Cutting width
The capture width provided by the unit, in other words, the width of the strip of land cultivated in one pass. In fact, this size corresponds to the width of the working nozzle.
The large working width is useful when processing large open spaces, as it allows you to finish the job in a small number of passes. On the other hand, for hard-to-reach places, relatively narrow tools are better suited, able to go where a wider unit will not fit. In addition, the width of the tool directly affects the weight and price.
In general, it makes sense to compare in terms of working width only units of the same type (see above). However, it is worth noting here that trimmers do not differ so much from each other — most models capture from 25 to 45 cm (and a wide processing band is provided by moving the nozzle from side to side). As for the other types, in the most modest models the capture width
does not exceed 40 cm, in the heaviest and most powerful it can be
56 – 60 cm or even
more(in mini tractors — up to 1.5 m).
Line diameter
The diameter of the fishing line supplied with the trimmer (more precisely, with a reel attachment, see "Tips").
In modern models, this parameter can be from 1 to 4 mm. At the same time, a thicker fishing line handles better with dense thickets, but it works rougher, the treated lawn is not particularly even, and for the effective operation of such a nozzle, a fairly powerful engine is needed. On the other hand, a fine line provides a clean and neat cut, but is not suitable for heavy vegetation and large stems. Thus, thick fishing line is usually equipped with powerful units designed for "launched" lawns with an abundance of thick stems. Thin, on the other hand, is found mainly in low-power electric trimmers with a lower engine location, designed for neat lawns with regularly cut grass.
We also recall that many trimmers have the ability to replace the standard reel with another one that differs in line thickness.
Fuel consumption
Fuel consumption of the mower's petrol or diesel engine (see "Engine type"). Usually, the characteristics indicate a certain average value, in the standard mode of operation; the actual consumption may differ in one direction or another, depending on the features of operation. Nevertheless, this indicator quite accurately characterizes the "voracity" of the engine as a whole.
More power usually means more fuel consumption, but engines with similar performance can differ in fuel consumption. And here it is worth bearing in mind that a more economical unit is likely to cost more, but this difference pays off by reducing consumption. Also note that knowing this indicator and the capacity of the tank (see below), you can determine the approximate operating time on a single refill.
Electric starter
The presence
of an electric starter in a gasoline or diesel lawnmower engine (see "Engine type")
Such a system is an electric motor powered by a separate battery. It greatly simplifies the starting procedure: no need to pull the cord or turn the handle — the rotation of the shaft necessary for starting is provided by an electric motor. In essence, the user only needs to press a button. On the other hand, electric starters are rather heavy, bulky and expensive, and the battery can be discharged during long-term storage. Therefore, this function is found mainly in high power motors, which would be difficult to start manually.
