Weed Trimmer Maintenance

Weed Trimmer Maintenance

As a homeowner, you like to keep your yard looking nice and clean. Part of this process is using a power tool such as a weed trimmer or grass trimmer to trim areas of your yard that your mower cannot reach. Owning a trimmer requires some weed trimmer maintenance that should be done to extend the life of your tool. There are also some safety tips you need to know so that you do not get hurt while using this valuable tool around the yard. This article will cover maintenance for gas, electric and cordless trimmer models.

Gas Powered Trimmer Models

Here are some gas powered trimmer maintenance and safety tips:

  • Always wear protective goggles or some type of safety glasses when trimming as this will prevent injury to the eyes.
  • Wear gloves.
  • Always use fresh gasoline at the start of the trimming season.
  • Drain out the old gas at the end of the trimming season or let the motor run until it stops.
  • Dispose the old gas in the gas can according to local the ordinances.
  • Store gasoline in an approved container.
  • Never pour gasoline in the tank when the engine is hot allow it to cool first.
  • For two-cycle models, mix the gasoline and oil according the instructions in the owner’s manual.
  • Replace the spark plug after two years of use.
  • Check the air filter to determine if it needs cleaning. Trimming creates dust and the filter needs to be clean for the engine to run smoothly. Replace the filter with the one specified in the owner’s manual.
  • Replace the fuel filter every third year according to the owner’s manual.
  • Wear long trousers and sturdy shoes as exposed skin can get scratched from debris being tossed with the force of a weed trimmer.
  • Check the gearbox on the trimmer head. It uses grease. Refill the grease according to the instructions in the owner’s manual.
  • Clean out any carbon buildup in the muffler.
  • Blow out the cooling fins on the engine. This will prevent the engine from overheating.
  • Replace the line with the size according to the instructions in the owner’s manual.
  • Rewind the line according to the owner’s manual.
  • Replace the head as necessary.

Electric Trimmers

Here are some electric trimmer’s maintenance and safety tips:

  • Always wear protective goggles or some type of safety glasses.
  • Wear long trousers and study shoes.
  • Wear gloves.
  • Check the extension cord for any wear or cracks. Replace the cord with the type specified in the owner’s manual.
  • Check the gearbox on the trimmer head. It uses grease. Refill the grease according to the instructions in the owner’s manual.
  • Replace the line with the size according to the owner’s manual.
  • Rewind the line and replace the head as necessary according to the instructions in the owner’s manual.
  • Blow out the cooling fins on the engine to prevent overheating.
  • Check the air filter if your model has one, to determine if it needs cleaning. Trimming creates dust and the filter needs to be clean for the engine to run smoothly. Replace the filter with the one specified in the owner’s manual.
  • Store trimmer.

Battery Powered Trimmers

Here are some battery powered trimmer maintenance and safety tips:

  • Always wear safety glasses or goggles when trimming to protect the eyes from injury.
  • Wear trousers and sturdy shoes.
  • Wear gloves.
  • Check the battery for any wear, cracks or leaks. Replace with the type specified in the owner’s manual.
  • Replace the line with the size according to the owner’s manual.
  • Rewind the line and replace the head as necessary according to the instructions in the owner’s manual.
  • Blow out the cooling fins on the engine to prevent overheating.
  • Check the air filter if your model has one, to determine if it needs cleaning. Trimming creates dust and the filter needs to be clean for the engine to run smoothly. Replace the filter with the one specified in the owner’s manual.
  • Check the gearbox on the trimmer head. It uses grease. Refill the grease according to the instructions in the owner’s manual.
  • Store trimmer.

Conclusion

One final tip, centrifugal clutches are notoriously unreliable. Always shut the engine off before servicing the head if your model comes with one as not all models have a centrifugal clutch.

Warranty information on weed trimmers vary from 1 to 7 years depending upon the manufacturer and model purchased.

We hope that this weed trimmer maintenance article has been helpful for your trimming needs. If you properly maintain your trimmer, it should last you a very long time.