When working with any kind of heavy equipment, it is essential to use extreme care. This is crucial information for anybody learning how to maintain and clean a hedge trimmer. If you want to clean up without damaging the hedge trimmers, do so while they are not running. If you take these precautions, you can clean them without worrying about damaging anything.
Tips on Hedge Trimmer Cleaning
Take a look at these simple tips for keeping your hedge trimmer in top shape for years to come.
1. Wipe the blades down
The reason for wiping blades down is that small quantities of sap will build on the blades of your hedge trimmer as it slices through leaves and branches. Blades that are unclean not only cut less efficiently but also increase the risk of the engine overheating due to the increased friction.
Steps for the same:
- The cutting edges of your hedge trimmer should be cleaned quickly and easily with a towel and some soapy water after each usage.
- It is also suggested that after you are cleaning the blades apply a lubricant on them.
- Don’t wait too long between cleanings and preferably, you should do it right after each usage.
- As a last step, dry the blades completely before putting the instrument away.
2. Make sure the air filter is spotless
The engine of your hedge trimmer requires a steady supply of clean and cold air. A lack of engine power, poor performance, and overheating are all the outcomes of dust and debris building up in the filter as you use your hedge trimmer.
You can make your air filter spotless by following these things:
- The air filter is usually removed by pressing a button or releasing a catch.
- After taking out the filter, gently blow through it while tapping it on a hard surface.
- If it’s very dirty, you should probably throw it out and get a new one.
- You shouldn’t wash or immerse your filter unless instructed to do so by the manufacturer as doing so might cause the fibers to swell and restrict airflow.
3. Hone the hedge cutters’ teeth.
When used repeatedly on plant life, blades dull in the same way that any other cutting instrument would. You want your hedge trimmer to have sharp blades so that it can make clean cuts.
Things to keep in mind to make it sharp :
- The most time-consuming aspect of maintaining a hedge trimmer is sharpening the blades.
- The use of a drill fitted with a little cone-shaped filing stone will make short work of the process.
- In the absence of a drill, a flat file may serve the same purpose. You should only sharpen your blade once per 50 hours of total usage, and you should do it extremely carefully so as not to wear away too much of the metal.
- Take it to the nearest service center if you’re not sure how to proceed.
4. Tighten any screws or fittings that may be loosened
These may fall off and be lost or cause other elements of the tool to malfunction. This is particularly intimidating if you have no idea what broke off and whether or not it will make further hedge pruning unsafe. Over time, the vibrations from a hedge trimmer may dislodge screws, nuts, and connections. These situations illustrate why it’s important to maintain your equipment regularly.
Steps for tightening the fittings :
- By doing a complete inspection of your hedge trimmer. Tighten all visible components and fasteners using the proper screwdrivers and spanners.
- However, make sure you don’t over-tighten them since this might ruin the thread and other components.
- Never attempt to use a different size screw than what is called for without first consulting the user manual.
See also: How to Use a Hedge Trimmer
5. Lubricate the blades on a consistent basis.
The blades on your hedge trimmer will get increasingly corroded and rusty the more often you use it. It’s shocking how rapidly erosion may set up, but monthly lubrication can help keep things smooth. Because of the lubrication, there is less friction and increased cutting power when the blades go over one other.
How can you lubricate the blades?
- This is the least difficult of all the upkeep chores. After the blades have been cleaned and dried, apply the lubricant.
- Don’t go crazy as a little goes a long way.
6. Keep the outside neat and tidy.
if you don’t keep your hedge trimmer clean, the buttons, springs, switches, screws, and adjustments in it are more likely to break. Also, if you don’t take care of your trimmer, the engine can overheat since cold air can’t circulate around it.
How to keep them neat and tidy?
- Just use a moist sponge or towel to clean everything off. If you have access to a compressed air blower, use it to remove dust and debris buildup.
- Don’t use harsh chemicals or cleaning solutions, and be careful not to scrub too hard. After drying it off thoroughly, you may put it away until the next time you need it.
See also: 7 Tips to Secure your Garden (Simple Guide)
Conclusion
Following the aforementioned guidelines will ensure that your hedge trimmer serves you well for many years to come. While you don’t have to follow all of these suggestions after every usage, it’s smart to give your machine a once-every-three-months tune-up to keep it running smoothly and efficiently.
