LAWN MAINTENANCE TIPS
the ethanol content. Te fuel you put in your car may not be what you should use for these machines. Outdoor power equipment was made to run on fuel containing no more than 10 percent ethanol. If you’re not sure about the fueling requirements for some of your equipment, check out the operator’s manual.
Here are some tips for those of you tackling lawn maintenance for the first time this year—and they’re also good reminders for you experienced folks.
Lawn mowing starts with pick up sticks—and rocks and children’s toys—and any other items that might damage your mower, or that your mower might damage. While you’re walking the lawn for this task, take a look at the overall lawn condition. If you have an irrigation system, identify any areas that are overly wet or much drier than others. Use your smartphone to take a photo of them, with a reference point to identify their location, as a reminder to check your sprinkler heads there and to monitor the efficiency of those heads the next time the system operates. Snap a photo of any other problem spots you’ll want to investigate later. Look at the tips of the grass blades. If they’re frayed a bit, it’s time to sharpen your mower blade, or have it sharpened.
Once you’re ready to mow, take a few simple steps to prevent accidents. Make sure all small children are supervised, in a safe location, away from the mower’s path. Never allow a child to walk alongside you as you mow. Never allow a child to sit on your lap as you mow with a ride-on mower.
When it comes to getting the fuel to operate your mower, string trimmer, edger, leaf blower, and other gas-fueled power equipment, be sure to “Look Before You Pump.” Tis message, developed by the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), could be key to protecting your investment in this equipment. Tey caution you to look at the fuel pump before dispensing gasoline and check
TPI Turf News May/June 2017 For more information on lawn care and helpful “How to” tips, visit The Lawn Institute at
http://www.TheLawnInstitute.org.
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Why the concern now? In the past, the only ethanol products gas stations sold contained no more than 10 percent ethanol (E10). However, OPEI reports, “In the past few years, more gas stations are selling ethanol fuel blends greater than 10 percent—such as E15 and E85. U.S. government tests have shown the harmful effects of these fuels on equipment developed for fuels no greater than ten percent ethanol. A Department of Energy study found that E15 fuel caused hotter operating temperatures, unintentional clutch engagement, erratic running, and engine-part failure.”
Once you have the right fuel, be cautious with it. Keep it in a properly marked container, stored in a secure spot inaccessible to small children. If some of your lawn care equipment requires fuel pre-mixed with oil, make sure that container is clearly-marked to show it contains that mix.
If you only use some of your lawn care equipment a few times during the mowing season, consider adding a fuel stabilizer when you fill the fuel container.
Clean your mower deck after mowing. You’ll eliminate messy debris where you store your mower—and you’ll be ready to mow next time. Check your fuel level, too, and make a note to get more if necessary before the next mowing.
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