How To Use Stihl Hedge Trimmer

A hedge trimmer is one of the most essential tools to add to your yard maintenance kit. Not only will it keep your hedges and shrubs looking neat and tidy, but it will also help save a lot of your time and effort. 

Due to their increasing popularity, many brands are manufacturing hedge trimmers, which can make it challenging to select one that will meet your specific requirements. 

Stihl is one of the top brands in the market when it comes to gardening and yard tools. This brand does not compromise on quality, and its hedge trimmer is likely to last you a long time. It is built durably and is ideal for both beginners and experts.

Stihl’s tools tend to be lightweight and easy to use, and most come with an instructions manual for your convenience. Keep in mind that there are a few safety considerations that you will need to keep in mind before you start using any of Stihl’s products. 

In this article, we have shared everything that you need to know about Stihl hedge trimmers. 

How To Start a Stihl Hedge Trimmer?

Before you get started with your Stihl hedge trimmer, you will need to prepare it. 

Fueling Instructions

Most Stihl trimmers use a combination of two-stroke engine oil and unleaded gasoline, and you will need both to fuel it. 

The ratio of 89 octane unleaded gasoline and two-stroke engine oil should ideally be 50:1. Even though this is true for most hedge trimmers, make sure you read the instructions manual for exact measurements.

Almost all Stihl hedge trimmers, including the HS 45, come with a transparent fuel tank which makes it easy to check when they need to be refueled. Use the gasoline with caution as it is flammable and can lead to an explosion if it comes in contact with something hot or warm.

Starting Instructions

Once your Stihl hedge trimmer is ready, turn it on using the On/Off switch. The I stands for on, and the O stands for off. Press the I button to start the trimmer.

You will find two triggers on the handle, each serving a specific purpose. The one on the top is the throttle trigger lockout, and the one on the bottom is the throttle trigger itself. You must press the lockout trigger first, hold it, and then squeeze the bottom trigger. Hold them both simultaneously in this position. 

Next, you will need to look for the Stihl hedge trimmer choke position, which is usually a lever situated on the right-hand side of the motor. This level also comes with two settings. The vertical line is for when the engine has been running and is warm, while the diagonal downward line is for when the engine hasn’t been used that day and is cold.

Once you select the position for the choke lever, you will need to press the manual feel bulb, which is usually located beside the choke lever. Press it at least five times so that it becomes filled with fuel. 

When your hedge trimmer is ready, you will need to put it on the ground safely. The blade is usually covered with a sheath that you will need to remove and put somewhere safe. Ensure the hedge trimmer is stable and the area around the blade is clear. 

Press the trimmer down firmly and hold the front handle in one hand. Using your other hand, start pulling the starter grip slowly until it starts to engage. When it is fully engaged, you will need to pull the starter grip with more force and place the rope in position. You will need to keep pulling on the starter grip until the engine starts. 

Also: How To Replace Pull Cord on Stihl Hedge Trimmer

Handy Tips To Use Stihl Hedge Trimmer

There are a few tips that you should follow if you want to trim or cut your hedges perfectly each time. Like every tool, you must follow a certain technique when operating your Stihl hedge trimmer. 

The user manual provided with the trimmer includes comprehensive information regarding each part and how to operate it. Still, we have a few additional tips that we think will be beneficial for both beginners and experts.

Blade Maintenance

It is important to keep your Stihl hedge trimmer in good shape if you want to make sure that it lasts several years. The blades are the most prominent part of your trimmer, so you want to ensure that they are sharp. 

The blade is likely to get blunt eventually, especially if you use your hedge trimmer extensively. If the blades are snagging on the hedge or if you feel that the branches you are cutting are ragged, it probably means you need to sharpen your blade. A blunt blade cannot slice branches or hedges as a sharp blade can. 

Sharpening the blade yourself is an option, but only opt for this if you are an expert, and you know what you are doing. The best option is to visit a Stihl-approved dealer and get your blade sharpened by a professional. This way, the sharpness of your blade will last longer, and the dealer can even fix any parts that have become worn out due to repetitive use. 

Cleanliness

When you trim a lot of hedges and branches, your blade and the overall tool become dirty over time. The sap, which is the residue produced during trimming hedges, can accumulate on the blade and stick to it. This can reduce the efficiency of the blade to a large extent. The residue can also stick to other parts of the tool, reducing their efficiency as well. 

To avoid such situations, it is important that you clean your hedge trimmer frequently. Even though several cleaners are available in the market, we recommend investing in a Stihl-approved cleaner.

Stihl-approved cleaners like the resin solvent are designed to get rid of sap that has formed on the blades or other parts of the tool. This means that such cleaners can get the job done quickly and more efficiently. 

Also, make sure you are cleaning your tool frequently and not letting dirt or any other residue to accumulate on the blade, as this can deteriorate its quality. 

Using the Right Technique

The right way to trim your hedges is to start by cutting the vertical ones using an upward and downward sweeping motion. Once the vertical sides have been cut, you can move on to the rest of the hedges. 

When you are trimming the top of a hedge, aim your blade at a 10-degree angle from the horizontal, and swipe the blade horizontally for a perfect cut. It may take a few tries to master this technique, but once you get used to it, you will never turn back due to its convenience. 

Proper Storage

Just like any other tool, the proper storage of your Stihl hedge trimmer when it is not in use is absolutely essential. Always clean your hedge trimmer after use and place it in the protective cover that comes with the Stihl hedge trimmer.

Avoid leaving it outdoors, as rain or other weather conditions can cause the different metal parts to rust. Also, always follow the safety recommendations, which are discussed in detail below.

Related:How To Store Hedge Trimmer?

How To Grease Stihl Hedge Trimmer?

An important part of maintaining your Stihl hedge trimmer is to grease it from time to time. Each use leads to the hedge trimmer becoming exposed to stubborn dirt and other external influences that can be difficult to get rid of. 

The motor and the gear unit are likely to wear out quickly if you keep operating them without grease. The friction caused by the different parts rubbing together can cause them to become less efficient and can even reduce the life of your beloved tool.

Luckily, Stihl provides all the maintenance and grease products to its customers so that you don’t have to worry about the compatibility of different oils. The Stihl Multilub grease is ideal for greasing your gear unit and ensuring it is running correctly. It comes in an easy-to-apply tube, and a small amount can go a long way in keeping the gear unit in good shape. 

If you are tired of wiping off dirt after every use, you can invest in the Stihl Multispray, that is designed to lubricate and loosen any stubborn dirt, which can make the cleaning process easier. This spray also doubles as a protectant against corrosion, which can help increase the life of your hedge trimmer. 

The Stihl Superclean resin solvent is an all-in-one solution that can be used to clean the different parts of your tool and also keep it protected against rust. Using all these products can help keep your Stihl hedge trimmer maintained for long, but do not hesitate to consult a Stihl professional if you are facing any serious problems.

Related: How to Grease STIHL Hedge Trimmer

How To Use a Hedge Trimmer Safely?

There are a few safety precautions that you should keep in mind before you start using your Stihl hedge trimmer. It can be a dangerous tool if you are not careful while operating it. 

The first thing you should be mindful of is to clear the area where you plan to operate it. There should not be any bystanders, especially children. The blade is very sharp and can cause a deep cut if it comes in contact with the skin.

Never leave your hedge trimmer unattended, and always turn the power off if you want to take a break. It is also important to take frequent breaks because fatigue increases the chances of accidents. 

It is necessary to wear proper protective apparel to keep yourself safe. Make sure you wear safety goggles or other protective glasses that can effectively prevent any tiny particles from coming in contact with your eyes. You can also wear a face shield to keep your face protected.

Some Stihl hedge trimmers can produce a lot of noise, so wear ear mufflers or plugs, especially if you plan to operate your trimmer for a prolonged time period. 

Wear heavy-duty work gloves that are preferably made from high-quality leather. These should be ergonomic and provide a good grip so the tool does not slip from your hands and cause an accident.

Avoid wearing loose-fitting clothing, but make sure that the clothes are not so tight that they restrict your movement. Also, do not wear any accessories like scarves or jewerly that can get stuck in the branches or the different parts of a tool. 

It is also important to wear sturdy boots that have a good grip. They should be non-slip and made from a thick material to keep your feet and toes safe. 

Related: How to Use a Hedge Trimmer in Simple and Easy Ways

Final Thoughts

A Stihl hedge trimmer is the ideal choice for people who are looking for durability, ease of use, and convenience. As long as you know how to use it properly and you follow the safety instructions thoroughly, this tool will last you a long time.

It is also important to maintain your Stihl hedge trimmer frequently and make sure all its parts are functioning properly. Since it is a dangerous tool, avoid taking risks and always contact a professional if you are confused about something.