Preparing Your Small Engine for Summer: A Maintenance Checklist
As the cold season came to an end, you likely carried out some maintenance on your small engines to ensure that the harshness of the winter didn’t damage it.
Well, now that the winter is over and it is time to break out the small engines again for some summer yard work, there are a few things you should check again.
Anything can happen in the winter, and it may go unnoticed until you use the equipment and there is an accident or failure. Fortunately, a quick examination is all that is required. Here are the most important things to keep in mind.
Safety First
When using any type of equipment, safety is vital. This is even more true when it comes to anything involving small engine parts. There are many things that can go wrong, so prevention and awareness are key.
If you have a new piece of equipment you have never used before, you should review the operation manual first and become acquainted with the machine before turning it on to prevent accidents.
Make sure that before you fire up the engine, you are outdoors and in a well-ventilated area. The fumes generated from the gas are toxic and can result in the operator fainting or worse.
Ensure that any safety guards for the small engine parts are operational and in place. Should a safety guard be missing or damaged, do not use the equipment.
Lubricate Moving Parts
For small diesel engines with moving parts, such as a chainsaw, you need to ensure that the chain is properly lubricated and undamaged before starting the engine. Stuck chains can break and fly off, causing considerable damage to anyone nearby, including you.
If your small diesel engine is due for an oil change, then this should happen prior to any undertaking of a project, big or small. If the engine seizes or is not properly lubricated, then the internal moving parts can become stuck, red-hot, and break, usually in an explosive way.
Install Fresh Fuel and Replace Old Parts
Small engines should never be stored for long periods with the gas still in them. This can lead to chemical reactions and erosion, which will result in a whole new set of problems.
Instead, the fuel should be drained before storage, replaced with fresh, treated gas, and ready for work.
Any old air filters should be replaced. Additionally, spark plugs need to be checked over and replaced where necessary.
Check the Tires and Steering Wheels
For machines that use wheels to move around the landscape, you need to check the tires and bearings. You should apply grease or other lubricants where needed, as well as re-inflate the tires if they are flat.
Steering wheels that cannot turn properly and smoothly will likely lock up in use, causing you to stumble onto the machine and get injured. Also, if the tires are flat or there is a slow leak, you will no longer be able to move in straight lines, leading to uneven work.
3 Common Small Engines
Typically, three small engines do the most work in spring, summer, and even fall maintenance. Keeping them in top condition is the difference between a well-maintained yard and a shabby-looking one.
1. The lawn mower
From the standard push-along to the luxurious ride-on, there is a lawn mower available for any type of maintenance. However, if they are not properly cared for, it doesn’t matter how simple or fancy they are; they won’t operate the way they should.
Replace old fuel and check the blades for sharpness. Before you turn it on, test the trigger, levers, switches, and safety features to prevent injury.
2. The leaf blower
Being able to quickly blow away a thin covering of leaves and other debris is a time-saver and much preferable to raking by hand.
However, due to the special moving parts generating the blowing air, you need to check and replace the air filters as a priority. If these filters are clogged or missing, then you will encounter issues.
The fuel, spark plugs, safety features, and triggers also need to be given the once-over and tested to ensure that they operate as intended.
3. The chainsaw
A chainsaw will always have a place in both commercial and residential landscaping. With the ability to cut down large trees and shape shrubs and bushes, the chainsaw is iconic with its recognizable shape, chain blade, and prowess.
However, if even the smallest thing goes wrong, much harm can occur. Ensuring the chain, spark plugs, and fuel are in top condition is essential. All its features, including the trigger and safety features, need to be tested before ignition.
Contact the Small Engine Repair Professionals
When it comes to making any repairs to small engines or just assisting with regular maintenance, then calling the experts who understand the different makes and models guarantees the best performance for the season, injury- and worry-free.
At Peel Exterior Maintenance, we work hard to ensure your equipment is always at the top of its game. This is our priority and the reason we are here to serve you. With professional-grade small engines on hand and STIHL-certified dealers, there is nothing we cannot do for you.
So, if you need landscaping, yard maintenance, or a small engine repair, call us at 1-888-455-7999 or contact us online and let us help you prepare for a glorious summer.