Looking after your hedge trimmer is important but it need not be difficult.
Whether you have an electric or petrol-powered model, you have a set of blades on the reciprocating bars and they will need periodic resharpening as soon as you notice a drop-off in cutting performance and a tendency for the trimmer to struggle to cut normal hedges. A file like the Bahco double ended sawfile is the tool you need for this purpose.
One feature on some machines is a double-handle locking operation so that the trimmer will not function if you are not using both hands. Before you use the machine in anger, make sure this feature is operating correctly: if not, check for any loose parts and seek professional repair if needed. On any machine, ensure that the hand protection guard is in place.
Equally essential is that the brake stops the blades without delay when you stop the machine. The blades should not continue to run when the stop button is pressed.
For corded electric hedge trimmers it is very important that there are no nicks and that there is no fraying in the power lead. If there is an extension lead in use, make sure you use an approved 13A lead and unroll it to reduce heat build-up, but keep it out of the operating area.
For such machines, buy and always use an RCD (Residual Current Detector) to break the circuit in the event of any wire being cut. And never operate mains electric machines in the rain or on wet hedges.
Petrol-powered units require an additional maintenance routine for their onboard motors. This starts with the need to keep the motor clean and free from dust, especially the carburetor and the air filter. If the filter becomes clogged it needs to be replaced.
Likewise the spark plug must be kept clean externally and periodically it needs to be unscrewed and examined. The gap between electrodes should normally be 0.5mm. If starting is poor or running is uneven, try replacing the plug.
The fuel must not leak from anywhere. The various cooling fins need to be dusted to prevent build-up. And the starter and its cord needs to be inspected and checked to see that the cord pulls easily and the return spring is functioning correctly.
Top up the gearbox with grease after every 20 hours or so of running.
As a monthly precaution, inspect and clean the fuel filter and empty the fuel tank to purge any deposits that might have built up.
Fuel/Oil: storage and mixing
On a day-to-day basis, one very essential issue is the maintenance of a correct mixture between the 2-stroke oil (do not be tempted to use other oils) and the leaded or unleaded petrol to create the 2-stroke mix.
In order to avoid costly mistakes, always buy a selection of cans for keeping and identifying your liquids. Get a safe, solid set of cans: the Sealey 5 litre fuel cans (red plastic for leaded, green for unleaded, black for your car diesel so you can keep it well apart) are EN and UN approved and have safety lock caps as well as flexible pouring spouts, to avoid dangerous and messy spills.
For heavier or professional users the 5 or 10 litre metal jerry cans are a good, sturdy choice: the Sealey models have a fuel resistant lining that fights any rust from water or other corrosive contents. Other useful features include a unique wide channel breather for smoother pouring. A leak-proof bayonet closure allows storage of the can in any position and the bayonet is additionally secured with a locking pin to prevent accidental opening.
The cans are manufactured and tested to comply with UN Dangerous Goods, DIN and TUV/GS standards.
When buying 2-stroke oil, it is not wise to save pennies by buying the cheapest available because the best brands provide extra protection for your machine and help it to run better and longer. Castrol's Act Evo has a Deposit Protection Formula, designed to provide continuous protection against the build up of carbon deposits on the engine and spark plug during use, keeping them clean to ensure fast and reliable starting. It has been designed to give superior protection for modern 2-stroke engines.
And when it comes to mixing, use a specially-designed 2-stroke / 2-cycle fuel mixing bottle that has graduations marked on it to allow easy measurement of the oil and petrol.
Do not refuel a hot engine as there is a risk of ignition. Let the engine cool down and take a break.
Care and safety in operation
In general running terms, it is vital to read the manufacturer's safety instructions and in particular, note the maximum recommended branch size that can be cut by the machine, Do not attempt to exceed this or you risk injury and machine failure. These trimmers are designed to cut hedges, leaves, bushes and shrubs, not trees. If material does get stuck in the blades, turn off the machine immediately and completely to prevent damage: and only then attempt to remove the blockage manually.
No machine is designed for continuous operation so take regular rests and allow the hedge trimmer to cool down. Battery machines will need periodic recharging anyway but resist the temptation to overwork a mains or petrol-powered machine: you risk burning out an electric motor or overheating a petrol one. And the intricate machine that is your body needs to rest as well...
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