Stihl garden tools are known for their reliability and performance. Whether you have a chainsaw, hedge trimmer, grass trimmer, or leaf blower, proper maintenance is crucial to keep your garden machinery in top condition. This also extends its lifespan. In this blog post, we share essential maintenance tips for your Stihl tools, so you can always work optimally in your garden.
Regular cleaning
After each use, dirt, dust, and plant debris can accumulate on the tools. This can reduce future performance and accelerate tool wear. Regular cleaning helps prevent this and keeps your tools running smoothly.
How do you clean?
- Chainsaw: Remove sawdust and excess oil with a brush or compressed air. Also check the oil passages and thoroughly clean the guide bar and saw chain.
- Hedge trimmer: Wipe the blades clean with a cloth and use a special cleaning agent to remove resin and dirt. Lubricate the blades after cleaning.
- Grass trimmer: Remove grass clippings from around the trimmer head and check that the line rotates freely.
- Leaf Blower: Remove debris from the air intake and clean the blower tube.
Correct lubrication
Lubrication reduces friction between moving parts and prevents overheating and wear. Regular lubrication keeps your tools running smoothly and extends the life of key components.
How should you apply lubricant?
- Chainsaw: Fill the oil tank with chainsaw oil before using the saw. Check the oil flow regularly and ensure the chain is always properly lubricated.
- Hedge trimmer: Lubricate the cutting blades with special spray or oil after each cleaning.
- Grass trimmer: Check the trimmer head and lubricate the moving parts with grease if necessary.
- Leaf Blower: Check and lubricate the drive shafts if the blower is equipped with them.
Battery maintenance
Stihl batteries offer powerful performance, but they require proper maintenance to maintain their capacity and lifespan. Follow these tips to keep your battery in top condition:
- Charging : Charge your batteries at room temperature and avoid extreme temperatures. Always use only Stihl chargers.
- Storage : Store your batteries in a cool, dry place. If you won't be using them for an extended period, charge them to about 50% and check their charge every few months.
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Usage : Do not allow batteries to fully discharge and avoid excessive discharge. Replace batteries that show signs of wear.
Inspection and replacement of parts
Important parts that require regular maintenance and that you should check regularly for replacement:
- Chain and guide bar : Check the chainsaw's tension and sharpness regularly. Sharpen or replace the chain as needed with special sharpening materials .
- Cutting blades : Check the hedge trimmer blades for sharpness and sharpen them if necessary. Replace any damaged blades.
- Trimmer line : Check and replace the trimmer line regularly to maintain optimum cutting performance.
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Air Filters : Clean or replace air filters to maintain proper airflow and optimize engine performance.
Fuel for Stihl petrol tools
For gasoline-powered Stihl garden tools, it's important to use the correct fuel and manage it properly. Always use high-quality, fresh gasoline and mix it with the recommended Stihl oil in the correct ratio. Avoid using stale fuel, as it can break down and damage the engine.
For long-term storage, such as over the winter, run the engine until the fuel tank is empty. This prevents residue from remaining in the fuel system, which can lead to blockages and starting problems in the spring.
Professional maintenance by a specialist
While much maintenance can be done at home, sometimes it's necessary to take your Stihl garden tools to a certified specialist. This might be for a comprehensive annual service or if you're experiencing problems you can't solve yourself. At Kraakman Garden Machinery, we offer professional maintenance services to ensure your tools stay in top condition.
