-All gasoline today is formulated for the automotive industry. Purchase gas from a major supplier. Fuel starts to go bad in 30 days. Stale fuel causes gum and varnish which creates deposits on engine valves and in carburetor jets and passages. Always have a fuel stabilizer in the fuel.
-If you have any metal gas cans you should consider changing over to plastic cans. This will prevent condensation and water in the fuel.
-Never use non-approved containers for storing fuel.
2-CYCLE EQUIPMENT
Blowers: A blowers biggest enemy is dust. If your air filter is clogged and your machine is running poorly NEVER remove the air filter and leave it out. Replace it immediately.
Chain Saws: Check your sprocket, chain and bar. Never cut wood with a dull chain. A dull chain is more dangerous than a sharp one. Saws need to use bar and chain oil not 30W automotive oil for the bar and chain. Bar and chain lube contains tack additives that keep the lube on the bar and chain so the chain does not run or fly off the grove of the bar. This prolongs the life of the sprocket, bar and chain. If you are experiencing chain stretch, check the type of bar and chain lube you are using.
Line Trimmers: Over length cutting line is a major cause of problems in line trimmers causing clutch failures to scoring of cylinders and pistons from over heating. Line should be around 7" in length or the length from the head to the guard.
If your cutting line is brittle and breaking, try soaking it in water for several hours or overnight. Storing line in a can of water when not in use is the best way of preserving it.
4 CYCLE EQUIPMENT
Generators: When using generators always balance your loads on 120 volt receptacles evenly so as to not over heat one of the two stator windings.
Mowers: Properly sharpened blower blades on walk-behind mowers will reduce engine lover loads. A good way to tell if a blade needs sharpening is if there is any fraying on the end of the cut blade of grass, it's time to get it sharpened.
If you have a wide body mower, check the wheel drive belts as they tend to slip in wet grass. Make sure the blade spindle bearing is greased on a regular basis because water tends to get into the bearing housing.
All commercial machines are built to handle heavy daily usage but they require daily maintenance. One simple thing is to grease the numerous zerk fittings located on most of the major pivot points of the unit. A weekly lube with a grease gun at all these points will keep down the failure of premature wear of the these components.
Keep your lawn mower bag in good condition. A dirt clogged bag will not allow the air from under the lawn mower to pass through it and thus not allow cut grass to be forced up into the bag.
ELECTRICAL AND AIR TOOLS
Damaged or frayed electrical cords cause a danger to you and those working around you. Cords should be inspected prior to each use. If cords are frayed or broken they should be taken out of service and replaced.
Add 3 to 4 drops of pneumatic tool oil several times a day, depending on use, to keep air tools in tip-top shape. NEVER use oil in guns that are oil less.
Never force or overload electric tools. Let the tool do the work. Over loading will over heat and burn up electric motors.
MISCELLANEOUS TIPS
When replacing spark plugs in your equipment, it is critical that the proper plug be installed. Be sure that you visually check the spark plug thread length and tip configuration so that they are identical with that of the old plug. This will ensure that internal engine damage does not occur due to the wrong plug being used. If you are unsure if the plug you are removing is the correct one, consult your owner's manual or contact us and we will provide you with the information needed.
To keep batteries in top shape during the winter months you should charge the battery for 12-16 hours with a 1 amp charger once a month to keep the battery at full charge and ready for the use in the spring.
When you need to transport your lawn mower and it is necessary to collapse the handles, do not collapse the handles in the middle. This makes a very sharp bend in the control cable and will cause the cables to wear prematurely by putting a kink in the cable or possibly breaking the external housing of the cable.
If there is ever any question in your mind about maintenance and operation of your outdoor power equipment please consult Mini-Tune. We are factory certified and attend yearly service schools for the manufacturers they represent. We are the experts in the field and would be more than happy to answer any question or demonstrate proper use of your tool. Our technicians know more and have more experience than any sales person at any mass merchandiser. We will give you proper answers and if we do not have an answer, we will find the answer for you!
Product care
Product care is VERY important. It can mean the difference between 10 years or 1 year (with very poor care).
There are a few obvious points to prolong the life of your product.
-Service the unit regularly - I know money dictates in most circumstances, but regular--services, at the very least every year, not only will your unit perform better but regular tuning will ensure a longer life!
-Keep your blade sharp.
-Clean the deck of your mower often.
-Lube all cables.
-Check and clean the air filter often.
IMPORTANT MOWING SAFETY RULES
-Know your controls. Know how to stop engine quickly in case of emergency.
-Make sure mowing area is clear of loose objects.
PLEASE NOTE ===> Children (and other observers ) must be a safe distance from you at all times when using any powered garden maintenance equipment. This also includes electric equipment.
-Flying rocks, twigs and even loose blades are a regular occurrence when using all powered garden maintenance equipment, be it motorized or electric.
EYE OR FACE PROTECTION
Using your push or ride-on lawnmower - Not so important especially if you are using a catcher. BUT if you do happen to hit a rock, branch etc.... please be aware that when the blades are turning and even small objects can be a fierce missile.
Using a Brush cutter / Trimmer / Whipper Snipper - The guards on all brush cutters are very small and offer very little protection from flying missiles. Always wear approved safety glasses.
Using your Hedger - Always wear approved safety glasses.
Using your Edger - A hedger is used for shaping your hedge into neat walls...or animals...or if you're really good...people!) NOTE* an Edger is not a Brush cutter or trimmer. Edger's are used for cutting along foot paths, for that "immaculate" look.
Using your Shredder -Twig, branch & leaf mulcher - Wear glasses to prevent injuries from flying wood chips etc.
Using your Chainsaw - Most people already use glasses for this.
Gloves - To keep your hands clean .To protect you hand from cuts. For warmth in winter.
Ear Muffs - When ever using anything noisy ....basically!
-Lawn equipment companies have a noise specification that doesn't allow them to exceed 75 decibels. This is due to PUBLIC noise contamination.
-Always wear ear muffs when using you chainsaw and brush cutter
-An alterative to ear muffs are ear plugs. They aren't' as heavy duty as ear muff but do reduce the noise.
-You can get ear muffs attached to the helmet and also swing away style .
Helmets - Always wear helmets when using your chainsaw. The same goes for Pruning high branches
-Helmets are also highly recommended when using ride-on lawn mowers. If you think you can't fall off! Think again ! Ride-on lawn mower can tip over on hills or slopes... and regularly do. Please exercise EXTREME caution when using your ride-on lawn mower. REMEMBER: Ride-on mowers are small tractors.
DO NOT let children ride-on the back when using your ride-on mower.
DO NOT let children play close by when using your ride-on mower.
