Preparing Your Yard for Spring: Tips for Safe and Efficient Lawn Equipment Use


by Jim Alders

As spring approaches, homeowners are gearing up to tackle yard work and enjoy their outdoor spaces. However, before firing up lawn mowers, trimmers, and other outdoor power equipment, it’s crucial to prioritize safety and proper maintenance. The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) has released a set of guidelines to help consumers ensure their equipment is ready for the season ahead.

Kris Kiser, President and CEO of OPEI, emphasizes the importance of reviewing handling and safety procedures before using any outdoor power equipment. “Basic maintenance is essential to ensure that your equipment operates safely and efficiently,” Kiser says.

One of the most important steps is to read the owner’s manual thoroughly, familiarizing yourself with the controls and guidelines specific to your equipment. If the manual has been misplaced, many manufacturers provide online access to these documents.

Before starting up your equipment, inspect it for any loose belts, missing or damaged parts, and check the air filter, oil level, and gasoline tank. If any issues are identified, replace the necessary parts or seek professional servicing.

When it comes to fueling gasoline-powered equipment, OPEI advises against leaving fuel in the tank for more than 30 days, as untreated gasoline can deteriorate and cause damage to the fuel system. If fuel has been sitting in the equipment from the previous season, add a fuel stabilizer and run the machine until the gas tank is empty.

It’s also essential to use the appropriate fuel for your equipment. Most manufacturers recommend using E10 (10% ethanol) or less, as higher ethanol blends can damage small engines. Always store fuel in approved containers, out of reach of children and pets, and label the can with the purchase date and ethanol content.

For battery-powered equipment, proper charging is crucial. Use only the charger specified by the manufacturer and follow all charging instructions carefully. Improper charging or exposing the battery to temperatures outside the recommended range can lead to damage. When not in use, store batteries away from small metal objects that could create a connection between the terminals.

Finally, regular cleaning and proper storage of your equipment can extend its lifespan and improve efficiency. Remove dirt, oil, and grass debris, and store the equipment in a dry place to prevent damage from moisture.

By following these tips, homeowners can ensure a safe and productive start to the spring lawn care season.

The post Preparing Your Yard for Spring: Tips for Safe and Efficient Lawn Equipment Use appeared first on Gardening Channel.

Carts

Accessories

Flower Seeds

Composting

Choosing the right fruit trees for your climate
How to harvest herbs: How and when to harvest homegrown herbs
what weed is it? putting names to pesky plants
Georgia’s Farming and Gardening Sector: Top 10 Easiest Veggies to Grow [Infographic]
15 Garden Trends To Avoid in 2024: Experts Warn Against These Outdated Designs
How To Overwinter Ollas For Years Of Use: Get More From Irrigation Pots
How To Grow An Indoor Lemon Tree
No-Till Cover Crops: How To Grow Healthier Soil Over Winter
Win two Abel & Cole Christmas hampers, worth £360
Winter Conversations
Is burning garden waste outdated in the age of composting?
Sue Kent’s practical guide for your autumn garden
I tried the Vertefarm Vertical Hydroponic Indoor Garden
Preparing Your Yard for Spring: Tips for Safe and Efficient Lawn Equipment Use
Quick Tip: Save Your Seeds
Quick Tip: Plant Where You Can Easily Water
Top 6 Struggles of Growing Herbs Indoors (w/ solutions)!!!??? // Garden Answer
Top 5 Beginner Tips For Apartment Gardeners Aja Dang Epic
How To Grow Tomatoes Indoors
How To Care For Indoor Plants + GREENIFY YOUR SPACE
How to Grow Vegetable Seedlings
Try it now | How to grow Bean Sprouts in the fastest and easiest
Try it now | How to grow Bean Sprouts in the fastest and easiest
Biggest & Thickest Buds on Cannabis using This Organic Hardener & Sugars
Biggest & Thickest Buds on Cannabis using This Organic Hardener & Sugars
MY SECRETS TO BIG MONEY PLANT (POTHOS) | MONEY PLANT CARE TIPS - COMPLETE GUIDE
MY SECRETS TO BIG MONEY PLANT (POTHOS) | MONEY PLANT CARE TIPS – COMPLETE GUIDE