String trimmer guard

[George777]

I was just wondering if removing the string trimmer guard would make it easier to trim with. I have seen several companies around that have them removed. Logically it would seem that you could see what you're doing better.
Just wanted to know how most of ya operate with a string trimmer, also if taking it off is a big safety hazard.

[Bassman]

There have been many threads concerning this subject.
In a nutshell, the bottom line is it's probably 50/50 people who keep it on and who take it off. Your call.
You may want to use the search feature to review previous posts.

[guntruck]

We have some on and some off. You need to keep an eye on the amount of string released, if too much its too much strain on the motor or even clutch i hear. If you leave the guard on it cuts it to length all the time =).

[Ssouth]

George, I think I may be one of the few who leaves the guard on. Yes, could see better and cut a wider path but I feel they put them there for a reason. Not only for safety but to keep the line at a specific lenth. I am very concerned with saftey since I pay for workman's compenstation. Personally, I would take the guards off if I could figure a way to keep the line trimmed to manufacturers specs. Everyone has there own opinion on this subject. I suggest you try it both ways and see what works best for you. Even if you can see better, how much time will it save?

[Lee Homan]

If you wear shorts while you mow or use your trimmer to edge you better leave them on. It's bad enough what comes flying back at you with the guards on take them off and see what happens. Believe me, I've tried it both ways. I leave mine on.

[lawnman_scott]

I leave mine off, and i do wear shorts. Yes leaving them off will make you go through clutches faster, but they cost about $30, and i go through about one a year on each unit, so i feel that its well worth it.`

[Cutter1]

You will go through clutches quicker and you will take some good shots to the shins, but I prefer to use my trimmers without the guard. I like running more string and with the bigger trimmers it can handle the extra string. I have watched my dealer change so many clutches, I started doing them on my own. I buy a bunch at the beginning of the year.

[65hoss]

Mine come off as soon as I buy it. Makes production go up considerably.

[jasonp]

They put it there for a reason I leave mine on. Even with it on I get hit with a rock every now and then. I could not imagine trimming with it off, those rocks hurt pretty bad.

[gorrell]

without a doubt, remove the shield, performance definitely improves, a few more nicks to the shins but nothing that will leave a "mark"..........Lynn

[awm]

if a trimmer can handle a brush cutter seems it could handle exstra line. just mine, but a trimmer becomes a much more effective tool with guard off. just a govt requirement i think . ALWAYS ,ALWAYS , wear safty glasses when trimming.

[HOMER]

I ain't even goin' there!

[George777]

Ok, I understand some off, some on. I think for now I shall keep it on.
thank you all for your info.

[HOMER]

Good idea George! :D

[skyphoto]

I have a stihl fs 85 that came with the large deflector but you can remove the bottom portion of the shield which has the line cutter so you get the best of both worlds.I use my trimmer to edge alot so a deflector is almost a must!

Peace!

[65hoss]

Why not take it off and try it. That way you all have an educated opinion it. Less than 1 minute it comes off. If it doesn't work for you, put it back on. But give it an honest try. I bet you'll like the speed increase. But you do need tougher skin to handle it.

[Plowzer]

LOL...I took it off once. I hit a bottle. A peice of the glass hit the vein on the front of my shin(what are the odds of that?). I looked down 5 mins. later and my sock was soaked with blood. Needless to say, I do not think for one second that it is worth removing the gaurd. I've been cuttin' for 12yrs. and still chuckle at the guys not using the gaurds. I'd keep it on. There are safer ways to get more line out.

[awm]

watch the solo boys .IF I HAD HIRED HELP
I MIGHT LEAVE IT ON FOR LEGAL REASONS , I DONT KNOW