The brush cutter is a very convenient tool for eradicating weeds and grass, very common in works for vegetable gardens, but potentially very dangerous. It is in fact based on a rotating head which keeps rigid threads in motion, which are given the task of cutting the weeds. Fast moving mechanical elements, pebbles that can be thrown away like bullets, wires that can break and splash away, exhaust gases of internal combustion engine models: they are all sources of potential danger. Here is the importance of knowing how to use the brush cutter well and safely
How to use the brush cutter:
Once the accessories to be used for cutting has been chosen and the brush cutter is put into operation, the operator can decide the height at which to perform the work. Generally, you choose to cut grass and weeds at ground level, and the brush cutter can be used both on flat surfaces and in sloping areas. You can Alternatively Use the Lawn mower for grass cutting.
The speed of movement of the rotating head is decided by the operator through a control system on the handle.
It is normal for the wire to stop cutting after some time or break. The wire is usually rolled up inside a special housing and, if it is necessary to use it again, it is sufficient to extract a portion of the wire to replace the broken or ruined one continuously.
Some more technologically advanced brush cutter models are equipped with an automatic wire feeding system. In this case there is also a device that checks that the wire that comes out is of adequate length for the motor power.
Tips on how to use the brush cutter:
When you have not yet learned how to use the brush cutter, a common mistake that you make with it is to continue working at maximum power even when you are near objects or plants. The high speed of rotation obviously tends to ruin everything that is within the range of action of the brush cutter, but also to wear out prematurely (or even break) the nylon thread.
It is therefore recommended to work at low speeds when rigid objects are present within the range of action of the brush cutter, also remembering the fact that lower speeds do not necessarily entail longer working hours.
In fact, by working at reduced powers it is possible to save a lot of time, since less often you will have to stop work to replace the damaged thread. Furthermore, at lower rotation speeds, the wire is able to cut plants that grow around small obstacles such as stakes or fences more effectively, because it does not twist around them.
Brush cutters can also be used to make vertical cuts, for example in order to remove the weeds that grow along the junction between roads and sidewalks. To facilitate this operation, it is possible to use vertical rotating systems, but in general it is not recommended to perform similar operations because in this way we tend to create cracks in which the water tends to infiltrate, ruining the pavement.
How to use the brush cutter: the safety issue:
Before wondering how to use the brush cutter, it would be good to reflect on the fact that only trained people, both physically and technically, should use it, since this device can be very dangerous. For your personal safety, during use you must always wear protections such as:
Protective visor:
It is essential to protect the face (and especially the eyes) both from the fragments of branches, grass or stones, and from the aerosol that is created by the fragmenting of plants and which is often able to cause allergies. There are visors made of different materials, for example plexiglass or poly carbonate, and some of them can be adjustable or also have nets for the protection of the throat.
Work overalls:
The clothes to be worn must be heavy and reinforced, and always well fastened.
Cut resistant gloves:
Their use is essential to protect the hands from flying fragments but also to avoid the formation of calluses and blisters on the fingers. Typically these gloves are made of nitrile, a yarn that allows excellent grip and sensitivity of the hands, but at the same time is very resistant to tearing and abrasion.
Protective leggings:
they are worn to prevent cut fragments or ‘flying’ stones from injuring knees, shins or ankles. The leggings are usually made of nylon, and reinforced with special padding or rigid PVC elements.
Footwear:
They must have reinforced toe and non-slip sole.
Ear plugs or earmuffs:
A not insignificant problem in using the brush cutter with a motor is due to the fact that the operator is forced to breathe the exhaust gases produced, and in the case of two-stroke engines the emissions are particularly harmful due to the incomplete combustion that occurs inside the cylinder.
From this point of view, the four-stroke engines are slightly better, more efficient, but the electric models are the ones that pollute the least. The electric brush cutters, being zero emissions, are not only more respectful of the environment, but also of the health of those who use them.
Some “flash” safety tips:
Within 15 meters of the brush cutter there must be no people, animals or damageable artifacts.
The brush cutter must be used only and exclusively to cut weeds, shrubs and small bushes, and never wood or other rigid objects.
When using the brush cutter you must always be in an open place: never start it indoors, or in any case in the presence of flammable substances.
Do not smoke while working with the brush cutter.
The replacement of accessories must always be carried out with the engine off and with the possible power cable disconnected.