The Heat is On: Is Your Outdoor Power Equipment Ready?

We are in the midst of the most colorful, vibrant time in the lawn and garden. Early summer rains and warmer temperatures bring about a steady workload. In preparation for upcoming yard work, it becomes necessary to perform a spring tune-up on outdoor power equipment like trimmers, blowers, chain saws, and a host of other tools that make our lives easier. I'm a big advocate of spending more time enjoying our landscapes, and less time working in them.

By following these general guidelines, you can make your work easier, and prevent poorly running equipment or breakdowns when you need your equipment the most.

Refer to the owner's manual of your outdoor power equipment for periodic maintenance guidelines. Simple tasks like changing the spark plug, cleaning or replacing the air filter, and changing the engine oil are easy ways to achieve more efficient operation of most small engines. If you have any questions, visit your Servicing STIHL Dealer to prime your equipment for spring. Visit the Dealer Locators at www.stihlusa.com or www.stihldealers.com to find the Servicing STIHL Dealer nearest you.

Late spring is also a good time to inspect your equipment to make sure that all parts are in place and operational. Check that straps, nuts and bolts are secure on blowers, edgers, and trimmers. Another overlooked bit of equipment maintenance is the sharpness of mower blades, hedge trimmers, pruners, hand tool blades and even spades. Dull equipment can inflict undue injury to grass, shrubs, and tree limbs. These chewed-up areas on plants can be entry points for disease. Plus, sharper tools are more pleasurable to work with-like a honed set of garden shears with a clean and tidy snip.

Look beyond your equipment

Take a look to make sure you have all protective apparel like chaps, gloves, and hearing and eye protection. If you find yourself lacking in any of those areas, visit your Servicing STIHL Dealer. They will be happy to advise and outfit you with the proper protective apparel.

STIHL chain saws are often used year round, but a brief inspection during early summer is always a good idea. Check the bar for excessive wear or bending and replace it with an appropriate bar if necessary. Clean the area around the flywheel of any debris, as well as around the carburetor and starter housing with a brush or air source. Finally, set a time to take your chain saw into your Servicing STIHL Dealer to check the carburetor and fuel filter to keep it running at maximum efficiency throughout the year.

If you have any questions regarding your STIHL equipment, visit your local Servicing STIHL Dealer-your go-to for service and STIHL chain saws, blowers, trimmers and much more.

And don't forget to check out the handy Summertime video tips to your right.

See you in the future with more helpful tips from GardenPower with Joe Sherinski and your local Servicing STIHL Dealer!

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