Products, Vendors, CAD Files, Spec Sheets and More...
Sign up for LAWeekly newsletter
A while back I looked out my window and noticed the gardener mowing the lawn. Actually, he wasn?EUR??,,????'???t mowing, he was whacking it, using a trimmer. Granted, this lawn didn?EUR??,,????'???t exactly require a sit-down mower, but the thought of using a weed-wacker to mow my lawn, let alone any lawn, had never crossed my mind.
Unfortunately, the gardener was also using the trimmer to chop the life out of my plants, flowers and shrubs. With one inappropriate swing, the garden my wife had been working on for six months was slashed into the great foliage afterlife. The gardener lost his job and I took over the duties.
One problem: I didn?EUR??,,????'???t have a working lawnmower – just a weed-wacker. The following week, I put on my work gloves and pulled out my 12-inch, bump feed trimmer and took care of my lawn. I used a little more caution than my former gardener and took great care when maneuvering around the flower garden.
It took a little longer than a lawnmower, but overall, it did the job. Now, I have a lawnmower, but I still use that trimmer on a regular basis. Although, the gardener was lousy he showed me that it sure is fun to use the weed-wacker.
There are a variety of trimmers on the market, most with similar uses and purposes – to trim weeds, grass and overgrowth.
The Black & Decker Grass Hog GH400 is a popular trimmer used in both residential and commercial maintenance. This 12-inch machine has an Automatic Feed Spool (AFS). AFS means, no bumping required. The spool uses centrifugal force to feed the line as needed.
The GH400 has a ?EUR??,,????'??Groom and Edge?EUR??,,????'?? head that rotates 180 degrees for edging. Additionally, an edge guide assists with maintenance edging. The trimmer also has an adjustable second handle, to allow for comfort and control for the operator. Another feature of this electric trimmer is the cord retention system which prevents accidental cord disconnection.
The handheld BC2600 is a commercial-grade brushcutter, designed to be a rugged slicer and dicer of high-volume weed, grass and light brush. It is a cordless unit with an oversized fuel tank, allowing for a fuel capacity of .85 quarts. It also has to anti-vibration modes to help dampen the vibration and reduce user fatigue. It has an emission system that meets EPA standards, a loop-style handle and is blade capable.
Maybe your needs are beyond that of a hand held trimmer. The DR Commercial Trimmer is a step above the others in the horsepower category. It is a stand-behind-unit that can be used for most landscaping applications, in orchards, and around the home. The DR comes equipped with an overhead valve engine that produces power and torque.
The DR can be used for trimming and mowing. It can also be used for cutting and slashing brush. There is also an optional Beaver Blade attachment that will allow for the DR to slice through small trees up to five inches thick.
Additional features include a Briggs and Stratton Intek OHV series engine, electric starting, a cast iron cylinder sleeve, a high-compression head, a composite camshaft, a 1.6 quart fuel tank and a 20-ounce oil capacity.
Are your needs more industrious? Well, there is a tool for every job. If your weeds come in the form of brush, a utility vehicle attachment may be more appropriate. The Brush Shredder by Loftness Specialized Equipment could be the necessary tool. It?EUR??,,????'???s a hydraulic driven, front mounted unit for universal skid-steer mounting.
There are five sizes to choose from ranging from 42 to 96 inches. This unit destroys and mulches standing or windrowed brush up to three inches in diameter. The Brush Shredder Attachment starts at around $6,500.
For More Information:
Loftness Specialized Equipment: www.loftness.com The DR Trimmer: www.drtrimmers.com Maruyama BC2600: www.maruayama-us.com The Grass Hog: www.blackanddecker.com
Grass Hog Specifications: Amps: 4.2 Weight: 5 Pounds Cutting Swath: 12 Inches Retail Price: Approximately $40.00
BC2600 Specifications: Horsepower: 1.4 Weight: 12.7 Pounds Retail Price: Approximately $330.00
DR Trimmer Specifications: Horsepower: 6.75 Weight: 81 Pounds Cutting Swath: 14 Inches Retail Price: Approximately $898.00
Francisco Uviña, University of New Mexico
Hardscape Oasis in Litchfield Park
Ash Nochian, Ph.D. Landscape Architect
November 12th, 2025
Sign up to receive Landscape Architect and Specifier News Magazine, LA Weekly and More...
Invalid Verification Code
Please enter the Verification Code below
You are now subcribed to LASN. You can also search and download CAD files and spec sheets from LADetails.