A protective glider assembly for a handheld trimmer apparatus includes a glider plate operatively connected to a glider shaft. A bearing acts between the glider plate and glider shaft. The protective glider is configured to rotate or remain stationary independent of and relative to rotation of a rotary head of the handheld trimmer. The glider plate is positionable relative to the rotating head to adjust cutting height of trimmer members. A first series of trimmer members are connected to the head in a first plane which is generally parallel to a second series of trimmer members connected to the head in a second plane. The rotary head forms a trimmer member passage therethrough and includes a fastening mechanism having a pivotally moveable engaging member configured to clear the passage and to extend through a mount aperture of a trimmer member when positioned in the passage.
