How to Use a Grass Strimmer

How to Use a Grass Trimmer - Correctly and Safely

Could the edges of your lawn do with tidying up?

You can use a grass trimmer, available to hire from Speedy, the UK’s number one hire company.

Before you use a grass trimmer it’s really important that you wear the correct PPE: Safety boots, gloves, eye and face protection are essential. We’d also recommend that hearing protection is worn when using this petrol-powered equipment.

Any PPE you do require can be purchased from Speedy.

Speedy Top Tip! Please Watch our How to Use a Grass Trimmer Video below:

 

A grass trimmer is ideal for trimming the edges of any lawn. This is called edging and refers to any long areas around borders or paths.

It can also be used to trim down larger areas of grass that a lawnmower may not be able to access, such as underneath hedges.

Trimmers can either be petrol, battery-powered, or electric. Petrol grass trimmers will require you to turn the choke to the on position and switch on, before choking the cord. Battery-powered trimmers are usually just controlled with an 'on' button.

 

How to use a strimmer

 

Step 1:

Always read the instructions for your chosen grass trimmer carefully before use. With all Speedy hires, you will receive a safety manual and instructions attached to all hire products. Our local depot staff are also on hand for any advice - give them a call or pop in.

 

Step 2:

Prepare your garden. Ensure there is no loose debris on the grass surface or around your borders. Stones, twigs, and large clumps of dry mud can all be caught by the trimmer blades, flinging them up in the air and causing damage. Remember to wear PPE.

 

Step 3:

Get the trimmer ready. If a petrol model, fuel the tank. If battery-powered, ensure the battery is charged long enough for the job. Corded electric trimmers are easy to set up, but you need to ensure the cord doesn't get in the way of your work area.

 

Step 4:

If your strimmer has a shoulder harness, wear it. All Speedy trimmers will come with one.

Always point the end of the trimmer at the ground. Never point it at anyone and always keep people, children and animals away from the trimmer when you are using it.

 

Step 5:

To operate the trimmer, you will hold it steady using the handle and then with your other hand, you will depress the safety trigger and turn it on.

Ideally, you should hold the head of the grass trimmer just above the ground for perfect trimming. Too low and you could damage the soil and too high isn’t going to give you a good finish.

 

Step 6:

Find your correct cutting height. Get into a comfortable walking and holding position, hold the trimmer with a comfortable grip, and then turn the trimmer on. Move slowly, keeping the grip firm. You don't need to swing the grass strimmer; the blade or line will do the cutting.

 

Step 7:

When you’ve finished with the grass trimmer, turning it off can be done by decompressing the on button.

 

Further Information

If the line on the trimmer ever breaks don’t worry – this can happen. Follow the instructions relating to your product to re-line the trimmer. You may have to rethread the line, or your model could do this automatically. 

If you’ve got more stubborn undergrowth such as brambles and tough weeds to clear, then Speedy also has brush cutters available to hire. Essentially these are used the same as grass trimmers but will have a cutting blade instead of a cutting line, and can cut through tougher material. If you need advice on whether it’s a grass trimmer or brush cutter you need, simply speak to Speedy as we’ll be happy to help.

If you have any issues with any of the products you hire from Speedy, just give your local Service Centre a call, as we are always available to help, and remember always to check the safety and operating guidance before you use any hired product

 

Ready for more DIY tips?

Thank you for reading our blog, we hope you found this guide on how to use a grass trimmer useful. If you want to continue gardening, read our guide on How to Mow a Lawn.

Plus, there are plenty more tips and how-to guides where this came from. Please visit our skills and project page to find out more.

You’ll find all the power tools and hire equipment you need right at Speedy. Why not start planning your next DIY project today and open a Speedy account online or visit us in-store for all your tool hire needs?

 

For more tips subscribe to our YouTube Channel: Speedyserviceshire

Find ideas on Instagram: @speedyhirediy