Here are some basic points on how to care for your lawnmower, chainsaw, trimmer or pump.

First - read the care and maintenance section in your equipment in its manual.

Lawnmowers

You can increase the life of the lawn mower by following some simple maintenance rules. Even the toughest lawn mowers will wear out if they are not properly cared for throughout the year. Some of the major problems that lawn mowers experience deal with things like the blade, the motor, the wheels, or the catch, if it has one.

Lawn mower repair shops make a lot of money fixing lawn mowers that have broken down due to excessive wear and tear. By following some simple guidelines, you can keep the money you will pay to the lawn mower repairman and enjoy a working lawn mower for many years to come.

Keeping Your Lawn Mower in Top Condition:
 

• Checking Nuts, Bolts, & Screws. By simply tightening the nuts, bolts, and screws on your lawn mower regularly, you will prevent problems with the mower steering and attachments.
• Sharpening the Blade. You can sharpen your lawn mower blade with a kit from your local hardware store. Removing the blade is relatively easy, and sharpening it yourself will safe you money or your lawn mower bill.
• Checking the Tires. The tire pressure in your lawn mower is important. Lawn mower wheels are small and easily damaged if the right tire pressure is not kept. See your owner's manual for the proper pressure.
• Washing It Regularly. Washing the lawn mower after each use will keep it free of debris and keep the paint looking new.

Try these suggestions and see the difference it makes in the look and operation in your lawn mower. If you can think of any other lawn mower care tips, please let us know.

Chainsaws

If you are a regular chainsaw user then maintenance is a vital component in keeping your machine in good working order. That's an understatement if ever I've heard one however, it's surprising how a regular maintenance schedule is often overlooked.

The chainsaw chain is one aspect of your machine you need to keep a close check on. It's just about the "lifeblood" of any saw and whether you are a professional or a semi professional, keeping it in top working order will not only help prolong the life of your chainsaw but cut down the risk of accidents significantly.

Chainsaw Chain Maintenance

There is nothing worse than a dull chain. It's frustrating but simple, regular checks can reduce this frustration. Try these maintenance tips:

1. You'll recognize the "dullness factor" by the lack of bite and sawdust-like chips which are being produced. You'll also be exerting more pressure on the chainsaw to cut into the wood.

2. If using your chainsaw regularly then you should be checking the chain daily.

3. You need to sharpen your chain when it becomes dull. Safety is of utmost importance when sharpening so consult your manual. Experienced users will know to use a well lit area and to make sure tension is correct so it doesn't move around. Make sure to wear heavy duty gloves.

4. Use the correct file size as specified for your particular type of chain. It's important to remember to take your chainsaw to a professional after you've sharpened it several times yourself just to make sure you've maintained consistent filing angles.

5. Check lubrication on a regular basis. This can be as often as refueling your chainsaw.

6. While the chain requires regular checks, making sure the other components of your chainsaw are in good working order is just as vital. The engine, fuel system, pull chord and air filter should all be maintained in good working order.

More Chain Care Tips

There are some standard do's and don'ts with chainsaw chain care. Try these on for size and see if they are familiar.

- Hitting materials such as rocks when cutting. This is a sure-fire way to quickly diminish the effectiveness without regular maintenance.

- Making regular tension checks and ensuring the chain is lubricated.

- Forcing a dull chain to cut. You should never force the issue. It's dangerous and can can cause damage to your machine.

A chainsaw is the most dangerous power tool on the planet however, in it's own way, it's a delicate piece of machinery which can be easily damaged without proper care and maintenance. You've spent your hard-earned in buying a chainsaw, now it's up to you to get the longest life possible from it.

 

Trimmers / Brushcutters

Aside from a lawn mower, the most widely used machine for lawn care is the trimmer. Millions of people use handheld trimmers to reach the places their mowers can't, giving their lawns a neat, finished appearance.

The homeowner's frequent use of a trimmer can result in considerable wear and tear on the equipment. However a few simple maintenance steps can help keep trimmers running efficiently throughout the growing season.

Homeowners should carefully review their owner's manuals for important data on safe operation.

Regular maintenance is also the key to longer product life. Here are tips for keeping your trimmer in top shape:

• To make starting easier and to obtain optimum performance from your trimmer, ensure that the air filter is clean and that the gas tank is filled with fresh fuel.
• At the beginning of the yard-grooming season, remove the old trimmer line from your trimmer and replace it with new line. During storage the trimmer line ages becoming brittle and dry, resulting in line breakage or the line sticking to itself and getting caught in the trimmer head unable to feed the line.
• Trimmer line that has lost moisture should be submerged in water overnight. This may help revitalize the line and improve its life and performance.
• Seek professional advice and service from a qualified servicing dealer to properly replace worn or damaged parts, obtain a tune up, or perform an equipment inspection.

These few simple steps can keep your trimmer running smoothly and provide you with a helpful tool for maintaining a great looking lawn.

 

 

23 Manchester Street

Feilding

Ph. (06) 323-7374