Last Updated on May 9, 2024 by Sharaj
A hedge trimmer plays an important part in garden maintenance. It’s an efficient piece of machinery that makes hedge trimming a very easy process.
So, you should pay serious attention to its use, handling, and storage. A hedge trimmer has components like a blade, air filter, handle grip and a motor that seeks regular attention.
So, let’s take a look at some of the best ways to maintain the reliability and performance of your hedge cutter for many more years to come.
Clean The Blades
Every time a hedge trimmer cuts through the branches, leaves, and other debris, it begins to gather a trace amount of sap. After regular usage, the sap accumulates, binds up the blades, and reduces cutting efficiency. Apart from degraded results, its motor will overheat and wear out early because of the added friction.
Cleaning the hedge trimmer is easy because you only need to wipe its blades using a soft cloth and some soapy water. You should also lubricate the edges after cleaning. It’s ideal to clean and lubricate the blades after every use. Make sure that the blades are entirely dry before lubricating as well as storing it.
Lubricate The Blades
When you maintain the hedges, the blades encounter moisture and many other contaminants that can surprisingly corrode them within a month. Oiling the blades creates a lubrication barrier that protects the blades from all such harmful factors.
Moreover, a set of lubricated blades moves smoothly without much friction and hence they produce more cutting power.
It’s easy to lubricate a hedge trimmer. You simply have to wipe down its blades and use a wire brush to remove all the foliage. Use a lubrication oil to complete the process.
Clean The Air Filter
All the hedge trimmers seek a clear airflow to function properly. When you use the machine quite a few times, the debris and dust particles begin to accumulate in its filter and reduces the airflow. Some of the obvious results of this dirt buildup are overheating, lack of power and poor cutting results.
In most of the hedge cutters, the air filter is accessible via a button or catch. It’s best to check the user’s guide to know the right instructions.
Take the filter out, place it on a solid surface, and blow some air through its fibers to remove all the dust. It’s better to replace the component if its soiled more than you can clean.
Do not try to wash and reuse the filter until and unless the manufacturer’s manual clearly states the same. If you submerge a filter into the water by mistake, its fibers will not be able to deal with added moisture.
Keep The Trimmer Clean
If the hedge trimmer is soiled with dust and debris, then there are chances its buttons, screws or springs might malfunction due to lack of maintenance. Moreover, an unclean trimmer will soon overheat, because the airflow will not be take out of the extra heat.
Wipe down the machine using a damp cloth or sponge. Keep the rubbing action gentle and do not use harsh cleaning chemicals. Once you wipe the exteriors, let the trimmer dry before you store it for the next use. You can also use compressed air to blow all the dirt and debris.
Make Sure All The Screws And Fittings Are Tight
It’s easy to understand that a loose screw or any other part can cause damage to the tool or you can easily lose them while maintaining the hedges.
All the screws and connectors need some tightening, especially due to the vibrations produced by a hedge trimmer. It’s the reason you need to take a good look at all the bolts and make sure they are tight.
Use a screwdriver to fasten all the screws and other parts that need some servicing. Do not overtighten any of the components as it might cause damage to its thread as well as connecting parts. It’s best to check the instructions manual before unscrewing or tightening anything on a hedge trimmer.
Sharpen The Blades
Similar to all other cutting tools, a hedge trimmer works on target materials using its blades. Over time, these blades exhaust that reflects in the cutting results. So, if you want sharp cuts from the hedge trimmer, sharpen its blades after every three seasons.
One of the most time taking, but essential parts of hedge trimmer maintenance are its blade sharpening. However, it’s not a difficult task because you only need a mill file or power grinder.
Do not overuse any of the tools otherwise, the blades will lose too much metal. IF you are not sure about the hedge trimmer blade sharpening process, then take it to a service center or nearby repair shop for power tools. Make sure you revive the blade after every 50 hours of operation or as we discussed earlier; after every 3 seasons.
Follow Proper Storage Procedure
Storing a hedge trimmer in a dry area is beneficial because this precious garden tool might not survive for long in damp places. As we know that moisture will cause all the metal parts to rust or corrode. If it’s an electrical trimmer than there are chances of electrical failure.
If you own a gas propelled version of hedge cutters, then it’s better to drain all the fuel before you store it. You must take out all the remaining fuel, especially if you are not going to use the machine for the next six months.
Make sure it’s out of reach from your kids and pets. So, you should keep it somewhere in the garage or basement. A garden shade is great, but you need to make sure its moisture-proof.
Takeaways
Following the above-mentioned steps, you will get a high-quality performance from a hedge trimmer for a long time. You don’t have to perform all the above after every use.
However, a quarterly check will not hurt. In return, you will get efficiency, smoothness, and excellent cutting results.