Edger: Vibrates Excessively

Some edger models will allow for adapters and extensions to be added to the machine. Normally, these types of additions will need to be screwed or bolted on, and as a result can occasionally come loose. If you have an adapter or extension that has been incorrectly installed, or has simply become loose over time, you may be able to tighten the bolts and/or screws and stop the vibration. It is possible that one or more of the bolts/screws have become so loose that they’ve fallen off, and in this case, they will need to be replaced.

The bearings in your edger provide lubrication so that moving parts do not grind on one another. This also prevents your edger from seizing and locking up. However, over time the bearing can become worn, and when this occurs, they can start to seize up. A worn bearing on anything that rotates can cause a vibration. It is important to determine which bearing has been worn, and then replace it to relieve this symptom.

Your edger may have a drive belt, or a series of other belts that help your edger to run effectively. These belts are usually made of rubber and are built to be flexible, yet rigid enough to hold a somewhat consistent shape. If the rubber of the belt becomes stretched, it can cause your machine to rumble, shake, or vibrate. These belts also run on a pulley system, and if these pulleys are not properly aligned, it can make your edger vibrate as well. A misaligned pulley system can be adjusted to eliminate the vibration. However, a stretched belt will most likely need to be replaced in order to fix this symptom.

During operation, your edger can encounter rough terrain, as well as rocks and other debris. If the blade strikes something hard enough, it can bend out of shape. Once this occurs, the blade may not spin straight and true. Therefore, it can rub up against the blade cover and cause an excessive vibration. Depending on the type of edger you’re using, and how badly bent or damaged the blade is, you may be able to take a wrench or a pair of vice grips, and bend the edger blade back to its original position. However, too much bending of your edger blade can cause it to snap, and this can not only cause more damage to your edger, but it can pose a safety hazard as well. If the blade is badly bent or damaged, it is best to replace it.

The springs in your edger are designed to provide the tension that holds different parts in place. Sometimes the springs can wear out and lose their tension. This can result in the parts they are attempting to keep in place rattling and vibrating. In turn, it can cause excessive vibration while you attempt to operate your edger, leading to decreased performance. This can become worse if the spring breaks entirely, at which point you will need to replace it, not only to prevent vibration, but to prevent any other parts from breaking as well.

Inside your edger’s engine there are connecting rods that run between the piston and the crank shaft. This allows the energy created during combustion to be transferred to the crank shaft, which powers your machine. Occasionally, this connecting rod can become worn or loose, which can cause it to rattle around within the crank case. This can cause excessive vibration and noise while the edger is operating. If you can simply tighten the connecting rod, it may solve this symptom. However, if the rod becomes damaged, it may also result in engine failure. This will require the rod to be replaced before your edger stops vibrating.

Your edger may have several supports that are designed to keep other parts in their intended place. For example, the engine will probably have a support in place to keep it from moving around. If these supports become broken, worn, or lose, they can fail to perform their intended function. In some cases, you can simply tighten one or more bolts on the engine support to secure it back into place. However, if there is a bolt missing, you will need to replace it before the vibrating stops. If the support itself is damaged, you will need to replace it before this symptom is resolved as well.

Couplings exist at the point where two shafts meet in your edger. Occasionally, these couplings can become out of round, or unable to retain their circular shape. This can happen as a result of the coupling being bent, or simply worn down with age. When this happens, the shafts that are connected at the coupling will not be able to spin smoothly, and this will cause a vibration. A worn out or damaged coupling will need to be replaced, as it can lead to further damage and loss of performance in your edger.