Q What type of oil should I use in my small engine?

Ans Not all motor oils are the same. To put it simply, in warmer climates, most engines need thicker oil. In colder climates, most engines need thinner oil. Oil is measured by its thickness or viscosity (how fast if flows). For example, 40-weight oil is thicker than 30-weight oil. Using the wrong oil can cause problems with starting and poor gas consumption. Always follow the engine manufacturer’s recommendations found in the owner’s manual.

Q How often should my lawn mower, tractor or snow blower be serviced?

Ans Most manufacturers recommend servicing your equipment at least once a year. All small engines use petroleum-based products. As the additives in the petroleum break down and the oil and gas is left to settle over long periods of time, it can cause sludge and a gummy residue. This residue can cause engines to “hunt and surge” or, worse, break down. Also, the sludge can block key lubricating points resulting in rapid and excessive wear. Eventually, the engine could become completely ruined.

Q How often should I sharpen my mowing blades?

Ans Sharpening cycles depend on the conditions encountered by the mower. In sandy or very dry conditions, the blades may need sharpening more often. At a minimum, the blades should be checked and sharpened, if necessary, before each day of operation. Tip: Keep an extra set of sharp blades handy to replace those that become dull or damaged during daily operation.

Q What type of oil should I use in the hydraulic system?

Ans Please refer to the owner’s manual as it varies from the manufacturer. Or call us so we could guide you.

Q How often should I check and service the hydraulic system?

Ans Hydraulic oil should be checked daily. Make sure the top of the tank is clean before removing the fill cap. Oil level should be one inch below the top of the tank. The hydraulic oil and filter should be changed every 500 hours, or once before the mowing season. Instructions for the oil and filter change can be found in the operator’s manual.

Q Can I turn or space the wheels on my riding mower for a wider stance?

Ans No, the drive wheels should not be turned around. The rims are designed with a specific offset to center them on the wheel motor, plus the valve stems would be on the inside of the wheel, making it difficult to check the air pressure. Do not attempt to space the drive wheels for the same reason. Any wheel offset or wheel change could result in broken wheel motor shafts.

Q How can I correct poor discharge or uneven cut?

Ans Poor discharge is a factor of blade tip and ground travel speed. Always mow with the engine operating at full speed. Regulate operation control with ground speed. At high ground speeds, the blades cannot cut the grass efficiently. When grass is high, slow down your ground speed. Never cut more than 1/3 of the grass height. In high or lush grasses, the mower should be operated at its highest level of cut, and then re-cut at the final desired height. Uneven cut can be due to something as simple as incorrect tire pressure. Check your operator’s manual for correct tire pressure. Poor discharge and uneven cut can also be caused by damaged, unbalanced, or dull blades. Grass build-up under the deck can damage or wear the deck belt. Check the operator’s manual on how to correctly set the cutting height of the deck.