How to maintain your hedge trimmer

Powered hedge trimmers save you the effort and elbow grease required by manual shears and loppers. Most are corded electric trimmers, which typically cost $30 to $70 and require less maintenance than gasoline-powered models (about $200 to $300). But even pricier gas trimmers can keep trimming reliably for years if you follow some simple steps:

When the yard-care season begins:

• Be sure the blades are sharp. A tip-off to dull blades: The engine or electric motor labors during operation or the blades snag on branches. Some trimmers have blades that can be sharpened. (You can do it yourself with a flat crosscut sharpening file.) On others, the blades must be replaced.
• Replace the spark plug on gas-powered trimmers.
• Check that the handles and their attaching nuts and bolts are secure.
• For gas models, mix fresh gasoline and two-cycle oil according to the ratio recommended in the owner's manual. Too little oil can damage the engine by underlubricating vital parts; too much can cause poor running, excess exhaust emissions, and fouled spark plugs.
• Be sure the debris shield that protects your hands from the reciprocating blades is securely attached and in good condition.

During the season:

• Check that the intake vent near a gas trimmer's carburetor air filter is clear of debris so that the engine runs efficiently.
• On gas trimmers with a clutch, check that the blades don't begin moving at idle until you increase the engine speed. Reduce the engine idle speed if needed by turning a screw on the carburetor.

Before winter storage:

• Add stabilizer to the fuel and run the engine to distribute the stabilized mixture through the fuel lines and carburetor.
• Disconnect the spark plug, thoroughly clean all outer surfaces, and clear all intake and exhaust vents of debris.
• Spray a light coating of machine oil or resin solvent on the blades.
• Hang or store the trimmer in a clean, dry area.