Troubleshoot Common Faults of Hedge Trimmers

Like almost every other power tool, hedge trimmers have glitches and issues related to engine performance and more.

For those without even the most basic technical knowledge, finding problems with a hedge trimmer and fixing them can be frustrating.

But don't lose hope -- this guide will give you the basics of troubleshooting your hedge trimmer.

The most common problems associated with hedge trimmers not working include: not starting properly, running poorly, and starting and then stopping suddenly.

We'll examine each problem and explain what techniques you can apply to solve them.

Defective spark plugs are often the main reason why a hedge trimmer won't start. If this happens to you, I recommend checking the spark plug of your device to see if it's worn or damaged. If so, you will have no choice but to replace it.

To know if the spark plug is faulty, use a spark plug tester to determine. If there is a strong spark between the tester terminals when the engine is started, the spark plug is functioning properly. On the other hand, if there is no spark, buy a new one.

Another common cause of a hedge trimmer not starting is a clogged carburetor. This happens when fuel is left in the engine for an extended period of time. This fuel becomes stagnant - thickening and clogging the carburetor. Therefore, you must regularly clean the carburetor of your hedge trimmer.

If this is not possible, you should replace the carburetor or rebuild it yourself if you can.

The culprit for hedge trimmers not starting properly is often the reason why these machines are not running well. Yes, I was talking about a clogged carburetor. Another problem that causes rough operation is a clogged fuel filter.

This is also caused by leaving old fuel in the hedge trimmer for too long. It became very sticky and therefore clogged the fuel filter, which in turn caused a lot of pain to the engine.

Troubleshooting tips for this situation include draining the old fuel from the tank and changing the fuel filter.

Likewise, a clogged carburetor is a common cause of an engine that starts well and then suddenly stalls or stops after a few seconds.

While I recommend using the troubleshooting techniques listed above to fix this, you can also purchase a carburetor repair kit. This kit provides the basic tools needed to repair a defective carburetor.

Also, a clogged arrester screen can cause the engine to start and then stop. This part of the hedge trimmer is a small screen designed to keep the engine from sparking.

What usually happens is that if not cleaned regularly, the arrester can become clogged with soot for a long time. If your screen protector is clogged, remove it and clean it with a wire brush. If that doesn't work, the best advice I can give you is to replace the spark arrestor or take your hedge trimmer to a dealer to have it repaired for you by a professional technician.

Another common failure of hedge trimmers is that the blades do not turn properly. If the blades are not moving, your clutch may be damaged or just need tensioning.

Depending on the make and model of hedge trimmer you have, you should remove the spark plug and put a cord into the combustion chamber to prevent the piston from moving when the clutch is removed. If you are not sure if you are doing this process correctly, please refer to the user manual for step-by-step instructions.

To sharpen the blade, place the hedge trimmer on a vise with the blade facing up. Use a rotary tool with a sharpening pad on the end to sharpen the edge of the blade. Do this for five to ten minutes.

Once done, spray the edge of the blade with lube spray before removing the hedge trimmer from the vise.

While not exactly common, this problem is still the bane of hedge trimmer operators. You may be wondering what exactly causes a hedge trimmer to run but not trim hedges and shrubs.

They become clogged when debris, such as large amounts of grass or branches, gets caught between the cutters and builds up over time.

In this case, turn off the trimmer and remove any debris you find inside. Afterward, clean the blades with a damp cloth and lubricate the knives with light oil. If that doesn't work, you may need to repair the tool.

One thing your motor absolutely hates is when you push your hedge trimmer into a heavy brush. This can cause insufficient airflow to the motor.

When this happens, it overheats. In this case, the only troubleshooting technique you can apply is to turn off the trimmer and let it cool before returning to whatever work you were doing.

I hope you will find these troubleshooting techniques useful. Remember, if you are uncomfortable or don't have the mechanical knowledge to repair engines, motors, etc. I strongly recommend that you hire a professional to do it. If you need to buy spare parts for the hedge trimmer, please contact us.

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