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How to Use a Turf Cutter

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Categories: Garden & Outdoor, Garden Hand Tools, Gardening Jobs, Maintenance & Care, How to Guides, 

morning dew on a lush green grass

Got a landscaping project planned but need to remove some grass before you can start?

Then a turf cutter is for you!

Not sure how to use one?

Have no fear, HSS DIY is here - read on to find out more about how to use a turf cutter and the benefits of using one.

What is a turf cutter and what does it do?

A turf cutter is a self-propelled gardening tool that uses a blade to neatly cut through the top layer your lawn so you can easily remove the grass for different outdoor projects.

What projects require a turf cutter?

Turf cutters can be used for a number of gardening & landscaping projects such as:

  • installing pipes & cables
  • creating flower beds
  • making pathways
  • prepping for a patio or decking

and many more!

Is a turf cutter hard to use?

As long as you follow the simple instructions, the turf cutter is easy to use.

How do I

1. Make Sure the Lawn is Trimmed

The first step before using a turf cutter is to ensure your lawn is trimmed and any debris has been removed. This is to avoid any damage to the turf cutter.

2. Test the Depth

Your lawn needs to have a depth of at least 25mm otherwise you will not be able to use a turf cutting machine. You can test the dept of your lawn by using a garden fork.

3. Start Up the Turf Cutter

To start up the turf cutter you’ll need to first switch the ignition on and turn the fuel tap to on. Slowly pull the recoil handle and once this has engaged pull it briskly until you hear the engine start. Now, return the cord back but don’t let it snap back.

4. Setting the Cutting Depth

Once you’ve positioned the cutter in the direction, you’re going to work you’ll want to set your cutting depth. This should ideally be between 25mm and 40.

5. Make sure the Gear Lever is in the ‘0’ Position

Before lifting the driver lever, make sure the gear level is set to ‘0’. Now this will engage the blade and you can lower the lifting lever which will lower the cutting blade into the ground. To make the cutter begin to move, switch the gear to ‘I’ and the machine will begin to move and cut as it goes.

6. Ending the Strip and Repositioning

Once you reach the end of each strip, raise the lifting level to remove the blade from the ground. Now you can reposition the turf cutter to cut the next strip and repeat until you’ve completed the entire lawn.

Once you’re finished, make sure you turn the machine off properly and return the chock lever to ‘OFF’.

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