How to maintain your hedge trimmer
If you want your hedge trimmer to last, you need to maintain it. That means regular care, cleaning, servicing and proper storage.
Components like the blades, engine, air filter and hand grips all need regular attention.
Clean the cutting blades
Every time your hedge trimmer cuts through leaves and small branches, trace amounts of sap begin to accumulate on the blades. Over time this can cause the blades to bind up, reducing cutting efficiency. Not only do dirty blades reduce cutting performance, but the added friction can also cause the engine to overheat.
Cleaning hedge trimmer blades is as simple as wiping them down with soapy water and a cloth after each use. Applying a lubricant to the blades after cleaning them is also recommended. Make sure that the blades are completely dry before storing the tool.
Clean the air filter
For your petrol-powered hedge trimmer's engine to function properly, it needs a constant flow of clean, cool air. When you use your hedge trimmer, debris and dust particles begin to build up in the filter and reduce the airflow, which results in a lack of engine power, poor performance and overheating.
Usually the air filter is released via a catch or button. Once you have removed the filter, gently blow through it and tap it on a solid surface. If it’s very dirty, it’s best to replace it with a new one.
How to clean or replace the air filter on your hedge trimmer
Sharpen your hedge trimmer’s blades
Like any cutting tool, cutting foliage gradually causes the blades to become blunt over time.
You can sharpen your hedge trimmer’s blades using a small cone-shaped filing stone or a flat file. Limit how often you sharpen the blades to once every 50 hours of accumulated use and go gently to avoid wearing away too much metal.
Keep the gears greased
To prevent moisture entering your hedge trimmer, make sure that the gear housing is properly lubricated. To lubricate it, add the grease through the grease nipple on the product.
Always use Husqvarna special grease.
Tighten any loose screws or fittings
Loose parts can easily fall off, become lost or cause damage to the rest of the tool. The vibrations produced by a hedge trimmer can cause screws, bolts and connectors to loosen over time.
Using the appropriate screwdrivers and spanners, firmly but gently tighten all visible parts and fasteners. Do not overtighten them, as this can damage the thread and the surrounding parts.
Lubricate the blades regularly
The more you use your hedge trimmer, the more the blade will be exposed to moisture and contaminants. It is surprising just how quickly corrosion can set in and a proper lubrication every month will help provide a protective barrier. The lubrication also helps the blades glide over each other smoothly, resulting in less friction and more cutting power.
It is best to lubricate blades after they have had a good wipe down and have dried off.
Keep the exterior clean
Buttons, springs, switches, screws and adjusters can all fall victim to poor maintenance if your hedge trimmer is not kept clean. A poorly kept hedge trimmer can overheat, as cool air won’t be able to flow freely over the engine.
A simple wipe down with a slightly damp cloth or sponge will do the trick. If you have access to it, use gentle compressed air to blow away built-up dirt. Avoid using abrasive chemicals and cleaning solutions and keep the rubbing action gentle. After wiping down all of the external surfaces, dry it off properly ready to be stored until the next use.
Store it correctly
If you store your gardening tools in a shed, toolbox or vehicle that is excessively damp or prone to leaks, this is almost guaranteed to shorten their lifespan. Moisture will cause metal parts to corrode. The fuel system may become contaminated. If your hedge trimmer is battery-powered, it may also result in short circuits and electrical component failures.
A waterproof and UV-resistant canvas case is a great way to protect your hedge trimmer. You can also wrap your tool in a cotton sheet or towel, placed in a plastic bag and stored in a box off the floor.
