Keep Seasonal Tools in Shape
Whether caring for your lawn or hauling a load of rock, you've got the right tools for the job. Keeping those tools in good working condition — rust-free, sharpened and mechanically sound — can make your spring maintenance projects much easier. Check out these tips to shape up your tools for spring.
Lawn Mower
Just like your car, if you ignore your lawn mower during the winter season you'll have problems come spring. In addition to reading your owner's manual for maintenance guidelines, here are some general pointers from John Deere to get your mower in order:
- Check oil and fluids. On your to-do list should be checking the oil, replacing the filter and changing the transmission fluid and engine coolant. Also, drain and replace the fuel, which can break down over the winter and cause hard starting.
- Sharpen and balance blades. Taking care of your blades will in turn take care of your lawn. With sharp blades you'll make clean cuts and reduce the possibility of fungus and disease.
- Inspect belts for wear. Adjust the tension of belts as needed. If you notice cracks or separation in the belt, it's time to get a replacement.
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Check tire tread and pressure. Tires in good shape will help you maneuver on uneven terrain and prevent the risk of slipping on hillsides.
Wheelbarrow
Use a bicycle tire pump to inflate the tire with the proper pressure. Tired of flat tires? Opt for The Carefree Tire (www.carefreetire.com). It's airless, lightweight and guaranteed to never go flat. If the tire is inflated, but the wheelbarrow is still a chore to push, squirt some lubricant onto the wheel's axle and wipe off the excess.
Pruning Shears
To keep pruners in good condition throughout spring, only use them to cut branches. FELCO, a Swiss manufacturer of professional pruners and shearers, also recommends the following:
- Get in the habit of cleaning the blade with a dry cloth after every use.
- Oil the spring and revolving handle shaft often. Oiling the blade after use will also prevent rust.
Sharpen the blade when you begin to need more effort to cut branches.
- Adjust cutting and anvil-blade alignment when the cut is no longer clean.
Chainsaw
Chainsaws require the most maintenance of any seasonal tool, which means regular maintenance — either by a professional or yourself — is necessary to keep it in working condition. Master gardener Paul James, from HGTV's Gardening by the Yard, recommends the following each time you rev your saw:
- Ensure the tank is properly filled.
- Check for an approved lubricant in the chain oil tank.
- Verify the chain tension is consistent with the manufacturer's recommendations.
Carefully follow your owner's manual for any specific maintenance needs and help keep your tool in shape by steering clear of rocks and other unforgiving materials.
Blowers
While we can't tell you how to avoid annoying your neighbors — beyond waiting until the afternoon to start your dirty work — we can tell you how to prep your blower for the season. Grounds Maintenance magazine recommends checking the muffler, air intakes and air filters to make sure they're in proper condition. To minimize noise and maximize control, always operate the blower on the lowest speed necessary for the job.
Garden Hose
If you drained your hose and disconnected the valve fittings before the cold winter months, chances are your hose has survived potential freezing and cracking. Stretch it out in the sun to get it flexible and ready for its first car wash of the spring. Now is the time to invest in a garden reel if you don’t have one already: Coiling your hose helps to prevent leaks and breakage.
Trowels and Shovels
Prep your hand tools for the spring planting season with these easy tune-ups:
- Coat clean metal surfaces with vegetable oil to prevent rust formation.
- Rub wooden handles with boiled linseed oil to prevent drying and cracking.
- Stroke a metal file along the angle of the blade to sharpen it.
