Cleaning, Storing and Maintenance for all types of Hedge Trimmers

Two STIHL Hedge Trimmers on a small hedge overlooking a garden

WHY DOES MY HEDGE TRIMMER NEED MAINTENANCE?

To ensure your Hedge Trimmer stays in good working condition, it's important to acknowledge that it undergoes significant stress every time you use it. These stresses can result in wear and tear, which, if not addressed, can worsen over time. To prevent serious damage and malfunctions, regular maintenance is crucial, and it's the key to ensuring that your tool lasts a long time. Furthermore, a well-maintained tool is always the safest option to use.

HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR HEDGE TRIMMER

REGULAR CLEANING

While using your Hedge Trimmer, it's common for debris and sap to become lodged in the cutting blades. This can cause the blades to bind, making trimming more difficult, and even cause the engine to overheat. Regular cleaning can help prevent damage to your tool.

After finishing with your Hedge Trimmer, use a brush to remove any debris that may be stuck between the blades. To prevent plant sap from building up and binding your blades, use a lubricant or resin spray. Apply it generously to both sides of the blade and run your machine briefly to ensure that the oil is distributed over the entire moving surface. Wipe away any excess oil with a dry, clean cloth.

STIHL MAINTENANCE SPRAYS AND LUBRICATING GREASES

We have a range of STIHL care products to maintain the functionality of your Hedge Trimmer.

SHARPENING THE BLADES

Sharpen the cutting blades and when necessary have damaged or worn blades replaced at your local STIHL SHOP.

Using a Hedge Trimmer with blunt blades will damage your plants and make work unnecessarily difficult. The machine itself will also be forced to work harder, which may impact its performance.

Find Out More About Sharpening The Blades of Your Hedge Trimmer Here

CHECKING THE SCREWS

The constant vibration of Hedge Trimmers can cause screws and bolts to loosen over time. It's essential to check all visible parts and screws of your tool regularly. Retighten any that are loose, including connectors and bolts, but be careful not to overdo it. Over-tightening can make the cutting attachment feel stiff and difficult to move. If you adjust any screws, it's a good practice to apply a small amount of oil and anti-rust protection.

If you're uncertain about what needs to be done, consider visiting a STIHL SHOP for a service.

POWER SOURCE SPECIFIC MAINTENANCE TIPS

Alongside the general maintenance steps required for all types of Hedge Trimmers, there are also some specific care requirements that depend on what kind of Hedge Trimmer you have. We’ve put together the main points for each one.

PETROL HEDGE TRIMMER MAINTENANCE

To ensure safe maintenance of your Petrol Hedge Trimmer, it is crucial to put the carburettor in idle mode before proceeding. This will prevent the blades from running and causing any accidents.

Proper air flow is essential for optimal performance of your Hedge Trimmer. While using the tool, dust and debris can accumulate in the air filter, reducing the airflow and causing the engine to lose power, overheat, and perform poorly. Hence, it is necessary to periodically clean the air filter. To do this, remove the filter and blow gently through it or tap it on a solid surface. If the filter is heavily soiled, it is advisable to replace it with a new one. Note that washing the filter is not recommended unless the manual specifically permits it.

For the location of the air filter, please refer to the image provided below.

Watch the video below for a step-to-step guide on how to clean or replace your air filter.

Bring your Petrol Hedge Trimmer into your local STIHL SHOP to be checked and serviced annually by a qualified technician. During the yearly service, the pickup body (fuel filter) will be replaced to avoid any clogging that may lead to engine performance problems. The technician will also inspect the spark plug for any stubborn deposits or cracks and replace it as needed.

For all other maintenance and repair needs, bring your tool to a local STIHL SHOP for a comprehensive examination and necessary repairs.

STIHL SERVICE KITS

You could also perform a basic service yourself at home with a STIHL Service Kit. Each kit contains the essential components including an Air Filter, Fuel Filter and Spark Plug. Refer to the image above for the location of each part.

BATTERY HEDGE TRIMMER MAINTENANCE

Your battery and charger are as important as your Hedge Trimmer and should be included in your regular maintenance checklist.

Remove the battery from your Hedge Trimmer after each use and clean it with a damp cloth. Dry the battery completely.

Check that the LEDs are working and flashing as they should. If they are flashing red, or not lighting up at all, remove the battery from your Hedge Trimmer immediately. This might be caused by over-heating or a malfunction of either the battery or the machine. Refer to the trouble-shooting section of your Owners’ Manual for instructions relevant to your situation. If the issue persists, stop using your machine, and bring it into your local STIHL SHOP for a thorough check.

ELECTRIC HEDGE TRIMMER MAINTENANCE

Before conducting any maintenance on your Electric Hedge Trimmer, always disconnect it from the power source. Before and after each use, inspect the power cable and plug for any signs of wear or damage. It is important to use a residual current circuit breaker (RCD) device with your electric tool to prevent electrical shocks. If you notice any damage, discontinue use immediately and bring the tool to your local STIHL SHOP for a comprehensive examination and necessary repairs.

To ensure your safety, your Electric Hedge Trimmer should also receive an annual check and service by a qualified technician.

STORING YOUR HEDGE TRIMMER

Prior to storing your Hedge Trimmer, ensure that the blades are completely dry and free of debris. Store the machine in a secure, dry location with a blade cover to prevent damage or injury. Avoid storing your tool in a garden shed with leaks or high humidity, as moisture can cause rust or corrosion on metal parts.

For Petrol Hedge Trimmers, store the tool on a level surface and empty the fuel tank if it will not be used for a month or longer. Properly dispose of the fuel and run the machine until it is dry. Leaving fuel in the tool for an extended period can harm the fuel system components.

For Battery Hedge Trimmers, remove the battery before storing and keep it in a cool, dry place. We suggest charging the battery to 40-60% capacity (2 green LEDs lit up) before storage.