Inspecting Your Trimmer
Whether you have a gas-powered hedge trimmer or a cordless model, there are some steps you should do consistently to keep your trimmer operating at peak form.
Gas-Powered Hedge Trimmers
Before beginning any inspection of your machine,
make sure that the power is disconnected, and the motor is cool to the touch.
Air Filter: Cleaning the air
filter is a simple task. Remove the cover by unscrewing or unlatching the
cover. Gently remove the filter and examine it for any dirt, damage, or wear
and tear. If the filter is faintly dirty, you can shake it to remove any loose
dirt and debris. Dirtier filters can be cleaned with dishwashing liquid and
water. Make sure the filter is completely dry before reinstalling. If the
filter is worn or too dirty to clean, then a replacement filter is needed.
Recoil Starter Rope: Inspect
the rope for any wear, damage fraying, knots or tangles. Make sure the
mechanism is clear of any debris or clippings. The rope should wind around the
pulley evenly and wind/unwind smoothly. If the rope is showing fraying or
damage, replace it to avoid damage and costly repairs.
Spark Plug: At the beginning of
the work season, remove the spark plug with a spark plug socket and check for
wear or carbon buildup. You can clean the plug with a wire brush. IF the plug
hasn’t be replaced in a couple of years, replace it with a new one. Be sure to
check the operating manual for the correct plug gap before installing. You can
check it with a spark plug gap gauge.
Fuel System: The fuel system
provides the fuel to power your trimmer. It is important that it is clean to
prevent any engine problems. Check your fuel lines for any leaks, cracked
tubing, or other damage. Fuel filter replacement when you change the spark plug
is a good recommendation. Using ethanol free fuel can keep your system clear of
potential gumming up. Using a fuel additive or cleaner will also help keep
things running smooth.
Battery Powered Hedge Trimmers
One of the reasons that cordless hedge trimmers are popular is that there is much less maintenance required compared to a gas version. The electric motors don’t have an air filter and there are no fluids to have to keep up with and clean up after.
About the only maintenance battery-powered trimmers need is cleaning and
keeping the batteries charged. There are a couple of tips on charging your
batteries to follow to keep them operating at their best:
- Avoid overcharging the battery. Doing so will reduce its lifespan.
- Remove the battery when fully charged.
- Store batteries in a cool dry place. Temperature extremes can alter performance and battery life.
- Keep all battery terminals clean by wiping them with a clean dry cloth.
- If your battery’s run time is diminished or no longer holds a charge, it should be replaced.
Cleaning Hedge Trimmer Blades
Cleaning the trimmer blades is a similar process
for both gas and battery-powered models. Before you begin, ensure the trimmer
is powered off—switch off gas models and remove the battery from cordless ones.
Use a clean microfiber cloth to wipe away dirt,
grime, oil, or grease from the blades. Also, wipe down the engine, guards, and
air intakes. A soft brush can help reach tight or narrow areas.
For blade cleaning, you have two options:
- General cleaning: Mix dishwashing liquid with warm water to remove most dirt and grime.
- Heavy residue or sap: Use a resin solvent or isopropyl alcohol. Spray it on the blades, let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe off the excess.
Regular cleaning helps maintain performance and
extends the life of your trimmer.
Hedge trimmer blades are extremely sharp. Always wear gloves and safety goggles to protect your hands from cuts and your eyes from flying debris while performing any maintenance.
Sharpening Hedge Trimmer Blades
Keeping your trimmer blades sharp with regular filing will prevent dull blades and possible damage to the blades. It will also enable the blades to make clean cuts in the hedges. Sharpening can be done with a file or grinding wheel attachment on an rotary tool. Be sure to wear gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges and safety glasses when filing metal.
Turn the trimmer on and off quickly to move the blade away from the guard.
After setting the blades, make sure it’s unplugged, the battery is removed, or
the spark plug wire is removed. Clean the blades if necessary to get rid of any
sap or dirt. Use a sharpening stone, file or grinding wheel to sharpen each
blade, following the original angle. Use the same number of strokes on each
blade to keep them even. Then evaluate the sharpness by cutting a piece of
scrap wood or hedge trimming.
Lubricating Hedge Trimmer Blades
Now that your have cleaned and sharpened your
trimer blades, you need to lubricate them to keep them sliding smoothly and
cutting clean. The more you use your hedge trimmer, the more the blades are
exposed to moisture and dirt. This can cause rust and wear faster than you
might expect. Oiling the blades once a month helps protect them and keeps them
moving smoothly. It also reduces friction, which means better cutting
performance.
For electric trimmers, put a few drops of
synthetic oil on the blade tips and where the parts move. For gas trimmers, mix
two-stroke engine oil with fuel according to the instructions in your manual.
If you don’t have oil, then lubricating spray can be used.
Run the blades for a minute or so after applying
to distribute the lubricant across all the blades. Use a clean cloth to remove
any excess oil to prevent buildup and accumulating dirt.
Storing Your Hedge Trimmer
As with other outdoor power equipment, storing
them properly will help ensure that they stay in operating condition season
after season. Here are a few storage tips to help maintain your trimmer:
- Battery: For cordless models, remove the battery and wipe it down with a damp cloth. Recharge if needed.
- Blades: Clean off the blades to remove any sap, dirt or leaves that may be present.
- Trimmer Body: Wipe the trimmer motor down with a damp cloth to clean off any dirt and gunk.
- Lubricate: Apply a light coat of lubricating spray to protect them from moisture and possible corrosion.
Store your trimmer in a dry area. Cover it with
an old towel or sheet to protect from dust. Hanging your trimmer vertically
will help prevent the blade arm bending and also keep it away from children.
With these simple steps, your trimmer should stay dependable for years to come.