Errors In The Operation Of Battery Trimmers And Mowers (Part 1)

20-30 years ago, a permanent tool that helped get rid of grass was a hand scythe. And then trimmers and lawn mowers took over the minds and hearts of summer residents. However, this love did not immediately turn out to be mutual: not everyone could adapt to bulky, noisy tools that needed to be filled with gasoline or connected to the power grid. With the advent of powerful battery-powered gardening tools, everything has become much easier. But if you make mistakes in their operation, you can ruin even the most high-quality and reliable equipment.

6 errors in the operation of battery lawn equipment

Important! Compliance with the manufacturer’s recommendations and instructions is important not only for the safety of the tool, but also for the life and health of the user!

Error 1. Incorrectly correlate the power of the tool and its tasks

A sure way to destroy equipment is to mow overgrown grass with a low—power mower or trimmer or to swing at last year’s grass deadwood. Therefore, before you purchase a tool, figure out exactly what tasks it should cope with. And if you have already bought a low-power device, do not swing at mowing an overgrown meadow with it.

How right
It is very important to take into account from the very beginning what kind of load the tool is designed for. For example, if we talk about Kärcher lawn equipment, then trimmers and mowers with a battery voltage of 18 V are perfect for maintaining a small suburban lawn in a well-groomed condition. For greater performance, 36 V devices are used. But due to its specifics, battery technology still provides less power compared to electric or gasoline, and it will not work to mow overgrown meadows with it. But with it it is much more convenient to keep in order even a large lawn in your country estate.

Mistake 2. Mowing a littered lawn

Do you have a temptation to mow the grass quickly, without preparation, or in the evening, in the dark? Well, there are few reasons to refuse to inspect and clean the territory of foreign objects… There is a chance that everything will end well, but if you are not lucky, it may not just break the fishing line on the trimmer or break the mower. If a stone flies out from under a knife or fishing line, the trajectory of its flight cannot be predicted, as well as who of those present will be injured.

How right
The mowed area should be clean — remove stones, sticks and other objects from it that can damage the mechanism of tools or harm the health of others during departure. But what about decorative elements or trees in the garden, which are so difficult to mow without hitting? For this case, for example, some models of Kärcher battery trimmers have a special folding bracket — limiter.

You simply fix it over the open sector of the fishing line, rest against an obstacle and mow. The grass will be cut exactly to its border.

Mistake 3. Mowing in the rain

The folk wisdom “Mow, braid, while the dew” convinces that you need to mow in the dew or after the rain. Do not contradict the centuries-old experience! But if you follow this recommendation, you can lose the tool or harm your health.

How right
It is forbidden to use electric mowers and trimmers, including battery ones, during the rain. If water suddenly gets inside the power plant, there is a risk of a short circuit or electric shock. It is possible to use cordless trimmers and mowers for mowing wet grass, but due to its adhesion to knives and to the spindle, the load on them will increase. In addition, it is more difficult and dangerous to walk on wet grass; you will have to clean tools and clothes for longer. Wet mown grass does not fall evenly, but rolls into piles. If they are not cleaned immediately after mowing, bald spots may form on the lawn.

Error 4. Work when vibration occurs

And what? Be patient and pretend that this is how it should be. It’s okay, it will vibrate and stop… But no kidding — ignoring the vibration that suddenly appeared, you can wait for serious damage to the working nodes.

How right
It is necessary to inspect the tool every time before mowing. It is important to monitor the condition of the mower knife: it must be sharpened and firmly fixed. On the trimmer, check the balancing of the lower parts and the length of the “tendrils” of the fishing line — they should be the same.

Problems may also arise due to debris trapped in moving mechanisms. If you understand that you cannot determine the reason for this “behavior” of the tool, contact the service center. This is especially important if the tool is still under warranty. Garden equipment from Kärcher has a warranty of as much as 5 years, if you purchase it in Kärcher centers or in the official online store.

Mistake 5. Mowing with an overflowing grass collector

If the mower is equipped with a grass collector, it is necessary to clean it periodically. When it is full, it seems that you can walk another couple of meters so as not to delay the mowing process. Nothing terrible, they say, will happen, just the grass will be packed more tightly…

How right
Using mowers with a grass collector, it is necessary to clean the container from the grass in time to prevent equipment breakage. It is very convenient when the tool is equipped with an indicator of the level of filling of the grass collector.

Problems can arise only because of volumes. If the capacity is too small, you often have to stop working. If it is too big, it is physically difficult to clean it. Sensibly assess your strength and capabilities of the household — and take into account what the cultivated area will be. For example, in the Kärcher line of cordless lawn mowers, the volume of the grass collector varies from 35 to 55 liters, depending on the model. All tools are equipped with a 2-in-1 mowing system, which allows you to collect the cut ends of the stems into a grass collector or distribute the green mass over the lawn as a natural fertilizer using the mulching kit supplied with the device.

Error 6. Violate the rules of storage and operation of the battery

Problems with technology cannot be avoided:

• if you store the battery wet or in a room with high humidity;
• charge using devices that are not suitable for a specific battery model;
• transport or store in contact with metal objects;
• dropping equipment.

So you will prove to yourself and others that batteries are an unreliable thing, they quickly fail. After all, there are still many summer residents who do not buy battery equipment, fearing just that.

How right
Yes, indeed, not so long ago, the battery tool was not so much getting rid of problems as the problem itself. Out of order quickly, weighed a lot… But this is in the past, and now battery technology is a completely new solution. Power supplies have optimal characteristics without compromising other important qualities. All Kärcher garden equipment batteries are fully compatible with any brand tools with a similar voltage class (18 V or 36 V), it does not matter whether they belong to the category of household or professional appliances. You can buy one or more additional batteries for one tool and mow without a break even all day.

Kärcher batteries are protected from direct water jets and have a shock-resistant housing. They also have an LCD display on which the residual charge level is clearly visible. It is possible to store the battery pack in winter only in dry rooms at a temperature not lower than -20 ° C. If it is not used for more than 21 days, the storage mode is automatically activated in it. This feature protects the battery cells from rapid aging and increases the service life. During the season, you can safely use the equipment on a residual charge, but after long-term storage, the battery needs to be fully charged.

Related posts:

How to Choose the Right Pruner for the Gardener-Novice Garden Tools: Spring Readiness Check (Part 1) Garden Tools: Spring Readiness Check (Part 2) Battery Trimmer: How To Choose And Whether To Choose It At All (Part 1)