Safety First
- Always read and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
- Wear safety goggles to protect your eyes. Wear earplugs and gloves while using hedge trimmers to prevent damage.
- Wear sturdy, non-slip footwear to prevent any mishaps.
Types of Hedge Trimmers
If you know the right
techniques, using a hedge trimmer can make your work quick and easy. Different
trimmers are used for different types of plants.
Manual
Manual
hedge trimmers look like large pairs of scissors. They make trimming small
bushes quick and easy. Since they require physical power, it is best to avoid
using them for larger bushes.
Gas-Powered
Gas-powered hedge
trimmers provide more power
than the other options. They allow you to cut thick stems and work for long
periods. They also minimize the need for constant refueling.
But they can
be heavy, noisy and emit exhaust fumes. This hedge trimmer delivers robust
performance with advanced mechanisms. Refueling is easy using a funnel,
ensuring smooth operation. Its power is unparalleled as compared to electric or
manual models.
Electric-Powered
Electric-powered hedge
trimmers are easy to use and
lightweight, but they can be quite an investment. They’re available in corded
and cordless variations, which impacts their mobility.
- Corded trimmers are an affordable option for small gardens. They can be plugged into power outlets, eliminating the need for batteries.
- Cordless trimmers offer various advantages, making them convenient to use. They’re easy to start, make less noise and are lightweight.
How to Use a Hedge Trimmer
Basics
- Holding the trimmers with both hands, since there are switches on both sides, will make them easier to use. Some trimmers have adjustable speeds or power-saving modes that can help you control them better.
- Many trimmers have a safety switch that should be switched off before you start your trimmer. This feature prevents accidental starts.
- The blade guard helps protect you from injury by covering the blades when the trimmer is unused. Make sure it’s securely in place while holding or storing the trimmer.
Stance and Grip
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart for stability.
- Pick the trimmer up with one hand on the front handle and the other on the rear handle.
Starting the Trimmer
- Starting a trimmer when the engine is cold can be a bit tricky. Engage the choke to turn the ignition on. This creates a richer fuel mixture for an easy start.
- Give the starter cord several quick, sharp pulls to build compression in the engine.
- When the engine starts to sputter or sounds like it's about to start, disengage the choke. This allows more air into the engine. Continue pulling the starter cord until the engine starts again and runs smoothly.
- Allow the engine to continue running at low speed to warm it up before activating the throttle.
- For electric hedge trimmers, ensure that you don’t insert the battery completely until you're next to the hedge. This prevents accidental activation.
- Slide the battery into the housing and securely lock it into place. Activate the on switch if applicable.
Cutting Techniques
Once you know how to use a
hedge trimmer on bushes, trimming the garden plants will take no time
and yield beautiful results.
Trimming
- Cut the sides of your hedges, starting at the bottom and moving upwards in a sweeping motion. Move towards cutting the top. Set up a guideline to cut the top using canes and string. Ensure that you cut the stems up to the machine's maximum capacity.
- Thick stems should be tackled with a pruning saw.
- To avoid making a mess, spread a tarp on the ground to catch the clippings.
- Once your work is done, switch off the ignition and place the blade cover over the trimmer's blade end.
Create Shapes
Create
various shapes using a hedge trimmer. This can make your hedges look neat and
aesthetic.
- Flat Tops: To create a flat top, hold the trimmer level with the top and move it horizontally across the top of the hedge.
- Rounded Shapes: For a rounded shape, follow the natural curve of the hedge. Tilt the trimmer slightly as you move.
- Angled Edges: For angled edges, adjust the trimmer’s angle to match the desired slope.
Cleaning
- Use a soft brush to remove dirt and debris.
- Clean the blades of your hedge trimmer with a soft cloth, either dry or slightly damp.
- Wear stout gloves while cleaning around the blade.
Disconnect the trimmer from
the power supply before cleaning.
Maintenance
Now that you know how to use a
hedge trimmer, let's discuss its care and maintenance.
Oil the
blades before and after using the hedge trimmers. Ideally, use a lubricant
designed for trimmers or a good-quality machine oil.
If your yard
consists of conifer hedges, the resins in the stems can gather on the blades.
Combine a resin solvent and lubricant to keep your trimmer in good working
condition.
Fuel
trimmers are powered by two-stroke engines, which run on a mixture of gas and
two-stroke oil. This should be pre-mixed in the recommended ratio, usually
around 40 to 1. To prevent any wastage, only mix the fuel you’ll need for
immediate use. Old fuel that has been kept for over a month can damage the
engine.
Storage
- Nearly all batteries have power level indicator lights, which make it easy to check how much battery is left.
- Storing batteries in extreme freezing temperatures can shorten and damage their life, so store them in a warm place. Remove the batteries before storing them.
- If any other storage precautions need to be taken, it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions.