Storing your brushcutter correctly
To ensure that your brushcutter continues to perform well even after years of use, it is important to store your brushcutter correctly in addition to performing regular maintenance.
19.08.2024
Overview: tips for brushcutter storage
- Read the operating instructions carefully
- Completely empty the tank of your petrol brushcutter before storage and remove and check the spark plug
- Cordless brushcutter: remove the battery and store it separately. Remove the charger from the power supply and store it separately
- If you have an electric brushcutter, disconnect the cable from the socket and clean the power tool thoroughly
- Clean the metal tool, store mowing lines in water
- Brushcutter storage: hung up is best
To make sure that your brushcutter starts up again smoothly after storage, we have prepared a few tips on storing cordless, electric and petrol-driven brushcutters.
petrol-driven brushcutter storage
Empty the tank before storing your brushcutter
Clean the device before storage and then empty the tank completely. To run the carburettor to empty, let the brushcutter idle until the engine stops.
Check the power tool for dirt and put it somewhere protected from external conditions so it can dry out
Check the brushcutter spark plug
Remove the spark plug. If the electrodes in the spark plug are fawn-coloured, it is OK. If the spark plug looks different, it must be cleaned or replaced.
How can I identify a defective spark plug?
In most cases, you can tell that a spark plug is defective by encrustations and deposits on the spark plug electrodes. If the electrodes have a uniform fawn colour and are free of white or black deposits, the spark plug is fully functional.
Operating instructions for STIHL chainsaws
You can easily download the operating instructions for your STIHL brushcutter here.
Storing cordless brushcutters
Removing and storing the battery
Switch off your brushcutter and remove the battery. Store the battery partly charged to a charge level of two green LEDs and at a temperature between -10 and +50 degrees Celsius. You should also keep it away from direct sunlight and moisture. Further information about the appropriate storage temperature for your device can be found in the operating instructions. Store the battery separately from the brushcutter and charger.
Storing the charger
Disconnect the mains plug of the charger from the socket, and where applicable remove the battery. Secure the connecting cable on the charger and store it in a dry place at a temperature between +5 and +40 degrees Celsius. You can find more information on the appropriate storage temperature for your power took in the operating instructions.
electric brushcutter storage
Cleaning your brushcutter
Pull out the mains plug and attach the cable to the brushcutter. Clean the device thoroughly, paying particular attention to the cooling air inlets.
General brush cutter storage tips
Whether battery-powered, petrol-driven or electric, the correct storage methods for the spool of mowing line, metal tool and the brushcutter itself are always the same.
Store brushcutter mowing lines in water
Mowing lines need moisture to stay flexible. To ensure that your mowing line is ready for use immediately after winter, remove it from the mowing head or the line spool and store it in water, for example in a glass jar with a lid. The line can remain there until it is used again. You can change the water occasionally if you wish, but it is not generally necessary to do so. Alternatively, if your mowing line has been stored dry, you can place it in water for 1-2 days to restore suppleness and flexibility. The same applies to STIHL PolyCut blades.
Check the metal brushcutter tool
Remove and clean the metal tool. Check for damage and apply corrosion protection. If necessary, you are welcome to have your metal tools sharpened by your dealer.
Brushcutter storage: hung up is best
It is best to hang your brushcutter up for short- or long-term storage. As with all garden tools, this makes organisation easier, prevents accidents and increases the service life of the device. A simple wall bracket will help with hanging. You can swivel the handlebar of your brushcutter in to save space during storage.
