Why are my blades doing this??

[collyflower]

My stihl hedge trimmer has suddenly decided to get jammed in even the smallest thickness of branch. Stuff it should fly through. It locks up and makes a whirring noise. I've checked for obvious mi's alignment etc...blades are sharp. Trying to avoid taking apart but might have to, any advice? 

[GarethM]

Gearbox would be my guess.

 

Unless it's a pole type then drive shaft would be first thing to check.

[collyflower]

Just opened and noticing a few ball bearings drop out

[Mick Dempsey]

That’s a good sign. It’s healing, ridding itself of toxins. 
 

Seriously though, it’ll have go to the shop. 
 

 

[GarethM]

Just now, Mick Dempsey said:

That’s a good sign. It’s healing, ridding itself of toxins. 

Noooo, that's only when it's the magic smoke!.

 

Bearings are just making it lighter 

[collyflower]

Am I to bother trying to fix or shoukd injust go ahead and order a new blade head. This happened before...dealer said needed replacing as gearbox shattered. I'm greasing it and taking what I have thought to be proper care. This is my third blade head in 5 years. 

[GarethM]

What's the model, I'm sure someone will have a idea.

[openspaceman]

19 minutes ago, collyflower said:

Am I to bother trying to fix or shoukd injust go ahead and order a new blade head. This happened before...dealer said needed replacing as gearbox shattered. I'm greasing it and taking what I have thought to be proper care. This is my third blade head in 5 years. 

I had that happen with my long reach stihl, I am pretty certain it was because of my bashing it up against stems that were too thick for it.

[kram]

Pictures please. It will likely need new bearings. May be the gears have eaten themselves but could likely be replaced much cheaper than a new head.

[Mick Dempsey]

35 minutes ago, kram said:

Pictures please. It will likely need new bearings. 

You think?