Trimmer maintenance starts with elbow grease - maintenance of string trimmers and brush cutter garden tools

Flower & Garden Magazine, June-July, 1993 by Doc Sprockett

One Sunday after supper, my son tried to show me how to clean my VCR. Regular maintenance is the key to protecting your investment, he told me. I laughed.

"I can't believe you spend this much time cleaning your $300 VCR when you never lift a finger towards preventive maintenance for your $500 lawn mower," I teased him.

He countered that I spend more time polishing my $80 string trimmer than my VCR. He's correct, but I think that makes sense. After all, I use my trimmer more often and it doesn't talk back like my VCR.

Personally, I find trimmer maintenance easier. The principle is simple. String trimmers and brush cutters operate at ground level, often stirring up a lot of dirt and debris. An engine's worst enemies are dirt and debris. Therefore, if you keep your trimmers and brush cutters clean, they will last a long time.

The reason dirt damages engines is that it can limit air circulation, which causes overheating, and it sneaks into the engine, inhibiting lubrication of moving parts. Excess heat can ruin internal parts in both electric motors and gasoline engines.

Electric motors require little maintenance. Many electric trimmers or brush cutters have a filter above the motor fan. The filter's job is to clean the air before it gets to the engine so the cooling air is as debris-free as possible. A filter caked with dirt limits the air permitted to pass through the motor. Clean or replace filters frequently. Open-celled foam filters will clean up with mild soap and water. However, make sure the filter is cleanable. Often it's easier just to put in a new filter.

Electric trimmers and brush cutters attach to extension cords. Check the connections and insulation on the trimmer's electric cord as well as the extension cord. Replace any frayed cord.

Two-cycle gasoline engines are a little trickier. Like electric motors, they need to stay clean, but lubrication is also necessary. The mixture of oil and gasoline helps keep the engine parts moving smoothly. Check the operator's manual for the proper oil-to-gas ratio for your two-cycle engine. Label the fuel container as trimmer fuel to keep you from confusing fuel containers.

Keeping the air filter clean is equally important on a gas engine. Clean or replace it as recommended in your operator's manual, but at least once every season. Use a new filter rather than cleaning an old one if the filter is torn.

Cooling fins help circulate air through gasoline engines. These fins also tend to collect dirt. The best way to keep dirt and debris out of the cooling fins is to apply a little elbow grease after each use, or at least every week. Just remember to unplug or shut off the machine before you start cleaning. The longer you wait for debris to accumulate, the more there will be to remove. I keep a nylon-type dish brush in the garage to scrub off my string trimmer. A little scrubbing and some polishing with a rag keep my trimmer looking new.

Aside from keeping the machine clean, properly replacing the trimmer line is the next most important task. If I had a dollar for every jammed trimmer that resulted from the owner installing the wrong kind of replacement line, I'd be a wealthy man. My repair shop stocked a wall full of replacement line and line cartridges for a reason. Always note the trimmer model before you buy and match it to the models listed on the replacement line package. Don't be afraid to return to the store if you buy the wrong line. A servicing dealer should be able to help you with most questions concerning line replacement. Many string trimmers have helpful markings on the trimmer that show how to install the line correctly.

Brush cutters use blades to cut instead of line. Inspect the blade before each use to be sure it isn't bent or broken. Replace it if you notice defects. Rigid blades can be sharpened with a file.

Many gas-powered trimmers and brush cutters have a flexible shaft running from the engine to the cutting unit. This shaft requires lubrication with grease about once a season, depending on operating conditions. Be sure to lubricate any grease fittings as well.

Preventive maintenance is a simple, quick way to make string trimmers and brush cutters provide reliable service for years. My son and I reached an agreement on this subject. I take care of his trimmer and lawn mower and he promises to take care of my stereo and VCR. Personally, I think I got the better end of the deal - I don't have to program anything.