11 · Lawn & Garden

String Trimmer

Also called Weed eater · Weed whacker · Line trimmer · Brush cutter

A petrol trimmer whose whirling line cuts grass and weeds along edges and in places a mower can't reach.

2-stroke petrol

Selected model

String Trimmer · Petrol

For heavy growth and long sessions

Overview

A string trimmer spins a length of plastic line fast enough to cut grass and weeds. There is no blade, so it can be run against walls, posts and kerbs without damaging them.

We rent a petrol trimmer for heavy growth and long sessions, and a cordless one that is quieter and has no fuel to mix.

It does the work a mower cannot reach: edges along walkways, driveways and flower beds, around posts, fences and trees, and on slopes, ditches and banks.

Cut with the tip of the line. Pushing the head into the grass wraps it and bogs the engine down, and tall growth comes off from the top in stages rather than in one pass.

Catalogue specifications · Petrol

  • T302 Straight-Shaft Trimmer
  • The T302 Straight Shaft-Trimmer by Shindaiwa is perfect for handling tough, thick grasses and weeds. It delivers powerful performance and durability, making it an ideal choice for professional landscapers who tackle demanding trimming tasks.
  • TOP FEATURES
  • 30.5 cc high-performance, 2-stroke engine
  • Speed-Feed 500 head allows for instant reloading without disassembly
  • 1.62:1 gear ratio for efficient, rapid cutting

Best uses

  • Edges along walkways, driveways and flower beds
  • Around posts, fences and trees
  • Slopes, ditches and banks
  • Grass and weeds a mower can't reach

Troubleshooting

Line won't feed out

Checks to try, in order

  1. Tap the head firmly on the ground at full throttle.
  2. Stop the engine, open the head and check whether the line has fused or tangled on the spool.
  3. Rewind the spool or reload with the correct line diameter.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

Link to this fixDid this solve the problem?
Grass keeps wrapping around the head

Checks to try, in order

  1. Stop the engine and pull the wrapped grass off.
  2. Cut long grass in stages, from the top down.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

Link to this fixDid this solve the problem?
Engine won't startShared · 2-stroke petrol

Likely causes

  • Wrong fuel mix
  • Flooded engine
  • Stop switch
  • Fouled spark plug

Checks to try, in order

  1. Confirm the fuel is 2-stroke mix (petrol with 2-stroke oil at the ratio on the tool's label). Straight petrol will seize the engine.
  2. Set the stop switch to RUN.
  3. Press the primer bulb until fuel is visible, then set the choke for a cold start.
  4. After the first 'pop', move the choke to half/off and pull again.
  5. If it's flooded (strong fuel smell): choke off, throttle fully open, pull several times to clear it.

If there's no compression or the rope won't pull, return it to the workshop — don't keep pulling.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

Link to this fixDid this solve the problem?
Lacks power, bogs down or smokes heavilyShared · 2-stroke petrol

Likely causes

  • Dirty air filter
  • Incorrect fuel mix
  • Blocked spark arrestor screen

Checks to try, in order

  1. Check the air filter and clean it if dusty.
  2. Too much oil in the mix causes heavy smoke — drain and refill with correctly mixed fuel.
  3. Let the tool do the cutting — forcing it bogs the engine down.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

Link to this fixDid this solve the problem?

Safety

  • Wear eye protection, long trousers and boots — trimmers throw stones and debris.
  • Keep bystanders at least 50 ft away.

For 2-stroke petrol

  • Refuel with the engine off and cool, away from where you'll start the tool.
  • Wear eye, ear and hand protection, and cut-resistant gear where the tool calls for it.
  • Keep bystanders well clear of the cutting area.

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