Trimmers & brushcutters Q&A

Professional trimmers and brushcutters      

 

When the grass and brush gets tough, you need a trimmer that offers raw power beyond expectations.

 

Our Trimmers and brushcutters utilise our most powerful professional grade 2 stroke engines and have advanced features such as high torque gear cases, heavy duty air filters and quick change cutting heads. Combine this extreme power with light weight, ergonomic build quality across the range and you have trimmers and brushcutters that will make quick work of the largest jobs. These tools offer serious power and can drastically improve the productivity of professionals - saving time and effort.

 

Brushcutters: why you need more power

ECHO brushcutters are built to the highest standards, giving you the assurance you need to tackle the toughest of tasks. Their ergonomic design allows you to work more efficiently, so days seem shorter and difficult jobs easier.

 

High torque gear cases allow you to power through thick brush and tall grass in one pass. At ECHO, we’ve been gradually improving vibration reduction and ergonomics on our trimmers for decades, so you can work faster and get jobs done more efficiently.

 

From green space maintenance to the taming of dense wilderness, ECHO trimmers and brushcutters perform flawlessly. So whether landscaping, clearing or trimming, make sure there’s an ECHO power tool by your side.

 

Trimmer and brushcutter FAQ :


How do I choose a trimmer or brushcutter?

When choosing a trimmer or brushcutter you must have a clear idea of the kind of work you will be doing and how often you will be doing it. Typically, brushcutters are more powerful and designed to be used for longer periods of time. The bicycle style handles combined with a harness reduce fatigue by supporting the unit’s weight, making it easier to maneuver the brushcutter correctly. Brushcutters also tend to have a larger range of cutting accessories available, like metal blades for thick brush, small branches and mulching. This is because the larger engines can deliver more power. On the other hand trimmers offer good power and more versatility. There’s no need to strap into a harness and the loop style handles make the unit both smaller and lighter.

 

 

Do I really need a brushcutter?

If you are working big jobs on a regular basis that involve clearing a lot of long grass or thick brush then you may be better off with a brushcutter. It really comes down to how long you will be working for and how often. A trimmer could be more suitable for regular small jobs as they are lighter weight and quicker to get up and running. But if you’re working for long durations at a time then the comfort and power of a brushcutter cannot be beaten. The extra set up time of strapping on the harness will soon be negated by the extra power, comfort levels and ease of motion provided. Overall, a brushcutter will provide far less fatigue during big jobs.

 

 

What to do with a brushcutter?

Before using your brushcutter ensure that you are wearing the correct safety equipment; hearing protection, eye protection, gloves, sturdy footwear and protective trouser like the ECHO brushcutter trousers. You can see the range of ECHO safety equipment here.

You should use your brushcutter to clear long grass or thick brush in areas where a mower simply cannot do the job.


What is the proper technique for using a trimmer or brushcutter?

Trimmers and brushcutters are used to clear areas that your mower can't get to or lacks the power for. If you use the correct technique when trimming you will increase your productivity and reduce fatigue. The trimmer head should be just above the ground at a slight angle. Since it's the end of the line that does most of the work, ensure your line is always close to its full length. The cutter on the shield will automatically ensure any excess length is removed. When cutting, using a sweeping motion from right to left, will keep consistency and also push the clippings into an orderly pile. Between cuts, when sweeping the tool, it's good practice to release the throttle to idling.


How do I choose the correct brushcutter? 

With brushcutters you would be forgiven for thinking that buying the most powerful available will allow you to breeze through both big and small jobs. However, the most powerful is not always the best solution. Here is a brief guide to engine sizes and their best application: Everything below and up to 25cc is good for trimming and some light brushcutting. 25 cc to 40 cc brushcutters are a good intermediate between brushcutting and a bit of trimming. And for heavy duty work like corse grass or a lot of weeds to cut then 40 cc to 55cc will bethe best range. The most powerful is not going to be the best match for all kinds of work.


How often should I inspect my trimmer or brushcutter?

Inspect your trimmer or brushcutter every time before use. If your machine is broken, or missing parts then it is not safe to use. Always make a quick check.


How do I maintain my trimmer or brushcutter?

When you work with cutting blades you should sharpen every time you refill the fuel tank and when working with trimmer line make sure you are applying the right diameter for your machine.

Store trimmer line in a bucket of water 24hours before usage, this keeps the line flexible and reduces the need for refilling as the line wont break as easily - saving you time and increasing your efficiency.


How should I store nylon line?

Store nylon line in a cool area away from direct sun light. Before use it's a good idea to keep the line in a bucket of water for at least 24 hours. This keeps the line flexible and reduces the need for refilling as the line wont break as easily - saving you time and increasing your efficiency.


Is the shield on a trimmer or brushcutter important?

Always use the proper shields. Working without the protective shield on the lower end will increase the wearing of the clutch, drive shaft and bevel gear. It will also increase vibration which will reduce your efficiency. 


How often should I adjust my brushcutter harness?

Always adjust the harness before using your brushcutter. You may be wearing something different from last time you used the tool. Getting the right fit will increase comfort and lower stress on your body - increasing efficiency and reducing fatigue.


Should I use full throttle when working with a trimmer or brushcutter?

Always use a brushcutter at full throttle, this applies to trimmers, hedge trimmers and chainsaws too. There are only 2 positions you should use - one is idling speed and the other is full throttle.

For example, if you work at 90% throttle you will increase vibration and wear on the clutch, drive shaft and bevel gear, ultimately increasing the cost of ownership.


How often should I perform maintenance on my trimmer or brushcutter?

You should perform regular maintenance especially on bevel gear and the drive shaft. Bevel gear needs to be greased every 50 hours or once a month. The drive shaft every 100 hours or once per month.


What personal protective equipment do I need to use a trimmer or brushcutter?

Wearing proper PPE when using a trimmer or brushcutter will keep your safe. You should wear eye protection, ear protection, gloves, a long sleeve t-shirt, protective brushcutter trousers and steady shoes.

 

How to store a trimmer or brushcutter?

Remove the fuel from the tool completely. Drain the gas tank and replace the cap, start the engine and let it run until all remaining fuel is gone, ensuring that the fuel lines and carburetor are empty

Remove the spark plug and pour 1 teaspoon of 40:1, 2-cycle engine oil through the spark plug opening. Slowly pull the starter rope 8 to 10 times to distribute the oil. Replace the spark plug with a new one.

Clean the air filter, or replace it if it’s worn.

Thoroughly clean the exterior of the trimmer or brushcutter and lightly oil external metal surfaces. Check for any loose, broken or damaged parts and replace if needed. Store in a clean, dry area.

 

How to hang a trimmer or brushcutter.

Most professionals hang their backpack blowers when not in use. You can easily buy a backpack blower rack online or install some hooks yourself. The hooks simply support the blower’s weight from the carry handle. Units available to buy online often feature a fold down steel arm that locks the blower securely in place.

 

How to start an ECHO trimmer or brushcutter.

To cold start a backpack leaf blower: 1. ensure there is fuel in the fuel tank. 2. Activate the on switch. 3. Activate the choke. 4. Push the primer bulb 2 – 5 times. 5. Pull the starter cord. 6. Switch off the choke. 7. Pull the starter cord again.

 

To warm start a brushcutter: 1. Activate the on switch. 2. Push the primer bulb 2 – 5 times. 3. Pull the starter handle.

 

Can you go deaf from a trimmer or brushcutter?

There are no instances of anyone going deaf from using a trimmer or brushcutter. However, as with all power tools it is highly recommended to use the appropriate safety gear. In the case of petrol trimmers or brushcutters this includes protective ear muffs.


My trimmer or brushcutter engine is flooded, what can I do?

In the event your trimmer or brushcutter's engine is flooded follow these steps to fix the problem:

  1. Check the fuel level
  2. Check that the switch is on the on position
  3. Ensure the choke is off
  4. Hold down the throttle completely
  5. and pull the starter cord until the engine starts


Who carries trimmers and brushcutters?

Trimmers and brushcutters are usually carried by green space professionals like landscapers

or professional grounds maintenance staff.

 

 Check out ECHO's full range of trimmers and brushcutters here!