What does the trimmer attachment for weeding potatoes look like and how to use it correctly

In the classical sense, a trimmer is designed for cutting grass. But few people know that when changing the nozzle, it is used as a device for weeding. This device greatly facilitates the work of summer residents and makes weeding better.

What attachments exist and how to use them correctly, we will tell you in the article.

What is a trimmer attachment for weeding potatoes?

A trimmer is a device that runs on electricity or gasoline. The working part of the device is attachments, which change depending on the purpose. The equipment saves time and effort for summer residents and is highly productive.

What does it look like

Trimmer attachments are divided into two types:

1. Disk. The working part consists of two pairs of cutting discs.
2. Serrated. The working part consists of cutters arranged sequentially on the shaft.

The choice of nozzle depends on the type of soil. Disc ones are used mainly on heavy soils. They are distinguished by their rigidity and strength. Tooth-type nozzles are used to cultivate light, loose soils. They are much lighter in weight than disk ones.

Principle of operation

The operating principle of a trimmer with a weeding attachment is as follows. The transmission of torque from the engine to the hitch is carried out through a shaft arranged in the rod. The knives penetrate the soil, pulling out the weeds along with the root system from the soil. The weeds themselves remain on the surface.

Important! The main principle of operation of the weeding nozzle: it does not cut off green vegetation, but pulls it out along with the root system.

Types of construction

The design of such a device is usually equipped with one or two pairs of cutting parts. Instead of a gearbox, they are attached to the trimmer at the bottom of the rod or near the motor. The brush cutter works by burning liquid fuel.

Types of structures:

1. Cultivator. It is considered the most popular attachment. Its advantage is that it simultaneously weeds and loosens the soil. The cultivator consists of disk elements that are placed on one axis.
2. Three- or two-blade knife. Used for cutting weeds. It is a metal plate with two or three pointed blades along the edges.
3. Trimmer head with fishing line. Designed for cutting weeds. Treats row spacing. For work, two types of fishing line are used: circular and faceted.

Choose the right attachment for your device. Too heavy options will overheat the engine.

Mounting options

The following methods are used to secure the working part:

• near the engine instead of a rod;
• instead of a gearbox under the rod;
• a method in which the rod is disconnected in the middle.

The number of slots on the end of the rod is different for each model. Therefore, when choosing a nozzle, pay attention to this.

The best models and their prices

When choosing trimmer attachments, first familiarize yourself with the manufacturers and design characteristics. Pay attention to value for money. Start monitoring reviews of the model you like. We'll tell you about the best models of attachments on the market.

KAAZ Kat-MC250P

Refers to cultivator attachments. Equipped with a subsoiler.Suitable for use in small areas.

Characteristics:

• manufacturer - Japan;
• brands: trimmer ECHO PAS-Tiller Cultivator, brush cutter PAS-265ES;
• price: 9990 rub.;
• knife material: hardened steel;
• Dimensions of the working body: width – 24 cm, depth – 36 cm.

KR400MP MAKITA 195710-3

Designed for small areas. The working part consists of cutters.

Characteristics:

• manufacturer - Japan;
• brands: EX2650LH, DUX60Z;
• price: 17160 rub.;
• knife material: metal;
• Dimensions of the working body: width – 16 cm, cutter diameter – 23.3 cm.

Milling type working body

Designed for weeding, which carefully digs up the soil, facilitating the penetration of moisture and nutrients and saturating it with oxygen.

Characteristics:

• manufacturer – Taiwan;
• brands: for TAC lawn mowers;
• price: 7900 rub.;
• knife material: steel;
• power supply: petrol engine;
• weight: 5 kg;
• Dimensions of the working body: width – 18 cm, cutter diameter – 20 cm.

How to weed potatoes correctly with a trimmer with a special attachment

Timely and properly carried out weeding potatoes will ensure the active formation of leaves and tubers of the crop. A trimmer with attachments will help you quickly and efficiently remove weeds.

Basic rules

To weed potatoes using a trimmer, several rules are followed:

1. Before work, put on equipment (goggles, respirator) that will protect against dust and small particles.
2. Weeding is carried out regularly once every 14 days.
3. Use the device with plant heights up to 20 cm.
4. The event is carried out in dry weather with the aim of mulching the plantings.
5. Do not deepen the cutters too much. A processing depth of up to 2 cm is sufficient. This will provide the soil with oxygen and remove dried crust.
6. Do not use a device with low power for a long time - take breaks to avoid overheating of the engine.
7. After treatment, the working part is disinfected in order to get rid of pathogens.

Precautionary measures

Safety rules when using a trimmer to weed potatoes:

1. Use metal blades only on trimmers with a straight shaft. For a curved rod, use plastic knives.
2. Be sure to read the instructions before use.
3. Before starting work, check that the device is working properly.
4. Wear protective equipment before starting work.
5. Carry out weeding in dry weather.
6. Fill gasoline-powered tools with fuel to a level of 1 cm below the lower edge of the filler neck only in the open air, with the engine turned off and cooled.
7. Warm up the engine at medium speed.
8. Use the tool only for its intended purpose.

Advantages and disadvantages of use

Advantages of using a trimmer during weeding:

• speed of task completion;
• high quality weeding;
• copes well with young weeds;
• loosens and enriches the soil with oxygen;
• weeding with a trimmer refers to organic farming;
• possibility of weeding in small areas;
• The nozzle is equipped with a protective casing.

Disadvantages of using a trimmer for weeding:

• the weight of the device increases;
• the cutter does not allow you to press the blades close to the soil;
• there is constant vibration and noise during operation;
• Long-term cultivation of land using this device is unsafe for health due to gasoline vapors.

Is it possible to make such a nozzle with your own hands?

It is not recommended to make a weeding attachment by hand, since it is difficult to select its width and the diameter of the cutters in such a way that the trimmer motor will not be damaged. But the price factor has a great influence on summer residents.

Craftsmen offer options for making attachments with your own hands.

Necessary materials:

• metal sheet 5 mm thick;
• nails;
• welding machine;
• metal cutter;
• fittings

Stages of manufacturing a three-bladed nozzle:

1. Take a sheet of metal.
2. Draw circles with a diameter of 32, 22 and 11 cm.
3. Cut them along the contour and make holes for the working shaft in the center of each circle.
4. Take the reinforcement and weld the discs at a distance of 1-2 cm.
5. Take nails and weld them to the discs.
6. It turns out to be an excellent homemade hedgehog attachment.

When working with homemade working parts, be sure to use a protective cover on the trimmer.

Reviews

Before you start weeding with a trimmer, evaluate your capabilities. Many summer residents share their experiences.

Ivan, Minsk: «I think that with modern technologies you definitely need to use them. But their use must be approached wisely. For example, at the beginning I weed the potatoes exclusively with a trimmer, and then I go through them with a walk-behind tractor and cut the ridges. The potatoes always turn out great.”

Vitaly, Novgorod: “I have a small potato farm. Recently, I have mechanized potato weeding, which has helped reduce labor. It turned out to be both fast and cost-effective.”

This is interesting:

The nuances of storing potatoes in a vegetable store.

Treating the stomach with potato juice.

What caliber of potatoes are there (table) and what does it mean.

Conclusion

Weeding potatoes is an integral part of agricultural technology for growing crops.Using a trimmer for these purposes definitely facilitates and speeds up the weeding process. And the result is harvest – will delight you with quality and quantity.