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Fess Up: Is Your Lawn Mower in
Sinful Condition?
by Kristen Gunkel of Epley
Associates
Since it's sometimes said that confession is good for the soul, is it
possible to find redemption in the garage? A guilty conscience can be an
effective tool at helping us tackle household chores. Admit it --
sometimes you've run the vacuum knowing that your bag was full, just to
say that the job was completed. And at one time or another we've all
been accused of "moving the dust around." But when the little voice
inside your head reminds you that you haven't taken proper care of your
lawn and outdoor equipment, you should listen. Here are a few reasons
why.
When it comes to giving your lawn mower and outdoor products some TLC,
equipment neglect can be tough on your wallet and damaging to your yard.
Understanding how to maintain your lawn equipment on a regular basis --
coupled with some simple prevention methods -- will save you time and
money.
Let's start with the basics -- gas. Have you ever poured the fuel from
the leftover gas can into your mower? It could be the wrong fuel, or it
could be very old gasoline. Gas only has a shelf life of about 30 days;
that's why John Deere recommends that you use fresh fuel, and never
store more than a month's worth at a time. Be sure to mark fuel
containers so you can tell regular gas from premixed fuel. And keep fuel
on a high shelf where children can't reach it.
If you've kept old gasoline in a fuel system over the winter months, it
can break down, varnish the carburetor and cause hard starting -- or no
starting. Instead, if you plan to keep gas in the tank for an extended
amount of time, pour in a fuel stabilizer to keep the carburetor from
clogging, and run the engine a few minutes to circulate the stabilizer
throughout the fuel system.
Keeping a mower clean is another basic principle that will improve your
mower's efficiency. First, clean under the mower deck after every
mowing. Brush off air intake screens and engine cooling fins. Check the
air cleaner according to manufacturer's guidelines and keep it clear of
chaff -- especially in the fall when mulching leaves can easily get
clogged in the air intake screens.
One of the most important things you can do to prolong the life of a
gas-powered machine is to check the engine crankcase oil often. For a
lawnmower, it's best to check the oil before every mowing. Never run a
mower when the oil level is below the add mark on the dipstick. That's
another one of the John Deere recommendations: Keep your mower well
lubricated. That includes changing the oil after the first five hours
(new engine break-in period), and at least annually from then on.
Vow to change the oil, keep your mower well lubricated, keep it clean
and use a fuel stabilizer in fall. Go ahead -- clear your conscience and
proclaim your promise to rid yourself of the "garage" portion of the
household chore guilt.
EDITOR'S NOTE: For more information, contact Kristen Gunkel, Epley
Associates, (919) 877-0877.
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