How To Maintain Hedge Trimmer

Every time you utilize your trimmer, it’s typically exposed to so much stress, which leaves wear and tear traces. And if left unnoticed, the situation will get worse.

Therefore, regular maintenance is crucial to avoid malfunctions and serious damage and to ensure that the tool s safe to use and has a prolonged life.

Keeping the trimmer in a tiptop condition won’t only make yard work more convenient, but it will also decrease the chances you will need to replace it.

Components like the motor, handle grips, motor, blades, and air filter – all need proper attention. It’ll guarantee the reliability & smooth performance of the trimmer for years to come.

Of course, who wouldn’t wish to keep it running and efficient to avoid replacing it over again, right?

If you also want to maintain your hedge trimmer so that it doesn’t cause damage, just have a look below to explore the top * effective tips & tricks on how to maintain hedge trimmer;

Foolproof Tips & Tricks on How To Maintain Hedge Trimmer

Tip 1. Clean the air filter

For the petrol hedge trimmer motor, you need to make the air filter cool and clean – so that it functions properly. Due to dust particles and debris, the airflow may be blocked.

It results in poor performance, overheating, and lack of engine power. In general, the air filter can be released through a button. Once you’ve removed the filter, blow through it gently & tap it on a rigid surface.

However, if it is soiled heavily, then it is better to replace it. Plus, never submerge or wash the filter unless the user manual says to do so because it can lead the fibers to swell, which will make the air hard to pass.

Tip 2. Sharpen the hedge trimmer blades

Unless you feel highly confident, take your trimmer to a machinery specialist to get its blades efficiently sharpened if they have become blunt. It’ll maintain their efficiency and make them safer to use.

Using the trimmer with worn blades will harm your plants and make tasks unnecessarily tough. The device itself will be forced to work harder, which may affect its performance. And you don’t want that, right?

For sharpening the trimmer, use a drill with a cone-shaped filing stone to perform the task. Apart from that, limit the sharpening process to once every 50 hours of use, and gently avoid wearing away so much metal. 

Tip 3. Clean the cutting blades

Sap and debris often get stuck in the blade while the hedge trimmer is being used. It can bind the cutting blades and eventually make trimming tougher.

Over time, it can also make the blades bind up, decreasing the efficiency of the cut. Dirty blades not just badly affect the cutting performance, but the friction can overheat the motor to a great extent.

When you’re done using the trimmer, simply use a brush to remove any debris that might be stuck between the blades. You can also use a resin spray or hedge trimmer lubricant to prevent the building of plant sap.

Cleaning the blades is as quick and simple as wiping them with a cloth or soapy water after every use. Apply a good hedge trimmer cleaner & lubricant to them after cleaning. Finally, store the tool after drying it thoroughly.

Related: How To Lubricate Hedge Trimmer?

Tip 4. Tighten any loose screws or fittings

Hedge trimmers vibrate a lot, which causes bolts and screws to loosen with the passage of time. This is a great example of why tools must be maintained routinely. Therefore, you need to examine the essential parts of your tool to retighten them. 

It’s also a nice idea to apply anti-rust protection or oil there. By using the right spanners and screwdrivers, tighten all fasteners and visible parts gently yet tightly. But never overtighten them, as it can cause serious damage to the thread or surrounding parts.

Before unscrewing any part, make sure to check the user manual, and never switch out specific one size screw for another. 

Tip 5. Keep the cable in check

Always use the RCD (residual current device) adapter or plug while using a specific corded electric trimmer with the extension cable.

This will protect you from severe shocks if you cut the cable accidentally unless your entire house is efficiently protected by an RCD. Yes, that’s right!

The extension cable you use should be long enough to complete the task without stretching. Plus, keep an eye on it to ensure that it is safely out of your way.

Tip 6. Lubricate the blades regularly

The more you use the trimmer, the blade will receive contaminants and moisture. It is how rapidly erosion can set in. And then, you’ll be in a never-ending battle.

But don’t worry! Good lubrication will create a powerful barrier (if done every month) and help the blades smoothly glide over each other, resulting in more cutting power & less friction.

The best part is that this task is the easiest out of all the maintenance steps. It is recommended to lubricate the trimmer blades when they have dried off. However, don’t overdo it, as a little goes an incredibly long way.

Tip 7. Always Store it correctly.

Garden tools should be placed in a good toolbox. If you store them in a damp box prone to leaks, you welcome many dangers that will shorten their lifespan.

Yes, storing them is that much crucial! 

Moisture leads to corrosion of metal parts, and the fuel system can become really contaminated. So, if your trimmer is mainly battery-driven, it can result in component failures and electric shocks.

If you do not have a quality box, UV resistance, and a waterproof case can be considered to protect the gear. Ensure that the trimmer is wrapped in a towel or cotton sheet, and also put it in a bag (if possible).

Related: How to Hang Hedge Trimmer

Power Source-Specific Tips for Proper Maintenance

With the typical maintenance steps needed for all kinds of hedge trimmers, some specific-care requirements are also there that depend on what sort of trimmer you are currently having.

I’ve put together the necessary points for each of them.

Petrol Hedge Trimmer Maintenance

Before doing maintenance tasks, ensure the carburetor is in idle mode correctly – so the Petrol Hedge trimmer blades won’t run. In general, this type of trimmer requires a consistent flow of cool, clean air to function.

The accumulation of dust particles in the airflow lessens the airflow, which results in poor performance. So, it’s good to clean its air filter from time to time. 

How To Do:

• Check the device for leaks, and examine the fuel to make sure that no fuel comes out of it.
• Plus, regularly check the spark plugs. 
• It is also necessary to clean the fuel tank – so that it doesn’t gather any dust particles.
• After you’re done with removing the filter, blow through it gently and tap it on a hard surface. If the air filter is extremely dirty, it’s better to replace it. 
• Annually check the petrol hedge trimmer with the help of a completely trained technician to guarantee safety.
• That’s all about how to maintain a petrol hedge trimmer easily and effectively!

Battery Hedge Trimmer Maintenance

Your battery is as essential as other components of hedge trimmers. So yes, it should always be included in the checklist of regular maintenance. 

How To Do:

• Simply remove the battery of the hedge trimmer after every use & properly clean it with a clean, damp cloth.
• Then, dry the battery thoroughly, and check that the LEDs are flashing and working as they should.
• Immediately remove the battery from the trimmer if they’re not lighting up or flashing red. This can be caused by malfunction or overheating of the machine or battery.
• Refer to the section on troubleshooting in the Owner’s Manual for clear instructions relevant to your current situation.

Electric Hedge Trimmer Maintenance

Make sure to disconnect the trimmer from the power sources before starting electric hedge trimmer maintenance. Plus, examine the plug and power cable after and before each use, and keep an eye on any potential signs of breaking. 

To prevent electric shocks, you also need to use RCD (residual circuit break) device in line with the electric head. If you notice any severe damage, stop using your tool and immediately bring it to an expert.

How To Do:

• Use a good oil to keep the handles of your trimmer clean, dry, & free of debris. Never clean it with any strong detergents or solvents.
• Avoid spraying with water or any other chemical or liquid on the machine.
• Secure the blades of the trimmer in the scabbard while transporting.
• Store it indoors when you are not using the device. Keep it unlocked and away from children.

Keep reading to acknowledge the importance of regular maintenance of the trimmer (in case you are demotivated or don’t feel like doing it);

Related: Can You Use Electric Hedge Trimmer In The Rain

Why Do I Need to Maintain My Hedge Trimmer Regularly?

With proper and regular maintenance, you can identify & address many issues early on. It’ll help you avoid any severe damage in the future. Apart from that, a well-maintained machine is always convenient and safe to use.

Inspecting the trimmer as an essential part of the tool care will incredibly highlight the damages that could impair or decrease its safe functioning. In this way, periodic servicing and checking minimize the injury risks from using the device.

Still, have some confusion? Well, to address all your queries, dig into the FAQs section;

Frequently Asked Questions

1) What is the maintenance for hedge trimmers?

After finishing work, hedge trimmer maintenance is necessary. Use a slightly damp cloth in order to wipe off moisture and dirt and remove the residue of twigs and leaves caught in the teeth. Then, apply a maintenance spray or care oil and run the trimmer to distribute the oil on its moving surfaces. wd40 on hedge trimmer blades

2) Can I use WD-40 on hedge trimmer blades for lubrication?

After you’re done cleaning the trimmer & have dried off the residues thoroughly, you must remember to lubricate its blades. To do this, get your hands on any clean, dry cloth and then use it to reapply the WD-40 cost on the blades with a smooth and even distribution.

3) When should I sharpen my hedge trimmer blades?

Ideally, the blade sharpening must be done before they show any visible signs of wear and tear. Many experts recommend sharpening the blades every 50 hours of use to guarantee consistent cutting performance & to let you enjoy the trimmer’s smooth functionality for as long as possible.

4) How long do hedge trimmers last?

Depending on the specific brand and model, they have a runtime between around 40 & 60 minutes (sometimes more). For instance, the GTech hedge trimmer HT50 lasts up to an hour, depending on the hedge type you are going to trim.

5) Are hedges hard to maintain?

While trimming the hedges or bushes, new growth is more convenient to remove compared to established or woody growth. Typically, the fast-growing hedges are seen as high maintenance & need to be hedged up to almost 6 times a year.

Bottom Line

Regular maintenance extends the service life of your tool and lessens the accidents risk. Always check the most necessary functions to make sure that they are working in the correct order.

While not every method needs to be performed with each use, it’s good to give it a maintenance check-up to keep it in the tiptop condition & at peak performance.

By following the above-mentioned tips consistently, you’ll get the most out of the hedge trimmer for many coming seasons without having any big issues!