Care and Maintenance of Your Hedge Trimmer

!±8± Care and Maintenance of Your Hedge Trimmer

A hedge trimmer is an essential part of the garden enthusiast's equipment. A powerful piece of machinery, it is imperative that serious attention is given to its handling, use and treatment. Care and maintenance of your hedge trimmer is of paramount importance for the following reasons:

• Safety: A hedge trimmer by definition is a potent piece of garden equipment. If it is not looked after in a proper manner, used in a correct and responsible manner, and looked after by following the guidelines set out by the manufactures guidelines it could become very dangerous not just to the user but to people in the vicinity of its use.
 
• Durability: Hedge trimmers are a sturdy piece of gardening equipment. If used appropriately, maintained before and after use, and stored in the correct way when not in use, there is no reason why it should last you many years. A well maintained hedge trimmer will always be an effective tool.
 
• Reliability: As mentioned earlier you need to know that the equipment you are using is safe. If you follow the manufacturer's guidelines as to how to maintain and care for your machine, you can feel safe in the knowledge that it will always be predictable in its behaviour. You can always expect the same high standards and reward from each job you do.
 
• Time saving in the long term: By spending a small amount of time looking after your hedge trimmer each time you use it, you are in fact saving time. This small sacrifice certainly balances off the amount of time wasted having to take it in for repairs, trying to find reasons why it is not working properly and having to do a job slowly because it is malfunctioning.
 
• Financial gains in the long term: Good maintenance and care is more likely to lead to a situation where you never need to take your hedge trimmer in for repair, replace parts that have ceased working or worse still, buy a completely new appliance.
 
Looking after the hedge trimmer blades

Cleaning
It is important that you clean the blades after every use. When you are cutting branches and stems it is highly likely that sap will soon cover the length of the blade. If the sap is left it will solidify and prevent your blade from cutting effectively. There are one or two ways to deal with this. One way is to wash the blade with soap and water (always ensure the trimmer is completely unplugged before any maintenance or cleaning). This will normally do the trick, but you must be sure you also dry off the blade thoroughly afterwards or it will be in danger of rusting. You can also use wd40 oil or a similar type lubricant.
 
Keeping the blades sharp
It is important the hedge trimmer blade is as sharp as when you bought it. A blunt blade will lead to extra work for yourself working with an ineffective tool or even damage to your plants. You can sharpen the blade yourself using a die grinder or a Dremel-type rotary tool (this should only be done if you feel safe using these kind of tools as it obviously has its dangers) or take it to a dealer approved by your manufacturer.
 
Upper and lower blades
For optimum performance you want the upper and lower blades to be as close together as possible. It is a good idea after every session to check if a gap has formed between them. If a gap exists between upper and lower blades, loosen the top lock nut, screw the blade bolt in until a snug fit and then loosen the blade bolt one half turn. Again if this is something you do not feel confident in doing yourself, you should take it to your approved dealer.
 
Gearbox lubricant
After every 25 hours of use you should grease the gearbox with appropriate lubricant.
 
Damage through dirt and use
The tasks your hedge trimmer will be performing will place it in situations where there is likely to be a lot of dust, dirt, and general natural debris, so ensure the fuel tank and especially the air filter is clean. This will prevent unwanted dirt finding its way into the engine. The most important switches on your machine need to be checked before actual use. That is the on-off switch and the throttle. Because your trimmer has quite a powerful engine the actual casing is going to feel quite a bit of vibration. Always check nuts and bolts are screwed tight or replace where necessary. This vibration may also have an effect on the spark plug. Before using your hedge trimmer check the spark plug gap is the distance specified by the manufacturer.
 
Electric Hedge trimmers
Always check the length of the cord to the energy source for any cracks or cuts.
 
Fuel and carburettor area
If you have a petrol hedge trimmer you need to make sure that you have no leaks in the fuel line that lead to the carburettor. Also double check to make sure no cracks have appeared in the fuel tank itself as this can be a place where leaks will appear.
 
Storage
If you have a petrol hedge trimmer and you are going to store it away for a long periods of time it is important to empty out the petrol out beforehand. People often forget that petrol deteriorates. It will eventually turn to varnish and leave deposits in the engine. This of course will affect the engine badly. If you do not wish to take out the petrol you can always add a petrol stabiliser to the fuel. This will prevent petrol deterioration. Before storing away always make sure the trimmer is greased, clean and the blade cover is replaced. Now your trimmer is ready for next season.

Care and Maintenance of Your Hedge Trimmer

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The History of the Leaf Blower

!±8± The History of the Leaf Blower

The first recorded example of people using air pressure to remove leaves comes from Japan in the 19th century, when gardeners used bellows to clean up mossy ground.

It has been claimed by others and widely circulated around the internet that the Japanese then were the first to have the idea of adding a hose and motor, around 1970, and then sold the machines into the USA. If they did, they were by then copying developments that had already taken place in the USA and Europe.

Blowin' in the wind

The concept for the blower as we now know it started in America in the 1950s as part of agricultural crop-spraying 'mist blowing' equipment.

Some key early milestones are as follows:

1950 Echo Inc. of the USA (also an early hedge trimmer manufacturer) introduce the first engine-powered backpack duster/sprayer. It is used to dispense pesticides in nurseries and on crop farms.

1951 Public Works Director of Hartford Connecticut, Charles Cook, has the idea of using two of their snow blowers to remove leaves. He warns they 'can only be used when leaves are wet because dry leaves would be blown for blocks...'

1955 Echo create the backpack duster/mist blower DM-9.

Late 1950s Consumers are found to be dismantling the chemical dispensing equipment and just using the powerful blowing unit. Manufacturers see the potential and begin to make leaf blowers for commercial applications. These are 'walk-behind' or backpack machines. (It is claimed by a Wikipedia contributor that one Dom Quinto was the inventor of the modern leaf blower in the late 50s, but there is no corroboration of this entry and it may be fanciful or mischievous).

1959 H.L. Diehl, an ex-Pratt & Whitney jet engine technician, develops what his company claims 'the first walk-behind lawn vacuum and leaf blower'.

1963 One of the first examples of a backlash against leaf-blower noise when the city of White Plains takes action following complaints.

1960s The Dutch Vandermolen company is making and exporting a 2-stroke engine backpack blower.

1966 H.L. Diehl re-brands his company as Giant-Vac. They introduce a range of machines.

1969 Giant-Vac introduce the first leaf-loading machine that collects leaves as well as blowing them around.

1971 Echo unveil their PB-9 petrol-engined backpack blower, which widens the appeal of leaf blowers to smaller users.

1978 Echo launches probably the first petrol hand-held power blower. Domestic users and commercial landscapers now have access to a blower, and soon more manufacturers (including McCulloch, now part of Swedish multinational Husqvarna) enter the new market. In Los Angeles legislation is mooted to curb 2-stroke engine pollution: thus begins the movement to make producers switch to cleaner 2-strokes, 4-strokes, or electric power.

1985 US backpack sales 75,000. Weed Eater begin producing a hand-held petrol-powered blower.

1987 US total sales 464,000.

1989 US sales 800,000. Stihl of Germany, the chain saw innovators, launch backpack blowers. They become a leading force.

1997 Over 1 million US sales.

1998 Los Angeles bans the use of petrol blowers within 500 feet of a residence, and promotes a powerful (but quieter and less-polluting) electric blower design.

1999 US sales 1.9m: 1.6m hand-held blowers and 290k backpack blowers.

2003 Electrolux patents a variable-speed electric leaf blower. (This is today copied by Black & Decker, Ryobi and others).

2004 Briggs & Stratton buys out Giant-Vac and creates a Yard Power Products Group focusing mainly on commercial markets.

2007 First recorded game of leaf blower hockey is played in Toronto.

Late 2000s First 4-stroke motors appear to meet tougher emissions laws in various US states and in other countries. Cordless battery models become viable due to more powerful Nicad and lithium-ion batteries, e.g. Ryobi models with 120mph/ 193 km/hr air speed.

Prevailing winds

Recent trends in leaf blowers:

Machines have got quieter: many petrol-engined models now emit less than 65dB at 50 feet, whereas older machines were 70-75, which in decibel terms is hugely greater. Operators' hearing could be impaired by these old devices. (It is still recommended that ear defenders be worn by any user). The move to electric (corded or cordless) has also reduced average machine noise.

Brands that claim excellent emissions reductions in their petrol models include Echo; Hitachi, whose 2-stroke Pure Fire motor meets the US Phase 2 and Euro Stage 2 regulations; and Makita, who have gone over to 4-stroke engines, including the world's lightest 4-stroke handheld machine at 4.4kg (the equivalent Hitachi 2-stroke is 3.9kg so that is a fine achievement for the traditionally heavier engine technology).

There is increasing popularity for the more versatile vacuum/blowers that can also suck up dust or gather leaves and mulch them before collecting them in a bag to avoid the collection chore, as well as aiding the composting process. Electric and petrol combination machines now abound, from lightweight Flymo and Black & Decker models to wheeled hand-push devices from GMC and Warrior and powered-wheel machines from Billy Goat. Suction machines also counter criticisms that simple blowers raise harmful dust and are damaging to nearby plants. Their extra versatility may well be appreciated more and more in years to come.

Other innovations include electronic 'Touch Start'12V battery starting on petrol machines (from Ryobi) to avoid the chore and uncertainty of pull-cord starts. Others have an easy-start carburettor to make the pull leas onerous.

The early history of the leaf blower has been somewhat affected by controversy but it is undeniably popular and it has a permanent place in garden and commercial applications due to the much greater productivity that it affords when compared to a man with a rake and spade. Machines will continue to improve and get greener, and consumer choice will grow even further.

The History of the Leaf Blower

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File Sharpening For Your Yard

!±8± File Sharpening For Your Yard

When it's time to clean up outside and do the yard, certain tools are commonly used no matter where you are. But I'm not talking about gardens and gardening tools. I'm talking about the yard itself. If you've got a lawn, you'll probably own a lawn mower. If you have trees in your yard, you may have a chain saw, even an axe.

What's your plan when your blades become dull? When the lawn looks unhealthy after you've just cut it, when your chain saw is taking too long to do its job, when you're forced to keep swinging away with your axe because it's just not cutting right? Well, you know it's time to sharpen up those blades up.

Believe me, you don't need to buy new blades. You needn't go to a professional blade sharpener. Not everyone likes, or is able, to turn their blades in for professional sharpening once or a few times a year, anyway. You can do the sharpening yourself, right at home with your own hands using a sharpening file.

This could be the fastest sharpening because you'll be doing it yourself, right there where you are. It could be the cheapest sharpening because you won't be paying anyone to do it for you. You won't be spending gas money to go drop them off to a professional and then to pick them up. You won't have to buy new blades or chains. Isn't all that worth it?

Why use a sharpening file? Sharpening files are lined with strong cutting ridges that abrade, or smooth, metal or wood. There are many kinds to choose from. Each type is meant to work on a specific type of surface. The coarse grade file is meant to remove a lot of metal, like when you've got to reshape a blade edge that has been dinged, nicked badly or banged up. The smooth grade file is meant for edges that need to have a nice smooth finish. This is usually the last step in sharpening. Your choice will depend upon just how sharp you want your blade to be.

To sharpen a lawn mower blade, a bastard file is a good choice. It does a fine job of sharpening lawn mower blades. It's able to sharpen, as well as put a razor-sharp edge on your blade. If you prefer, there are special rotary blade files that can be used.

If home owners are fortunate, there are trees that enhance the look of their yard and home. Periodic use of a chain saw becomes necessary, in such cases. To sharpen the many cutting teeth of a chain saw, round files are used. They're also called chain saw files. The teeth on a chain saw come in different sizes. They're specified in the owner's manual, so be sure to check and use the right size. Don't just buy what you find. You could really ruin your chain.

Maybe you don't have a chain saw. Maybe you've got an axe. If you do then you'll probably know that working with a dull axe will make you frustrated and tired. You've got to make it sharp for your own safety and not just for the job you need to do. An axe file or a cross cut file may be used to get your axe in good working condition. If you prefer a razor-sharp edge, a flat file or a smooth grade file could do the trick. Tough working axes don't need such a sharp edge. But they do need it to be sharpened correctly in order to cleave through the wood. It all depends on just how sharp you need it to be.

Whether you have a lawn mower, a chain saw or an axe for maintaining your yard, you can do the fastest, and cheapest, sharpening job ever by doing it yourself. And it really isn't hard to do. It just takes a bit of time, patience and practice. You'll be developing very useful skills that could save you hundreds of dollars and a great deal of time. If you do it right, your blades could last your lifetime. Be careful.

July 2008

File Sharpening For Your Yard

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3 Things You Should Know About Electric Hedge Trimmers

!±8± 3 Things You Should Know About Electric Hedge Trimmers

A hedge trimmer is something every gardener needs to keep their property looking wonderful. The choice is whether to get an electric or manual one. An electric one is more convenient and is easier to operate physically than a manual one that requires your body strength to cut and trim the overgrown hedges.

Weight is something you ought to take into consideration when buying your hedge trimmer. Some are going to weigh more than others so if your physical strength is limited, go for one on the lighter side of the spectrum. Know however, that lighter ones are not as powerful and if you need a lot of power for thick hedges or intense cutting than you will have to sacrifice light weight ability and go with something that may strain your biceps just a bit.

Blade length is something else that you should take into consideration when shopping for your electric hedge trimmer. Blades vary in length from the longest at around 40 inches to the shortest at 13 inches. Bigger is not always better but they are suitable for the wider hedges you may encounter. The recommendation for average use is 16 inches. The smaller blades keep weight down while still ensuring that the job you're trying to accomplish gets done too.

Beware of hedge trimmers that have different blades that you can switch out. They may seem convenient but many experts have warnings that they can throw the balance of the trimmer out of whack. The trimmer will be easier to handle if you get a smaller blade so get a smaller one if possible. Also take note of what the blades are made of. Carbon steel is a good choice because the edges stay sharper longer which saves time from having to continuously sharpen them to work to their maximum ability. You can also choose between single or dual blades that cut at the same. Dual blades work continuously and do a better job of getting a clean cut.

Electric hedge trimmers are convenient but they have their drawbacks as well. You need to be within 100 feet of an outlet which means if you are far away from the house and don't have an incredibly long extension cord or cords, you're going to have a tough time tackling all those hedges. People who have a lot of property that requires maintenance may be more suited to a gas trimmer. Using an electric trimmer has another drawback because it cannot be used in wet conditions due to the dangers of electricity in wet conditions. It can be easier to use them and they have less of an impact on the environment since fumes aren't being emitted every time the trimmer is used.

An electric hedge trimmer is a great option for someone who needs a lightweight, easy to use trimmer without needing to do incredibly intensive work. However, take note of any drawbacks to ensure that the trimmer you purchase is going to be the one that will work for you to get the job done.

3 Things You Should Know About Electric Hedge Trimmers

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EARTHWISE 12 Cordless String Trimmer

!±8± EARTHWISE 12 Cordless String Trimmer

For More Info or to Buy Now: www.hsn.com Enjoy the cordless convenience and maneuverability of this EARTHWISE 12" Cordless String Trimmer without the hang-ups common to many trimmers. Featuring 8500 RPM of cutting rotation, 3... Prices shown on the previously recorded video may not represent the current price. View hsn.com to view the current selling price. HSN Item #405169

EARTHWISE 12 Cordless String Trimmer

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