A hedge trimmer is a great tool to have in your arsenal if you want to keep your bushes and hedges looking neat and tidy. However, if you’ve never used one before, it can seem a bit daunting.
In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about using a Ryobi hedge trimmer, from how to operate it to common safety concerns. By the time you’re finished reading, you’ll be an expert on using this handy tool!
Table of Contents
How Does a Hedge Trimmer Work?
Before we jump into how to use a Ryobi hedge trimmer, let’s quickly go over how they work. Hedge trimmers have two blades that move back and forth very rapidly, making it easy to cut through even thick branches.
The blades are usually made out of metal or ceramic, and they’re incredibly sharp! Most models also have teeth on the blade that help grip the branch as it’s being cut. Hedge trimmers typically run on gasoline or electricity.
- Gasoline-powered models are more powerful and can run for a longer period of time, but they’re also more expensive and require more maintenance.
- Electric models are less powerful but are much cheaper and easier to operate. For most people, an electric hedge trimmer will be more than enough power for their needs.
Is Ryobi Hedge Trimmer Any Good | A Quick Review
First impressions of the Ryobi Hedge Trimmer are good. The trimmer is made of high-quality materials, and it’s clear that a lot of thought went into its design. The trimmer is also very lightweight, which makes it easy to maneuver.
And because it’s battery-powered, you don’t have to worry about being tethered to a power outlet or extension cord. We were also impressed with the performance of the Ryobi Hedge Trimmer.
The trimmer has two speed settings—high and low—which allows you to customize your trimming experience based on the thickness of your hedges. We found that the high setting was more than adequate for most hedges, but if you have particularly thick hedges, the low setting will give you more control and prevent you from accidentally taking too much off.
The Ryobi Hedge Trimmer also comes with a blade guard, which is a nice touch. The guard protects the blades when they’re not in use, and it also helps keep your hands safe while you’re trimming. Overall, we were very pleased with the performance and safety features of the Ryobi Hedge Trimmer.
The only downside to the Ryobi Hedge Trimmer is its price tag. At $200, it’s one of the more expensive hedge trimmers on the market. However, we think its quality and performance make it worth the investment.
Using a Ryobi Hedge Trimmer
Before You Begin
Before you start using your Ryobi hedge trimmer, there are a few things you’ll need to do first:
- If your hedges are tall, you may need to use a ladder. If so, make sure the ladder is set up on the level ground and that it’s stable before climbing up.
- Wear gloves to protect your hands from thorns and branches.
- Check the area around your hedges for any obstacles—garden hoses, sprinklers, etc.—that could get in the way as you’re trimming.
Now that you’ve got everything you need, let’s get started!
Starting Your Hedge Trimmer
If you have a gasoline-powered model, the process is pretty simple: just open up the fuel tank, fill it with gas, and pull the cord until the engine starts up. Easy! If you have an electric model, the process is different depending on whether it’s corded or cordless.
Corded models simply need to be plugged into an outlet before they can be turned on. Cordless models need to have their batteries installed and charged before they can be used. Once the battery is installed and charged, press the power button to turn on the hedge trimmer.
Operating Your Hedge Trimmer
Now that your hedge trimmer is started up and ready to go, let’s go over how to actually use it. The first thing you’ll want to do is assess the area you’ll be trimming; look for any large branches that might get in the way or any obstacles you’ll need to avoid.
- Once you’ve done that, it’s time to start trimming!
- Hold onto the handle of your hedge trimester with both hands and position the blade where you want it to start cutting.
- Then, squeezing the trigger slowly, begin moving the blade back and forth across the branch.
- Use long strokes for larger branches and shorter strokes for smaller ones; if you find that your blade is getting stuck or isn’t cutting as smoothly as usual, it’s probably time to change directions or take a break so that your blade doesn’t get too hot. And speaking of heat, be sure to take breaks every few minutes to avoid overheating the motor on your hedge trimmer.
- When you’re finished trimming, release the trigger and turn off the power. If you’re using a cordless model, remove the battery; if you’re using a corded model, unplug it from the outlet.
FAQs
Q: Do I need to wear gloves while using a Ryobi hedge trimmer?
A: Yes, we recommend wearing gloves to protect your hands from thorns and branches.
Q: What type of oil should I use in my Ryobi hedge trimmer?
A: You should use a high-quality, lightweight oil that is specifically designed for hedge trimmers. WD-40 is also a suitable substitute.
Q: How often should I sharpen the blades on my Ryobi hedge trimmer?
A: The frequency with which you need to sharpen the blades on your hedge trimmer will depend on how often you use it and what type of material you’re cutting. However, as a general rule of thumb, you should sharpen the blades at least once per season.
Q: My hedge trimmer won’t start. What should I do?
A: If you’re having trouble getting your hedge trimmer to start, make sure that the fuel tank is filled and that the engine is properly lubricated. You may also need to clean the spark plug and/or air filter. If the problem persists, contact Ryobi customer service for assistance.
The Bottom Line
And that’s it! You’re now a pro at using a Ryobi hedge trimmer. Just remember to always exercise caution and take breaks often, and you’ll be able to keep your hedges looking neat and tidy all season long.