With the spell of warm weather we are having the grass is definitely growing and there are plenty of tidying jobs that need done in the garden, you will likely be mowing the lawn on a weekly basis, so to keep that neat and tidy look to the edges your lawn and to get into all those areas that your lawnmower just can’t quite reach the best tool you can be using is a strimmer.

There is such a wide range of strimmers and brushcutters available now that start from really lightweight domestic ones right through to backpack and powerful models that are more suitable for the professional landscaper or if you have a large area of thick dense grass to get through.

To ensure you get the maximum results from your machine it should be serviced regularly.  We have listed some handy tips on maintaining your brushcutter.

Check the Cutting Tools

Before using your brushcutter it is important to check it over and ensure the guard has no damage or cracks to it.  If there is any damage it must be replaced or fixed otherwise the machine will not be safe to use.  Also check the cutting tools to ensure there is no damage to the mowing head, if using a metal cutting blade ensure it is not bent or needing sharpened and if using trimmer line ensure it is not tangled or crossed in the mowing head.

Use the correct Fuel

Most petrol grass strimmers and brushcutters use 2-stroke engines. Two-stroke engines should always be run on a mixture of petrol and good-quality two-stroke oil. Always check your operator’s manual for petrol/oil mix details and consider a mixing bottle for accurate measurements and ease of use.

However the excellent new range of Honda Brushcutters are all 4-stroke machines meaning they only require unleaded petrol to run. If you are using an older model of Honda Brushcutter in may be 2-stroke so always check your operator’s manual before use.

Clean your Brushcutter or Strimmer Regularly

Regularly clean the brushcutter’s guard and cutting tools.  We recommend you use an all-purpose cleaner.  Check that the cutting tool is properly mounted on the deflector, this is important for keeping the line at a constant length.  You should also clean the air filter regularly.

After every use of your machine it is encouraged to clean the outside of it and make sure that the harness is not damaged to keep you safe each time you use it.

Use Protective Clothing

As with every piece of garden equipment always ensure that you put your safety first and use the correct personal protective equipment.  You should always use protective eyewear and a visor, protective trousers and boots and don’t forget about gloves and ear protection too!

Storing your Brushcutter or Strimmer

At the end of the grass cutting season or if you know you won’t be using your brushcutter or strimmer for a while there are a few things you must do before storing it to ensure that it will still be in good condition when you next use it.

Drain the Fuel Tank

Most fuel only has a short life span of approximately 30 days so always drain any remaining fuel from the tank after the last use. You can use Aspen Alkyate petrol which has a longer shelf life and is better for your engine.  It is also free from benzene, sulphur and other harmful emissions which makes it better for your health and the environment.

Check for any damage

Give your machine a good check over and replace any parts that may have got damaged.

Check the Spark Plug

Remove the spark plug and examine it, if it needs cleaning or replacing it is a good idea to do so before you store the machine.

Following these steps your machine should be in great condition when you take it out to start working again after the winter period.

At Robert Kee Power Equipment we only stock Strimmers and Brushcutters from reputable brands so you can be assured that you are receiving a quality product.  Check out our full range of Petrol Brushcutters and Strimmer or our Cordless Range also available.

If you are unsure of which machine would suit your needs best call one of our showrooms in Laghey or Letterkenny and speak with our expert sales team who will advise you on the best machine or why not call instore and see the range for yourself.