|
 Outdoor
Trimmers – The Different
Power Designs,
Advantages and
Disadvantages
By Dan Fenstemaker,
Inventor of the Original
INTELETOOL
There are many different
designs of outdoor
trimmers, and I will
discuss the different
power options that are
currently available.
It’s important to think
about the trimming and
cutting needs you have
and then keep in mind
the advantages and
disadvantages of the
types of outdoor
trimmers available.
Electric Outdoor
Trimmers with Power
Cords
The main advantages of
electric outdoor
trimmers with power
cords are price,
maintenance, weight and
noise level.
Typically, though not
always, electric outdoor
trimmers with power
cords are the least
expensive models
available. Electric
trimmers usually require
less maintenance and
weigh significantly less
than outdoor trimmers
with gasoline engines.
Electric outdoor
trimmers are also much
quieter to use and they
are better on the
environment than
gasoline.
The disadvantages of
electric outdoor
trimmers with power
cords are restricted
distance of use, lower
strength than gas
powered units, and the
possible danger of
cutting the power cord.
The maximum cord length
to use with an electric
trimmer is 150 feet. The
longer the cord, the
more resistance there is
in the current, which
reduces voltage that can
be hard on the electric
motor.
Gas powered units can be
substantially stronger
than electric units, so
electric units are
better for smaller,
light-duty jobs. You
also need to be
conscious of where you
are dragging the power
cord and avoid tangling
or slicing the cord
accidentally.
Electric Outdoor
Trimmers with
Rechargeable Batteries
Electric outdoor
trimmers with
rechargeable batteries
are also much quieter
than gas powered models,
but they weigh more than
power cord units because
of the added battery
weight, and they usually
aren’t as strong as
power cord models and
typically only work for
about 30 to 45 minutes
before needing to be
recharged.
Like power cord units,
they are better for the
environment, and the
main advantage over
electric models with
power cords is the
unrestricted distance
you can travel with your
trimmer.
Gas Powered Outdoor
Trimmers
The clear advantage of
gas powered outdoor
trimmers is the power.
Gas powered models can
tackle tough trimming
jobs and you can move
through your work much
more quickly. The most
obvious evidence for
this is the fact that
you don’t see
professional crews using
electric units. They put
many hours of work in,
tackling tough, large
jobs, and they want to
work quickly and
efficiently.
If you have a large
property and do a lot of
trimming, gas powered
models are your best
bet, but the main
disadvantages are the
noise, the fumes, and
the extra work that gas
powered engines require.
Propane Powered
Outdoor Trimmers
I have even seen propane
powered units on the
market. These units are
for the environmentally
sensitive users who also
want the mobility and
unrestricted movement of
not having to use a
power cord.
The main disadvantage of
propane powered designs
is keeping propane
canisters in stock. They
can run up to $5.00 per
canister, and you cannot
re-fill the canisters,
though they are
recyclable.
There are also other
cool features and
designs you may consider
when purchasing outdoor
trimmers. Some have
adjustable handle
lengths and
interchangeable head
capabilities that allow
you to turn your grass
trimmer into a hedge
trimmer, or pole saw, or
even a mini garden
cultivator.
Think about the trimming
needs you have, do your
homework on what’s
available, keep the
advantages and
disadvantages of the
various designs in mind,
and remember to buy a
good quality outdoor
trimmer that will last
you for years to come.
---
Dan Fenstemaker is an
outdoor trimmers expert. For more great
information on
outdoor trimmers, visit
http://www.inteletool.com. |
