5 Reasons to Take the Trimmer Guard OFF Your Weedeater

I share my 5 top reasons to take the trimmer guard off your weedeater. When it comes to taking the trimmer guard on or off, I am a big fan of removing it. The primary reason I remove the guard is to be able to increase productivity. Removing the guard helps me to use a longer string which makes the work faster. It also allows me to see better when flip edging. Removing the guard also allows me to put the trimmer in tighter places like behind an air conditioner. It also gives the complainers something to complain about on KZbin. I get a lot of negative feedback for removing the guard. My advice to those who want to keep the guard is very simple...keep the guard. Don't overthink it. It you like the guard, then don't remove it.
Disclaimer: Removing the guard may increase risk of injury to you or others and may void your factory warranty. Do so at your own discretion and please wear proper safety attire such as ear and eye protection. Also, be aware of your surroundings at all times. Also, read and follow the owner's manual.
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[@andrewb2111]

As a former corporate environmental/safety compliance mgr, and now a landscaping/application business owner, I can understand both positions of the debate. However, I will say that I've been weed eating with my guard on for the past 3 years and it doesn't seem to stop much. I still get debris to the face, legs, and arms. I think it's designed for keeping knuckleheads who weed eat in flip flops from accidentally sticking their feet into the string lol.

[@thedudeguy2356]

It does cause potential overtork which causes the engine to possibly jump and make your trimmer not idle. From what I read.

[@drunkingsailor2359]

Yup chainsaws have a chainbrake but that chain is wide open and stupid users still get hurt. These kind of folks don't belong access to tools that don't understand it's operating characteristics of said tool.

[@andrewb2111]

@@drunkingsailor2359 I agree. You can't engineer every tool to be safe all the time. Eventually a user has to use their brain. A guard over the tip of that chainsaw may prevent the user from cutting with the tip, resulting in fewer kickbacks. However, once it plugs up with debris you know someone will clear it with the engine running and cut their fingers off. Guards have their place, but not when they actually increase the risk of getting hurt.

[@thedudeguy2356]

@@andrewb2111 kinda confused me when you said not when guards increase risk. What guard is made that increases risk?

[@andrewb2111]

@@thedudeguy2356 I've seen it quite often in industry where jigs and homemade fixtures are built to manufacture a certain item. In the average consumer market, most of those issues are engineered out long before the product goes to market.

[@tobinator999]

This is a common misconception. The deflector is not there for your safety. Its only purpose is to keep the line at the proper length for optimal engine speed. If your line is too long you will break the trimmer. Most commonly the shaft will slip in the clutch housing, rendering the trimmer useless. -Former Stihl Tech

[@mowler8042]

I used to take the guard off and I'm in my 25th year of property maintenance and keep it on so why? saves trimmer line and prevents objects hitting me in the eye.

[@tardwrangler]

Insightful, ty

[@MachoRaton]

@@knacket1 Don’t believe a word of that

[@CDG91]

Yea I don’t believe you

[@mowler8042]

@@CDG91 it's right in the name Deflector

[@danyarbrough7847]

Thanks for doing this video. I appreciate your common sense approach to the variety of ways to use this tool. Your way is the industry norm for commercial business applications! Most folks should probably keep the guard on for the now and then users.

[@chrisbrown9071]

I’m a lawn care professional & this was some of the best & most useful advice I’ve ever been given. It contradicted what the local saw shop/dealer told me but I gave your advice a try cuz it made sense & bcuz I knew I was experienced enough & familiar enough w/ my machine that I could do it safely & efficiently. & now a year after taking the guard off of my 3 main high end trimmers, & after countless hours of work w/ them w/ the guard off, I can confidently say that this was a game changer, in SO MANY WAYS! Thank u so much! U explained everything perfectly! & u made sure to point out numerous times that THIS ADVICE ISN’T FOR EVERYBODY! & u r absolutely correct! But for those who it IS for, it’s HEAVENT SENT! THANKS AGAIN! DEFINITELY SUBSCRIBED!

[@Rekkcellent]

String trimmers and hedgers have what's called a "diaphragm carburetor" as opposed to a "float bowl" carburetor on lawnmowers. The reason trimmers and hedgers use a different carb is because they are designed to be used upside down and not flood in use.

[@EarlGuyton425]

Correct, because when I re string my gas trimmers when Im in the middle of my backyard, I simply turn my engine off and sat it on its head and re string it and crank it back up and ive never had a problem. Then go figure the trimmer pole saws used require the engine head to be upside down and run when you reach up for high branches

[@brettblack7049]

As do chainsaws and even some small rototillers. Why are we talking about this.

[@EarlGuyton425]

@@brettblack7049 Its because we did this as a test, so we could see if anyone was stupid enough to think if they raised their trimmer if it would ruin it. Lets sit back because from the people I have encountered there is probably some idiot that believes that

[@Rekkcellent]

@@brettblack7049 Exactly, Brett! It was in response to what Jason stated @1:55 about people saying you shouldn't flip your trimmer upside down.

[@brettblack7049]

@@Rekkcellent okay, I missed that, thanks 😊.

[@piddy3825]

Another good reason for taking the guard off that you didn't mention is that it also reduces a fair amount of weight at the trimmer head which actual changes the balance point making the trimmer easier and more comfortable to wield.

[@pattiannepascual]

Especially for females! There is a huge difference in strength between men and women.my male family members and co-workers pick up weed trimmers as if they were brooms and push mowers like a shopping cart,while I struggle like crazy. So imagine if little alterations to equipment helps men,how much it helps us females!

[@tommyboi76]

💯 percent correct. I have no problem either way but if you're trimming for hours the subtracted weight makes a huge difference

[@joe0813]

they are plastic.... they weight less than a pound... go to the gym

[@scottkaluza4156]

@@terminator7137 When I was trimming at a Gulf Corse I worked at. When I had to lean down toward the lake side. My back would feel the burn, it got easier as the summer went on. It was a workout for the forarms as well, but riding dirt bike helped with that. 🍎🍊

[@PGC195]

Thanks for this info will have to look into taking mine off just got a new STIHL bouta be a absolute shredder

[@Bernardory]

Thanks for being real and honest! It’s so true that this can be a dangerous tool with or without the Guard.

[@manuelanchondo9121]

I have seen a few videos that show lawn-cutting experts not having the guard on. I have seen them trim bushes while trimming the grass and edging as well. They have given me good ideas however I get what I like using the edgit pro. For the edges you don't have to see the edge, it protects better, wider cutting path and the string lasts much longer. You are right about the person who knows what they are doing, common sense. Getting into tighter spaces or inside corners, I just turn it on edge position and adjust string length, no issues. Thanks for the advice, I will try it without any guard to see what I can learn THANKS!

[@mattd2080]

One of the best reasons to take it off: trim around small stumps, posts beds/obstacles etc without walking entirely around the item. You're able to trim on all 360 degrees around the head, not just the open section that the guard isn't covering.

[@bofkaycee1970]

Experience will soon prove you should have left the guard on and modified it so the string can be longer than the factory limit cutter. I hope you don’t lose a tooth or eye.

[@luiscalfe3060]

What model of husqvarna?

[@sirzombiegaming]

I do that with the guard on. Just can't do anything too big of a diameter that way

[@2008razvan]

better if you don't encounter a steel wire left in the grass, at 11.000 rpm it could rip your feets to the bone. with the guard on, it could break the guard.

[@mikeloks7560]

@@2008razvan i doubt that would ever happen lmao. A little over exaggerating there

[@rogermurray3707]

Thanks Jason!! Another great video. I started a small lawn care business this year to give me something to do since I am now retired from the military. Your videos have helped me tremendously and I appreciate you for doing them. I too agree with taking the guard off because it raised my efficiency/speed greatly. I started noticing that most of the lawn care folks that I would see had theirs removed so I tried it and was immediately hooked. I feel that I got hit with as much debris with the guard on as I do now with it off, and the efficiency is worth the risk, IN MY OPINION!! Thanks again!

[@noahblevins9569]

The visibility issue from having a guard on caused me to get hit by much more than I do after removing the sucker. That is only my anecdotal experience....but I will never use a guard again.

[@lar7905]

From New Hampshire...#5 reason was a gem. Yes, people scroll around looking to criticize because they have nothing better to do. Unbelieveable. Good presentation. I'm here because I wanted to hear another experienced person's opinion on the subject. Thank you. Again, I found your style right to the point and interesting.

[@DynamiteBoy84]

Good idea. I’m going to try this. I always wish the line would be longer when I’m trimming. This will solve it!

[@williamjanik7743]

I too use a Husqvarna trimmer and the dealer turned me onto the Husqvarna high torque gear head for their trimmers. It's great if you have to trim overgrown properties. Keep up the great content.

[@rogerbec5766]

Been doing this for 30 plus years with a guard on my trimmer. Always wondered why professional lawn people never had a guard on their weed trimmers. Now it makes sense. Taking mine off. Thanks.

[@robertcornelius3514]

Expect to break a lot of windows.

[@alexgleason5773]

Don't do it, unpredictable deflections and engine will run out quicker

[@rixogtr]

It's nice to see somebody who's so deep into using one method willing to completely change the approach and try a different method. I like it, les us know how did you go and if you feel the difference.

[@rogerbec5766]

@@rixogtr - Will do.

[@rogerbec5766]

@@robertcornelius3514 - Thought about that but it just so happens there are no rocks of any size in my lawn. Just clay in South Texas. But I'll keep that in mind. Thanks.

[@michaelmasek185]

I agree with every one of your reasons you gave to take off the guard. I took mine off when one of the screws came out and got lost. I see better, work more quickly, and get more done without guard in place.

[@ishakzakaria3923]

This is one of the best video lessons that I have ever learned from. I just put high boots and glasses on and my work done at least 1/2 of the usual time. 😂Thanks a lot!

[@chuckmaxon3727]

I started my lawn care business in a trailer park, I found the guard was useful in moving extension cords and cable tv lines just hook and drag. I just got used to the guards, however the trailer park is only about 1/3 of my customer base at this point so I will take the guard off of one of my trimmers and give it a shot. Good video.

[@jeffstanley4593]

You need more than one trimmer if you want to use the guard but won't it off as well.

[@tndeere]

Stumble on your channel today and thanks for sharing knowledge. I'm not a professional mower but i do have a large area to mow. I have 2 Deere mowers a 1445 (72 inch )and X500 ( 54 inch) 2 stihl weed eaters and it takes my Wife and I about 4 hours to mow everything. Guard coming off next time we mow.

[@jmzct1254]

I'm not a professional and have wondered why people take the guard off. You explained it perfectly. I think I'll try mine with the guard off because of this video. 👍

[@x_zubrance]

I'm a sole small business operator and quite often have to slash fast growing still wet green winter weeds or grasses (south western Australia) which used to stick to the guard and increase the weight of the head significantly on my Husky. I was having to stop frequently to remove the wet mass, wasting so much time. Now my swathes are wider, quicker, with almost negligible strain on the arms and body. My only regret is that I didn't take the guard off years earlier! Thanks for sharing :)

[@awboat]

The only thing I miss is the correct cut to the proper length of the line the guard provides. I bang out too much line sometimes and my engine bogs down, unable to spin the head fast enough. If I remember I carry wire cutters to cut the line.

[@thejimmy6533]

@@awboat If the string is too long for your weak trimmer, find some concrete, a rock, whatever, and wear it down a little. Quick and easy to do. No need to carry cutters.

[@ravingcyclist624]

I use mine for intricate trimming in a shade garden. Using the guard side allows me to trim right up to expensive plants without risking cutting them down.

[@T_81535]

They make a 360 degree guard now. I don't recall the name but it may be something you can use for that application.

[@naptime43x]

good thinking. i actually never thought about using the guard, as a guard lol. will have to give it a try next time

[@jpnpdx]

I have been in Lawn and Garden equipment sales for 40 years. The first thing that most commercial landscapers take off are the guards off of trimmers. It does void the warranty, but they don't care, they have jobs to get done and it works better mainly for edging. We have to make sure the guards are in place when sold for liability reasons. The reason it voids the warranty is the longer the line the slower the engine goes and this can overheat the engine, that's why there is a line limiter so the engine cools appropriately. Nice Video

[@mycowboyways915]

Does it void my warranty if I put it back on before I bring it back to where I bought it ?

[@jpnpdx]

@@mycowboyways915 If you reinstall the guard before you take it in for possible warranty repair then the shop wouldn’t know of course 😊

[@itchybhole]

@@mycowboyways915 dirty trimmer and a clean guard will get you a voided warranty everyday. And your tech will be smiling the whole time.

[@SaneAsylum]

@@colaves1 So those big heavy saw blades don't though right? Explain that to me.

[@Dante-vf4sd]

@@itchybhole So if he dirties his guard and cleans his trimmer can he smile as well?

[@cristobaldelacruz142]

I just bought a new weed eater, and will take it off. For this reason went thru a lot of line in 1 day, because of the line cutter on guard. Usually takes me two weeks to go thru same amount. I also like my line a little bigger so I don’t have to keep bumping head on concrete every 6 ft. You made a lot of good points.

[@Fortsand1]

I came up on your article about taking the guard while surfing around. Honestly, I had never thought about doing that but I think I will try it, looks beneficial. Thanks for posting!!!

[@3chrisb]

One of the best lawn care channels out there!

[@billsmith305]

Well said, never used a guard for many years, understand the machine and use it sensibly , like most things, the instructions and guards are for safety for insurance and claims, like don't drink hot coffee it might scald you,

[@antonioguzman1956]

Very good job explaining pros and cons about the guard on grass trimmers!!!👍👍

[@TheHighKirk]

I use a Troy-Bilt 4-stroke trimmer. There are several attachments aside from the string line head (blower, brush, pole-saw and a few others. I bought another lower section / head for steel blades, it's just a lot faster to switch between heads. As for the guard, that got tossed before the first start up.

[@shadowgamestv5844]

I took mine off my Echo because its so small and really does absolutely nothing for me. Also added a Darwins Grip to it to aid more in productivity because it reduces fatigue. But I very much agree with you on everything you said as a pro to taking the guard off. Great Video Keep up the great work.

[@givingmyalltolife686]

Thanks for the tip! Looks like your line lasts a lot longer without the guard too. Nothing frustrates me more than messing with the line

[@rw3476]

Thanks for the video. I’ve been looking for a way to speed up my ditch mowing so point #4 wider cut is key for me. I will use a clear full face shield and long pants and long sleeved shirt to minimize any debris risk.

[@rtedcr]

I really appreciate you taking your time to explain all the vantage and disvantatage. I really think leave this for the pro to work with this guards off. Thanks from Brasil.

[@codyaucoin3412]

I landscaped for years, used the Stilh FS250, great machine. We never fully removed the guard, but you can remove the twine cutter, then cut the guard about half an inch shorter, and the twine will go under the guard, but you still get a lot of the safety of the guard.

[@LeonMTan]

thats exactly what im doing now,just remove the cut metal but keep the guard.

[@phillyboy8435]

Exactly what I did, just don't tell my boss😂😂😂

[@TristenHernandez]

Now this is a good idea however I use electric machines and I don’t know that they’re capable of handling the stress on the motor

[@matthewheffernan3877]

Stihl FS250 probably the best trimmer ever made. Very light with great power. of course no longer made

[@mdbernsten]

I’m restoring a fs250. It’s a real beast.

[@brianpagemodeltrains]

After watching your other video about the five reasons to keep the guard ON, I immediately took mine off (lol) and tried it, as well as edging with the trimmer upside down. What a difference, it's a game changer. With the guard off, it's lighter at the head end, and way easier to move around and actually hit the areas I'm aiming for. Edging with the trimmer upside down was initially awkward for me as I was used to doing it sideways, but now, it's more accurate and faster. I'm using an Echo trimmer from a big box store, and I'm not a professional, just doing my own property. Thanks for the advice, Jason, it made a difference for me. By the way, when I took my guard off, I found all kinds of long stringy grass and other crap wound around the shaft area under the guard, and now with the ability to clean that all off, the head is running a bit cooler.

[@MrComradebuttons]

i’ve edged many years with a gaurd

[@brianpagemodeltrains]

@@MrComradebuttons - Me too, for over 50 years.

[@singuyenvan790]

I had a model older than this one that I love. My sister has difficulty with tools that are too heavy and she actually loved mine and found it easy to use kzbin.infoUgkx_rBCFuDW1zD6blTGhLkvAkxU657uR_lG . This is a newer model but was even lighter which she really appreciates. She enjoys it and I no longer have to go to her house to trim as she can handle it fine. Haven't used it enough to comment on the battery life but lithium batteries last longer than the old style. Being cordless makes it easy to trim the far edges of the property. The entire yard can be trimmed with one charged battery.

[@FORDultra]

@singuyenvan790 dude, you're either a bot, or a paid shill! I've seen this exact comment on every weed eater video I've watched. Stop it!

[@debrak.6430]

Love your comments at the end....and those Very same people may not Understand the sarcasm.....good sense of humor is very beneficial.....thank u for the well explained info😊

[@Fantisan95]

Im surprised nobody has mentioned the weight savings of removing the guard. The guard might be light in hand, but when you get it extended out on the end of the shaft it feels like it weighs 3x as much. My back definitely appreciates it not being on there lol

[@jayjaynella4539]

Especially when the guard accumulates a significant amount of dead grass, mud, sticks, and other crap.

[@jayc4715]

Wimp

[@johnnyadams1755]

@Fantisan95, I was about to make the same comment, but you beat me to it👍

[@zabduhamel6745]

Yes makes them easier/faster to swing

[@jerrycannon6940]

1 oz? ?

[@marklawson8346]

I totally agree with you and it’s a personal choice , unfortunately in the uk the gardens generally not large and as you say the risk of braking a window or damaging a car is a lot higher Salute to a fellow garden maintenance man 🍺👍🏻

[@williamcarl4200]

Since 1983 I have liked a long line. No bump heads back then. But I also like a full guard. By tinkering with different parts from different brands I have a full guard with 8.5 inch length per strand from head to guard. I also advance the line manually so the string cutting blade is removed. Great performance with .95 line. Cool channel.

[@hongz.8050]

I just bought a new gas trimmer . Good to know this knowledge before I start using it. Thank you !

[@Eric-cd2lv]

Took the guard off my echo at 10 years old. Rocking this style for 21 years now 👊

[@justme6621]

I've always used a guard to help keep the debris in a line and keep the line the right length. Can certainly see the positive of not having a guard on and how it would make the sight line better. You have some really good examples of using logic to erase the argument against. Simple thing in life is the fact that no matter what you do, it's impossible to make everything idiot proof. Mankind once had the ability to reason; it is more apparent every year that we are becoming more like the animals and refuse to think for ourselves.

[@manuelanchondo9121]

I agree 100%, look who is running (ruining) America.

[@telposh]

Great tutorial, everything is about mastering your skills, and is the human who controls the machine. I can see your concepts about productivity are based on your expertise, the one that think differently is their problem. Thank you for sharing!!

[@jameslacy8331]

I have a farm with lots of fencing and hills. This was a game changer and I'm not stopping to re line all the time now.

[@guyh.4121]

Most trimmers are 2 stroke so no worries about “tipping” the unit up to edge. As for removing the guard the string gets to be longer and you can cover more ground.

[@da324]

@Tommy Ealey It wears away just like it normally does when you need to bump feed more line.

[@henrysmith8012]

Idiots that run the line to long kills the RPM on the engine which stops up the exhaust port over time.

[@Ben-fk9ey]

You only cut with the edge of the trimmer line ideally so I really doubt how much more ground you're covering especially with a slower rpm due to the increased length of the string.

[@doubledragon2074]

I have mastered my ego trimmer for my small yard with guard on. If I had to do a big area or ran a business I probably would take it off but for now I am all about safety and leave mine on as a single home owner usage. 5000sqft. No hate from me Jason you are a pro you know what you are talking about! Congrats on 100k subs brother!

[@abowhand]

Tried to master my ego once and failed miserably

[@josetapaia3945]

Thank you for sharing this video! You make it look so simple.

[@rickblock903]

Thanks for the video. I have wondered about taking the guard off for a long time but was afraid to. I agree it would be more productive.

[@simonwolf7029]

I've been a professional gardener in the UK for 20 years and use trimmers with and without guards ( I do prefer without) with no worries. I always wear a clear face shield so no problem 😉

[@tslim250]

There's good situations for taking it off, like the large areas and visibility but the guard is great for inner garden work where you need a small trimmer line and no risk to surrounding plants and when you want to catch that one weed right by your foot and not blast your toe. But yeah, i worked on a lawn crew for a while and we never ran guards on our trimmers either, we had residential and commercial and tbh the only downside is the flying debris but if you keep your throttle input in check it was never a big deal....

[@PanamaSticks]

You have some steady hands! Impressed by the smooth line you cut when edging.

[@kathleenreyes4345]

Thank you for sharing your perspective!!

[@SuperKranf]

Thanks for the well reasoned video. Tomorrow I am taking the guard off of my trimmer. I am not in the lawn care business, but I cut and trim several lawns that are quite large and require a lot of trimming. Thanks for the information. I believe it will make my job easier.

[@JAMESWUERTELE]

Just go slow, and you’ll like having 8-12 of line out, depending on what you are trimming. It’s easy to trim under decks, trampolines, kids playground equip, with the longer line.

[@hwysteve]

Reasons to keep the guard on. There is a clipper on the guard to trim the strings to equal length giving better spin balance. Also, Clipper keeps the ends of the string sharp for better cutting. Keeping the string to a manageable length gives higher rpm for cutting in higher grass a clears out the grass faster. I have used trimmer without a guard and find the above reasons give a much better cut

[@DanielRichards644]

thats one of my reasons and my other reason is being able to back the guard up to the tree base and trim the grass around the tree without risking scarring the tree trunk, especially on younger trees.

[@tekknorat]

You can always fashion some clipper holder out of scrap metal. It still gets in the way, but far less than a full guard.

[@reedbreneman9443]

Sorry ,,,But I disagree.I have been in the commercial mowing business and I own a small engine shop and there are NO arguements that hold water for having the guard on.Jason is spot on!

[@lfakerson7703]

I find if my string gets a bit long I just run the string against concrete for a few seconds and it just grinds it down.

[@extraacct478]

Only when you feed it initially. Once it gets worn down to be slightly shorter than the guard cutter, then you can have one side that is the full 7-1/2 and the other might get nicked and be 1/2” long.

[@SonicBoomC98]

Good Information. I'd been thinking about putting mine on, but I've just liked how it goes with it off. I like a longer line also.

[@josephmurphy1509]

Thanks. I tried it and its the best idea for a while. I find you don't use as much line as well.👍

[@gregh3533]

First off, I trim my landscaping twice a year wether it needs it or not 😁 This is mainly due to the fact I HATE USING STRING TRIMMERS. For many of the reasons Jason outlined in the video. Today after removing the guard, I hate the string trimmer a little less 😁 It is so much easier to maneuver and I can place it better into tight spaces. I realize the guard string cutter is gone, but it seems that the string goes much further. I will add that I use a full face shield with muffs and safety glasses. It does get hot, but I have had multiple pieces of debris hit my face. I'm sure Professionals see this as overkill, however I'm also sure they control and use the trimmers much better than I. Jason thanks for sharing, I think maybe I'll trim four times a year 😁 My wife will appreciate that!!!

[@lawncarelife]

Glad to help. Thanks for watching the video and leaving a comment

[@moserlanny1074]

To Greg H. who trims twice a year weather it needs it or not. I don't belive it's your imagination that your string would last longer, because you no longer "bounce" out 12 inches and auto cut off 4, "ware down" to 5, "bounce out 12 auto cut off 4 "ware down" to 5. Those 4s, or what ever they actually are, that the guard USED to "automaticly"cut off would add up. And you won't find in your yard those little pieces of strings that went to waste before. Less wasteful. Good Point. I like your mention of face and hearing protection.

[@tommyboi76]

Absolutely not overkill.

[@dustinbroderick3878]

The string goes further because it is physicalllu longer cause it’s not getting cut by the guard

[@jessedonaldson2536]

This man is 100% right! Ive been guardless for 2 years... I've almost eliminated the need to push mow.

[@fomoco300k]

We have guards on all of ours and almost never push now. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@T_81535]

You can cover a hell of a lot more ground with a good trimmer than you can with a push mower

[@justinedse8435]

​@@T_81535Not true

[@MegaJim58]

Great video Jason I run a stihl Km131r no guard and a husqvarna 324l no guard I do wear eye protection. when edging better line of sight

[@blessedinjax]

I like how you started with reasons of keepin it on before your main point

[@beaumombelli9378]

1000% Behind you mate. The guard is such a pain. I currently still run mine, but would love to run longer line. A good operator will always be safer than an idiot with a guard.

[@thedudeguy2356]

Its more about the overtork messing up your engine which causes the trimmer not to idle.

[@beaumombelli9378]

I have had the guard on since brand new, and have still had idle issues on my km131r. When I looked it up, it was part of normal routine maintenance to adjust the idle screw. Maybe it moves slightly during operation or wears marginally I'm not sure, either way it only took a minor adjustment, now it idles perfectly again. As stated in this video, these machines are tools to make an income. A good businessman always looks for ways to reduce time and increase efficiency. Increasing profitability is key.

[@spud13x13]

"A good operator will always be safer than an idiot with a guard." The official quote of everyone who will leave the earth with fewer extremities than they came onto it with. There are times and places to drop the guard. This ain't it.

[@beaumombelli9378]

@@spud13x13 A good operator with a guard is obviously the safest outcome. But as stated, an idiot with a guard will be more prone to injury than a good operator without a guard. People still crash cars with airbags. Believe it or not. Don't drive like an idiot, and be aware of other road users (aka a good operator) and you will be safer.

[@brettblack7049]

@@thedudeguy2356 what are you talking about, is this something you know from your own personal experience or did you read about it on the internet 🤔.

[@overcastrails5587]

1:57: when people say that you can’t turn your trimmer upside down to edge, it shows they don’t understand how these two strokes work. Unless it’s a true 4 stroke trimmer, where there is separate sump for oil, you can flip the engine any direction you need to without any issues. These two strokes (and Stihl 4-mix engines, that still require mixed gas) are built and designed to run in more positions than just upright. That’s why handheld equipment is most often two stroke, because the manufacturers assume it will be run in a wide range of different positions. You will not hurt a thing, if you turn a two stroke ( or Stihl 4 mix ) upside down, to edge.

[@lawncarelife]

Thank you

[@brendanbay4323]

One of the sad sides of life is the existence of stupidity and the unending number of critics who prove that they will always be with us so we always know them thank you for the helpful information will make my yard work easier and quicker

[@drumphoto]

I don't make a habit of responding to videos, but after hearing and watching yours, I felt like I should show a little positivity. I cannot remember the number of times I have been hit with a small bit of debris that left no mark, no cut, no nothing, like you without a guard, I have had a cut once from debris on my leg, nowhere near my face as was your one experience. Listening to your video as a professional landscaper you have totally made me believe those guards are there more to protect the manufacturer as opposed to actually to aid me in my safety or productivity, and I hate that every time I hit the trigger more string is advanced and promptly cut off by the blade on the guard. Thanks for the advice and rational thinking, my guard is no more. proper clothing eyewear and common sense are far more effective and efficient than the guard will ever be. Thanks again!

[@halffast1850]

I thought I was the only one who takes the guard off. I first started doing this when I was a kid having to weed eat our fishing pond. My Dad wasn't very happy and told me I was a idiot for doing that but the pond was huge with steep banks on the back side. Taking the guard off really cut down the time I spent cutting and gave me more time to fish.

[@davidhodge0201]

I noticed the vast majority of lawn care businesses have no guards on thier trimmers. I always assumed that they just broke them off and just n3ver got a new one. Never considered they took them off for a reason.

[@Lewis_T]

That’s how I got started taking mine off too. Had to keep our pond trimmed and nice looking. The guards really got in my way and limited how and where I could put it, on top of really slowing me down…

[@TD-wi1zh]

@@davidhodge0201For my old weed eater that's what happened, the bearing in the end of the curved shaft failed and the end of the shaft got so hot the plastic guard melted. Cheap domestic unit. I took the remains of the guard off when I took it apart to fix the bearing, never got around to replacing it and just used concrete to "trim" the line when I let some new line out. Got used to not having a guard and just using proper eye protection (and making sure my legs were covered, old jeans do that job just fine).

[@waynenocton]

Years ago I had a guard break, and very soon after I noticed how much better it worked without it, and I actually used much much less string. As soon as it gets just a little to short, it slows the work way down, and soon as you bump it, it cuts a big piece off. Does make a mess, that’s true enough, but it also forces you to wear your gear which you should have been wearing all along.

[@Aerogrow]

lol... same thing here... Broke guard halfway through job; realize how much better it was without. Going guess they are there due to lawyers and lowest common denominator of human beings suing companies; because they weed trimmed in flip flops and lost a toe.

[@waynenocton]

@@Aerogrow yup lol, like the guy that tried, and failed to trim his hedges with the lawnboy, I mean they are light compared to most mowers but wow! Once in a while, somehow one string gets to short and I have to cut the long piece with a knife or cutters but still, overall I like it without the guard, and you’re probably dead right, just there to make the lawyers happy.

[@user-md4zk2pm9o]

i had mine without a guard for almost 3 years and it works really good i love it my weedeater wen't from 18inch cut to 41 inches without struggling with weedeater line

[@adrianlouviere7650]

Thanks for sharing and your efforts. Be safe.

[@dereksmith5019]

I agree with you on taking the guard off , i look after a 52 acre park with trails and 2 acres in grass . No guard works so much faster and has a benefit of sweeping a pavement sidewalk after finishing cutting and trimming , Simply sweep from side to side while walking backwards . It finishes the job with a clean sidewalk .

[@lawncarelife]

Good point. I personally don't believe taking the guard off reduces the lifespan of a trimmer but even if it did it would be worth it to me because you're making more money by being faster

[@klynstynklynstyn3486]

I like how you stressed " if you want the guard on leave the guard on''. Too bad there are some people who don't understand or even hear that part. You can put the horse directly IN the water until he drowns and he still don't know where to get a drink. I totally agree with everything you said about the guards. Great video.

[@wayneclu91]

Great video & great tips I might add a new twist I got tired of the factory spool & bought after market spool it had 4 lines & I can double up line if need be thus giving me extra cutting time I cut several lines to about 1ft & iy really does help sped things up No more bumping to extend lines. I cannot wait to try it with out guard

[@jimg518]

It’s the world we live in. Anyone who disagrees with you has to either silence you or attack you personally. Great video. Carry on sir.

[@scottjohnson5828]

Sometimes it just depends on the user. It’s like edging vs string edging pros and cons of both. It’s all preference. Sometimes it depends on the user as well. I honestly don’t think you save much more time but I haven’t tried it the other way. Don’t knock it until you try it. I just think 🤔 in my head with the guard on you can always have fresh line on it where it’s a sharper edge and easier to cut. All in all I don’t save much time but if you have a lot of hill properties yes I can see where it’s beneficial and save you time. I think just use it on a scenario basis. Just like if there’s a car in the driveway your not going to flip edge your going to pull out the edger. It’s sometimes common sense.

[@Sylvan_dB]

I grew up using a "WeedEater" made by WeedEater before they were bought out by Poulan. It was a big, heavy unit with 4 strings and never had a guard (or a string trimmer). It did have a little metal rod loop so when you set down the gear the head would be held off the ground and the unit wouldn't roll over. Other than the string trimmer, I don't find the guards on modern trimmers actually guard anything. Still just as much debris flying around and hitting me and everything else. That's the nature of the beast. Motor strain is up to you. Don't run the string too long.

[@dangrimes5078]

I have a weed eater. It's a little green trimmer. Bought it about 15 years ago. It was about $100 as I recall. It starts on a few pulls and never had a problem with it.

[@100PercentOS2]

Thank you for this very informative video. I want to take my guard off because I think it's part of my problems where the line gets hung up in the head because the line is being pulled somehow. I will have to disassemble the header again, remove and reinstall the line again. My Hyper Tough gas trimmer starts great and the line seems to feed out good when I bump it. But I have difficulty seeing the line to see if it is out far enough. So yes I agree with you 100% on removing that darn guard. If I don't I will probably continue to have problems with it.

[@orlando9510]

Great video, thanks. I have lingered about taking the guard off but now I think I may.

[@theoamend5769]

Thank you very much for the confirmation of removing my gaurd! I just edged my new yard and messed up the clean lines it had BECAUSE OF THAT DARN GUARD!!! I had just said I was going to take it off 'safe or not' for the next trim! You have made me feel confident I can do this with the BEST tips for keeping myself as safe as I can be WITHOUT the guard! Love watching and learn a lot from you!

[@fomoco300k]

You can blame the guard for crooked edges, but body really believes that.

[@justinedse8435]

​@@fomoco300kexcuse me?

[@henrypruett9938]

Some guards have a built in knife to keep the line at a certain length. Without the guard you loose less string but performance (RPMs) drops with longer string. I’ve used mine (Stihl Kombi) with and without. Great video!

[@garyhaley3072]

Get you a Shindiawa and you won't loose any rpm. They kick ass & take names

[@bobnwashington]

How about carrying small scissors, snip line if too long ?

[@tickyul]

@@garyhaley3072 Very aggressive, hostile and scary remarks for a weedeater-video, wow!

[@user-gs7tr7gg1b]

great tips. i love your common sense approach too. keep doing what you're doing

[@mezzi9736]

thanks for being honest and giving both sides of the argument

[@dkimling]

I went guardless for a while when I had an echo with the larger gearbox, it was fine but went back to using a guard primarily because having a crisp cut end on the trimmer line makes it cut so much more efficiently. I also found that I can easily adjust my position when the trimmer is inverted so that line of sight is no issue.

[@zekigpr]

The echo guard is reasonably small. Other brands use insanely large guards.

[@mikerichards4352]

I remove my guard because I can trim along my fence rows from one side of the fence and not having to waste time going on both sides of the fence. It’s a high tensil fence with the bottom open. Thanks for a great video, Mike

[@pallmall5495]

I do the same,and can even get around the whole post from the wire side.

[@billyrusso3563]

Great idea man. I've never even thought about taking the guard off. I am now. Thanks

[@arnie111999]

Brilliant mate, from an old guy in Europe- been doing this for years - totally agree

[@KingPomegranite]

I personally like one with and one without the guard depending on the situation. Cutting curbline and walkway cracks is much safer with the guard, edging and trimming around where the mower wont get and steep hills are much easier without the guard. Its easier to have both options readily available for your needs. Thats my personal and professional opinion

[@savage22bolt32]

Man, you got your cake, and eating it too! Lucky man, bro!

[@jamiepippin3892]

That guard’s not doing you any good. But since you’re a “professional” I’ll take your word for it.

[@Branhawk]

@@jamiepippin3892 His opinion is professional

[@thejimmy6533]

After using mine (and others) without a guard for two decades, there is no way I could ever use one with. I don't care what the situation is, without the guard is always going to be an advantage for me. 🙂

[@powernab8457]

Lawn Care Life: You just have to love the haters. The points you have made on the use of trimmer are vailed. It's basically different strokes for different folks. I am more into safety but your breakdown works for you 👍👍

[@michaelcasey8730]

You actually solved a problem for me... I've often wondered why the guards are even there... They hinder productivity

[@danieltaulbee]

I've never seen an actual professional operate a string trimmer with the guard on. Same goes for the handle safety-stops on 36" and 48" type walk behind commercial mowers. Knowing how to use your equipment, and wearing eye and ear protection, as well as pants, will keep you safe.

[@eugeneplum215]

I work for Briteview and we have to keep them on for the safety reasons but I definitely would like to take the guard off but I'm used to working with the guard and it doesn't hinder me to much.

[@icouldholdyouforever]

I just took mine off yesterday and I don’t know why I didn’t do it a long time ago. Game changer. Edging speed and efficiency drastically improved plus its lighter, and I don’t find myself bumping out the line anywhere near as much either.

[@tha073926]

I think I'm going to have and try this. Most youtube lawn care never use them and all the lawn care people I see where I live never have them on. Thanks for the video.

[@Xtrafix2015]

You do great work and I understand even though I have two Weedwhacker’s I take both of them off so they don’t interrupt my work

[@marcusmorua]

I’ve actually had an instance of the guard throwing a rock at my eye. It is there to protect you from debris but in a rare case like mine debris can also ricochet off the guard.

[@bretjjjohnson7942]

Soon after I took mine off. I had a rock. About half the size of a golf ball. Hit me in the forehead and about knocked my azz out. I ended up putting mine back on. Plus I dont feel like being covered head to toe in grass.

[@mightymoa3501]

Hi Jason, Great video. I have two reasons. 1. You don't litter little bits of orange cut off all over the place. 2. The reduction in weight on the head makes it easier to trim hillsides or where you need to raise the head to get to certain areas. The line always wears itself to the right length for the trimmer also.

[@VermelhoLobster]

Great point on #1. With everyone worried about single use plastics and micro plastics in the environment manufacturers should consider how rattling off little pieces of trimmer string for no reason every time you pay out another inch effects the environment.

[@kirkthebeerslinger]

@@VermelhoLobster oh brother...

[@rachelrodgers9171]

@@VermelhoLobster 🤣🤣🤣

[@alwalker4935]

I love trimming like this. Thanks for the podcast.

[@phillyboy8435]

BROOOOOOOO! You slayed that hill with out the guard. I could not agree more with everything you've said. Every reason for taking it off you stated is on point. Also. I do commercial and residential and use a gator along with a fly fishing hat for protection w glasses which makes me a juggernaut when it comes to weed wacking without the guard🏋. Cheers brother great video🤙

[@jefferymerriner]

I use weed eaters and tractors for 18 years and I took the guards off of every weed eater I ever owned. It improves your cutting to a 360° instead of 180° right? In the front of the weed eater. The weed eater will cut better, cut faster and if you you're wearing protective hearing and eye shades, you don't have to worry

[@pallmall5495]

Trimmer guard comes off before I even start a new trimmer.RPMs being a bit slower will not hurt the engine as long as your not going crazy on string length.The few less rpms also lets the string last longer,and makes it possible to cut a few heavier weeds that would normally just fox tail a shorter string.I save the guard just in case I ever decide to trade or sell,but in 25 years that has yet to happen.

[@MavericksGoosed]

I bet you run into a lot of carbon build up in your exhaust though. The lower RPMs doesn't allow for proper burn out and will clog that screen in a heartbeat, bogging the unit down. We always tell our customers to run things wide open, as they're intended, for that reason.

[@pallmall5495]

@@MavericksGoosed I have only clogged one spark arrestor and that was from GRC 2 stroke oil. I agree that running the string 7 or 8 inches longer would choke up an engine and make it run hot, but an extra 3-4 inches will not harm a thing.

[@justinedse8435]

​@@MavericksGoosedDude, you can't even see that, what on earth are you talking about, lol

[@timpowell9123]

Hey grate video. I've been thinking of doing this for awhile and you just confirmed that this is the way to go. Thanks

[@robertbobby3325]

I like number four, I do large areas all the time, but hillsides like the one you demonstrated on, I would mow that, I get practically vertical with my zero turn, I use a Kubota 48" and 54", they're like an old Timex, takes a licking but keeps on ticking, God bless 🙏

[@shadog1962]

I've been trimming 2 hours a day serving lawn care customers for the last 7 years. I had the guard on the first year in the interest of safety. Well i hit the ground alot as the guard was always catching on something as i moved the head around. Then i saw a video by Stan discussing the the benefits of no guard. I took the guard off and the control I have is great, i hardly ever hit the ground and I trim many ditches and over the edges of banks. In the interest of safety, when I'm trimming near the road I stop when I see a car, some people freak out when they see a trimmer near the road. 😂 In wear safety glasses and long pants and sleeve arm protection. 13:46

[@1Igster1]

If you take the guard off and get injured by flying debris and make a workers comp claim, it will be denied due to illegal modification /i proper use of a power tool i.e. removal of a safety feature.