Differences Between String Trimmers and Bladed Trimmers
Bushes, shrubs, and weeds can ruin the balance of your yard or garden, when overgrown. Trimming these with the right equipment every once in a while is vital. You can use trimmers, but you must decide which one you need. There are three options available from Redback:
Before you decide what to get, you need to know the differences between string trimmers and bladed trimmers.
Cutting Device
String trimmer utilizes a line made from types of nylon instead of blades. The line attached to the cutting head can spin at hundreds of miles per hour. It also has various thicknesses depending on the complexity of the trimming job.
A bladed trimmer functions like a string trimmer but has (plastic) blades on the cutting head instead of a line. You may be able to find metal blades that are more durable than nylon strings and plastic blades. You can use them for cutting down small shrubs and bushes.
Power Source
Both blade and string trimmers can run on gas, electricity, or battery. Gas-powered trimmers are often the most powerful but the loudest and heaviest too. Electric trimmers can be light and quiet, but the wire will limit your movement. Battery-powered runs on lithium-ion battery and is the best choice for quiet, light, and free movement.
Function
String trimmers are ideal for trimming around rocks, trees, and other objects that a blade should not hit. They were specially for cutting grasses around the tree without harming its bark. You can use string trimmers to cut the whole lawn, but they are more efficient to use on areas that are too big for a lawnmower.
Blade trimmers are used for heavier jobs like extremely dense shrubbery and for edging around stone or concrete. They have various blade options for different brush densities and thicknesses. If the blades are vertical, they will be used for trimming directly next to concrete for a narrow and accurate cut. If the blades are horizontal, you should use them for clearing large areas.
Design
The most common string trimmer design is the engine attached to a long pole with strings. It is usually held with two hands and slightly raised above the ground to keep the strings from hitting the dirt.
Bladed trimmers have various designs. Some are nearly identical to string trimmers except for the cutting tool, which is the blade. The common forms are brush cutters and edgers. Both are usually equipped with wheels at the bottom where the blades are.
Durability
The line on the string tends to wear out quickly because it hits against objects at a high speed. However, you can buy replacement wires at hardware stores to replace them.
Metal blades are naturally more durable than nylon lines. However, it may still chip when it hits against stone and concrete. You can sharpen the blades but must replace them if they chip or crack.
The functions of both the string trimmer and the blade trimmer are similar. Blade trimmers are preferred by people who want to cut through thicker vegetation. On the other hand, string trimmers are more popular because they are more affordable, lighter, and safer. Choose the trimmer that will fit your needs.