Abstract: A grass cutter and mulcher for a rotary lawn mower. A flat disc is mounted to the output drive shaft of a rotary lawn mower. A plurality of flexible rods are cantileveredly mounted to the disc and extend outwardly therefrom to cut grass as the disc is rotated by the mower. The rods are arranged in a nonradial direction and extend in an advancing manner preceding the direction of disc rotation to provide a slicing cut force upon the grass and an inwardly directed force upon the cut grass to limit the outward movement of the grass. A plurality of slots in the disc are aligned with the rods allowing insertion and removal of the rods.

Abstract: A line supply spool rotatably confined co-axially within a thin housing shell having a splined mounting on a polygonal arbor through which said housing shell is supported at the lower end of a manually held engine powered handle while the shell is being spun at a high speed on a vertical axis. Free line ends are progressively fed peripherally from the spool through equally spaced windows provided in the housing shell by controlled rotation of the spool relative to the housing shell, the control of the rotation of the spool being optionally effected manually while the tool is shut down or automatically while the tool is spinning, the election being made by a minor selective shifting of a few parts, this election being readily reversed, whenever desired.

Abstract: A line supply spool rotatably confined co-axially within a thin housing shell having a splined mounting on a polygonal arbor through which said housing shell is supported at the lower end of a manually supported engine powered handle while the shell is being spun at a high speed on a vertical axis, free line ends being progressively fed peripherally from the spool through equally spaced windows provided in the housing shell by controlled rotation of the spool relative to the housing shell.The housing shell comprises two like die cast halves which abut each other in a medial radial plane with which the line feeding windows are symmetrically related. Each window is formed by two matching notches including four cups enclosing opposite ends of two tubular closely parallel line guiding rollers. Cast integrally with the four cups are four co-axial stub shafts on which the hollow rollers are centered internally.

Abstract: An anti-tangle, feed correcting improvement for line handling in a filament trimmer circular cutting head of manual-feed, commercially available type having a slotted-rim-cup-shape and holding the spool or spools of filament with cutting length of filament emerging from the slot, includes an elongate retainer fixed integrally in the cutting head across the slot at an intermediate location providing room for filament cutting-end swing above the pin and room above and below and behind the elongate retainer for manipulation to feed a fresh length of filament when necessary; in an embodiment provision is made for manually slipping the filament past an end of the elongate retainer to facilitate feeding more filament.

Abstract: Novel cutting heads are described for apparatus used to cut vegetation and the like. The cutting heads are each adapted to be removably affixed to a rotatable shaft and rotated about an axis generally perpendicular with a cutting plane. At least one non-metallic flexible cutting line is affixed to the novel cutting head, and ramp members are affixed to the head member which are adapted to protect the cutting line retaining means from hitting obstructions in the cutting plane.

Abstract: Apparatus for cutting vegetation with a rotating head having a ball member portion and carrying non-metallic cutting line extended into the cutting plane by pushing the ball member against the ground while rotating the head. The ball member portion moves inwardly and a spool carrying coiled cutting line forces a predetermined length of line out of the head. After the cutting line length is extended, the head is secured automatically to the spool for further rotation with the driven spool. A cover is releasably secured to the head by a twist-lock connection to allow the spool to be removed from the head for rewinding, etc. Movement of the spool with respect to the head is regulated by uniform interlocking, straight teeth that are rugged, long wearing and provide positive control without any possibility of "free wheeling" with respect to the spool and the head.

Abstract: A vertically extending attachment for the vertically extending drive-shaft of a rotary lawn mower, edger or trimmer comprises a centrally apertured flexible and longitudinally compressible spool which is encased within a rigid cylindrical sleeve of lesser length with a centrally apertured washer at each end which contacts the corresponding ends of the centrally apertured flexible and longitudinally compressible spool. An elongated centrally disposed adjustable bolt extends through the device with its upper end threaded for reception in the usual screw-threaded recess in the lower end of the aforementioned drive-shaft. A heavy duty monofilament or non-metallic cutting strand is wrapped around the aforementioned spool so as to provide at least two free-travelling ends which extend outwardly through relatively short radially disposed tubes which are mounted in evenly spaced alignment with communicating apertures in the sidewall of the rigid sleeve.

Abstract: A self-threading housing for vegetation filament trimmers of the type having a supply within and movable relative to a housing to feed filament through an opening in the housing, for extension as a free end of filament swung in orbit as a cutting length of filament, by the filament trimmer. For self-threading of the filament free end there is provided, in the housing inner surface, structure inclined for engaging the free end under centrifugal force acting on the free end and shunting the free end through the opening, the incline including vertical incline and the opening being a slot; both bulge and recess housing wall structure are disclosed at the incline in different embodiments.

Abstract: A flail shredder having a drive shaft mounted for rotation about an upwardly extended longitudinal axis for earth traversing movement transversely of the axis and for adjustable movement transversely of the line of movement; a power drive connected to the shaft; a flail assembly mounted on the lower end of the shaft; a stop limiting the adjustable movement in one direction; a resilient member urging the shaft toward the stop; and a guide wheel mounted concentrically with the shaft for independent rotation, the wheel being disposed for rolling engagement of obstructions so as to urge the shaft away from the stop.

Abstract: A lawm trimmer chain saw conversion attachment has a mounting blade which mounts to a chain saw power head in place of the chain bar. The blade supports a housing formed of complementary die-cast halves which contains bevel gears between an input shaft that is chain driven at reduced speed from the saw drive sprocket and an output shaft that couples to the flexible drive shaft of a lawn trimmer frame tube. The frame tube is clamped at its upper end between half-sleeves on the housing halves, and carries a rotary cutter head at its lower end. A D-handle on the frame tube cooperates with the saw handle for convenient manipulation and control. The frame tube is rotatably adjustable and the D-handle is both axially and rotatably adjustable to adapt the assembly to the operator's convenience and to the desired operating angle of the cutter head, e.g., for horizontal lawn trimming, angular edging, sweeping, etc.

Abstract: A filament-bearing plate or disk system for cutting grass and the like in which the filament is wound upon later-closed serrations in the disk periphery rather than passed through a succession of holes in the disk periphery; embodiments of the invention have respectively resilient, malleably deformable, and rotationally positionable aperture closing, and a ring closure.

Abstract: Rotary Vegetation Cutter is comprised of a housing, which is arranged for rotation about a central axis, having a plurality of cylindrical reel receiving cavities located in it with a line supply aperture passing between each cavity and the periphery of the housing. A supply reel is rotatably located in each cavity and a flexible non-metallic line has an inner portion which is wound around the reel and an outer portion which passes through the associated aperture and extends outwardly of the periphery of the housing. Wedge-shaped teeth located on one face of the reel are urged into engagement with like configured notches located in the cavity by a spring element, which is integral with the other face of the reel, to prevent rotation of the reel due to the centrifugal force on the line when the housing is rotated.

Abstract: An improved filament for use in the cutting of weeds and vegetation, wherein the filament is attached at one end to a hub for imparting rotary motion to the filament. The centrifugal force extends the filament radially outwardly from the hub, with the energy of rotation being utilized to sever or cut the vegetation. The filament has a generally centrally disposed axis with an irregular or variant cross-section which fluctuates along the axial length of the filament. The variant cross-section with its fluctuations in cross-sectional area reduce the end or terminal fibrillation of the filament.

Abstract: A rotary cutter head mounted on the end of a handle to power rotate at high speed one or more centrifugally whirled free ends of a reserve of nylon line wound on a spool co-axially pivotally mounted within the head.A co-axially spring biased indexer is subject to inertia applied through the handle while the device is running to effect the feeding of precise increments of line from the spool to the free line ends. The indexer is automatically self-inhibiting when the line ends reach a predetermined optimum length of approximately eight inches and continues to be self-inhibiting until the line ends wear down, in use, to less than a predetermined minimum length of approximately five inches.

Abstract: Apparatus for cutting vegetation with a rotating head carrying non-metallic cutting line extended into a cutting plane. Additional line is extended into the cutting plane by pushing a ball member against the ground while rotating the head. The ball member moves inwardly for releasing a spool carrying coiled cutting line to rotate a predetermined angular displacement in the head. After the cutting line length is extended, the spool is secured automatically against further rotation within the head. A cover is releasably secured to the head by a twist-lock connection to allow the ball member and spool to remove from the head for rewinding, etc. Rotation of the spool within the head is regulated by uniform interlocking, straight teeth that are rugged, long wearing and provide positive control without any possibility of the spool "free wheeling" in the head.

Abstract: A wheeled carrier for a lawn mower and edger which can be of the nylon line type. The mowing and edging tool is yieldably supported on a frame of the carrier to permit multi-directional operator controlled movement of the tool with respect to the carrier by manipulation of handle bars connected to a support for the cutter. The mounting permits steering a front wheel of the carrier by pressure applied to the handle bars. Rear wheels of the carrier are mounted to be fixed in different positions with respect to the front wheel, and parallel to each other to enable moving the carrier in different straight-line directions with respect to its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A portable power operated tool for cutting brush, mowing grass and the like which comprises a cutting implement mounted at one end of an elongated tubular housing and driven by a lightweight engine connected to the other end of the tubular housing, a fixing element for receiving and fixing a front part of an operator's right arm, the fixing element being located in position near the engine and along with one side of the elongated tubular housing, a first handle located in front of the fixing element, and a second handle located in front of the first handle and connected to the tubular housing.

Abstract: An improved cutting assembly for rotary lawn mowers, edgers, trimmers or the like, including a body member arranged for rotating about an axis normal with the cutting plane. At least two cutting lines are attached to the body member on a compound spool for rotation therewith in the cutting plane. The invention includes means for detachably securing the lines to the body member and for storing a supply of the line on the spool so that the line may be paid out as the working portions of the line become shortened through wear. The cutting lines are preferably nonmetallic so as to reduce the hazardous condition which would otherwise be present for the operator and still provide an apparatus which will cut with great efficiency and safety.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to filament metering apparatus for use with a rotary lawn mower that uses flexible filament as the cutting element. The filament is wound on a spool that is carried by the engine or motor drive shaft in an axially stationary position. The spool is capable of rotation relative to the drive shaft. A drive member is mounted for rotation with the drive shaft, and is axially movable thereon relative to a driven member carried by the spool. The drive member drivingly engages the driven member in each of two axial positions, and actuating means are included for axially shifting the drive member. The drive and driven members are so constructed that, as the drive member moves from one axial position to the other, relative rotational movement occurs therebetween, which movement is utilized to unwind filament from the spool in a discrete amount.

Abstract: A rotary mower is provided with its knives secured to an elastic member and the elastic member is in turn secured to the rotating cutting element, such as a disc, of the mower. This permits the knife to move radially in response to the centrifugal forces on the elastic member. The elastic member preferably has bulged ends which are mounted in housings attached to the cutting element.

Abstract: An improved cutting assembly for rotary lawn mowers, edgers, trimmers or the like, including a body member arranged for rotating about an axis normal with the cutting plane. At least two cutting lines are attached to the body member on a compound spool for rotation therewith in the cutting plane. The invention includes means for detachably securing the lines to the body member and for storing a supply of the line on the spool so that the line may be paid out as the working portions of the line become shortened through wear. The cutting lines are preferably nonmetallic so as to reduce the hazardous condition which would otherwise be present for the operator and still provide an apparatus which will cut with great efficiency and safety.This application is a division of U.S. Ser. No. 801,536, filed May 31, 1977, which in turn is a division of U.S. Ser. No. 706,623, filed July 19, 1976, and now abandoned.

Abstract: A grass edger and trimmer attachment for a power mower including a vertical trimmer shaft mounted in a bearing fixed to the side of the mower housing, the trimmer shaft being driven by a pulley which is belt-driven by the mower engine, and the trimmer shaft supporting a trimmer hub carrying flail members at a level below the skirt of the mower housing, and the attachment further including an arm hinged to the housing and carrying an edger shaft with a drive roller thereon and an edger hub at its outer end with flail members fixed to the periphery of the hub, the drive roller engaging the trimmer drive pulley and being driven thereby when the arm and the edger shaft are substantially horizontal, but the arm being tiltable about the hinge to an elevated position wherein the roller is disengaged and the edger hub and flail members are raised out of operative position.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting vegetation wherein at least one line member protrudes exteriorly of the sidewall of a housing which is rotatable about a rotating axis. The line member is a tape and is wound upon a spool, which is mounted within the housing so that the width, which is greater than the thickness, is perpendicular to the plane of the spool. The flat tape line member is formed of a flexible band of material which extends exteriorly of the housing in a trailing position. Cutting means are incorporated to effect cut off of the line member during rotation of the housing and dispensing means are provided to extend additional line member a controlled increment of length during rotation of the housing. The cutting means is provided to cut off the excess end of the worn or broken line member. A clamping device clamps the line member to the housing when it is not rotating to prevent retraction of the line member into the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting vegetation with a rotating head carrying a flexible, non-metallic cutting line wound on a rotatable spool with its free end extended radially into a cutting plane. An additional length of line is extended into the cutting plane by pushing the head against the ground to move inwardly a glide ball. The ball by a spiral ratchet rotates the spool in a predetermined angular displacement in the head. After the cutting line length is extended, the spool is secured automatically against further rotation within the head. Lengths of cutting line can be extended with the head rotating or stationary.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting vegetation with a rotating head carrying a flexible, non-metallic cutting line extended radially into a cutting plane. An additional length of line is extended into the cutting plane by pushing the head against the ground and rotating the head. A glide ball on the head moves inwardly for releasing a spool carrying coiled cutting line to rotate a predetermined angular displacement in the head. After the cutting line length is extended, the spool is secured automatically against further rotation within the head.In a preferred embodiment of the apparatus, the glide ball is pressed against the earth's surface with the head in a non-rotating condition. Then, the head is rotated for extending the cutting line from the head to the certain desired length. Then, the spool is secured automatically against rotation relative to the head.

Abstract: Apparatus for cutting vegetation with a rotating head carrying cutting line extended into a cutting plane. Additional line is extended into the cutting plane by pushing a ball member against the ground while rotating the head. The ball member moves inwardly for releasing a spool carrying coiled cutting line to rotate a predetermined angular displacement in the head. After the cutting line length is extended, the spool is secured automatically against further rotation within the head.A cover is releasably secured to the head by a twist-lock connection to allow the ball member and spool to be removed from the head for rewinding, etc. The ball member and spool are journaled within the head and cover for rotation about a common rotational axis with the head and each other. As a result, head balance and smooth rotation are maintained during repeated extensions of cutting line.

Abstract: A cord-type cutting device of mowing apparatus having engaging portions formed in a cord reel and a lower cover and in a cord reel casing and the lower cover, and including a nut dislodging preventing member attached to the lower end of a main shaft formed in its lower end portion with an externally threaded portion for threadably fitting a nut thereon to force the lower cover against the cord reel casing. The nut dislodging preventing member provides the externally threaded portion with a predetermined nut loosening allowance thereby preventing dislodging of the nut when the latter is loosened.

Abstract: A flexible line trimmer for cutting vegetation having a rotary drive for swinging a nylon line, and a device for feeding out additional line while rotating. A housing with an actuator button on its bottom is carried by the drive shaft. A spool having drive teeth formed on one side is carried in the housing. An actuator is mounted reciprocally in the housing and has a pin for engaging the drive teeth to cause the spool to rotate with the housing. An actuator shaft extends between the button and the actuator for disengaging the pin when the button is depressed. Guide teeth on the spool guide the pin back into engagement with the next drive tooth, incrementingly advancing the line.

Abstract: A flail type shredder for farm crops employing an elongated frame which is adapted to be mounted at the front end thereof on the three point hitch of a conventional farm tractor and which travels along the terrain supported by a pair of wheels mounted at the rear end of the frame which are adjustable with respect to the terrain to adjust the distance between the terrain and the frame. The chopper has a central elongated flail type crop severing unit mounted on and below the frame at the rear thereof and two elongated wing flail type crop severing units extending outwardly from opposite sides of the frame. The two wing units have housings open at the bottom and provided with a top, and each of these units is mounted on one of the side rails of the frame by a hinge located at the top of the unit, and each of the wing units is provided with a rotatable wheel adjustably mounted at the rear thereof to determine the distance between the terrain and each of the wing units separately.

Abstract: A rotary cutter head for a lawn trimmer or the like has a die cast head body comprising a top circular wall and a depending hub, with a plate riveted to the bottom of the hub for forming a spool to receive a winding of flexible cutting line such as monofilament nylon. A peripheral depending skirt on the circular wall is segmented by spaced downward open notches defined at their axial sides and their tops by convex faces, so as to form line apertures. A molded bottom glide cup has its cylindrical side wall inside and spaced from the segmented skirt by a distance less than the line thickness, with its top edge close below the tops of the notches. The body is mounted on a drive arbor by a nut seated in and removable by manual rotation of the glide cup relative to the body.The cutting line end extends from the winding, over the cup wall edge, through the top of the notch, and then outward in a free length which forms the cutting element.

Abstract: A cutting head for rotary mowers, trimmers, and edgers for vegetation, having a rotating body from which flexible flail-like filamentous cutting blades extend radially. The device contains improvements over the cutting head described in my copending application Ser. No. 722,015. The flails are preferably of high-strength organic polymer such as nylon monofilament and exit from the rotating body through grommets. The improved grommets are molded from a bearing material of plastic filled with powdered dry lubricant and metal particles. The head has raised ramp portions alongside each grommet to protect the grommet. Sharp-edged radial ribs on the top of the rotating body operate to deter weed and grass stems from wrapping and binding about the upper body.

Abstract: An incremental feed system for filament in vegetation-cutting filament trimmers, in which the filament is controlled in unspooling by a gear mechanism which is responsive to cutting-operation-induced torsional vibration relative to the driveshaft to feed fresh filament in amount proportional to the torsional vibration and thus in amount proportional to operational wear of the cutting length. In an embodiment, torsional vibration resulting in feeding filament may be produced by switching the filament trimmer on and off.

Abstract: A rotary filament attachment to replace the rigid steel cutter blade on a conventional grass edger device, the attachment comprising a pair of disc members, having central openings and opposed inwardly directed peripheral flange portions or projections to define an annular cavity therebetween for storage of a filament line supply when the discs are installed through the central openings on the drive spindle of the edger. A plurality of locking catches or holes are provided in the disc flanges or projections for extension therethrough of end cutting lengths of filament from the respective end portions of the filament line supply when the discs are bolted on the drive spindle.

Abstract: A vegetation cutter and method employing a revolving flexible non-metallic line as a cutting member is provided with means for mechanically feeding out additional line to replace lengths broken during operation of the cutter. A rotatable spool is provided for storing extra line in a coiled configuration, with the unwound portion being extended from the rotatable head of the cutter to an exit aperture at its periphery. A control mechanism provides for moving angularly the spool an incremental distance within the rotating head to feed out an increment of line only when desired. Means secure the spool in the head to prevent inadvertent unreeling of cutting line.

Abstract: A spool upon which one or more lengths of filament are wound is provided and housed within a cylindrical cover having one or more generally radial openings formed through one wall portion thereof and the free ends of the filaments are threaded through the openings and extend outwardly therefrom for flail-type cutting of vegetation thereby when the spool and housing are rotated as a single unit at high speed. The spool is controllably rotatable relative to the housing whereby the spool may be rotated in discrete controllable increments in a direction to unwind the filaments therefrom so as to renew the extended end portions of the filaments projecting outwardly of the housing by said predetermined increments as the extended ends of the filaments incur breakage.

Abstract: A spool carrying flexible cutting line is selectively engaged by a detent arrangement secured to a rotatable head assembly. A free end of the line passes through an opening in the assembly to permit vegetation to be cut during rotation of the head assembly. The spool normally rotates with the head assembly. When additional line from the spool is required, actuation of the detent arrangement releases the spool permitting relative rotation between the spool and the head, causing line to be dispensed from the spool.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for accelerating a filament wherein an impelling force is applied to a length of filament a torque arm distance from an axis of rotation to rotate the length of filament about the axis of rotation thereby developing a tip speed that is of sufficient velocity for using the tip portion to cut a workpiece and, alternatively, to sequentially release the moving tip portion to discharge a series of particles for performing welding, drilling, coating, cutting and like operations. The length of filament, preferably, is the end section of a coil of filament and is simultaneously advanced along the longitudinal axis of the length of filament toward the tip portion during the application of said impelling forces. The advancement of the filament is controlled. The enclosure of the filament in an evacuated space increases the speed range.

Abstract: A cutter disc assembly for a rotary lawn mower in which the disc has a circular central portion and a peripheral portion with a shallow vertical wall in between. Radial openings are provided in the wall in register with radial grooves formed in the underside of the peripheral portion. A plastic pin is in register with each opening, with the shank of the pin occupying the associated groove and with a stiffly resilient tip portion projecting beyond the periphery of the disc into cutting engagement with the grass. Each groove has a curved rear wall against which the pin bends as the projecting tip of the pin strikes an obstruction as well as a curved front wall against which the pin bends upon rebound, the curved walls being of outwardly flaring shape thereby to support the shank of the pin substantially free of concentrated stress. Each groove has, in addition, a bridge or "ceiling" which serves as a guide surface to hold the pin in a downwardly-angled working position and to provide frictional damping.

Abstract: A cutter pin for mounting on a mower disc having a keyed radial socket with a curved backstop adjacent thereto, the pin being tapered from shank to tip portion in the vertical plane but with the top portion having substantially the same maximum width as the shank in the horizontal plane to provide a flattened blade-like structure with generally parallel lateral edges. The pin is formed integrally of durable plastic having substantially the characteristics of nylon so that it stands out from the periphery in radially self-supporting position with sufficient stiffness for the cutting of grass as the disc rotates.

Abstract: Apparatus for cutting, trimming and edging vegetation, and the like, is provided with a rotatable disc-like head having at least one string-like cutting member removably attached thereto and replaceably extending from its periphery for cutting adjacent vegetation and the like. A metallic bearing element for enhancing the cutting life of cutting strings is provided, as well as improved means for releasably securing a spool containing spare cutting line within the head assembly.

Abstract: A filament incremental feed for vegetation filament trimmers of the hollow shaft or similar type in which a free-end of filament is swung as a cutting length from the lower end of the hollow shaft and replaced as worn by pulse feed; the feed includes in a preferred embodiment a vertical spindle mounting a worm pinion coaxially on the hollow-shaft at the top of the hollow shaft. The worm pinion is free to rise and to rotate relative to the spindle when retarded in rotation by friction, as by a friction bar engaging an upward extension of the gear pinion which has a friction surface. Plural spools, in the preferred embodiment, rotationally mounted on substantially horizontal axes on a yoke on the hollow shaft engage the worm pinion with gear teeth around the flanges of the spools. The lead angle of the worm pinion provides a mechanical advantage preventing rotation of the worm gear by the spool geared flanges.

Abstract: A grass trimmer employing a short length of nylon or the like line as the cutting element includes an assembly for removably attaching the line to a rotatable drive member. A hub member is coupled to the drive member for rotation. A post member extends from the free end of and parallel to the axis of rotation of the hub member. A rim portion also formed on the hub member, extends along a portion of the periphery thereof and defines a radially extending aperture therethrough. A length of line to be attached for rotation includes an eyelet connector at one end thereof. The opposite end of the line is received in the aperture in the rim portion so that the line extends radially outwardly from the hub member. The eyelet aperture receives the post member for removably attaching that end of the line to the hub member. A preferred embodiment of the cutting line has a triangular cross section to provide cutting edges extending the length of the line.

Abstract: Apparatus for cutting, trimming, and edging vegetation, and the like, is provided with a rotatable disc-like head having at least one string-like cutting member removably attached thereto and replaceably extending from its periphery for cutting adjacent vegetation and the like. A unitary metallic bearing element for enhancing the cutting life of the cutting string is provided, as well as a keyway system for attaching a spool of cord or line to said head for rotation therewith.

Abstract: A rotary-type lawn mower is provided with cutting means comprised of a rotatable disc-like member having a plurality of flexible non-metallic cords projecting radially from its perimeter. The disc-like member is rotated within the cutting plane by a suitable power source such as a conventional gasoline-driven engine, and at a velocity such that the projecting cords function to sever the grass in a substantially conventional manner. The cords are therefore of a length and diameter which are functionally related to effective cutting and are mounted within the disc-like member in brackets formed to support the cords against vertical as well as lateral deflection resulting from contact with the grass sought to be cut.

Abstract: Apparatus for cutting vegetation comprising a disc mounted for rotation in a generally horizontal plane, a support member protruding from the disc for receiving a cutting blade, an elongated, rigid plastic cutting blade pivotally mounted on the support member and a counterbalance to the cutting blade on the disc for stabilizing the apparatus; the cutting blade extending radially as the disc rotates, to cut vegetation in its path.

Abstract: Apparatus for cutting, trimming, and edging vegetation, and the like, is provided with a rotatable disc-like head having a plurality of string-like members removably attached thereto and extending from its periphery. When the head is rotated, the strings will extend therefrom so as to cut adjacent vegetation in a flail-like manner. Snubber means are provided to arcuately deform the string in order to secure the string within the head.