If you have ever gone to trim your hedges only to find that the blade on your hedge trimmer is not moving, you know how frustrating it can be.
There are a few things that could be causing this issue. In this blog post, we will explore some of the most common reasons why a hedge trimmer blade may not be moving and what you can do to fix it.
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Reasons Why Hedge Trimmer Blades Stop Moving
Blade Jammed with Debris
One of the most common reasons why a hedge trimmer blade may not be moving is that it is jammed with debris. This can happen if you are using your hedge trimmer in an area that has a lot of leaves or other debris on the ground.
When this happens, the blade can become jammed with debris, preventing it from moving. To fix this issue, you will need to clean the blade and remove any debris that is blocking it.
Something Caught in the Teeth of the Blade
Another reason why your hedge trimmer blade may be jammed is if there is something caught in the teeth of the blade. This can happen if you are trimming hedges that have small twigs or branches sticking out. If there is something caught in the teeth of the blade, it will need to be removed before the blade will be able to move again.
Motor Not Working Properly
Another reason why your hedge trimmer blade may not be moving is that the motor is not working properly. This can happen for a variety of reasons, but one of the most common is because the motor brushes are worn out.
The motor brushes are responsible for providing power to the motor, so if they are worn out, the motor will not be able to function properly. Another reason why the motor may not be working properly is that there is something wrong with the wiring.
If the wiring is damaged, it could prevent power from reaching the motor, causing it to malfunction.
The blade Needs to Be Sharpened
Another reason why your hedge trimmer blade may not be moving is that it needs to be sharpened. Over time, the blades on your hedge trimmer will become dull from use. When this happens, they will no longer be able to cut through hedges as easily and will need to be replaced or sharpened. You can sharpen the blades on your hedge trimmer yourself or take them to a professional to have them sharpened for you.
What Can You Do
If your hedge trimmer blade is not moving, there are a few things you can do to try and fix the issue.
- First, you should check to make sure that there is nothing blocking the blade. If there is, remove it and see if that fixes the issue.
- If not, check the motor to see if it is working properly or if the wiring is damaged.
- Finally, you may need to sharpen the blades on your hedge trimmer to get them cutting properly again.
If you follow these steps, you should be able to get your hedge trimmer blade moving again in no time.
Some Other Common Issues With Hedge Trimmers and How to Prevent Them
Apart from the above-mentioned issues, there are some other common issues that tend to occur with hedge trimmers.
1. Blade Dulling
One of the most common problems with hedge trimmers is that the blades can get dull over time. This is especially true if you use your trimmer frequently or if you’re cutting through tough material.
To prevent your blades from getting dull, it’s important to sharpen them on a regular basis. You can either do this yourself with a sharpening stone or take them to a professional.
2. Jammed Blades
Another common problem is that the blades can become jammed. This usually happens when you’re cutting through something tough, like branches that are thicker than the blade itself.
If this happens, it’s important to stop using the trimmer immediately and unplug it from the power source. Once it’s unplugged, you can gently tap the blade on a hard surface to dislodge whatever is causing the jam. Never try to force the blade free, as this could damage it beyond repair.
3. Incorrect Fuel Mix
If you’re using a gas-powered hedge trimmer, it’s important to make sure that you’re using the correct fuel mix. The fuel mix for most hedge trimmers is 40:1, which means that for every 40 parts of gasoline, there should be 1 part of the oil. If you use too much oil in the mix, it can cause engine damage, so it’s important to be precise when measuring out the oil and gasoline.
4. Engine Stalling
Another common issue with gas-powered hedge trimmers is engine stalling. This usually happens when there’s an issue with the carburetor or spark plugs.
If your engine stalls while you’re using the trimmer, turn it off immediately and let it cool down for at least 15 minutes before inspecting it. Once it’s cooled down, check the carburetor and spark plugs for any debris or build-up that could be causing an issue.
If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, take it to a professional for servicing.
5. Vibration
Hedge trimmers can produce a lot of vibration, which can cause fatigue and even pain in your hands and arms after extended use. To avoid this, make sure to take breaks often and switch hands when possible.
Additionally, look for a hedge trimmer that has vibration-dampening technology built into it. This will help reduce the amount of vibration that you feel while using the tool.
The Bottom Line
If your hedge trimmer blade is not moving, there are a few things that could be causing the issue. The most common causes are a jammed blade or a problem with the motor.
You can try cleaning the blades and removing any debris that is blocking them or replacing the motor brushes if they are worn out. If these solutions do not work, you may need to take your hedge trimmer to a professional for further diagnosis and repairs.