Just Because You See Pros Do It Doesn’t Mean It’s a Good Idea
Here in central Florida, it’s common to see lawn care crews remove the guard from their string trimmers. On the surface, what’s not to like? You can clear large areas faster, edge more easily, and bump less often. But before you head out to the garage to grab a screwdriver and start removing parts, let’s think this through a little more.
How String Trimmer Guards Work
String trimmer guards serve two primary functions. The most obvious is that it puts a physical barrier between you and any debris the trimmer kicks up.
The second is that it contains a cutter that keeps the line from stretching out too far. While some cutters are reversible so you can choose between a larger cutting swath and higher runtime, they all limit the maximum line length.
Removing the string trimmer guard eliminates both benefits.
Actions Have Consequences
Let’s start with safety considerations. You might not think that flinging grass clippings into your shins is a big deal, but that’s not the only risk. It’s unlikely that you’ll get landscaping rocks moving with much pace, but small pebbles, wood chips, and thorny clippings from your last rose pruning can be painful.
Worse, if you flip your trimmer around for edging, you can put your eyes at risk if you neglect safety glasses.
If that’s not enough to convince you, other consequences directly affect your wallet.
Manufacturers set the line length to match the engine or motor tuning in a way that lets it run efficiently. When you take the guard off your string trimmer and run longer line, it has to work much harder to keep the higher mass spinning. That builds up additional heat that can cause premature failure of the motor or engine.
Battery-powered string trimmers carry twice the risk. Not only does the motor run hotter, but you’re pulling more current through the battery, increasing the heat in it as well. At the very least, you’ll reduce the service life of both.
You’ll also get less runtime. For gas trimmers, you’ll have to stop to refill more often. For battery-powered models, you’ll need more batteries.
So, even though Pros sometimes remove their string trimmer guards, it’s not a good idea. Of course, if you’re not the one paying for repairs, replacements, fuel, and batteries, you might not care. But if it comes out of your wallet, don’t say we didn’t warn you.
Key Takeaways
- Removing the guard introduces higher risk of injury from flying debris
- Guardless trimming forces the engine or motor to work harder, reducing runtime and service life
- Battery-powered trimmers run the additional risk of overheating batteries
