Before you know it, the skies will part, the sun will shine and the rain will stop … and lawn-mowing season will be here.
Before you rush out and start using your lawn equipment, here are a few tips to keep in mind from the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute.
Read the owner’s manual. Each person in your home who uses the equipment should be reminded to follow all guidelines for the outdoor power equipment and familiarize themselves with the controls. Review how to shut on, shut off, and use the equipment safely – especially with those using the equipment for the first time. Manuals are available online and in many languages to ensure everyone is working from the same set of instructions.
Inspect equipment. Check the air filter, oil level and the gasoline tank. Also check for loose belts and missing or damaged parts. Ensure all safety guards are in place. Replace any parts needed or take the equipment to a qualified service representative for servicing. If using electric equipment, make sure batteries are in good working order, and not cracked or damaged.
Make sure all safety features are operable. Do not disable or modify manufacturer-installed safety equipment.
Use E10 or less in gasoline-powered outdoor power equipment. With today’s higher ethanol content fuels, make sure you’re using a fuel that has 10 percent ethanol or less. Some gas stations may offer 15 percent ethanol (E15) gas or higher ethanol fuel blends, but any fuel that has more than 10 percent ethanol can damage small engine equipment not designed for it.
Store fuel safely. Label your fuel can with the date of purchase and ethanol content of the fuel. Never put “old” gas in the outdoor power equipment. If you don’t know the date of purchase, dispose safely of the fuel in the can and buy fresh fuel. Always store fuel out of the reach of children or pets and in approved containers. Fuel should never sit in the gas tank for more than 30 days as it may develop starting or running problems or damage the equipment.
For battery-powered equipment, recharge your equipment only with the charger specified by the manufacturer. A charger that is suitable for one type of battery pack may create a risk of fire when used with another battery pack. Follow all charging instructions and do not charge the battery pack or tool outside the temperature range specified in the instructions.
Store batteries safely. When the battery pack is not in use, keep it away from other metal objects, like paper clips, coins, keys, nails, screws or other small metal items that can make a connection from one terminal to another. Storing the battery terminals together may cause burns or a fire.
Clean your equipment and store it in a dry place. Remove any dirt, oil or grass. Clean equipment will run more efficiently and last longer. Never store your equipment in a place that is damp or wet.