How to choose brushcutter line: diameter and profile
Brushcutter line is chosen first of all for the diameter and profile that your head accepts: the collection offers diameters from 1.5 to 4 mm, in round, square, four-lobe or multi-sided profiles. The thicker the line, the better it suits tough grass and powerful machines; the thinner it is, the better it works on light machines and lawns. For tying in the garden and in agriculture there are also coated or galvanised wires and cables.
The types
- Nylon brushcutter line: the most common type. It comes in round and square versions and in special profiles, such as the Opti Round, the Opti Quadra, the Opti Penta or the Core Cut from Husqvarna.
- Four-Leaf line: nylon line with a four-lobe profile.
- Tying wires: wires and cables for tying plants, stakes and netting. There are polyester-coated wires such as the Makita 191J59-9 and galvanised wires such as the Makita 191A57-9.
- Annealed wire, galvanised wire, plastic-coated wire, coated flat tie: for stronger ties and fixings; annealed wire in a box of 32 reels, such as the model for the TR001G, is supplied in reels for the machine specified.
- Wire twister: tools for tightening the tie.
How to choose by job
| Job | What to get | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Lawn and edges, light machine | Thin line (1.5-2.0 mm) | Cuts soft grass without straining the motor. |
| Tall grass and weeds | 2.4-3.0 mm line | Stands up better to wear and cuts tough vegetation more cleanly. |
| Edges along walls, fences and stones | Thick, hard-wearing line, such as those with a special profile | Wears down more slowly. |
| Occasional use in the garden | 15 m mini blister | Enough for a few jobs without keeping a whole spool. |
| Professional or continuous use | Long spool (for example 168 m) | Fewer reel changes and a lower cost per metre. |
| Tying plants, stakes and netting | Coated or galvanised wire, or cable with a wire twister | Resists moisture and does not cut into the plant if tightened with care. |
The features to look at
- Line diameter: the main specification. The collection includes 1.5 - 1.6 - 2.0 - 2.4 - 2.7 - 3.0 - 3.3 and 4.0 mm. Use only the sizes your head allows: a line that is too thick jams, one that is too thin breaks and wears out quickly.
- Profile: round, square, four-lobe (Four Leaf) or multi-sided (Penta). Round is the basic choice; the profiles with edges are designed to cut tougher grass better.
- Length: from 15 m in the mini blister to 168 m on a spool, up to 310 m for some nylon lines. Choose according to how much you work.
- Material: nylon for cutting lines; iron, PVC and reinforced plastic for tying wires, and also paper and aluminium for some items.
- Packaging: mini blister, blister and spool: the format affects how much you spend per metre.
Common mistakes
- Taking the thickest diameter "to make it last longer". If the head does not allow it, or the motor struggles, the result is worse.
- Winding the line in the wrong direction. The direction is marked on the spool: follow it.
- Leaving the wrong length sticking out. The line must stick out as far as the guard allows.
- Using dry, old line. If it has been kept somewhere warm for a long time it becomes brittle: store it in a cool place or soak it before use.
- Tightening ties too much. The cable is tightened with the wire twister or by hand, without strangling the plant.
Frequently asked questions
What line diameter does my brushcutter need?
Check the manual or the head: it states the permitted diameters. If you cannot find it, send us the make and model of the machine.
Round line or a special profile?
Round is the general-purpose choice. The profiles with edges or more sides are designed to cut tougher grass better.
Can I use the same line for all heads?
No. Check the diameter and length permitted by the manufacturer, and that the line is compatible with the loading system.
How much line do I need?
It depends on how much you work. For a garden a few metres at a time are enough; for edges and large areas the spool is better, as it lasts much longer.
Is tying wire suitable for outdoor use?
Coated and galvanised wires are made for this use. Choose according to the service life you need.
You will find all the lines in the brushcutter and tying lines collection: if you are not sure what diameter your head needs, ask the AMES technicians for a quote or for advice.
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