Universal trimmer coil: selection tips and reviews. Trimmer spool and do-it-yourself line refilling Do-it-yourself trimmer attachments spool

Trimmer heads are used for cutting grass and lawns. Such a device has a fairly simple device and is easy to operate. Thanks to this, the unit has become popular with the population and utilities. Light weight is an additional plus, almost anyone can cope with the work of such a device. Consider the features of the unit and reviews of manufacturers.

Description

Trimmer heads include a cutting element, a special rod, a mover and a control mechanism with a handle. The unit is designed for cutting grass in the courtyard area and garden plots. The compactness of the device and ease of operation allow you to do high-quality work in the most inaccessible places. With the help of this unit, you can also trim shrubs and a young garden. Adjustable elements allow you to set the desired cutting height of grass on lawns and playgrounds.

When choosing trimmer heads, pay attention to the following parameters:

Power indicator.
The weight of the device.
Power type.
Placement of the engine, which can be top or bottom.
Type of cutting piece.
Rod type.

Classification by type of line feeding

Husqvarna trimmer heads are classified according to the way the line is fed, as follows:

Manual type. The feed of the fishing line in this embodiment occurs by a mechanical method. To lengthen the cord, you will need to stop the device and pull out the edges of the cutting part with your hands.
semi-automatic. Such instances allow the replacement of the cord without touching the head of the ground. This option is feasible with the help of a special key and an anchor mechanism that makes it possible to lengthen the working part of the fishing line due to centrifugal action. It is important that the whole procedure is carried out with the unit turned on.
Automatic trimmer heads differ in that during their operation, the extension of the cord is performed automatically after a decrease in engine speed. The feed line is carried out in the normal mode.

Of the above mechanisms, the manual version is not very practical and convenient. Automatic variations are also not popular due to the high consumption of fishing line. The optimal version will be semi-automatic execution.

Criterias of choice

When purchasing Champion trimmer heads and other models, you need to focus on the purpose of using the unit. For a large area with a flat lawn surface, it is better to use light and not very powerful modifications. If it is planned to process an overgrown summer cottage, it is more reasonable to take a model with a high power rating.

The selection of the cutting element also plays an important role in the final functionality of the unit. The working part is a special fishing line or working knives. This takes into account the stiffness and density of plants. The universal trimmer head will allow you to process most of the vegetation, but it is not always durable and efficient.

Device

The device in question is a coil of a special configuration, which is equipped with an internal cord. It can have different sizes, it is wound on the inner element of the spool up to 15 meters long.

The edges of the fishing line are set at a certain distance for the possibility of work. When it hits hard objects (stones, trees, etc.), the working element is destroyed. Depending on the type of fixture, the heads may have a different configuration. Universal analog is suitable for most modifications. This is due to the possibility of using a number of special adapters.

Filling the line

According to this parameter, trimmer heads can be divided into two categories:

Fast charging. On such models, when winding the cord, it is not necessary to disassemble the coil. One edge of the next refilled fishing line is wound into a reel and wound several times. After selecting the desired length, the material is cut off.
Collapsible heads. To refuel them, you need to remove the reel from the unit, then remove the used line and wind a new analogue.

The working head contains special pointers in the form of arrows. They are responsible for the direction of movement of the working part during rotation. If it is necessary to wind the fishing line in the direction of rotation of the shaft, it is turned into a certain position. An excessive amount of cord is fraught with equipment failure.

If it is impossible to wind the cord after a blow on the semi-automatic head, the winding should be performed again. Most likely, the user did not pull the ends of the scaffold out of the nests.

Popular Models

Consider briefly the representatives of the most famous manufacturers of spools on the domestic market:

Trimmer head Oleo Mac M-10/11.25. This model belongs to the professional semi-automatic options, used in the operation of lawn mowers. The diameter of the working part is 13 centimeters, it is distinguished by a quick filling of the fishing line.
Husqvarna T-45X- has an open eye, easy giving of a cord. Work items can be changed individually. Increased reliability and reduced wear are ensured by a bearing surface with a ball bearing.
Husqvarna T-35. This model is a head with automatic line feed (just hit the spool lightly on the ground). There is a tap and go function.
Champion. Modification ET 1002KA belongs to the middle price category. Differs in simplicity in dismantling, strong vibration during the work is not felt.
Trimmer head DDE. The Win 6 type variant is designed for cutting grass with a fishing line with a diameter of 2-3 mm. Suitable for electric and petrol mowers with 10 mm working shaft. The maximum allowable speed on the shaft is 10 thousand revolutions per minute.
Autocut C-4-2. This head is suitable for Stihl lawn mowers, used for mowing grass and cleaning the area. There is an automatic adjustment of the length of the working strings when the head touches the ground. The model is compatible with 2 mm line.

Exploitation

When the cord meets solid objects, it stops abruptly, as a result of which the line gets inside the device. She lies under the spool and sticks together. To correct the situation, you will need to stop work and lay the fishing line again. As a prevention of such inconveniences, it is recommended to treat the line with silicone grease before installation in the reel.

In the device of the trimmer head Autocut, like other semi-automatic models, two parts of the main element are distinguished: the body and the spool. Both parts are provided with spring mechanisms. The spool can be made in several configurations:

Modifications with one section. In this case, both ends of the line are wound together.
Models with a couple of compartments. In them, each edge is wound onto a specific element. This design is more efficient, avoids tangling of the scaffold and its sintering.

It is quite possible to redesign a single-section spool into a version with two chambers. This will require a strong plate, from which a circle is cut with a diameter identical to the thickness of the spool. This item is in free movement. Then an incision is made on the ring, mounted on the head and fixed with adhesive tape or glue.

Peculiarities

The universal trimmer head can be equipped with two to four holes. They are opposite each other. From these elements, the ends intended for mowing are derived. In addition to the indicated types of spools, there is a head designed for a certain size of the line. In such coils, the number of whiskers increases to a dozen. Among users about such devices, opinions are divided.

Some consider such a unit more efficient. Others are sure that the line consumption will be significantly higher with a dubious improvement in the quality of work. In addition, to replace the scaffolding, it will be necessary to interrupt the process. When choosing a trimmer, consider the terrain and vegetation characteristics. After that, you can choose the option that is best suited in a given situation.

The trimmer coil cuts the grass, but it wears out and often needs to be replaced. Recently, motorcycle or electric scythes have become widespread. The main working element of such a garden tool is reels with line tucked inside. Therefore, it is extremely important to choose a quality element so as not to waste money, because the device is quite expensive. To reduce the cost of maintenance of lawn mowers, you can learn how to fill the forest into the trimmer coil yourself.

Often, manufacturers of power tools do not complete their products with a number of necessary or useful devices for work, offering to purchase them separately (as an additional option). With a scythe coil, the situation is different: since this is the main working element of a garden tool, all trimmers are supplied with it, but the quality of the coil from the scythe kit leaves much to be desired.

The consumer has to purchase the coil separately - this is done to increase sales and generate additional profits for manufacturers.

Below are questions about what a trimmer is, what coils are and how to insert and secure the fishing line on your own.

What is a trimmer

Under the trimmer mean scythes or electric scythes. In fact, this is one of the types of lawn mowers (hand mowers) that are designed for mowing grass. This is a modern braid. Initially, they were developed for agricultural work, but lawn mowing became the main use of trimmers.

For the first time, the idea to create a trimmer came up with the American entrepreneur J. Bollas. Driving his car through an automatic car wash, he noticed that the principle of rotating brushes could be used to mow crops.

After that, he assembled a primitive trimmer from a tin can (as a reel) and a fishing line threaded through holes drilled in it. He installed the resulting design on a pole, on which the engine from a moped was previously mounted. The device mowed not only wheat, but also grass. Realizing that he would earn a lot of money by selling the scythe, the entrepreneur improved his product and gave it the name "Weed Killer". A feature of the invention was the ability to mow the grass around the trees - the forest perfectly cut the grass, but did not injure the bark.

The main purpose of such a tool was to mow grass in small areas in places where classic wheeled vehicles cannot be used:

in the presence of a large number of shrubs;
in gardens with a lot of trees;
near fences and fences;
if the area has uneven terrain.

All trimmers incorporate a rod - the main structural element. A gasoline or electric motor is attached to the rod at one end, and a reel with fishing line is put on the other - the main working element. In this case, the type of transmission can be any - it is limited only by the capabilities of the manufacturer and commercial parameters.

Why is this tool called differently

The trimmer was originally understood as a manual lawn mower with an electric motor. At the same time, the mower was powered both from the mains and from the battery, which can be installed on the bar or carried in a special pouch.

The main cutting element is a fishing line, which creates some restrictions on the type of grass being processed: only plants with a thin and soft stem can be mowed. The mowing area is limited by cable length or battery capacity. However, recently, gasoline-powered braids have also been called trimmers. They give greater mobility to the worker, which can significantly increase the size of the site.

But electric and gasoline scythes were originally varieties of lawn mowers, however, with the advent of the trimmer, these designs have ceased to be in demand and are now rarely produced, and their names have moved to trimmers - most people are more accustomed to calling this tool.

Coil specifics

In the modern world (both in the city and in the village), it is practically impossible to do without such a modern and useful tool as a trimmer. It is widely used by employees of public utilities in large cities, such devices are also in demand in farms, they are used to improve summer cottages, vegetable gardens, gardens, etc.

Photo of a complete set of a garden trimmer coil.

However, it should be remembered that the main working element is the head for the trimmer - a spool of fishing line. It is this element that most often fails and requires care. The price of coils has a wide range (from 10 to 150 dollars), which makes such a tool even more expensive. Any manufacturer (even a branded one) usually completes its product with an inexpensive and low-quality coil. However, it is possible to work for quite a long time with a primitive coil, provided that the work on caring for it is carried out in a timely manner.

Like any other mechanical element, the coil requires cleaning from crowded grass, cooling during overheating and filling with lubricant. However, coils often fail for various reasons, and buying new ones or carrying broken ones for repair is quite expensive. In this case, almost all malfunctions can be eliminated independently. Disassembling the coil is not difficult, especially if you follow the instructions.

The first part that often fails on a trimmer spool is the line. The fishing line is a consumable item for which the manufacturer is not responsible. At the same time, on many models of reels, replacing fishing line is a complicated procedure (and for some brands it is impossible). Attempting to replace the line with a material different from the parameters of the original line may lead to the destruction of the reel.

The reel itself (the part of the element on which the line is wound) rarely fails, while the grooves through which the working part of the line is threaded and which hold it can collapse (grind off), since they are almost always made of plastic.

Video about lubricating the cable, replacing the shank, installing the protective cover and trimmer spool:

Despite the abundance of spare parts for trimmers on sale, not everyone can afford to buy them, in addition, there are often restrictions on available products. For example, manufacturers make “individual” mounts for a trimmer, a universal coil will not fit on such a mount. This often makes it impossible to purchase a suitable reel for the price. Some manufacturers make reels designed for thin line (up to 3 mm in diameter), which significantly limits the capabilities of the trimmer. Therefore, there is an option for self-manufacturing of the coil.

How to make your own coil

The basis of a homemade coil is a disc made of durable material. It is best to use textolite about 5 mm thick for these purposes. It is quite strong and reliable. The size of the disk depends on the dimensions of the trimmer and personal experience - how it is more convenient to work.

Next, a hole should be drilled in the center of the disk. The diameter of the hole must be equal to the diameter of the axis of the rod (the latter is attached to the rotating shaft of the engine). In this case, it is extremely important to determine exactly the center of the disk. After that, you should drill 4 holes for the fishing line. Their diameter will be equal to the diameter of the fishing line, and they will be located in pairs on opposite sides of the axis (2 on one side, 2 on the other from the axis of rotation). In this case, the design of the reel is greatly simplified: it is not necessary to wind a large amount of fishing line, but it is enough to fix (tie) a small segment of it through the prepared holes.

To give the structure the necessary strength and reliability, it is recommended to find a spring, the inner diameter of which will be equal to the diameter of the shaft, and install it on the shaft on top of the finished disk.

After the fishing line is tucked in and fixed on the disk, you can start testing. The fishing line may not be fixed to the disk motionlessly: even if it is threaded through the holes, it will not fall out, because the engine gives high speed to the shaft, and the centrifugal force is enough to hold the fishing line under load.

This design, instead of a purchased coil for a trimmer, has many advantages: you can install any fishing line (both thin and thick) into it, the device itself is practically “indestructible”, and it will not take a very long time to purchase a new coil.

The disadvantages of this homemade product include the following:

the need to cut a pair of pieces of fishing line of the same length;
when installing without attaching a fishing line, it is necessary to make sure that equal lengths of fishing line hang from the reel.

Video about winding fishing line on a trimmer spool:

The body can be used from an old coil - it rarely breaks.

Conclusion

Such a homemade coil can significantly reduce the cost of operating the trimmer, which improves its performance. You can use the same trimmer to cut both small shrubs and soft and thin lawn grass.

The trimmer is a simple and very popular device that helps keep lawns, flower beds, parks and gardens in order. Its main advantages can be safely:

versatility - by changing the cutting element (fishing line or a special knife), you can mow not only grass, but also dense shrubs, vines and shoots of young trees;
ease of operation;
relatively small weight.

Such a mowing unit can be powered by an electrical network, a battery or a gasoline engine. Depending on the energy source, the trimmer equipment is different, but the trimmer head remains one of the invariable elements in all models. In some instructions, these parts may also be referred to as a coil.

Trimmer head (coil) - types, features

This element of the trimmer is a special coil on which the cutting cord (fishing line) is wound. It is the ends of the cord, which are advanced to a certain distance at high speeds, that mow the grass. It is worth noting that a reel with a cord can only be etched with low grass, but tall weeds, vines or shrubs can destroy the cord.

Today, a coil for a trimmer of various designs is found on the consumer market. Specialists divide coils into the following types:

manual - to adjust the length of the cord, it is necessary to stop the operation of the unit and manually pull out the fishing line;
semi-automatic - adjustment of the cord is carried out with the engine turned on, control is carried out using centrifugal force, just press the button on the handle;
automatic - to change the line, it is enough to slow down the trimmer, after which the speed is increased and the line will automatically lengthen.

From these descriptions, we can conclude that the manual coil on the trimmer is the most inconvenient design. The automatic design of the reel is convenient during operation, but has one drawback - it is not economical, high consumption of fishing line. Therefore, the best option is a semi-automatic design.

A trimmer, be it gas or electric, is the only solution for cutting grass in hard-to-reach areas that a wheeled lawn mower can't handle. As a cutting tool in trimmers, metal knives or a special fishing line are used, which are tucked into the trimmer spool. But, unfortunately, trimmer heads become unusable over time during operation. Some malfunctions can be fixed by hand, while others require a complete replacement of the mowing head.

Mowing heads for trimmers come in a variety of designs, both simple and complex. The figure below shows semi-automatic trimmer head from Husqvarna lawn mowers (Huskvarna) disassembled.

This type of head is present in the configuration of most gas mowers and electric trimmers, such as Stihl (Calm), Patriot (Patriot), Champion (Champion), Bosch (Bosch), Huter (Huter) and others. The device of the mowing head is quite simple. It includes the following details:

mowing head base;
button for semi-automatic cord feed;
bobbin (reel) into which the fishing line is refueled;
spring;
eyes - through them the fishing line comes out;
trimmer head cover;
fishing line (cord).

There are also simpler trimmer heads, shown in the next photo.

All these nozzles do not allow you to change the length of the fishing line in semi-automatic mode (after pressing the button). If the cord breaks, you have to stop the mower and change it manually.

Basic coil malfunctions

Users of electric trimmers and lawn mowers often encounter a problem with a semi-automatic mowing head. Coil failures can be as follows:

the line does not lengthen automatically;
cord spontaneously comes out of the coil.

Line does not lengthen automatically

If the fishing line does not lengthen when the trimmer coil button hits the ground lightly, then the reasons for this may be as follows.

Option 1 - there was a bite, i.e. clamping the cord between the turns. This problem usually occurs if the user wound the line on the spool unevenly, with the turns crossing, or wound it with insufficient tension. In the latter case, when the mowing head rotates at high speeds, under the influence of centrifugal force, the cord begins to tighten, as a result of which interturn clamping of the fishing line is possible. To fix the problem, you will have to disassemble the coil on the trimmer and rewind the cord correctly, that is, with even turns with good tension.

Option 2 - too short ends protrude from the head. The fishing line may not come out when it hits the ground if its ends sticking out of the head are not long enough (short). In this case, the centrifugal force is not enough to stretch the line. Therefore, it is required to stop the unit (turn off the engine or disconnect the electric trimmer from the mains) and pull out the fishing line manually, after pressing the button.

Option 3 - the line is soldered inside the mowing head. This causes the reel to stall and not spin when the button is pressed. Basically, this happens for several reasons: poor quality of the cord, overheating of the coil during prolonged operation of the unit, impact of the fishing line on hard objects.

In the first case, third-party cords can be made from low-quality and fusible materials that cannot withstand mechanical and thermal stress. Therefore, preference should be given to “branded” fishing lines.
But, if you nevertheless purchased a fishing line of unknown quality, and it often gets soldered during operation, then you can follow the example of some users who, after filling the cord into the spool, moisten it either silicone grease(from a can) or mineral oil. This procedure greatly reduces the likelihood of soldering between coils of fishing line.
Also, the fishing line can become soldered if, during mowing, it hits a hard object (stone, fence, dry branch, etc.). As a result of this, it stretches a little and is pulled back into the head at high speed. From friction, the cord heats up, and its turns stick together. The only thing that can be done to eliminate this malfunction is to open the trimmer coil and rewind the line.

Cord spontaneously elongates

There are situations when the trimmer user notices very fast line consumption. However, he never hit the button on the ground to lengthen the fishing line. The reason that the fishing line spontaneously lengthens, being cut off by a special knife on the casing of the device, can be no spring in the mowing head. Often novice users of mowers, when trying to charge the line into the reel, forget to install the pressure spring in the head, or completely lose it when the cover is opened, and in the future they are not even aware of its existence.

Also, the fishing line can be extended without using a button if the spring is weakened. If checking the spring confirmed this fact, then several washers must be placed under it to enhance its clamping properties.

How to remove the spool and replace the line

Trimmer owners, mostly beginners, are confused, bordering on panic, when it becomes necessary to change the cutting tool or line in the reel. Very often, when trying to unscrew the mowing head, users simply make it unusable, not suspecting that it is unscrewed in the opposite direction. To prevent this from happening if a tool needs to be replaced, it is recommended that you read the step-by-step instructions below.

Is it possible to make a coil on a trimmer with your own hands

There are a large number of trimmer heads (not automatic) on sale, which have a low price and good quality. But sometimes situations arise, for example, in the country, when the trim coil is broken and its repair is impossible, the store is far away, but it is necessary to mow. In this case, you can quickly, literally in a few minutes, make a simple trimmer nozzle for fixing fishing line from ordinary plywood 10-12 mm thick.

Take a piece of plywood or textolite and draw a circle on it with a diameter of about 14 cm.
Cut out the disc with a jigsaw or hacksaw.
Drill a hole in the center of the disc that matches the diameter of the gearbox shaft. Do not forget to put a washer on it before installing the disk on the shaft.
Small corners can be screwed along the edges of the disk or 1-2 holes can be made on opposite sides. They will serve to fill them with fishing line.
To fix the fishing line, several screws can be screwed into the plywood.

Such a homemade mowing nozzle is fixed on the shaft with a nut. It will not work to tighten or unscrew the nut without fixing the shaft. To replace the cord, it will be enough to release the screws, insert a piece of fishing line of the required length and press it again.

Also, a mowing nozzle for fixing fishing line on it can be made from a metal sheet. How to do this, you can understand from the following video.

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