Lubricant treatment for hedge-trimmers... worth it?

[MisterBoy]

Stihl do this which they recommend for their hedge trimmers in particular, but do you pros use it or anything else for that matter? It doesn't seem the cheapest however I have no idea how long a bottle lasts. They tout the resin-dissolving feature in particular but is the Stihl one anything special over regular isopropyl or whatever - how do you guys look after your trimmers?

Resin solvent

WWW.STIHL.CO.UK

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Resin solvent

 

 

Edited August 3, 2020 by MisterBoy

[nepia]

I switch the machines off with the cutter surfaces as exposed as possible then paint chain oil on the whole of the cutter bars at the end of the day, nothing else.

[MisterBoy]

1 minute ago, nepia said:

I switch the machines off with the cutter surfaces as exposed as possible then paint chain oil on the whole of the cutter bars at the end of the day, nothing else.

Bar oil because it's particularly good, or simply because you always have it with you and you don't want to carry another bottle?

[Mick Dempsey]

Wd40.

[jfc]

Wd40.

Same.

[MisterBoy]

It was really only the "resin eating" thing that got me thinking... if people who use their tools a lot don't find resin to be an issue I'll go the WD-40 route too, I guess. I have used compressed air to clean off blades first before but I'm not sure it achieves much

[Mick Dempsey]

If I’m trimming leylandii in high summer when it’s rubbery and sappy, I’ll use it every tank.

In winter when the hedge is wet I might not bother at all.

[Stubby]

1 hour ago, jfc said:

1 hour ago, Mick Dempsey said:

Wd40.

Same.

Same same .

[nepia]

4 hours ago, MisterBoy said:

Bar oil because it's particularly good, or simply because you always have it with you and you don't want to carry another bottle?

I don't carry it with me; I treat the blades back at home.  I think WD40's a bit lightweight but it seems to work so that's probably a misguided perception by myself.  The long and short of it is don't let the resin harden; keep it soft and the next use of the machine will shift it.

[daveatdave]

I just brush old engine oil on the blade at the end of the day and carry a aerosol of chain lube if it wants lubing during the job  

[MisterBoy]

I don't carry it with me; I treat the blades back at home.  I think WD40's a bit lightweight but it seems to work so that's probably a misguided perception by myself.  The long and short of it is don't let the resin harden; keep it soft and the next use of the machine will shift it.

Ah, I see. Good to understand the principle behind it... Thanks!