Stihl Hedge Trimmer Keeps Cutting Out [How To Fix]

Dealing with a Stihl hedge trimmer that keeps cutting out can be incredibly frustrating
especially when you’re in the middle of a task. The sudden stalling not only disrupts your work but also raises concerns about the trimmer’s performance and reliability. However
fear not! With the right troubleshooting steps and maintenance techniques
you can swiftly address this common issue and restore your hedge trimmer to its optimal functionality. Let’s delve into the essential tips and techniques to keep your Stihl hedge trimmer running smoothly.

Reasons Why Stihl Hedge Trimmer Keeps Cutting Out

Dirty Air Filter

The air filter on a Stihl hedge trimmer helps to keep the engine clean by trapping dirt and debris. If the air filter becomes clogged, it can restrict airflow to the engine, causing it to run poorly and eventually cut out. To clean the air filter, remove it from the trimmer and rinse it with warm, soapy water. Allow the filter to dry completely before reinstalling it.

Clogged Fuel Filter

The fuel filter on a Stihl hedge trimmer helps to remove dirt and debris from the fuel before it reaches the engine. If the fuel filter becomes clogged, it can restrict the flow of fuel to the engine, causing it to run poorly and eventually cut out. To clean the fuel filter, remove it from the trimmer and rinse it with warm, soapy water. Allow the filter to dry completely before reinstalling it.

Spark Plug Problems

The spark plug on a Stihl hedge trimmer provides the spark that ignites the fuel in the engine. If the spark plug is damaged or fouled, it can cause the engine to misfire and eventually cut out. To check the spark plug, remove it from the engine and inspect it for damage. If the spark plug is damaged, replace it with a new one. If the spark plug is fouled, clean it with a spark plug cleaner and reinstall it.

Engine Oil Problems

The engine oil in a Stihl hedge trimmer lubricates the engine and helps to keep it cool. If the engine oil level is low, it can cause the engine to overheat and eventually cut out. To check the engine oil level, remove the oil dipstick and wipe it clean. Insert the dipstick back into the engine and pull it out. The oil level should be between the full and add marks on the dipstick. If the oil level is low, add oil to the engine until it reaches the full mark.

Fuel Problems

Using bad fuel can cause a Stihl hedge trimmer to cut out. Make sure you are using fresh, clean fuel that is the correct octane rating for your trimmer.

Other Problems

There are a number of other problems that can cause a Stihl hedge trimmer to cut out. These include:

A faulty carburetor
A bad starter
A loose or damaged spark plug wire
A problem with the ignition switch
A problem with the governor

If you are unable to determine the cause of the problem, take your trimmer to a qualified service technician for diagnosis and repair.

How to Troubleshoot: Stihl Hedge Trimmer Keeps Cutting Out

Symptoms

There are a few different symptoms that can indicate that your Stihl hedge trimmer is cutting out. These include:

The trimmer stops working altogether
The trimmer starts and runs for a few seconds, then cuts out
The trimmer starts and runs, but the motor dies when you apply pressure to the cutting blades

Causes

There are a number of different things that can cause your Stihl hedge trimmer to cut out. These include:

Dirty air filter:

A dirty air filter can restrict airflow to the engine, causing it to overheat and cut out.

Clogged fuel filter:

A clogged fuel filter can prevent fuel from reaching the engine, causing it to starve for fuel and cut out.

Bad spark plug:

A bad spark plug can cause the engine to misfire and cut out.

Low oil level:

A low oil level can cause the engine to overheat and cut out.

Worn-out starter rope:

A worn-out starter rope can make it difficult to start the engine, and can also cause the engine to cut out if it doesn’t start properly.

Troubleshooting

To troubleshoot a Stihl hedge trimmer that keeps cutting out, you will need to:

1. Inspect the air filter:
Remove the air filter and check for dirt, debris, or other obstructions. If the air filter is dirty, clean it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

2. Inspect the fuel filter:
Remove the fuel filter and check for dirt, debris, or other obstructions. If the fuel filter is clogged, replace it with a new one.3. Inspect the spark plug:
Remove the spark plug and check for damage. If the spark plug is damaged, replace it with a new one.

4. Check the oil level:
Check the oil level in the engine crankcase and add oil if necessary.

5. Inspect the starter rope:
Check the starter rope for wear and tear. If the starter rope is worn out, replace it with a new one.

Resolving the Issue

Once you have identified the cause of the problem, you can resolve the issue by:

Cleaning the air filter:
If the air filter is dirty, clean it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Replacing the fuel filter:
If the fuel filter is clogged, replace it with a new one.

Replacing the spark plug:
If the spark plug is damaged, replace it with a new one.

Adding oil to the engine:
If the oil level is low, add oil to the engine crankcase.

Replacing the starter rope:
If the starter rope is worn out, replace it with a new one.

Prevention

To prevent your Stihl hedge trimmer from cutting out, you can:

Regularly clean the air filter:
A dirty air filter can restrict airflow to the engine, causing it to overheat and cut out.

Regularly replace the fuel filter:
A clogged fuel filter can prevent fuel from reaching the engine, causing it to starve for fuel and cut out.

Regularly inspect the spark plug:
A bad spark plug can cause the engine to misfire and cut out.

Regularly check the oil level:
A low oil level can cause the engine to overheat and cut out.

Regularly inspect the starter rope:
A worn-out starter rope can make it difficult to start the engine, and can also cause the engine to cut out if it doesn’t start properly.

Also Read: Stihl Hedge Trimmer Keeps Stalling

FAQs: Stihl Hedge Trimmer Keeps Cutting Out

Why is my Stihl hedge trimmer cutting out?

There are a few possible reasons why your Stihl hedge trimmer might be cutting out. Here are some of the most common causes:

The blade is dull: A dull blade can cause the trimmer to work harder than it needs to, which can lead to the engine overheating and cutting out. To fix this, sharpen the blade or replace it with a new one.

The trimmer is not getting enough air: If the trimmer is not getting enough air, the engine can overheat and cut out. Make sure that the air filter is clean and that the trimmer is not being used in a dusty or dirty environment.

The trimmer is not getting enough fuel: If the trimmer is not getting enough fuel, the engine can stall and cut out. Make sure that the fuel tank is full and that the fuel line is not clogged.

The trimmer is not being used correctly: If the trimmer is being used incorrectly, it can overheat and cut out. Make sure that you are using the trimmer in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

What should I do if my Stihl hedge trimmer keeps cutting out?

If your Stihl hedge trimmer keeps cutting out, here are a few things you can try:

Check the blade: Make sure that the blade is sharp and that it is not damaged. If the blade is dull, sharpen it or replace it with a new one.

Check the air filter: Make sure that the air filter is clean and that it is not clogged. If the air filter is dirty, clean it or replace it with a new one.

Check the fuel tank: Make sure that the fuel tank is full and that the fuel line is not clogged. If the fuel tank is empty, fill it up with fresh fuel. If the fuel line is clogged, clean it or replace it with a new one.

Check the owner’s manual: Make sure that you are using the trimmer in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

How can I prevent my Stihl hedge trimmer from cutting out?

There are a few things you can do to prevent your Stihl hedge trimmer from cutting out:

Keep the blade sharp: A dull blade can cause the trimmer to work harder than it needs to, which can lead to the engine overheating and cutting out. To prevent this, sharpen the blade regularly or replace it with a new one.

Keep the air filter clean: A dirty air filter can restrict airflow to the engine, which can cause the engine to overheat and cut out. To prevent this, clean the air filter regularly or replace it with a new one.

Use the trimmer correctly: Make sure that you are using the trimmer in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. This will help to prevent the trimmer from overheating and cutting out.

What are the signs that my Stihl hedge trimmer needs to be serviced?

There are a few signs that your Stihl hedge trimmer might need to be serviced:

The trimmer is cutting out frequently.
The trimmer is running hot.
The trimmer is making strange noises.
The trimmer is not getting enough power.
The trimmer is not cutting as well as it used to.

If you notice any of these signs, it is a good idea to take the trimmer to a qualified service technician for a checkup.

How much does it cost to service a Stihl hedge trimmer?

The cost of servicing a Stihl hedge trimmer will vary depending on the model of the trimmer and the type of service that is needed. However, you can expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $100 for a basic service.

If you need to have major repairs done, the cost will be higher. For example, if you need to have the engine rebuilt, you can expect to pay several hundred dollars.

It is always a good idea to get a quote from a qualified service technician before you have your trimmer serviced. This will help you to budget for the cost of the service and avoid any surprises.