How to get the most out of your brushcutter
When it comes to clearing work, a brushcutter is your most versatile tool.
If you are planning on clearing a large area, start by setting an overall plan. This keeps you from having to stop and figure out what to do next while working, therefore saving you a lot of time. Always walk systematically in a way that takes you back in time for the next fuel refill. If you are working on a hill, start at the bottom and work your way up gradually instead of going up and down.
Safety equipment
- A helmet with visor and hearing protection
- Tear-resistant garments
- Protective gloves
- Reinforced shoes or boots
Setting up
Before starting work, make a habit of checking for any visible cracks in the blade or in whatever cutting equipment you are using and make sure that:
- The lock nut and the fuel cap are properly tightened.
- The blade guard is not damaged.
- The throttle, stop switch and muffler work as intended.
- The blade does not rotate when the engine is in idle.
- The harness is adjusted comfortably and the safety release works.
Getting started
Make sure that people are not standing close to you while you are working. A distance of at least 10 metres is appropriate. Place the machine on the ground against the solid surface with the cutting part facing away from the surrounding objects.
Press down on the machine with one hand—not your foot—and grab the starter handle with the other hand. Pull it slowly until you feel a resistance and then yank it hard and quickly. Once the engine starts, remember to reset the choke control.
The harness
By using the support harness, you effectively distribute the weight of the brushcutter and add great balance, making the machine feel lighter as well as more manoeuvrable. Also, in case of an emergency, the harness offers a quick release feature that lets you drop the brushcutter instantly. Make sure that you know how this works before you start working.
How to adjust your brushcutter
Once you have adjusted the harness to fit your body, it is time to move to the actual brushcutter.
Here are three things you can fine-tune for maximum safety and efficiency:
- The loop. When letting go of the handle, the cutting blade should balance gently on the ground. To accomplish this, adjust the suspension loop on the shaft until you get the right balance. For the best result, do it while the tank is half-full.
- The handlebar. The handlebar can easily be adjusted sideways. Adjust it so that it is positioned right in front of your arms.
- The handles. Set the handles so that the angle of your elbow is about 120° when the brushcutter is hanging freely. Be careful not to tilt the handlebars, since this will position the brushcutter too close to your body.
Maintenance and service
A well-sharpened blade will make your work session much more effective.
Therefore, file the blade fairly often, preferably after every refuelling.
Regular maintenance also extends the life of your machine.