Grass Trimmer Maintenance Tips
Before you start: important points about grass trimmer maintenance
Grass trimmers use a rotating mowing line to quickly cut long grass and get it under control; brushcutters function similarly and may use blades for tougher undergrowth. Always read the operating instructions to understand key maintenance tasks.
Only perform maintenance as advised in your operating instructions. For all other repairs, visit Gustharts.
Recommended Product
Choosing the right fuel for your petrol grass trimmer
Use the right fuel for your petrol trimmer or brushcutter: we recommend STIHL MotoMix. Ready-mixed, low emissions, high performance, and long-term storage. The STIHL filling system prevents fuel spillage.
Checking the cutting tool
Regularly check your mowing heads or blades as part of your maintenance routine:
- Line mowing heads: Ensure line is wound correctly, no crossover. Replace with genuine STIHL line if necessary.
- PolyCut blades: Inspect for cracks and replace all three blades together. PolyCut
- Metal cutting tools: Sharpen if needed, replace if bent or broken.
Maintenance Checklist
Clean the guard and cutting tool with a damp cloth or soft brush. Ensure all components are mounted securely.
Detailed Maintenance Tasks
Grass trimmer visual examination checklist
As an ongoing maintenance routine, check your grass trimmer carefully before every use and after filling the tank. Clean thoroughly after each use.
Additional tips or notes can be added here.
Control handle
Check the control handle regularly. Ensure the off button works and that the throttle and lockout triggers move smoothly.
Air filter
Clean the air filter as needed. Replace it if damaged or clogged to maintain optimal performance.
Pickup body in the fuel tank
Replace the pickup body at least once a year. For issues, contact a trusted STIHL dealer for maintenance.
Fuel tank
Clean the fuel tank as needed and ensure the tank lid is leak-tight.
Carburettor
Check the carburettor idle setting before starting work and after refilling. Ensure the cutting tool does not rotate at idle; adjust as per the operating instructions.
Spark plug
Replace the spark plug after 100 hours of use as part of regular maintenance.
Cold air intake
Inspect the cold air intake and clean it as necessary after use.
Accessible screws and nuts
Check all accessible screws and nuts (except adjustment screws) and re-tighten as needed.
Anti-vibration elements
Inspect anti-vibration elements regularly. Replace any damaged components via a STIHL dealer.
Cutting tool
Check the cutting tool before every use. Replace immediately if damaged.
Metal cutting tool
If using a metal cutting tool, ensure it is sharp before operation.
Gearbox lubrication
Perform gearbox lubrication checks after 25 hours of use. Top up grease if necessary.
Safety sticker
Replace any damaged safety stickers immediately to ensure user safety.
Why won’t my brushcutter or grass trimmer start?
Fuel older than 30 days can prevent starting. Replace the fuel if unsure of its age.
Grass trimmers and fuel mixtureSummary: grass trimmer maintenance
- Always read the operating instructions first.
- Use the correct petrol mixture.
- Check the cutting tool before starting work.
- Clean the grass trimmer after finishing work.
- Replace the fuel mixture as needed.
Recommended STIHL Strimmer Maintenance Products
STIHL Multiclean Spray – 500 ml
Universal cleaning spray for dissolving dirt, resin, and oil deposits on trimmers and tools.
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STIHL Superclean Spray – 300 ml
Dual-action cleaner and lubricant designed for cutting attachments, trimmer heads, and blades.
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STIHL MotoMix – 5 L Pre-Mixed Fuel
Ready-to-use alkylate fuel for 2-stroke engines – ensures clean combustion and reliable starts.
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STIHL Service Kit 12 (FS 40 – FS 56)
Includes air filter, spark plug, and fuel filter – ideal for routine servicing of STIHL strimmers.
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