Whether it’s a hedge trimmer, brushcutter, chainsaw or blower, every STIHL tool is the product of experience gained in decades of the development and use of power tools for forest and garden.
Our garden tools are designed perfectly for their intended applications. We want to share our expert knowledge with you to ensure you can relax as you take on the challenges that await you around your home and garden. That is why we have brought together some useful tips and tricks for you in our series of articles entitled “STIHL gardening tip”.
In this article, find out how using a brushcutter and a lawn trimmer can make your work easier.
Our expert trips on trimming grass
- First cut the lawn itself – and then the edges: You should first mow the large lawn area itself, using a lawnmower. A lawnmower is more effective for this task than a lawn trimmer or a brushcutter. A brushcutter should only be used for larger areas if the terrain is unsuitable for a lawnmower, e.g. if it is on a slope.If the edges of the lawn are bordered by flowerbeds, bed edges or plants, we recommend cutting the remaining grass a second time using a brushcutter. This will allow you to reach even the hard-to-access places, such as under trees as well as bushes, benches and plant pots.
- Mow the lawn often: You should be sure to mow your lawn regularly. The shorter the grass, the faster you will be able to trim the edges of the lawn. Shorter grass also means that you will be able to leave the cuttings on the lawn, where it will simply decompose after a while. This will return exactly the nutrients to the soil that have been taken from the grass: the grass will be greener and thicker, and lawn thatch will be reduced. This returning of cuttings to the soil is known as mulching. Mulching means that you do not need to dispose of the cuttings, and is also an alternative to fertilising your lawn with chemical compounds. This is kind to both the environment and your wallet.
- Keep your distance: When using a lawn trimmer, you should ensure that others keep at a distance of at least 15 metres. This is because the lawn trimmer may raise small stones, sticks, or similar that are lying around. Therefore, when using a brushcutter, you should always use safety glasses and appropriate face protection and wear suitable working clothes.
- Always keep the mowing line supple: If you have not used your brushcutter for a while, we recommend that you soak the spool with the mowing line in water for about two days before using it. This restores the elasticity of the line elastic and ensures it is less brittle, reducing wear and ensuring a better cutting result.
- The brushcutter should be adjusted to suit your height: In order to ensure you do not hurt your back while trimming the lawn, you should ensure that your garden tool is adjusted correctly. Adjust the shaft length to suit your height. The cutting tool should be just touching the ground when you stand upright. Always hold the brushcutter with both hands when cutting. This will ensure particularly ergonomic use of the tool.
- Strength-saving work: The right technique and balance is important to ensure strength-saving, pleasant work while mowing. Place the mowing head on the ground and guide the tool horizontally over the ground in even, sweeping motions.
- Convenient mowing with a STIHL AutoCut mowing head: If you use a brushcutter with a STIHL AutoCut mowing head, you can extend the mowing line with ease as you work. Simply tap the mowing head on the ground to release the line holding mechanism. The lines are adjusted automatically to the perfect cutting length by the centrifugal force inside the mowing head.
Don’t worry if this causes some unusual noises: the mowing line may sometimes be a little too long immediately after it has been extended and can scrape against the guard. After 2-3 rotations, however, the line reaches the correct length inside the guard and the noise will stop again.
As a general rule: before you start using your lawn trimmer or brushcutter, make sure you read the operating instructions and the safety instructions they contain.
Ideal for the garden: STIHL cordless power tools
Whether you’re trimming a hedge, mowing the lawn, trimming lawn edges, removing foliage or cutting firewood – we have the right battery-powered product for any job around the home and garden. With our quiet, emissions-free STIHL garden tools, you can do gardening with ease.
CORDLESS POWER. MADE BY STIHL.
Discover the new tranquillity in gardening. Light, quiet and powerful – that sums up our STIHL COMPACT cordless power system gardening tools perfectly.
A huge plus: the battery can be used in all tools within the COMPACT cordless power system range, enabling you to be ready for any challenge around the home and garden. On our website you can find an overview of the battery charging times.
Advice from your STIHL dealer
A STIHL dealer will be pleased to advise you on which tool is best suited to your gardening requirements. Just visit one of our dealers for an individual, non-binding consultation. Click here to find a dealer near you.
You can find more useful information about gardening in the following articles in our “STIHL gardening tip” series.