Well with spring on our doorstep and our feet itchy as ever to get started; there are a few things to do with our equipment before we put them through the paces.  This will be the first part of a multi-post on equipment maintenance.  All equipment repairs and maintenance should be recorded.  This is a good pratice for tracking equipment costs and a great tool for resale.  Just make a book dedicated to equipment log…it is easier than you think.

Trimmers

Trimmers are very easy to maintain (most of the time).  Here are some basic and advanced tips to keep you up and running.

Basic (minimal dis-assembly)

Clean out the spool and replace any line left over from last year.  Last years line will be brittle and dried out, time for some new line.  You should also make sure to use up your line before storing it for the winter.  If you have left over line bring it indoors out of the cold (if you live in a cold climate…I am in Ontario, Canada.), you can even soak the line in water to avoid it drying out while you store it.

Replace the spark plug.  Running trimmer engines at full throttle days in and out is hard work for spark plug.  Old plugs can become fouled and need to be replaced.  I recommend replacing them every spring (depending on use you may wish to change them twice per year) and make note of the date in your equipment log.

Replace the fuel filter.  Fuel filters are usuallay located in the fuel tank of most newer modles.  However on older trimmers you may find in-line filter as well.  A plugged up fuel filter puts the engine under stress and it may not run properly; stalling, spitting and sputtering.  Make note of the replacement in your equipment maintenance log book.

Take off the muffler and clean out all of the carbon buildup.  This is a good time to clean out your spark arrestor as well (that little piece of screen on the muffler exit).  If your trimmer cannot relieve it self of its exhaust it will run poorly and there will be a lack of power.  All too many times where a trimmer has a lack of power it will be the exhaust port and muffler clogged with carbon.  Use a small flat head screwdrive to scrap off the excess carbon.  But remember that trimmer heads are made out of alilumimun and you can damage then with a sharp instrument…so be careful.

Grease the gearbox on the trimmer head.  Most trimmers have a grease nipple on the gearbox.  I use a water based white lithium grease.  It is easier to clean and acts to heat better then a standard grease.  If your trimmer does not have a grease nipple (such as my RedMax) you can take apart your trimmer head to expose the gearbox and manually grease it.  If you are not sure how to do this you can bring it in to your small equipment shop.

Advanced (rip it apart!)

Change the carburetor diaphragm and filters.  Over time your carb can become gummed up and the diaphragm become worn and stretched.  This step requires a very clean working area as the smallest piece of sand or dirt can affect the performance of the trimmer (if it runs at all).

Clean and grease the drive shaft.  Most solid drive shafts require you to keep them clean and greased.  Doing this is simple.  Remove the engine from the shaft and the drive shaft should slide out.  Use a clean rag to wipe off all old grease and dirt and apply new grease where needed.  Always check with your owners manual to see if your trimmer needs this step.

Replace your clutch spring.  Over time the small clutch spring will become less tense.  If your trimmer head still wants to spin even when your finger is off of the throttle you need to replace your spring.  This is an easy fix but requires you to remove the engine from the shaft.  The spring holds the two clutch shoes together…this will also be a good time to examine the shoes and clutch drum for wear.  Blow out any dirt in the drum as it will only speed up the wear process.

Those tips and tricks will keep your trimmer running at its best.  We all at times take our equiment for granted and the work that they perform.  A two stroke engine should last forever if you take care of it.

Please leave a comment and let us all know what you do to maintain your trimmers.

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