String trimmers can tackle a variety of different yard projects, making them one of the most versatile tools in the shed. It’s a tool that will keep your lawn neat, polished and looking just the way you want all season long.
Whether you use them for tidying up walkways or removing grass from places your mower can’t reach, such as under a deck or along a fence, string trimmers are a go-to tool for routine yard maintenance.
Keep in mind that different types of string trimmer models are designed for different uses in the yard. Straight shaft string trimmers may be more comfortable for taller individuals to use and are ideal for trimming around fencing and other hard-to-reach places in the yard. Meanwhile, curved shaft trimmers tend to be lighter in weight and may be ideal for projects that take more time to complete, like trimming along sidewalks and areas within your landscape.
You may also consider using an attachment-capable string trimmer that allows you to use a variety of different attachment tools, such as TrimmerPlus® attachments, with the same powerhead. This is a great option for those who can’t or don’t want to store a garage full of tools, yet still want the ability to use motorized landscaping tools. Any attachment-capable Troy-Bilt® string trimmer can use TrimmerPlus attachments to convert into a variety of tools – like an edger, cultivator or hedge trimmer, among other options.
Once you chose the right trimmer for you, here’s how to properly use your string trimmer:
Use Trimmers for Edging
If you have a small- to medium-sized yard, you can use your string trimmer as an edger for a more budget-friendly, effective option. Edgers are used to deliver a clean, crisp perimeter along driveways and walkways. Convert your trimmer into an edger by carefully turning your string trimmer so the strings rotate vertically during use.
Or, you can use the LE720 TrimmerPlus® Add-On Lawn Edger attachment to give your paths and flower beds a clean, crisp look.
Converting Your Trimmer
Like the edger, Troy-Bilt has other attachments available that convert your string trimmer to use it for other yard chores, saving you time, money and storage space. The PS720 TrimmerPlus® Add-On Pole Saw attachment allows you to cut back tough branches with an 8-in. bar and chain that reaches up to 11-ft.
The AH721 TrimmerPlus® Add-On Hedge Trimmer attachment is perfect for taking care of hedges with its 22-in. dual-action blades that have a large span of movement and can cut at many different angles. And when the fall comes and you need to clear leaves quickly, the CB720 TrimmerPlus® Add-On Leaf Blower attachment delivers up to 500 cfm of air volume and comes with a concentrator nozzle for ideal airflow and high speeds.
Tapering
Trimmers are built for hard-to-reach jobs, like grass growing along trees, decks or fences, and in tight spaces and corners. When tending to these areas in your yard, hold your trimmer at a slight angle to get the trimmer head even with the mowed grass. Keep in mind trimmer lines can damage any trees growing nearby, so be careful not to hit them with your trimmer.
Trimming
The most obvious use for your string trimmer can also cause the most damage to your machine if used improperly. When cutting tall grass, begin trimming from the top down to prevent the string from getting tangled in the grass blades. When tackling bigger trimming jobs, start trimming in small sections rather than the whole yard all at once. This will prevent your tool from stalling or string from tangling.
Other Helpful Tips
Check to see in what direction your string trimmer is rotating. For example, if the strings in your trimmer rotate in a counter-clockwise direction, that means that it cuts to the right and any chopped material and debris will come out of the left side of the trimmer. To prevent this material from building up in your cutting path, keep your body toward the cutting side. Also remember to always wear long pants and closed-toed shoes when trimming, as well as safety goggles to protect your eyes from flying debris.
