Hedge Trimmers - FAQ's

Looking for some help with your Flymo Hedge Trimmer? Check out some of the answers to our most frequently asked questions...

Q. What type of hedge trimmer do I need?

Understanding how thick your hedge / shrubs are will help determine size and power of product needed – hedge trimmer blades are made of a series of evenly spaced “teeth” – the space between these indicates the size of branch and stem the trimmer can comfortably cut.

If hedge is mature and comprised of woody plants such as privet, holly or some conifers it might have thicker stems so you will need a hedge trimmer with enough power and teeth gap to handle this.

Refer to your operators manual for recommended maximum twig dimension.

Q. How do i know which blade length to choose?

It’s important to achieve the best cut to look for a size of hedge trimmer is suitable for the type of hedge you have..

The blade length of the trimmer will determine the width of the hedge that you can cut – for smaller hedges, blades between 300mm and 400mm should be sufficient, for larger cutting areas choose a blade length of 450mm or longer.  

Q. What is the importance of teeth spacing?

It’s important to achieve the best cut to look for a size of hedge trimmer is suitable for the type of hedge you have. The wider the teeth spacing is the larger the material your hedge trimmer can cut, for thicker branches and stems a wider teeth gap will make cutting easier. 

Q. What do i do if the hedge trimmer cuts unevenly?

If cutting result is not even the blades may be blunt or loose – or the hedge may be too big to be trimmed effectively with the hedge trimmer.

Refer to your operators manual to show you how to adjust the tension between the blades or how to sharpen them (always wear protective gloves when making these checks as the blades are extremely sharp. Ensure you have chosen the correct size product for your hedge – your operators manual will explain recommended maximum twig dimension.

Q. What is a blade tip protector?

Some hedge trimmers are designed to include a blade tip protector – this will help prevent damage to the end of the blade whilst using against walls and fences. It could also help to prevent against accidental knocks or scuffs to paving and masonry.

Q. Should the blade be sharpened?

The sharper the blade, the better the cut will be. Keeping the blades clean and sharp will make work easier, give a better cut finish and reduce vibration with the tool while cutting. Refer to your operators manual for recommended sharpening methods.

NOTE: Always ensure the product is switched off from power source before trying to sharpen or clean the blades – i.e. remove the battery or unplug the cable.

Q. Should you lubricate hedge trimmer blades?

If you take care of your hedge trimmer properly, it will last a lot longer. Lubricating the blades will keep them safe from moisture, residue and help keep the trimmer cleaner. Refer to your operators manual for recommended lubrication methods.

Q. How do I clean the blades?

• Warning: Hedge Trimmer blades are very sharp so ensure you wear protective gloves to protect hands and ensure the power source is removed and the off switch is in position.
• Brush loose debris from the blades & wipe with a soft damp cloth to remove any left residue – do not use water, pressure cleaner or any harsh chemicals on the blades or product.
• Apply light coverage of good quality grease/lubricant to protect the blades whilst in storage.
• Always store the product with the protective blade cover in place.

Q. Will my hedge trimmer not work with only one switch pressed in?

For safety reasons hedge trimmers are designed to operate whilst dual or triple switches as activated together – this is designed to prevent accidental start-ups of hedge trimmers to prevent accidents. This safety feature always means that you have both hands on the tool to give best operating position to cut hedges.

It is important to remember to always store your product somewhere that the switches cannot pose risk of accidental start up is not possible.

Q. What are the storage recommendations for hedge trimmers?

• Do not store product for long periods of time without performing protective storage maintenance.
• The product must be stored away from children.
• Slide the protective cover over the blade
• Remove battery – or ensure cable is unplugged and wound tidily for storage.
• Store product in a dry, dust free and frost free place.