Understanding your electric hedge trimmer
Before discussing how to maintain your electric hedge trimmer, it is important to understand what makes up the tool. Trimmers are made up of blades, motor, housing, and power source.
The blades come in different sizes and styles, and they can be single-action or double-action. The motor is the powerhouse of the trimmer and gets its power from either a battery or an electric outlet. The housing is the casing that holds the motor and blades, while the power source is what provides power to the motor.
Cleaning your hedge trimmer
Cleaning your hedge trimmer is one of the most critical maintenance tasks. Regular cleaning ensures that your trimmer lasts longer and performs optimally. Make sure that the trimmer is unplugged before cleaning it.
Use a brush to remove dirt, debris, and grass clippings from the blades and housing. Be sure not to damage the blades when cleaning them. If there is a lot of buildup on the blades, you can use a solution of warm water and dish soap to clean them. Also, lubricate the blades before storing them, as this prevents rusting and cuts down on friction, which causes wear and tear on the blades.
Checking the blades
Before each use, check the blades to ensure they are sharp and there are no cracks, dents, or signs of wear and tear. When using your trimmer, pay attention to signs of dull blades, such as a rough cut or tearing of branches or leaves.
If the blades are dull, you can purchase a sharpening kit and do it yourself or take the trimmer to a professional to have them sharpened. Do not continue to use a trimmer with damaged blades, as it may cause injury to you or damage to the tool.
Charging your battery
If you have a battery-powered hedge trimmer, charging the battery is a crucial part of the maintenance process. Lithium-ion batteries are typically used in most hedge trimmers and should be charged before using the trimmer.
Be sure to use the battery charger that comes with your trimmer, as mismatched batteries and chargers can cause damage. Also, do not overcharge or undercharge the battery, as this can cause damage to the battery. A general rule of thumb for charging these batteries is to charge them fully and unplug them once they are charged.
Storing your hedge trimmer
Properly storing your hedge trimmer is essential to prolonging its life. Once done with your trimming tasks, allow the tool to cool down for a few minutes before storing it.
Also, be sure to clean the blades and housing before storing the trimmer in a dry and cool place. If the trimmer is battery-powered, remove the battery before storing it. This ensures that the battery does not leak, swell, or get damaged, causing potential harm to the tool or yourself.
