Last updated on October 23rd, 2023 at 08:28 pm
Surely in the spring you, too, enjoy tulips, crocuses, daffodils or hyacinths in pots. Do not throw away the bulbs! We will show you how you can also enjoy a beautiful bloom in the following year.
To enjoy your hedge trimmer for a long time, it is necessary to take good care of the device. Electric hedge trimmers have different requirements than gasoline or battery-powered hedge trimmers. Read here how to clean, care and maintain your hedge trimmer.
For a simple guide to hedge trimming, click here.
Before you clean your hedge trimmer, make sure you take care of your own safety. Be sure to wear safety glasses and durable protective gloves while working.
Also, before cleaning an electric hedge trimmer, unplug it to prevent it from accidentally turning on. If you are cleaning a battery-powered hedge trimmer, simply remove the battery from the unit before starting work. Also, in any case, lock the blade so that the blades do not move unexpectedly and hurt you during cleaning and maintenance.
Contents
Hedge trimmer maintenance
Especially after longer storage and before particularly demanding use, you should take a close look at the hedge trimmer and repair any minor damage immediately. An intact hedge trimmer is the prerequisite for safe and successful work.
Cleaning and caring for battery-powered hedge trimmer
Remove the battery from the hedge trimmer after each use. Clean the battery by first wiping it with a damp cloth and then drying it thoroughly. Store it separately from the hedge trimmer and charger.
Before use, make sure that when the battery is installed, all LED lights show the correct light signals that mean the unit is running normally. You should correct any malfunctions immediately. Follow the operating instructions for your hedge trimmer when doing so.
Clean and maintain electric hedge trimmer
For electric hedge trimmers, be sure to check the plug and cord regularly – ideally before and after each use. These should not be brittle or damaged. Damage to these areas can hinder you in your work and also pose a risk of fatal electrocution.
If you notice any damage to your electric hedge trimmer, be sure to take it to a professional who can replace the electrical components.
Also, have your trusted dealer inspect the gears and connecting rods every 50 hours of operation. He will also replace the carbon brushes; this should be done after 100 hours of operation.
Cleaning and caring for gasoline-powered hedge trimmer
Run the hedge trimmer at idle to check the carburetor before starting work. Readjust if necessary. Make sure the fuel tank is intact and not leaking gasoline. Check the spark plugs regularly and replace them after about 100 hours of work.
Regardless of the drive, there are some parts that you should check on every hedge trimmer before and after use to keep working well with your hedge trimmer. These include
- Rubber coating on the handles: If cracks show up here, you can repair the handles with sturdy tape. Under no circumstances should you leave these cracks untreated, otherwise the handle can come off during work and injure you.
- Screw fit: the screws should be neither too loose nor too tight. The latter can be recognized by the fact that the cutting blades of the hedge trimmer are very sluggish. In this case, simply apply some oil or anti-rust agent to the screw.
- Blades: dull blades hinder the work and damage your plants. If you find that the cutting sides of your hedge trimmer are dull and uneven, take the time to sharpen the blades to keep the hedge trimmer sharp.
Clean hedge trimmer after work
Part of taking care of your hedge trimmer is cleaning it after you’re done working on it.
With the hedge trimmer turned off, remove leaves, branches and other plant debris.
Then simply wipe off dirt with a damp cloth.
Spray the cutting edges with a maintenance oil or resin solvent. Then turn on the hedge trimmer briefly to distribute the care product.
For a battery-powered hedge trimmer, remove the battery after each use and store it separately from the hedge trimmer and charger. The storage place should be dry, of course.
You should take a few minutes for this short cleaning after each use. This will extend the life of your hedge trimmer and also prepare it for basic cleaning.
Thoroughly clean the hedge trimmer
A basic cleaning of the hedge trimmer is particularly advisable if the device is not used for a longer period of time afterwards, i.e. especially in late autumn, when the garden has been winterized. By giving the hedge trimmer a basic cleaning, you ensure that it is ready for use again immediately after the rest period. Also, after every third to fifth use during the gardening season, a more intensive cleaning is in order.
- Important: Stop any energy supply to the hedge trimmer beforehand to reduce the risk of injury.
- First unscrew the blades so that you can clean them thoroughly.
- Remove coarse dirt on the blade halves with a brush.
- Stubborn resin can be removed well with a resin solvent. Spray the knife halves with it and rub the agent thoroughly with a dry cloth.
- To maintain the blades, put some maintenance oil on the blades and rub it thoroughly.
- If you perform the basic cleaning in the fall before the winter break, it may be a little more oil to maintain the blades and protect them from moisture.
- For gasoline-powered hedge trimmers, also be sure to drain the tank completely before storing. Then, run your gasoline-powered hedge trimmer with the tank empty to use up the gasoline in the carburetor. Dispose of the fuel properly. Also, clean the air filter and intake port.
A quick clean, a check, a squirt of maintenance oil – regular care of your hedge trimmer only takes a few minutes and will ensure that you enjoy it for a long time. A good reason to take a moment after each use.