Getting Out Your Spring Yard Equipment: Tips for Home & Business Owners

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April is National Lawn Care Month and homeowners are eager to get out their lawn and garden equipment and work in their yards. The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), an international trade association representing more than 100 power equipment, engine and utility vehicle manufacturers and suppliers, reminds everyone to keep safety in mind.

“We know everyone is eager to get outside and start working in their yards and enjoying our living landscapes after the winter. But remember to keep safety in mind,” said Kris Kiser, President and CEO. “Doing some basic maintenance will ensure your equipment operates safely and gets the job done.”

Kiser adds, “Now is also a good time to assess your outdoor power equipment needs. Whether you’re needing battery, electric, gasoline, propane, diesel or hybrid powered equipment, there is a product to fit you and any job.”

Before you use a lawn mower, trimmer, leaf blower, chain saw, pruner or other piece of outdoor power equipment this season, OPEI offers some tips to help:

Get out your owner’s manual. Follow all guidelines for your outdoor power equipment and familiarize yourself with the controls. If you have lost your manual, look it up online.

Inspect your equipment. Check for loose belts and missing or damaged parts. Replace any parts needed or take your equipment to a qualified service representative.

Drain old fuel. Don’t leave fuel sitting in the tank for more than 30 days. Untreated gasoline (without a fuel stabilizer) left in the system will deteriorate, which may cause starting or running problems and, in some cases, damage to the fuel system.

Only use E10 or less fuel. Some gas stations may offer 15 percent ethanol (E15) gas or higher ethanol fuel blends, but any fuel containing more than 10 percent ethanol can damage–and is illegal to use in–small engine equipment not designed for it.

Label your fuel can with the date of purchase and ethanol content of the fuel. Never put “old” gas in your outdoor power equipment. If you don’t know the date of purchase, dispose safely of the fuel in the can and buy fresh fuel.

Clean your equipment. Remove any dirt, oil or grass stuck to it. A clean machine will run more efficiently and last longer.

Sharpen your cutting blade. Have lawn mower cutting blades sharpened so you can get a clean cut on your lawn and not tear the grass. Sharper blades mean lawns will be healthier and lawn mowers will operate more efficiently. Nicked or broken blades, which can come from hitting rocks or other debris, should be replaced.

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