Treat your power tools well with these tips

Before you revel in the rich rumble of your prized lawnmower or the energetic buzz of a trimmer, it’s vital to do some basic maintenance that will get your tools ready for summer.

While many of the most rewarding outdoor projects are within the abilities of the average do-it-yourselfer, some aspects of power-tool prep are best left to the professionals. The power tool experts offer some tips for ensuring your outdoor equipment is ready for summer chores. However, when performing any maintenance on your equipment, make sure to read and follow all instructions in the operator’s manual — that way, you know you are doing it right.

Lawn mower maintenance tasks

• Every time you finish using your mower, tractor or zero-turn mower, clear the mower deck of accumulated grass clippings and debris. During normal operation of the lawn mower, built-up debris can loosen and fly off, potentially damaging belts and critical parts. Built-up debris also can dry out, potentially creating a fire hazard if it comes in contact with hot moving parts.

• Sharpen the blades. Dull blades reduce your mower’s cutting power, and also can damage your lawn.

• Replace spark plugs. Old plugs can make starting your mower difficult, cause misfires and reduce fuel economy.

• Replace the fuel filter. Chances are good that if you ran all last summer on the same filter, it’s time to replace it. Dirty fuel filters can be a factor in hard-starting and reduced fuel economy. Whenever working with fuel system components, be sure to read and follow the operator’s manual, use manufacturer’s recommended components and make sure all connections are secure when complete.

• Replace the oil filter and change the oil. Just as oil quality and a clean oil filter are key to your automobile’s good performance, your lawn mower needs clean oil and a fresh oil filter, too.

• Check the air filter and change it if it’s worn out. Clean it if it’s just dirty but in good shape otherwise.

• Lubricate all joints and moving parts on your mower per the instructions in your owner’s manual.

Taking care of your trimmer

• Replace the string. You’ll likely be replacing the string throughout the season as you use it up during trimming chores. Starting the season with fresh string also affords the opportunity to clean and inspect the cutting shield and the area around the trimmer head • Be sure to replace any gas still left in the trimmer from last season. Gas degrades over time and old fuel can make it difficult to start the trimmer and keep it running.

• Check the spark plug and replace if necessary.

• Check the oil level and add oil if needed.

The fresh, earthy aroma of newly cut grass is one of the best-loved outdoor scents, and taking care of your power tools can help ensure easier lawn tasks.

This article is courtesy of Brandpoint.