As the temperatures warm up again, you can begin to bring your gardening and landscaping ideas to fruition. Before the work begins, though, you should tackle proactive maintenance for your outdoor power tools. Taking these precautions will ensure your equipment is in top shape and you’re ready to take on your lawn care and landscaping projects this spring.

How to Get Your Tools Ready This Spring

1. Check & Replace Your Spark Plugs

If your outdoor power tools, such as a pressure washer, blower, or mower, was not properly stored and winterized, you may have issues getting them to start up again in the spring. One of the most common causes of this problem in electronic equipment is the spark plugs. Before replacing them, take them out and scrub them clean with a wire brush. If that doesn’t resolve the issue, visit your outdoor power tool supplier for a replacement.

2. Say Goodbye to Old Fuel

Without the addition of a stabilizer, fuel can go bad when it is stored longer than a month. Stale fuel, like dull lawn mower blades, doesn’t allow your equipment to run at its highest capacity. If old fuel has been sitting in your outdoor power tools, drain it and add fresh gasoline before you begin your spring lawn care routine.

3. Sharpen the Blades

Having razor-sharp lawn mower blades is an important part of keeping your yard looking its best. Keeping your mower running at optimal capacity also means less energy exerted by you as the operator. Remove your mower blades and sharpen them according to your owner’s manual before your first mow of the season.

4. Inspect for Hazardous Damage

Checking your tools for general wear and tear is another critical part of proactive maintenance. Examples of issues to look for include hose damage on your pressure washer, tears in your mower’s grass-clipping collection bag, or a worn rope on pull-to-start equipment. If anything looks off during your inspection, take it to a professional for repairs or purchase replacement parts before you use the tool.

When you need new outdoor power tools to make your landscaping projects easier to accomplish this spring, visit the showroom at L & R Power Equipment Inc. Homeowners in Trumble, East End, Monroe, Shelton, and Fairfield, CT, turn to the knowledgeable team for top-quality outdoor equipment from STIHL®, including electric lawn mowers, edgers, and trimmers. Give them a call today at (203) 268-8400 to learn more. Visit them online to explore their impressive in-stock inventory.