A hedge trimmer is an ideal tool for cosmetic landscaping and keeping your garden hedges and shrubs in perfect shape. But if you’ve recently bought a trimmer and lost its manual somehow, don’t fret.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the process of starting various models of trimmers. You’ll also discover tips and tricks to operating a petrol, battery, and electric trimmer. So, keep reading.
How to Start a Hedge Trimmer?
Starting a hedge trimmer depends on whether it uses petrol, battery, or electricity. A petrol trimmer will require a cold or warm start, and a battery-operated one will need you to insert and charge the battery to operate it. Whereas the prerequisite to starting an electric-powered trimmer is to plug its cord into a standard 230 Volts socket.
The basic steps to start a hedge trimmer includes assembling the parts first if required. With every component you assemble, a resounding click will indicate that you’ve connected it correctly. But remember to wear thick gloves while doing that.
If you’ve already put all the components together, ensure the area is clutter-free. Also, hold the trimmer in both hands for a safe grip and remove the protective sheath from the blade before starting it up. Next, switch on the garden trimmer based on the model you own.
Related: How to Use a Hedge Trimmer in Simple and Easy Ways
How to Start a Petrol Hedge Trimmer?
A petrol shrub trimmer differs from a battery and an electric-powered one because you can’t just switch it on. Typically, it comes with a 2-stroke engine rather than a motor that requires a mix of oil and petrol to run.
So make sure you have used the correct mixture of fuel which is 40 percent unleaded petrol (not more than 4 to 6 weeks old) and 1 percent oil. The engine uses the oil as lubrication for its parts while it runs, burning it along the petrol. Moreover, it requires a different start procedure depending on whether the trimmer is in a cold or warm state.
A warm status means restarting the trimmer after you’ve switched it off recently. In contrast, a cold state is when you switch on the tool for the first time after a long period. Here’s how to start a petrol shrub trimmer:
Cold State:
Step 1: Position the Switch
Set the position of the start/stop switch to Start.
Step 2: Move the Choke Lever
Move the choke lever to the Full choke position if the garden trimmer is cold. This limits the airflow into the tool and increases the amount of fuel inside the cylinder to warm up the engine and keep it running.
Step 3: Press the Primer Bulb
Press the primer bulb around seven times. This will create a vacuum that will force the fuel into the carburetor.
Step 4: Pull the Starter Cord
Hold the front handle and pull the starter cord with the other hand.
Step 5: Move the Choke Again
When you hear the engine starting up, move the choke lever to the Run position.
Step 6: Pull the Starter Cord Again
Pull at the starter cord again when the engine is running fully. Press the throttle trigger. Some bush trimmers will allow you to set the tool into the Start position.
Step 7: Adjust the Speed
Wait for 15-20 seconds. When the garden trimmer warms up, press the throttle trigger to adjust the tool’s speed.
Warm State:
Step 1: Position the Switch
Set the position of the start/stop switch to Start.
Step 2: Move the Choke Lever
If in a warm state, move the choke lever on the trimmer to the Run position to let in a higher level of airflow into the tool.
Step 4: Pull the Starter Cord
Pull at the starter cord until the engine starts running.
Related: How to Sharpen a Hedge Trimmer? A Complete Guide
How to Start a Battery Hedge Trimmer?
A battery-powered or cordless hedge trimmer will come with a battery pack and a charger. You’ll first need to insert the battery by aligning its ribs with the housing slots in the tool. Push it into place until the clicking sound resonates.
The indicator lights on the trimmer will tell you how much battery you’ve consumed and when the tool needs charging. Next, follow the steps below to start up a cordless shrub trimmer:
Step 1: Hold the Trimmer Properly
Place one hand on the back handle of the tool and one on the front handle.
Step 2: Turn On the Dual-Safety Trigger System
Press the on/off trigger at the rear handle under the hand grip and the safety switches present on the front handle simultaneously. Doing this will start up the motor. To switch off the tool, you can either release the on/off trigger or the safety switch.
Here are some cordless hedge trimmer starting tricks:
- Grease the blades well so that the tool can run in optimal condition.
- Before inserting or removing the battery, always let go of the on/off trigger.
- Never set the dual safety switches in the On position.
How to Start an Electric Hedge Trimmer?
An electric garden trimmer will typically plug into a 230V 13amp socket. But as it comes with a cable, before connecting it to a power supply, ensure to keep the cord out of harm’s way.
Usually, an RCD lead will be supplied with the tool. If it does not come with the trimmer, I suggest buying it as it will avert electric shocks in damp working conditions.
Also, keep the lead loosely coiled and unwound and away from wetness and the working area. Never place the lead in an area where someone could trip over it. Follow the steps below to start an electric bush trimmer:
Step 1: Connect the RCD Lead
Connect the RCD lead to the 3-pin plug attached to the garden trimmer. Plug the lead in the main socket and switch on the power supply. You can test the RCD for whether it’s working by pushing the reset button, then the test switch, and the reset button again.
Step 2: Press the Dual-Switch System
Hold the shrub trimmer in your hand. Press the on/off switch at the rear end and the safety switch on the front simultaneously to start the motor.
FAQs
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Why does my hedge trimmer not start?
The primary reasons why a hedge trimmer won’t start include the following:
- The spark plug is clogged.
- The carburetor is restricted.
- You’ve used old fuel.
- The fuel filter is clogged.
- The recoil spring or pulley is damaged.
- The air filter is dirty.
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How do you start an electric hedge trimmer?
Connect the RCD lead to the trimmer and plug it into the main socket. Switch on the power supply. Next, press the on/off trigger at the rear end and the safety switch on the front handle simultaneously to start an electric shrub trimmer.
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How do you start a petrol hedge trimmer?
Stock the trimmer with petrol and oil in a 40:1 ratio and set the on/off switch the position of the trimmer to On. Move the choke lever to Full choke and press the primer bulb seven times. Pull the cord, and when the engine starts, move the choke lever to the Run position.
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How do you start a Stihl hedge trimmer?
Press and hold the front and bottom triggers at the same time. Then push the starting throttle lock present at the left side of the handle. Release both triggers.
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How do you cold start a power hedge trimmer?
Set the on/off switch the position of the trimmer to On. Move the choke lever to Full choke and press the primer bulb seven times. Pull the cord, and when the engine starts, move the choke lever to the Run position.
Pull at the starter cord again and press the throttle trigger. When the engine warms up, press the throttle to adjust the speed.
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How do I start my trimmer?
Starting a bush trimmer depends on its model. If it is an electric trimmer, you’ll need to plug it into a power supply. A battery-operated trimmer will require you to charge and insert a battery into the tool, while a petrol trimmer will need petrol and oil in a 40:1 ratio to start.
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What is the cold start method?
A cold start method means you haven’t used the garden trimmer in a while and would need to switch it on for the first time.
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How do you start a 2 stroke trimmer?
A 2-stroke trimmer would require unleaded petrol and semi-synthetic 2-stroke oil to start up. Move the on/off switch to On and the choke lever to Full choke, and press the primer bulb seven times.
Pull the cord, and when the engine starts, push the choke lever to Run. Pull the cord grip again and press the throttle trigger. When the engine warms up, press the throttle again to adjust the speed.
Related: How to Clean Hedge Trimmer Blades
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, I’ve answered your query about “how to start a hedge trimmer” in the best way in the above post. Starting a garden trimmer depends on its model. An electric, battery-operated, and petrol-powered tool will require different operating procedures.
However, all trimmer models require you to take some precautions before switching them on. Wear protective gloves and eyewear and clear the area of clutter when starting the tool.
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