Petrol: the essentials
- Fuel is everything. Use fresh fuel mixed at the correct ratio, or ready-mixed alkylate fuel. Stale fuel is the number-one cause of starting problems.
- Air filter. Clean it every few uses — a clogged filter chokes the engine. Replace it yearly.
- Spark plug. Check and clean each season; replace it once a year. A fouled plug means weak or no starting.
- Gearhead grease. Add a little grease to the angle gearhead periodically per your manual.
Cutting head and blade
- Replace worn line before it gets too short to feed.
- Keep metal blades sharp and swap them when the teeth round off — a blunt blade is slow and dangerous.
- Clear grass build-up from around the head and guard after each use.
Winter storage
- Petrol: drain the fuel or run the carb dry (or use alkylate fuel that keeps for years).
- Clean the whole machine and wipe it down.
- Batteries: store part-charged (around 40–60%) in a cool, dry place — never fully flat or in the cold.
Golden rule: most "dead" brush cutters aren't broken — they just have stale fuel or a dirty plug/filter. Good fuel and a clean filter prevent 90% of problems.
Struggling to start it? See our starting guide.