hedge trimmer lubrication

[lawngator]

Hey folks,<br>I maintain the hedges of a large entrance way to a subdivision. It's a really big job. What is the best lube I can use on my trimmer blades that will not damage the plants. I do know you have to stay away from petroleum based products. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks, Bill

[AB Lawn Care]

Lawngator<p>Last year we used chain saw chain oil.I'm pretty shure it did not harm the hedges I worked on.I dont see why this type of oil would harm the hedge becouse that oil is used for trimming trees.With my hedges I have never harmed any of them,and I'm pretty shure that type of oil will not harm your hedges.I may be wrong but I'm pretty sure it won't hurt anything.<p>Hope this helps!<p>from:Adam<br>AB Lawn Care

[thelawnguy]

The saw oil could ruin the trimmer blades since its sticky and the dirt will gum up the blades.<p>I give mine a shot of wd-40 if its dry out, otherwise I like to trim hedges when theyre wet, lubes the blades just fine.<p>My echo hc-2000 is 8 years old and the same blade, I just sharpen it once a year.<p>Bill

[jeffclc]

Call a food service equipment dealer and ask for some type of lubri-plate. It is USDA approved for use in food processing plants, so it should be safe for hedges.

[lawngator]

Thanks guys,<br>If WD-40 is ok for the plants, that should work for me. Thanks for responses. Lawngator

[jrblawncare]

I have used WD-40 with no sign of damage to evergreens and hedges for many years,I keep a can in the truck all the time...spary & go !!!

[HOMER]

How about using PAM cooking spray? That should work without worrying about any damage to the plants. My set has a grease fitting for the tranny, but doesn't really lube the blades. I haven't tried PAM but you made me think, I have also been keeping mine sprayed with WD-40.<p>Homer

[Cletus]

ah use used car oil.It makes th' blade slide real fine.It does not jam up on trimenjus branches.<p>----------<br>Cletus<br>mow-4-money

[imowit]

I think one of those tree branches may have fallen and hit Cletus on the head.&quot;:-)&quot;<p>----------<br>Mike's Lawn Service<br>

[nelski]

I use Olive Oil on my trimmer that way I can use it to cut my lettuce up for supper.<p> {Extra Virgin}

[GrassMaster]

Hello Everybody:<p> This is a very good topic because some people can go a little overboard lubricating blades on hedge clippers. It can hurt if you use to much.<p> At first we used WD-40 but I had a employee get carried away with it & did some damage to some Yopon Hollies (sorry If I misspelled it). So I tried to figure out what to use. I wanted to stay away from oils with petro in it & guess what Homer was right Pam was the choice, LOL I liked it because it was in a spray & that made it easy to use.<p> WD-40 is fine if you are using it sparringly, if you have a doubt wipe it off with a rag. If you are paying people to do it opt for Pam.<p> The other problem is them adjusting the blades, if properly done even using 8 to 10 hour days just lube 1 or 2 times a day is all you need. Make sure they know what they are doing when adjusting the blades. I've seen plenty come in & can't even move the blades at all. Or they were just tight enough to burn up the clutch.<p>I now have a shop & the No.1 reason they come in for repair is someone didn't know the proper way to adjust the blades. 9 times out of 10 they are adjusted too tight.<p><p><p>----------<br>GrassMaster - Have a nice day!!!!! Home Page http://www.lawnservicing.com<br>Visit my new browser Start Up Page http://www.lawnservicing.com/startup/