trimer guards on or off

[ronslawncare]

i usally take off my trimmer guards because it enhances edging.but today i put one one my mechanic said you can burn you clutch out like that.i see aot of guys who have there strings like helicopter strings thats were i would assume damage i keep mine at a decent lenth.when it gets to short than i bump the head once .what do you guys do.

[Brickman]

We have had this discussion before but usually on the merits of saftey or lack there of.

My dealer told me the same thing last week. Too long of string will burn out the clutch.
I have always left the guard on for saftey reasons. Insurance frowns on the guards being off of equipment if you want to make a claim.

[lawnman_scott]

I go through about 1 clutch a year using mine every day every week here in FL, cost about $20. Its well worth it for the time it saves, and if you ever have an insurance claim, and they want to see your gaurd, just go put it on, then go find another insurance company.

[Mid Rivers]

On. How does having them off save time?

[johnhenry]

Scott is right leave it on. if for any reason your eyes. Safety is everything

[wxmn6]

Leave the guard on. I always keep the guard on my trimmer all the time. It is for safety reason.

Safety first. Live with it.

[SterlingLawn]

Been running trimmers with guard off for thirteen years. This years I kept one on a new trimmer for awhile just to see the difference. Definitely slowed me down. Needed a longer line than guard would allow for. Probably just a personal preference but I like a better whip with longer line. Dealer always tells me that it is the preference with most companies they deal with but make sure I put guard back on when I bring it for service. Warranty void without it.

[65hoss]

I always ran them on. Last year I took it off for a while. It did save time trimming having it off. Have much more string out to get it faster. It is a noticable difference at first. Then after eating rocks always, I left a new trimmer guard on. I was surprised at how it made me even faster. It was like it helped me get even better with the trimmer. Can't explain it, but its true. Now all guards are back on.

[TLS]

Like only a week or so ago!!! :rolleyes:

I have mine ON. For only one reason....

I like the cutoff knife on there.

On ECHO's you can "flip" the knife and gain a additional 1" (2" total) of string.

The guards block just about nothing from hitting you! It is just an elaborate cutoff knife holder for me!


TAP - AND - GO!!!

[gogetter]

I just took the gaurd off one trimmer last week just to see what the fuss was about.
I definatley like it off better. First, I was surprised how much lighter it felt. My arms were less tired after doing a cluster of 3 lawns at once.
I touch up edges each week using trimmer, and I could see better without gaurd.
I was able to get into tighter spaces then I could with the gaurd on.
I could trim around small obsticles without having to move around the object. In other words, I can trim with all sides of the trimmer head. With gaurd on you can only trim with front and some of the sides, but not the back.

It does send more debris in my direction (especially when edging), but on a positive note, it did get me to finally wear my eye protection!!!!

[PaulJ]

One word. "EDGIT" It's a gaurd and a guide. A much better shield than anything factory and a great guide for triming and edging, and it helps keep the string the right length to. Check out the websight www.edgit.com:)

[Mykster]

Alos took mine off my two FS80's and, I liked the results. As far as safety is concerned, either way you still get flying debris.

[PrimeGreen Lawn]

I'll sacrafice a little time/speed for my safety. Always on.

[rkbrown]

On here, too.

[awm]

for my personal use i dont think i could even trim very well with guard on.
i do a lot of little maneuvers with it ,
that the guard would prevent.
just wear good safety glasses.
anybody dont wear glasses trimming ,guard or not is begging for trouble.

[bubble boy]

Originally posted by Mid Rivers
On. How does having them off save time?

see gotgetter's post.

and i would bet re: the wieght factor...most likely the reason gotgetter was less tired was not less weight, but less walking and more ease of use.

for someone who likes the added safety, i would say just keep your guard on and don't worry about it, after all everyone has their preferences

but if someone is interested , use goggles and give it a try and you might (will) prefer it.

[LawnLad]

I laugh at the crews that I see while out driving that are line trimming with their heads half turned and they're eyes some what squinted shut. Gee - they could avoid this if they wore safety glasses.

Trading safety for speed is no reason to remove protective equipment. I can see how a solo might justify it - and if you want to risk it - fine. But when you have employees - you jeopardize your entire company and the employment of everyone in it because some lawyer some day will get you for being negligent because you let an employee take out his own eye. I sure would hate to live the next 50 years with 50% eyesight. I can't even believe there is a discussion about this.

[Jimbo]

Do a search and you will find the previous post.

To get the best of both worlds do like I did and make yourself a custom extension bracket to move the guard back by 4". This will give you a 8" larger cutting path and still provide some debris protection.

CASE CLOSED

Good Luck,
Jim

[Brickman]

Lawnlad my point exactly. You hit the nail right on the head.

[MikeLT1Z28]

with mine on i don't feel nearly the amount of stuff pelting my face. still happens some but i use the back of the stihl guard as a level with the ground.

[keifer]

110% off.