Yard work is winding down for the year. Soon, the leaves will fall, the grass will be dormant until spring, and you'll have just a few more lawn chores before taking a well deserved break. Spend a couple of hours raking leaves, winterizing the lawn, and cleaning the gutters, and that's it for this year. You'll spend the winter relaxing indoors, right?
Not so fast. Take a few hours to clean and inspect the lawn equipment that served you so well this past year, and it will continue to serve you well next year.
Spend Time Now to Save Time Later
If you neglect your lawn equipment now, it may not be ready to go next spring. The mower may be difficult to start, the blades may need sharpening, the hand pruners might be rusted shut. These are all scenarios that can be avoided.
Hand Tools
- Clean and inspect
- Apply a light coat of oil to moving parts and bare metal parts
- Paint bare wood, such as rake or shovel handles
Electric Tools
- Clean and inspect
- Lubricate as per manufacturer's recommendations
- Inspect the cord and replace if damaged or frayed
Gas Tools
- Clean and inspect, removing all grass
- Remove all gas and run until completely empty
- Change the oil
- Sharpen blades
- Remove spark plug and place a few drops of oil on interior of engine, then replace plug (or a new plug, if needed)
- Charge the battery, if it has one
Lawn Equipment Lasts Several Years with Proper Care
Spend some time on your lawn equipment this fall before putting it away for the season. It will save you time in the spring, and perhaps a lot of money in replacement costs.
