Electric and Gas Equipment: Maintenance Tips

Regular maintenance can increase the life span of your gas and electric outdoor power equipment. Use these tips to help optimize performance and durability.

ELECTRIC EQUIPMENT

1. Remove caked-on debris

Grease and debris tend to harden, but applying a light-duty lubricant to contact surfaces and key moving parts, such as a chainsaw chain, can help loosen caked-on materials. For electric lawn mower maintenance, always remember to remove any debris from the venting system and under the deck to prevent rust and sticking.

2. Sharpen your blades

Dull blades or cutting teeth can be extremely dangerous, particularly if they snag on a tough material like a fallen branch or tree knot. With chainsaws, be sure to file the chains regularly. Refer to your owner’s manual for information about how to sharpen and reattach them. Never reattach your blades upside down. And always contact a professional if you are uncomfortable doing it yourself.

3. Clean the venting and cooling systems

Clear vents and any other areas that get clogged after each use. Try using an air compressor to blast out grass clippings and debris.

4. Inspect the power cord

If your electric equipment does not use a battery, be sure to assess the insulation of your power cord. Check that no wires are exposed, and that all connectors and casings are undamaged.

5. Charge your battery

Batteries can be expensive, so maintaining battery life is critical to minimize cost of ownership. Always remove your battery before storage. If your electric equipment has been idle for a while, charge the battery before trying to start it. Refer to your owner’s manual for proper charging and replacement procedures.

GAS EQUIPMENT

On gas engines, you’ll want remove debris and sharpen your blades too, but also remember to check your fuel system regularly. When performing maintenance on gas engines, try to avoid tipping the unit on its side. Side tipping can ruin a spark plug by dousing it in oil and may clog air filters or even mix oil into the fuel.

1. Check your oil

As a general rule, oil should be changed yearly. When you operate equipment on low or dirty oil, you run the risk of overheating and burning out your engine, causing serious internal damage. Also make sure not to operate with too much oil, which can damage seals.

2. Check your fuel

Drain any bad fuel. Then refill the tank according to your owner’s manual. Avoid using higher ethanol blends that exceed 10% ethanol, as a higher concentration can corrode metals and rubber, or can exhaust your engine prematurely. E15 is no longer considered safe – or legal – for smaller engines.

3. Check your spark plugs

Spark plugs are a quick, easy and affordable fix for many equipment issues. They should generally be replaced once a season and should never be reused or cleaned. When overused, spark plugs tend to corrode, rust and lose their ability to spark.

4. Check your air filter

Air filters should be cleaned or replaced regularly, but those living in dusty areas may need to replace their filters several times a year. If you have a sponge filter, rinse the sponge and squeeze dry. Paper filters should just be replaced.

5. Check the jet and carburetor

Clogged jets and carburetors are fairly common problems. To clean them, expose the carburetor by removing the air filter and then expose the main jet. Thoroughly spray them both using the straw attachment on the nozzle of the carburetor cleaner.

Refer to your owner’s manual for more detailed information about maintenance techniques. And if you are dealing with severe mechanical problems, consider having a professional at a repair shop or an equipment dealer fix your equipment.