Do you take the guard off your trimmer?
- Thread starter Hipastore
- Start date
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Hand held section, string trimmer. I have no comment on what is allowed.
Both claims are correct. In addition, removing guards may lead to excessive clutch wear.
Needs to be an experienced operator using one without the guard - too much cord out will put undue stress on the clutch. The setting for the factory for length of cord it cuts at is not long enough for my use (at least with stihl trimmers) I don't take it off, I remove the cord cutter and cut the plastic only enough so the cord won't hit it. The guard is for operator safety only - it won't stop rocks from hitting bystanders, windows, car paintwork, and even the operator sometimes - it's not a perfect safety system. That's why they have a safe operating distance printed on the shaft when new.
It's pretty easy to keep the right amount of cord out when you've used one long enough. You can tell by sound / engine revs. If you let too much out, cut some off. The only time I usually end up cutting cord is after a re-spool and you don't wind it on quite short enough.
We use stihl autocut bump heads.
It's pretty easy to keep the right amount of cord out when you've used one long enough. You can tell by sound / engine revs. If you let too much out, cut some off. The only time I usually end up cutting cord is after a re-spool and you don't wind it on quite short enough.
We use stihl autocut bump heads.
Lighter duty homeowner units might be a different beast - my only experience is with commercial / pro models.
Taking it off or not is based on your actual demand. Which benefits or factors are more important to you is most critical.
This is comedic. Use the guard don't use the guard it doesn't really matter.
As a manufacturer you should only have one stance on this subject, and that is the guard needs to stay on as a safty device. Outside of that you can and will be held liable for any accidents that arise from you stating it ok the remove the guard.
As a manufacturer you should only have one stance on this subject, and that is the guard needs to stay on as a safty device. Outside of that you can and will be held liable for any accidents that arise from you stating it ok the remove the guard.
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Running without one will void the warranty, but I take mine off.
For what reasons
J_Ashley
ArboristSite Operative
Not really. It's exceptionally rare to be trimming with the string nearest the operator. Even with the guard off, you can only trim "back" so far, before hitting the shaft against whatever object you're trimming.
On my 25cc trimmers, I leave the guard on. Removing the guard for more line-length causes too much drag on the engine, reducing RPM & thereby available torque for actual cutting. These trimmers are light enough by themselves, that I've found removing the guard also upsets the weight balance too.
I have a Stihl KM131 trimmer, where I do remove the guard. It's a 36cc 4-stroke though, so it's hard to stop. Yes, with the guard removed, you have to be more cautious of flying debris hitting the operator.
I use the guard for three things.
1) keeping the line from going too long with the built in cutter
2) protecting plants by using the guard to back into them
3) stopping some crap from hitting me, those little rocks hurt, as does some stubby brush
Guard for me and true safety is only when using blades like a brushcutter.
1) keeping the line from going too long with the built in cutter
2) protecting plants by using the guard to back into them
3) stopping some crap from hitting me, those little rocks hurt, as does some stubby brush
Guard for me and true safety is only when using blades like a brushcutter.
