Woman with visor using a petrol burshcutter

Do you know how to use your Line Trimmer or a Brushcutter correctly so your job can be completed quickly, comfortably, and safely?

Line trimmers are essential tools for garden maintenance that offer a versatile solution for keeping edges neat and undergrowth controlled. Whether electric or petrol, using a line trimmer correctly enhances your efficiency and ensures your safety. This guide covers essential techniques and safety precautions required for effective line trimming and brush cutting. Discover expert tips on handling line trimmers effectively, from basic techniques to proper protective gear.

HOLDING YOUR BRUSH CUTTER CORRECTLY

Properly holding your brush cutter is pivotal for both safety and effectiveness. Line Trimmers with a loop handle require a different holding technique to those with a bike handle.

Holding your Trimmer properly ensures your safety and comfort during operation, it will also mean you can work faster. Familiarizing yourself by holding your machine without starting it to get used to the technique.

HOW TO HOLD A BRUSH CUTTER WITH BIKE-HANDLE

If your Brush Cutter or Line Trimmer has a bike handle, follow these steps to ensure you are holding it correctly:

1.FITTING YOUR SHOULDER HARNESS

A well-fitted Shoulder Harness saves energy and makes line trimming and brush cutting  more comfortable. Put on your Shoulder Harness and adjust it if needed. The spring hook should be about a hand’s width below your right hip.

2. SUSPENSION EYELET

Suspend the line trimmer or brush cutter machine from the eyelet using the spring hook.

3. PROPER BALANCE

Adjust the line trimmers or brush cutter’s handles and push the carrying ring along the shaft until balance is achieved. The cutting attachment should be just above the ground. The optimum cutting angle is automatically achieved when the Brush Cutter is balanced.

4. HAND & ARM POSITION

The correct holding position for a line trimmer or brush cutter is with your arms slightly bent and your wrists straight.

HOW TO HOLD A LINE TRIMMER OR BUSH CUTTER WITH A LOOP-HANDLE

Alternatively, if your Brush Cutter or Line Trimmer has a Loop Handle, follow these steps:

1. SHOULDER STRAP

Put on the Shoulder Strap and attach the hook to the carrying ring on your Line Trimmer or Brush Cutter. Adjust the length if needed. The hook should be about a hand’s width below your right hip.

2. HAND & ARM POSITION

Always hold the weed eater with both hands. Your left hand should be on the loop handle and your right hand on the shaft handle.

BEFORE STARTING YOUR LINE TRIMMER OR BRUSH CUTTER

Safety is essential when operating a line trimmer or brush cutter. Before starting up your machine, be sure to inspect your work environment, adjust your machine properly and wear the correct PPE. Follow these tips to ensure you are operateing your line trimmer safely and successfully:

  • Check the working environment for any hazards or obstacles (such as branches). Always have an escape route available for emergencies. Avoid slippery, uneven, or icy surfaces as they can be hazardous.
  • Keep a safe distance of at least 15 metres from other people, this is because the cutting attachment may catch and fling objects a great distance causing injury. However, you should also make sure there is someone within shouting distance in case of emergency.
  • Ensure the cutting attachment is mounted correctly and securely and that it is in good condition.
  • Adjust the harness and handle(s) to suit your height.
  • Wear PPE to ensure safety.
  • If you are using a Petrol weed eater, switch it off and allow it to cool before refuelling.
  • If you are using it for the first time, take some time to familiarise yourself thoroughly with your Line Trimmer or Brush Cutter. The STIHL Owners Guide contains lots of useful information and is worth a read before you get started. 

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) CHECKLIST FOR LINE TRIMMING

To ensure safe operation, before beginning your trimming task we recommend wearing the following Personal Protective Gear.

Illustration showing PPE to wear when using Brushcutter

HEADGEAR

If you are working with a petrol Brush Cutter or Line Trimmer, you need Earmuffs to protect your hearing. You should also wear a Visor to reduce the risk of injury to the head and face from flying objects. Some of our Visors come with built-in hearing protection.

PROTECTIVE EYEWEAR

Protective Glasses are essential to wear when line trimming or brush cutting. They are your primary defence against getting wood chips or other debris in the eyes.

GLOVES

Wear heavy duty Work Gloves made of leather or other wear-resistant material to protect your hands.

PROTECTIVE LEGWEAR: PANTS AND BOOTS

Long pants made of heavy material will protect your legs and sturdy boots with nonslip soles will help maintain good footing, steel-toes are best for protection when line trimming or brush cutting.

STARTING YOUR WEED EATER

Now that you have your PPE on and are comfortable with holding your tool, you are ready to start your Brush Cutter. Follow these steps to help start up your brush cutter or line trimmer safely and successfully.

Woman starting a petrol brush cutter in a well ventilated area

  • Always start your machine in a well-ventilated area.
  • If you are using a petrol Line Trimmer, move at least 3 metres away from your fuelling spot.
  • Make sure you have secure footing and check your holding position.
  • Ensure the cutting attachment is not touching anything.
  • Start your Brush Cutter.

Once you’ve started up your Line Trimmer/Brush Cutter safety and effectively, you can begin trimming. There are different techniques and processes for successfully trimming on different types of terrain and vegetations, learn more about how to trim on different vegetations and terrains here:

SUCCESSFULLY USE YOUR LINE TRIMMER OR BRUSH CUTTER

Utilising a line trimmer/brush cutter effectively not only enhances your gardening efficiency but also ensures safety. From mastering basic positioning techniques to wearing the right PPE, each step is crucial. Remember to start your equipment properly and maintain a correct hold for precision and comfort. For the best selection of line trimmers and expert advice, visit STIHL SHOP, your specialist outdoor equipment store.