How to Choose the Right Trimmer Line
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1. Selection of fishing line diameter for specific tasks and equipment
The main criterion for choosing the cord is the diameter, which must match the capabilities of the trimmer. Usually, manufacturers specify the recommended figure in the technical manual, although it is not difficult to determine it yourself. It's enough to measure the diameter of the spool's exit hole. Otherwise, it will not be possible to output the ends of the line into the working area after winding it onto the reel.
When choosing, you should consider the type of vegetation you have to deal with and the capabilities of the trimmer itself. The maximum allowable diameter of the cord will lead to increased load on the engine and spool, which is not always justified. We offer to get acquainted with a table that will give an idea of the purpose of lines of different thicknesses and their compatibility with the equipment.
| Line diameter | Type of vegetation | Type and power of trimmer |
|---|---|---|
| 1.3 – 1.6 mm | Fresh lawn and field grass |
Low-power electric and battery trimmers around 500
W. Gasoline scythes around 0.7 HP. |
| 2 – 2.4 mm | Dense fresh and dry grass of different lengths, lawn | Household electric trimmers about 1500 W and gasoline brush cutters about 2 HP |
| 2.5 – 3 mm | Weeds, deadwood, small shrubs, burdocks, hard vegetation | Semi-professional electric trimmers around 2500 W and gasoline equivalents 3.3 HP |
| 3.3 mm and above | Hard weeds, thick shrubs, young trees, shoots | Professional brush cutters 3000 W / 4 HP and more powerful |
Lines of different diameters have advantages and disadvantages that also determine the scope of their optimal use.
| Advantages | Disadvantages | |
|---|---|---|
| Thin line |
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| Thick cord |
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2. The influence of the shape of the line on performance characteristics
To improve operational qualities, manufacturers develop different sections of lines for even more precise adaptation of the trimmer to site conditions. Let's consider the most popular shapes, as well as their strengths and weaknesses.
2.1 Square
Square — the most common line among amateurs and professionals. Due to the presence of sharp edges, it provides an efficient clean cut and handles almost any vegetation with the appropriate diameter. It allows you to quickly and in one pass process a large area, has high wear resistance and, accordingly, low consumption. The disadvantages include low elasticity, which complicates winding on the spool.
2.2 Circle
Circle — is considered a universal option for most tasks. The main advantage is the budget price due to the simplicity of production. Such a line is oriented to simpler processes (lawn care, removal of dense young and dry grass), but it is difficult to handle thick weeds and overgrowth. The wear resistance is moderate, and the smooth structure better withstands contact with stones. The disadvantage of round sections is increased noise (whistling), which can create discomfort when using an electric trimmer.
2.3 Star (pentagon)
Star (pentagon) — characterized by maximum efficiency and accuracy of cut due to sharper edges. It handles thick, thin, dry, and fresh plants equally well. When treating lawn grass, it reduces the likelihood of damaging the delicate structure of the stem. The production of lines of this shape is more expensive, so it is considered the choice of professionals. The main disadvantages are vulnerability to hard obstacles (curbs, stones, fences), overall limited wear resistance, and higher price.
A more advanced modification of the star-shaped section is the heptagon with better cutting efficiency but lower strength, which is why it is rarely used.
2.4 Triangle
Triangle — the shape has gained the least popularity and has been practically supplanted on the market by more advanced square and pentagon options. In general, it provides a confident cut of thick grass, thick weeds, small shrubs, and has moderate strength.
2.5 Modified line shapes
To reduce noise during operation, manufacturers offer a twisted structure of squares and circles. This line will provide comfortable conditions for both the user and neighbors. Twisted section also positively affects cutting properties, although the cost of such products is slightly higher. It handles dry grass better than standard counterparts.
If maximum strength is required, it is recommended to choose a reinforced line with a core. It can be made in the form of a denser composite alloy or metal core. This line provides a long service life when processing rocky soil, garden areas with shrubs and overgrowth, but requires a fairly powerful trimmer that will create stable high revolutions without overheating and breakage.
3. How the presence of impurities affects the efficiency and durability of the line cord
The material of manufacture is important, although it is almost impossible to determine it by appearance. Manufacturers strive to find the optimal balance between strength and efficiency, experimenting with the composition. The main component of quality line cord is nylon. It provides the necessary elasticity, has a high melting temperature threshold. However, to reduce production costs, unscrupulous brands may use recycled raw materials (plastic, polyethylene), which reduces operational characteristics. Another popular additive is paraffin, which reduces the friction coefficient and is theoretically intended to extend service life. In practice, this approach is effective only with short-term operation and moderate outdoor temperatures. Otherwise, paraffin melting and line delamination occur.
4. The myth of line soaking
There is a persistent myth that pre-soaked line in water lasts much longer. Extensive tests were conducted in this regard, both by users and manufacturers. The results confirm the effectiveness of this method, and some brands officially recommend applying it in practice. As for the time frame, it can vary (from 3 to 48 hours), although overnight soaking (12 hours) is considered the most popular. It is recommended to use water at room temperature or heated.
5. Is it worth buying line in reserve?
Line cord is a consumable and requires regular replacement. The necessary footage depends on the intensity of trimmer use, the conditions of the site, and the type of vegetation and quality of the line itself. It's always profitable to buy in advance to prevent interruptions in servicing the land plot, save on delivery, or avoid extra trips to the store. An approximate calculation of the recommended amount of line needed for seasonal use with different service intensity of a certain area is presented in the following table.
| Intensity of site servicing | Required footage for ~4 acres | Required footage for ~15 acres | Required footage for over 20 acres |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low (1 – 2 times per season) |
10 | 50 | 70 |
| Moderate (3 – 4 times per season) |
15 | 75 | 100 |
| High (5 or more times per season) |
20 | 100 | 150 |
As for the available assortment, it is very diverse. The optimal option for purchase is 15, 50, or 100 meters, but in fact, you can find different lengths ranging from 12 to 500 meters.
6. Useful tips and recommendations
By following simple recommendations, you can significantly extend the service life of the line and trimmer, as well as eliminate dangerous situations for health:
- Do not use damaged cord, which may break or catch on objects.
- Do not use incompatible alternatives like fishing line or steel wire even if they fit in diameter.
- Do not store the cord under direct sunlight or in freezing temperatures.
- Avoid overheating the line during prolonged work by adjusting the speed.
- Soak the line for at least 12 hours before use.
- Minimize the likelihood of the cord coming into contact with the ground and hard objects.