why do brush cutters rotate anticlockwise?

[elicokiz]

Ok a silly question I know, but one that was asked of me, and I struggled to answer the question effectively? i realise there are many ways to use a circular saw blade dependant on which sector of the blade you use but is there a reason why anti clockwise is the chosen direction of travel. feeling dumb again :blushing:

Dave

[adbat234]

I think its so its the opposite direction to which the nut tightens to hold on the blade. Otherwise carnage would ensue!

[roseyweb]

for strimming road verges?

[Stubby]

They only rotate anti clockwise when viewed from above its clockwise when viewed from underneath . Just relativity ..........

[GardenKit]

As a general rule engines rotate clockwise when viewed from above (starter end on a full crank engine)

 

Therefore the brushcutter shaft also rotates clockwise when viewed from the engine end.

 

A bent shaft strimmer has no gearbox at the end, these heads rotate clockwise, but a brushcutter with a straight shaft needs a gearbox on the end of the shaft to get the angle of the blade right to the ground. A single set of gears changes the direction of rotation, hence the anticlockwise rotation and the need to fit a Left Hand threaded retainer to stop it spinning off.

 

Bent shaft strimmers have RH threads but are not used with blades.

[s.varty]

Another reason, maybe that the grass etc your cutting would be thrown into the uncut vegetation

[Stephen Blair]

I think its so its the opposite direction to which the nut tightens to hold on the blade. Otherwise carnage would ensue!

 

It goes that way because the engine runs that way, it's easier to put an opposite thread on a small bolt than a reverse gearbox for a Strimmer.

 

I think:biggrin:

[Daniël Bos]

For a right handed person (which is most of us) it is generally easier to use a tool like that in a right-to-left sweeping motion. This way the dominant right arm does most of the pushing.

When moved thus, a counterclockwise rotation of the head moves the brush away from the vegetation yet to be cut.

It also works in a "pulling cut" kind of way, which is helpful when cutting later stuff.

 

I reckon...

[kev7937]

We've got a strimmer that spins clockwise for some reason,never known why.

[redmoosefaction]

cos it sits on your left side, so it doesn't flick dog stuff in your face.... well thats the principal Maybe