Tool Time for Gardeners - Power Equipment

by Marilyn Odneal, Horticulture Adviser

MOUNTAIN GROVE, MO – I admit, I am not well versed in gasoline engines and power equipment. To make up for my lack of acumen, I have found individuals that I can go to for advice on mowers, string weeders and tillers. Duane Gabriel and Dallas Dawson, both Tri-County master gardeners; and Joe Wright, vehicle and equipment mechanic at the Missouri State Fruit Experiment Station in Mountain Grove, are all great go-to-guys for questions on power equipment maintenance and operation. 
     Here some timely advice that Duane Gabriel shared with the participants of a Tri-County Master Gardener Fall Workshop concerning power equipment.
Storage and Cleaning: When cleaning equipment before storage, do not use pressure washers on them because water will get into bearings and seals. Make sure to disconnect the negative battery cable and keep the battery cool but above freezing to minimize discharge and prolong life. Recharge the battery about every month or so.
     Empty plastic gas tanks or leave gasoline in them and add a stabilizer. Keep metal tanks full of gas with stabilizer since they will rust if left empty. To store with a full tank, fill the fuel tank, add stabilizer and run the engine until the fuel runs through the carburetor and lines. Gasoline will not last forever (usually three weeks to one month), but stabilizer will help it last longer.
     Lubrication: Oil cleans and cools parts and inhibits corrosion. Change the oil in fall before storage so dirty oil does not sit in the crank case. Run the engine at least five minutes after the oil change so it runs through the engine. Check and change filters if needed and lubricate points of rotation with grease or oil.
     Belts and Tires: Don’t store belts and tires in direct sunlight. Keep tires inflated since flat tires can crack. Check belts and replace if they are damaged.
     Blades: Keep blades sharp and balanced. Discard worn or damaged blades as they pose a safety hazard.
     Now if power equipment maintenance is not second nature to you, follow my plan and find mechanical gurus who can help you out. Thanks to Duane, Dallas and Joe for all of their help and advice through the years.
     Direct comments or questions concerning this column to Marilyn Odneal via email at MarilynOdneal@missouristate.edu; write to Missouri State Fruit Experiment Station, 9740 Red Spring Road, Mountain Grove, Mo. 65711; or call (417) 547-7500.