5 Tips to Prepare Your Outdoor Equipment For Spring

Ready to Get Your Outdoor Equipment Ready for Spring Projects?

Snow is melting which means spring is on its way! It is time to let your equipment see sunlight again! Before you go to work in the yard, you should take proactive maintenance steps to prepare your outdoor equipment. Your outdoor equipment can include anything that may have a small engine in it from your lawnmower to your blower. By taking these necessary maintenance precautions, you can rest assured that your equipment is ready to go in tip-top shape.

1. Check & Replace Spark Plugs

When your equipment sits all winter, it can be difficult to start when you need it in the spring, especially when it is not properly stored and winterized. For electronic equipment such as pressure washers, blowers, trimmers and mowers, the spark plug is one of the most common issues that arises when you go to start it. Before you go ahead and order a brand new one when it doesn’t start, try to clean it. To clean it, just take them out and scrub them well with a wire brush.

2. Out with the Old, In with the New Fuel

Believe it or not but fuel will go bad over the course of winter. Be sure that any old fuel left in the machine is discarded and replaced with new. Once your machine has been replenished with new fuel, you must make sure your check your oil operating level to be sure it is at the proper mark.

The same theory applies with two-cycle engines. Two-cycle engines are typically small engines and require a mixture of both fuel and oil poured in. You would usually buy this mixture already mixed. Replace any leftover fluids with the proper fuel fixture that your equipment requires. If you are not certain or need a fresh reminder, always refer to the owner’s manual.

3. Sharpen, Sharpen, Sharpen

Having dull blades is a bad way to start yard work in the spring. Check any equipment with cutting mechanisms such as blades, chains, and trimmers for dull blades. When your blades are dull, it puts extra strain on your machine. When sharpening, make sure you are wearing the appropriate protective gear. It's also important to remember to disconnect spark plugs before sharpening to prevent any accidents with the lawn mower turning on. If you are unsure about sharpening your blade, having these parts of the machine razor-sharp is critical to having your machine perform the best it can.

4. The Air Filter 

Many pieces of equipment with small engines that you would find stored in your garage or shed have air filters built into them. Do not neglect your air filter if your machine has one.  By running your machine with a dirty air filter, you are suffocating the engine's ability to breathe in fresh air to mix with the burning fuel and it's one of the fastest ways to ruin your engine. A good preventative maintenance practice to follow is to inspect your air filter for dirt or debris before the first use of the season, and every so often throughout the year. It's easier to clean your air filter than to pay for a new engine. If you need help finding where your air filter on your machine is located, refer to your owners manual or give us a contact us at the Best Line Equipment's service department.

5. Look for Damage

Always inspect your equipment and tools before putting them to work in the spring. Checking your equipment for general wear and damage is an important step of preventative maintenance. For example, checking the hose on a pressure washer for damage or worn rope pull to start equipment are two simple areas to check that you may often look past before using in the spring. If something doesn't look right during your inspection, you can take it to the professionals at Best Line Equipment to look and help you get the necessary maintenance work or parts you need to get you back and running.

Nothing is worse than when you can’t get the work done outside you intended to do in your free-time because your equipment isn't working properly. When your equipment is down, bring your equipment over to our professional service technicians at Best Line Equipment to get you up and running again. Visit us online or stop in to one of our many locations across Pennsylvania for more information.