

Attachment Capabilities

The attachment capabilities of your trimmer machine is an essential consideration since it determines the tasks your trimmer can handle. Trimmer machines come with various attachments such as edgers, blowers, hedge trimmers, and pole saws.

If you plan on using your trimmer machine for more than just trimming grass, consider getting a machine with attachment capabilities. This way, you can switch out the attachment tools to handle the different landscaping needs of your property, saving you money in the long run.

Price

The price of your trimmer machine is another essential factor to consider. Trimmer machines come in various price ranges depending on the type, power source, cutting mechanism, cutting width, and attachment capabilities.

If you have a tight budget, consider getting a handheld electric trimmer machine with a string cutting mechanism, narrow cutting width, and no attachment capabilities. However, if you have a large property or require heavy-duty trimming tasks, you may have to spend more on a walk-behind gas-powered trimmer machine with a blade cutting mechanism, wide cutting width, and attachment capabilities.

Conclusion

Buying the ideal trimmer machine can be a daunting process, but with the factors mentioned above, you can make an informed purchasing decision. Consider the type, power source, cutting mechanism, cutting width, shaft type, attachment capabilities, and price range to determine the ideal trimmer machine for your property.

Remember to also read product reviews, compare the features and prices of different brands, and purchase your machine from reputable dealers to ensure you get the best value for your money and a machine that will last for years to come.