If you didn\u2019t know that only the quarter-inch tip of your mowing blade is really the only thing that needs to be sharp, you missed an opportunity to learn about how to maintain most of your small equipment at the first \u201cLet\u2019s Get Dirty\u201d workshop.<\/p>\n
North Point Outdoors in Derry hosted the hands-on event that gave the dozen participants insights into the most common equipment problems \u2013 and their solutions.<\/p>\n
Chris Baker, fleet manager, and his assistant Andrew \u201cJunior\u201d Giampalo, led the group around the shop examining several pieces of equipment in need of repair or maintenance.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe biggest villain for most engines in any fleet is ethanol gasoline,\u201d Baker said. \u201cEthanol separates from the gasoline after 30 days and turns to a solid.\u201d Ethanol also attracts water, therefore keep your equipment entirely filled when is use, then empty the tank entirely at the end of the season. For large equipment, such as mowers, use a fuel stabilizer in a full tank if it will be stored until next season. Then turn off the fuel and run the engine until the fuel line is empty to avoid carburetor problems.<\/p>\n
Giampalo took apart several small two-cycle engines, showing the various small filters that need regular scrutiny if the engines falter or fail to operate at the highest levels.<\/p>\n
\u201cEvery engine needs three things: air, fuel and sparks,\u201d Giampalo said. \u201cIf your engine isn\u2019t running, it\u2019s most likely one of those three things. Check your filters and replace them.\u201d<\/p>\n
Both mechanics suggested putting together a simple tool kit for road repairs: air and fuel filters, spark plugs, and the tools that come with every piece of equipment.<\/p>\n
They said most cutting equipment also needs regular sharpening, especially pruners and mowers. North Point mowing crews sharpen their blades three times a week.<\/p>\n
After a few hours in the shop, attendees had pizza, salad, and soft drinks in the North Point office and enjoyed a free-wheeling conversation about maintenance and business practices.<\/p>\n
Benjamin Gibbs of TNT Landscaping of Epsom summed up the workshop: \u201cKnow the process \u2013 and just do it. Every time.\u201d<\/p>\n
by Mike Barwell<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" If you didn\u2019t know that only the quarter-inch tip of […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[28,24,23],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4413","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-28","category-commentary","category-news"],"yoast_head":"\n