Safety release for trimmer

[WVBrady]

An elderly friend of mine slipped and fell, breaking three ribs, while using his two-hand string trimmer on a steep bank. I got him some spikes to fasten onto the bottom of his boots, but would like to figure some way to enable him to turn loose of the trimmer. He was using one of the harnesses that slip over your shoulder and landed on the trimmer when he fell.

Has anyone heard of such a release or have an idea how to rig one up?

 

[justme-]

Just don't use the harness. I've never seen a setup that would do as you describe. No real application for one...either you can use the tool or you can't. I understand your concern for him, maybe it's time he changes the tool or hires someone.

 

[WVBrady]

Just don't use the harness. I've never seen a setup that would do as you describe. No real application for one...either you can use the tool or you can't. I understand your concern for him, maybe it's time he changes the tool or hires someone.

Thanks for the reply. It is a larger machine that pretty much has to be used with the harness. I didn't mean that he was decrepit; I think that it would be a good idea for anyone using it to have some way of releasing it.

 

[FMC1959]

The trimmer you are talking about is large, heavy, typically has 4 lines coming out of the head; intended for continuous commercial use like the guys doing commercial lots or highways.

Your friend would be better off with a smaller sized trimmer. Their are plenty of straight shaft trimmers that have power and are nowhere near as bulky as the 2 handed trimmer he has

 

[zendriver]

I have an older echo trimmer / brush cutter that came standard with a harness quick release, basically a buckle you just grab and slide a bit.

I didn't check but assumed all units that had harnesses had a qwick release.

Check with echo.


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[gdocktor3]

I agree that he needs a smaller, lighter trimmer. Are you talking about a safety release that he can use if he starts loosing balance and falls again or so it's easier to get off once he falls? I do landscaping part time professionally and own/have usedmany different trimmers. Truth be told, my Stihl is the lightest of all over Echo, Shindaiwa, Homelite, Husqvarna and Ryobi trimmers I've owned. These days, two handled units really aren't needed. I actually hate them. I had a two handled Echo years ago and one of the release clips bent and broke, so I replaced it with a large carabinar.

 

[zendriver]

IMO using any string trimmer, or brush cutter with a harness, is way better than not using one. Way better balance and way less back fatigue, especially if you don't use one all day long for a living

A quick release is not really for the event of falling (unless one has super quick reflexes), but to remove the unit in an "emergency", what ever that is. Perhaps the unit catching fire or the head somehow getting badly tangled.

In the op, the biggest problem, seemed to be an old man, using a heavy string trimmer, wearing spiked shoes, on a describably steep incline.


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[tarbellb]

I doubt many of us could hit a quick release while falling, even so, it might end up underneath you anyways?

But if you are inclined, bike messengers (Chrome bags) figured out the best cheap and reliable way to do it- seatbelt buckles.

Maybe you can fab something up like this? VVVV

 

[justme-]

Just be aware of the always present impact of lawyers... if you fab up something and he falls and gets hurt using it expect the lawyers to be at minimum asking questions and more likely naming you in a suit, especially if you're not very close with the whole family, not just Him.

I'm not implying he's decrepit, but as others after me have stated, a heavy commercial or special application trimmer is not something to be used without a harness.
What you describe sounds like bicycle handles which are used on large units and units that require definitive control for use with brush and grass blades. These units are designed to be uses with a harness for extra control.
I appreciate you're intentions for him and I do the same for my elderly neighbor. A quick release
Is not a viable option on a trimmer harness. Someone pointed out you fall too quickly to even think about releasing a harness.
It sounds like a situation either he needs to avoid or get a lighter trimmer. If he's like my neighbor neither will be his choice, but he may come around.

 

[WVBrady]

Thanks for all of the replies. I found several quick release lanyards for lifeguards for the whistles that they wear around their neck. This is so a person that they are saving won't drag them down with it. Also, there are lanyards for people that have to wear an ID badge. Unfortunately, these tend to pull apart at about 5 lbs., so they would not support the weight of the trimmer.

I found this one: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Harness-Sho...079379?hash=item5d67999e93:g:GKcAAOSw0UdXrszD

but I would want one that you wouldn't have to reach for, but would just release at a given force.

 

[FMC1959]

OP, when someone asks a question or advice and people tend to steer the person in another direction, I think that is wrong.....usually. In your case, I commend your resolve in helping out your friend, but I agree completely with tarbellb's comment below.

I doubt many of us could hit a quick release while falling, even so, it might end up underneath you anyways?

If you find said device, you are kind of winning the battle but losing the war. Unless there is more to the story than you are telling us, a large 2 handed trimmer, on an incline, used by someone elderly or young, I seriously doubt they would have the presence of mind to unclasp and throw the trimmer clear of thenselves when in the middle of a fall...unless you trained hours per day training for it

Your friend should get a "standard" trimmer, much easier and safer.