My Petrol Strimmer head/Brush Cutter blade will not move

Quick Answer

If the engine is running but the strimmer head or brush cutter blade is not rotating, the most common causes are an incorrectly fitted cutting attachment, a loose shaft connection, or a damaged internal drive shaft. Follow the checks below to identify the cause before contacting Technical Support.

⚠️ Safety Notice

Before carrying out any inspection:

• Switch off the engine and allow it to cool completely.
• Remove the spark plug cap to prevent accidental starting.
• Wear suitable protective gloves.
• Ensure the cutting attachment has come to a complete stop before handling it.

Never inspect rotating components while the engine is running unless specifically instructed, and always keep hands, clothing, and loose objects well clear of moving parts.

Why Won't My Strimmer Head or Brush Cutter Blade Rotate?

If the engine runs normally but the cutting attachment does not rotate, possible causes include:

• Incorrectly installed strimmer head or brush cutter blade
• Upper and lower shaft sections not fully engaged
• Damaged or disconnected drive shaft
• Worn or damaged drive mechanism

Carry out the following checks in order.

Check the Head or Blade Installation

Ensure the strimmer head or brush cutter blade has been fitted correctly.

If you have recently changed between a strimmer head and a brush cutter blade:

• Check that all washers, spacers, and retaining nuts are fitted in the correct order.
• Ensure the cutting attachment is tightened securely.
• Refer to the relevant fitting guide for your model if required.

An incorrectly installed cutting attachment may prevent drive from being transmitted correctly.

Check the Shaft Connection

If the cutting attachment is installed correctly but still does not rotate:

• Inspect the connection between the upper and lower shaft sections.
• Ensure both shaft sections are fully inserted and securely locked together.
• Check that the coupling mechanism has engaged correctly.

A loose or incorrectly assembled shaft connection can prevent power from reaching the cutting attachment.

Inspect the Drive Shaft

If the previous checks do not resolve the issue, inspect the internal drive shaft.

Step 1: Separate the Shaft Sections

Carefully disconnect the upper and lower shaft sections following the instructions in your user manual.

Step 2: Check the Lower Shaft

1. Rotate the strimmer head or brush cutter blade by hand.
2. Observe the internal drive shaft inside the lower shaft tube.

The drive shaft should rotate smoothly and consistently.

Results:

• If the drive shaft does not rotate smoothly, the lower shaft assembly is likely damaged and may require replacement.
• If it rotates correctly, continue with the next check.

Step 3: Check the Upper Shaft

⚠️ Warning: Take extra care when carrying out this inspection. Keep hands, clothing, and loose objects well away from moving parts.

1. Start the engine.
2. Observe the internal drive shaft inside the upper shaft tube.
3. Apply the throttle gently while watching the drive shaft.

Results:

• If the drive shaft rotates normally, the fault is likely within the lower shaft assembly or cutting head.
• If the drive shaft does not rotate, the upper shaft assembly, clutch, or drive mechanism may have failed and require repair or replacement.

If the Problem Persists

If the cutting attachment still does not rotate after completing these checks:

• Stop using the machine.
• Do not dismantle the clutch or gearbox unless you have the appropriate mechanical knowledge.
• Contact our Technical Support Team for further diagnosis and repair advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my engine running but the strimmer head isn't turning?

The most common causes are an incorrectly fitted cutting attachment, a disconnected shaft coupling, or a damaged drive shaft.

Can a loose shaft connection stop the cutting head from rotating?

Yes. If the upper and lower shaft sections are not correctly connected, power cannot be transferred from the engine to the cutting attachment.

How can I tell if the drive shaft is damaged?

Separate the shaft sections and rotate the cutting head by hand. If the internal drive shaft does not turn smoothly, it may be bent, worn, or broken.

Could the clutch be causing the problem?

Yes. If the upper drive shaft does not rotate when the engine is accelerated, the clutch or another part of the drive mechanism may have failed.

Can I continue using the machine if the cutting head doesn't rotate?

No. Continuing to run the engine may cause further damage. Identify and rectify the fault before using the machine again.