My Petrol Hedge Trimmer will not move the blade

If the engine is running but the hedge trimmer blades are not moving, there are several checks you can perform before seeking further assistance.

Table of Contents

1. Blade Maintenance
2. Check for Obstructions
3. Inspect the Blade Teeth
4. Check the Gear Drive System
5. Further Assistance

Blade Maintenance

Regular blade maintenance is essential to ensure smooth operation and to reduce wear on the drive system.

Lubrication

Ensure that the blades are regularly lubricated using a suitable multi-purpose grease or blade lubricant.

Poor lubrication can increase friction, reduce cutting performance, and place unnecessary strain on the machine.

Cutting Capacity

Do not attempt to cut branches that exceed the machine's maximum cutting capacity.

For models QHTP26 and SLK26B, the maximum recommended cutting diameter is 22 mm.

For all other models, please refer to your product manual for the correct cutting capacity.

Check for Obstructions

Switch off the engine and allow all moving parts to come to a complete stop.

Carefully inspect the blades for:

• Twigs or branches trapped between the blade teeth
• Built-up sap, dirt, or debris
• Any other obstruction preventing blade movement

Remove any debris found before attempting to restart the machine.

Warning: Always wear protective gloves when handling hedge trimmer blades, as the teeth are extremely sharp.

Inspect the Blade Teeth

Examine the blades for signs of damage, including:

• Bent teeth
• Broken teeth
• Excessive wear
• Misalignment

Damaged blades may prevent normal operation and could require replacement.

Check the Gear Drive System

If the blades remain stationary after completing the checks above, there may be an issue with the drive mechanism.

Over time, components within the gearbox can wear, including the drive gears that transfer power from the engine to the cutting blades.

In particular, the drive gear (sometimes referred to as the bull gear) may become worn or damaged.

Important: Inspecting the gearbox requires partial disassembly of the machine and should only be carried out by a suitably qualified person. Unauthorised repairs may invalidate your warranty.