Hedge Trimmer Works But Does Not Cut [Here’S The Fix!]

Hedge Trimmer Won’t Cut A Frustrating but Common Problem

There’s nothing more frustrating than a hedge trimmer that won’t cut. You’ve got a long hedge to trim, and you’re just wasting time and energy. If your hedge trimmer isn’t cutting, it’s probably because of one of these common problems

Dull blades. The most common reason a hedge trimmer won’t cut is because the blades are dull. Sharpen the blades according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Clogged air filter. A clogged air filter can restrict airflow to the engine, causing it to lose power. Clean the air filter according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Dirty spark plug. A dirty spark plug can cause the engine to misfire, which will also reduce power. Clean the spark plug according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Low oil level. A low oil level can cause the engine to overheat and lose power. Check the oil level and add oil if necessary.
Engine problems. If your hedge trimmer is still not cutting after you’ve checked all of these things, it may have a more serious engine problem. Take it to a qualified repair shop for diagnosis and repair.

Reasons Why Hedge Trimmer Works But Does Not Cut

Dull Blades

The most common reason why a hedge trimmer works but does not cut is dull blades.
Dull blades cannot make a clean cut, and the branches will just bend instead of being cut.
To check if the blades are dull, try cutting a piece of paper. If the paper tears instead of being cut cleanly, the blades need to be sharpened.
You can sharpen the blades yourself using a file or a sharpening tool, or you can take them to a professional to be sharpened.

Incorrect Blade Tension

If the blades are not properly tensioned, they will not be able to cut effectively.
The blades should be tight enough so that they do not wobble, but not so tight that they are difficult to turn.
To check the blade tension, try to move the blades back and forth. If they move too easily, they need to be tightened. If they are difficult to move, they need to be loosened.

Clogged Air Filter

A clogged air filter can restrict the airflow to the engine, which can cause the engine to lose power and the trimmer to not cut as effectively.
To check the air filter, remove it from the trimmer and inspect it for dirt and debris. If the filter is dirty, clean it with a soft brush or replace it with a new one.

Dirty Spark Plug

A dirty spark plug can cause the engine to misfire, which can also lead to a loss of power and the trimmer not cutting as effectively.
To check the spark plug, remove it from the engine and inspect it for deposits. If the spark plug is dirty, clean it with a wire brush or replace it with a new one.

Low Oil Level

If the oil level in the trimmer is too low, the engine can overheat and lose power. This can also lead to the trimmer not cutting as effectively.
To check the oil level, remove the oil dipstick and check the level of oil. The oil level should be between the full and add marks on the dipstick. If the oil level is low, add oil to the trimmer until the level reaches the full mark.

How to Troubleshoot: Hedge Trimmer Works But Does Not Cut

Symptoms

If your hedge trimmer is not cutting, there are a few things you can check to troubleshoot the problem.

The blades may be dull.
The trimmer may be out of oil.
The trimmer may be overheating.
The trimmer may have a clogged air filter.
The trimmer may have a damaged drive belt.

Solutions

To troubleshoot the problem, you can try the following solutions:

Check the blades:
If the blades are dull, they will not be able to cut through the branches. To sharpen the blades, you can use a file or a grinder.

Check the oil level:
If the trimmer is out of oil, it will not be able to lubricate the blades properly. To check the oil level, remove the oil cap and look at the dipstick. The oil level should be between the full and add marks. If the oil level is low, add oil to the trimmer.

Check the temperature:
If the trimmer is overheating, it will not be able to cut properly. To check the temperature, feel the side of the trimmer. If it is hot to the touch, the trimmer is overheating. To cool down the trimmer, let it sit for a few minutes before using it again.

Check the air filter:
If the air filter is clogged, it will restrict airflow to the engine. To check the air filter, remove it from the trimmer and inspect it for dirt or debris. If the air filter is dirty, clean it or replace it with a new one.

Check the drive belt:
If the drive belt is damaged, it will not be able to transfer power from the engine to the blades. To check the drive belt, look for cracks or tears. If the drive belt is damaged, replace it with a new one.

Prevention

To prevent your hedge trimmer from not cutting, you can take the following steps:

Sharpen the blades regularly:
Dull blades will not be able to cut through branches properly.

Keep the trimmer well-oiled:
A well-oiled trimmer will run more smoothly and will not overheat.

Avoid overheating the trimmer:
Overheating can damage the engine and the blades.

Clean the air filter regularly:
A clogged air filter will restrict airflow to the engine and cause it to overheat.

Replace the drive belt as needed:
A damaged drive belt will not be able to transfer power from the engine to the blades.

By following these tips, you can help prevent your hedge trimmer from not cutting.

Also Read: My Hedge Trimmer Won’T Cut

FAQs: Hedge Trimmer Works But Does Not Cut

Why is my hedge trimmer not cutting?

There are a few possible reasons why your hedge trimmer might not be cutting. Here are some of the most common causes:

The blades are dull: Dull blades will not be able to cut through branches as easily, and they may also cause the trimmer to work harder than it needs to. To check if your blades are dull, try to cut through a piece of paper. If the blades tear the paper instead of cutting it cleanly, it’s time to sharpen them.

The trimmer is not getting enough power: If your trimmer is not getting enough power, it will not be able to cut through branches as easily. This could be due to a number of factors, such as a dirty air filter, a clogged fuel line, or a weak battery.

The trimmer is not being used properly: If you are not using your hedge trimmer properly, it may not be able to cut through branches as easily. Make sure that you are using the correct blade for the type of material you are cutting, and that you are holding the trimmer at the correct angle.

How do I sharpen my hedge trimmer blades?

To sharpen your hedge trimmer blades, you will need a file or a sharpening stone.

1. First, remove the blades from the trimmer.
2. Hold the blade flat on the file or sharpening stone.
3. File or grind the blade in a back-and-forth motion, taking care not to overheat the blade.
4. Repeat steps 2-3 until the blade is sharp.
5. Reattach the blade to the trimmer.

How do I make sure my hedge trimmer is getting enough power?

To make sure your hedge trimmer is getting enough power, you will need to check the following:

The air filter: If the air filter is dirty, it will restrict the flow of air to the engine, which can cause the trimmer to lose power. Clean the air filter according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

The fuel line: If the fuel line is clogged, it will prevent fuel from reaching the engine, which can also cause the trimmer to lose power. Clean the fuel line according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

The battery: If the battery is weak, it will not be able to provide enough power to the trimmer. Charge the battery according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

How do I use my hedge trimmer properly?

To use your hedge trimmer properly, you will need to:

Choose the right blade for the job: There are different types of blades available for hedge trimmers, each designed for a specific type of material. Make sure you choose the right blade for the type of material you will be cutting.

Hold the trimmer at the correct angle: When you are cutting with a hedge trimmer, you should hold the trimmer at a 45-degree angle to the material. This will help to ensure that the blades are cutting through the material evenly.

Use a firm grip: When you are using a hedge trimmer, you should use a firm grip on the handle. This will help to prevent the trimmer from slipping out of your hands and causing an injury.

Wear safety glasses: When you are using a hedge trimmer, you should always wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from flying debris.

What should I do if my hedge trimmer still does not cut?

If your hedge trimmer still does not cut after you have tried the troubleshooting tips above, you may need to take it to a qualified repair shop. A qualified technician will be able to diagnose the problem and repair the trimmer so that it is working properly again.