Why do I need to regularly maintain my trimmer?
 Every time you use your trimmer it is exposed to significant stresses, which leave traces of wear and tear; left unnoticed, these can worsen and become real problems with continued use, until your electric leaf trimmer starts underperforming. With regular maintenance, you can identify and address such issues early on – avoiding more serious damage and malfunctions. Even more importantly, a well-maintained tool is always the safest to use. Inspecting your bowl trimmer as part of your tool care routine will highlight any damage that could impair its safe functioning, and in this way periodic checking and servicing minimises the risk of injury from using the machine.
Follow these handy tips to get the best from your trimmer.
Keep it sharp.
Sounds obvious, but keep leaf trimmer machine blades sharp. If cut branch tips appear ragged or light in colour, or if blades snag on the hedge, the blades are probably blunt and tearing rather than slicing material. Take the trimmer to a STIHL Approved Dealer for professional sharpening.
Keep it clean.
A blade that is not clean is not efficient. As a hedge is trimmed, sap builds up on the blades, setting hard like glue. Use an approved cleaner – like STIHL resin solvent – to keep blades in top condition.
Keep it in order.
Cut the vertical sides of a hedge first, using an upward and downward sweeping motion and moving forwards along the hedge as you work. When trimming the top of a hedge, angle the blades at around 10° to the horizontal and use a horizontal scything motion to sweep cut material off the hedge.
Keep it safe.
Always use recommended protective clothing, and follow safety instructions when using a powered bowl leaf trimmer.