Advice please for a wuss on how to use a petrol brushcutter?

EpsomOldie

I have an allotment five minutes walk from where I live. The paths around my allotment are very overgrown with grass and weeds which are very unsightly as well as being anti-social.

I was lucky enough to win an Einhell petrol brushcutter in a Gardeners' World magazine prize draw a few years ago, but - I feel embarrassed to admit this - I'm scared of it. I took it out of the box and assembled it but I've never used it or even tried to. I'm fine with power tools generally, and not usually wussy, but I've never used a petrol-powered thing, only electric, and it somehow seems:

1. Dangerous because of the petrol (I know...it sounds pathetic even to my own ears).
2. Physically difficult, in terms of the strength needed to pull the starter cord to get it started. I remember trying to start an outboard motor on a boat five years ago. The person showing me was very patient, but I just couldn't get the technique of yanking the cord properly.
3. Unfamiliar because the instructions mention 2 stroke oil and choke which I've not come across before.

Anyway, I've just come back from the allotment having tried to use shears to cut down all the grass / weeds on the paths. It took over an hour to cut about 1.5 metres and I feel really annoyed with myself. It'll take literally days of non-stop shearing to cut the paths and that's time I'd far rather spend doing planting / weeding on the plot. Besides which I work full-time so cannot dedicate that amount of time.

It's really daft to have the right tool for the the job and not use it, so can anyone offer any useful advice?

One of the things that's putting me off is that I noticed when I was assembling it that it wasn't as well made / designed as other power tools I've bought / used, like Bosch. However I've Googled Einhell Petrol Brushcutter and although it's not a top of the range brand like Stihl, it's not complete rubbish either so my feeling that it's not safe is unfounded

It came with all the safety equipment, like helmet, visor, ear defenders and harness, and I know to wear gloves and boots so there's no excuse not to use it.

Has anyone else used a petrol-driven tool for the first time, and do you have any hints or tips?

Thank you.

lottiegirl

hi I use a petrol strimmer at my allotment . im 5ft 2 & a girl ! and Iam able to start the strimmer without any bother. So long as I remember to switch the *start* switch on ( have forgotten a couple of times and cursed it for not starting ooops yes I am blonde)
Not familiar with the make to use but have heard of them.
My strimmer came with a small plastic bottle clearly marked with the level for unleaded petrol, and then an additional level for the 2 stroke oil, then pop the sealing cap on and shake gently to mix . and pour into the petrol tank. Usually the same capacity as the mixing bottle and quite small , but goes a long way.
I am sure one of the other allotment chaps/girls would help you by showing you how to start it and the choke, at mine there is usually someone around and all very friendly. I would not be with out mine except the chap next to me insists his push mower gets neater results!
It would be quicker than the shears and if you have safety gear then remember to use it, not your flip flops! once the first time is done you will wonder why you didn't use it before. Good luck.
I am sure someone else will be along soon to explain things better.

EpsomOldie

Thanks Lottiegirl, that's really encouraging.

fwor

Also, if you're only using it infrequently, don't forget to completely empty it of fuel before putting it away.

If you leave any in it, the petrol will evaporate, leaving behind the oil and fuel additives which block the insides of the carb, which really will make it hard to start...

amcluesent

There's a bit of a skill in starting 2-strokes, so you may want to practice in the back garden before putting on a show at the lottie.

Otherwise, I'd say don't be afraid of the tool and tale a good grip, let the strimmer do the work by taking small sweeps and build up your confidence

valk_scot

Do you know anyone on the site who uses a petrol strimmer, or who has experience of them? If so ask for a demonstration, perhaps in return for a loan of the strimmer. I learned to use our big allotment one under supervision and it was easy once someone showed me the correct way.

EpsomOldie

Thanks for your advice everyone - very helpful. Isn't this place fab? I'll give it a go - probably next weekend is the soonest I can get back to t'allotment - and let you know how I get on.

Davesnave

EpsomOldie wrote: »

It came with all the safety equipment, like helmet, visor, ear defenders and harness, and I know to wear gloves and boots so there's no excuse not to use it.

I don't know about others, but personally I've found little need to wear gloves or boots (unless you mean wellies, which can have steel toe caps) when using the brushcutter with line. Wellies keep most of your trousers free from the green slime.

Certainly, with a harness on, it's physically difficult, if not impossible, to hit my own feet. I can't remember the last time I was hit on the hand by debris, but it has happened. I still prefer to feel things properly, though.

Most of the safety problems I see surrounding brushcutters relate to others, as hard, loose stuff can fly quite a distance when hit, typically away from the operator. This has particular relevance when cutting next to roads, or where there is dog poo around. :eek: Being less solid, this can also come upwards towards the operator, hence the usefulness of face/eye protection.

And although at a lottie you may not have a big window problem, at home it's a good idea to repeat the mantra, "I must keep my back to the house when strimming" a few times before setting forth.

Yes, conservatory window, about a month ago. Fortunately, we are demolishing it.

amcluesent

I have a petrol strimmer which has a circular saw blade attachment to replace the nylon spool! :eek:

It was bought a good few years back, I expect it would be illegal now.

Davesnave

amcluesent wrote: »

I have a petrol strimmer which has a circular saw blade attachment to replace the nylon spool! :eek:

It was bought a good few years back, I expect it would be illegal now.

No, these are sold as an extra for some brushcutters, like my Honda. Very good they are too, if you have a lot of saplings etc to clear. Otherwise, a bit of a luxury.