EQUIPMENT FOCUS
By Angie Mellor
STRING TRIMMERS— the Swiss Army Knives of Lawn Maintenance
Greenworks, STIHL, Husqvarna, RedMax and Edgit offer insight on the advancements of string trimmers and some of their attachment systems.
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ow complicated could a string trimmer possibly be? How innovative? Representatives from Greenworks Tools, STIHL, Husqvarna, RedMax and Edgit Company offer some insight on the changes and advancements of string trimmers—from ergonomics and safety to the future of environmentally conscious products.
What Contractors Want and Expect in a String Trimmer
Chad Bishop, the product development manager at Greenworks, believes contractors are looking for balance and comfort when on the hunt for a string trimmer: “They would like it to be flexible so they can use it for many different functions, such as bed edging, trimming and in smaller areas that mowers cannot reach.” Meanwhile, Christian Johnsson, a product manager representing Husqvarna and RedMax, notes that the ability and durability of the equipment is essential, along with its run time. “It
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has to withstand all of the abuse it is going to be exposed to. It should have a decently long or fairly long run time, regardless if it is gas or battery driven.” Mike Poluka, a product manager at STIHL, agrees that, whether a string trimmer runs on gas or batteries, landscapers want “more power, increased durability, a lightweight design and reduced vibration.” Steve Byrne, an inventor and CEO of Edgit Company, adds that cost-effectiveness, whether in saving time or money for a contractor, also drives purchasing choices. “When I was a mowing contractor, I wanted the lightest, most powerful, most reliable, most versatile and least expensive trimmer, in that order. I settled on the first three. My trimmers were for manicuring lawns, which meant using them for both trimming and edging.”
APRIL 2019
This attachment system from Greenworks Tools includes an articulating hedge trimmer, string trimmer, pole saw, edger, cultivator and blower.
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I wanted the lightest, most powerful, most reliable, most versatile and least expensive trimmer, in that order. – Steve Byrne, Edgit Company
Equipment Features
Greenworks’ string trimmer is battery-operated, but its design provides the same functionality its gas counterparts offer. Bishop notes, “A lower gearbox and rear-mount motor allows the end user to use a same style trimmer head as a gas unit, and therefore provides the same functionality a user is accustomed to when performing their trimming tasks.” Additionally, multiple attachments, such as a string trimmer, edger, pole saw, cultivator, articulating hedge trimmer and blower, provide savings and convenience for users. Bishop says end users are achieving cost savings because they don’t need to purchase several pieces of stand-alone equipment.
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4/5/19 9:07 AM