Maintaining your outdoor power equipment like wood chippers, snowplows, and similar tools is essential to ensure their optimal performance and protect their longevity. Proper maintenance involves regular inspection and cleaning, as well as timely replacement of worn parts. Here at DK2 we know how to take good care of our equipment, and we’ve outlined some general maintenance tips and a suggested schedule for blade sharpening and teeth replacement so that you can maintain your equipment with ease.
1. Read the Manuals for Your Power Equipment
This is obvious but can be easy to overlook. Familiarize yourself with the manufacturer's maintenance recommendations in the equipment manuals. They often provide specific guidelines for maintenance intervals and procedures. Make note of any necessary annual maintenance or specific cleaning requirements.
2. Store Your Power Equipment out of the Elements
Whether you have a shop, shed, garage, or carport, storing your outdoor power equipment in a way that shields it from the elements is necessary. Use any included covers when the equipment is not in use, and consider buying covers if they did not come with the equipment. Covers protect your equipment from dust, moisture, extreme temperatures, and other adverse conditions.
3. Clean Your Power Equipment Every Time
After each use, clean the equipment thoroughly to remove debris, dirt, and grime. This prevents buildup and corrosion. After you finish a big job, it can feel tempting to skimp on cleaning the equipment you used, but it’s definitely worth the time and effort. Your outdoor power equipment will perform better and last longer with consistent cleaning.
4. Inspect Your Outdoor Power Equipment Regularly
In addition to cleaning your equipment with every use, conduct routine inspections to identify any visible signs of wear, damage, or loose parts. Pay attention to blades, teeth, belts, and other critical components. Be sure to check and lubricate all moving parts as needed, which reduces friction and helps the equipment operate smoothly. By regularly inspecting your power equipment, you’ll extend the life of your equipment and likely avoid costly preventable repairs.
5. Perform Fuel System Maintenance on Your Outdoor Power Equipment
If your equipment uses a gasoline engine, follow proper fuel system maintenance practices, including fuel filter replacement and fuel stabilizer use during storage periods.
6. Obtain Blade Sharpening and Teeth Replacement on Power Equipment
The frequency of blade sharpening and teeth replacement depends on usage and the type of materials being processed. As a general guideline:
- Wood Chippers: Check and sharpen the blades when you notice a decrease in chipping efficiency or every 10-15 hours of use, whatever comes first. Replace the blades when they become excessively worn or damaged.
- Snowplows: Inspect the plow blades after every snow season or after significant use. Replace blades if they are bent, cracked, or too worn to effectively clear snow.
- Other Equipment: For other outdoor power equipment with blades or teeth, follow the manufacturer's recommendations for inspection, sharpening, and replacement intervals.
7. Practice Safe Handling of Your Outdoor Power Equipment
Always follow safe operating practices and store the equipment properly when not in use. This includes using appropriate safety gear and avoiding overloading the equipment beyond its designated capacity.
8. Get Professional Servicing on Your Power Equipment When Needed
If you are unable to perform routine maintenance on your equipment, or if you need clarification on performing maintenance tasks yourself, consult a professional. When and if the need arises, take your equipment to a qualified service center for anything from regular equipment maintenance and major repairs.
Remember, each piece of outdoor power equipment may have specific maintenance requirements, storage suggestions, and routine repair needs. Consult the manufacturer's guidelines and owner’s manual for the best results, and consult professional help for maintenance and repair that is more than you are comfortable with. Regular maintenance not only ensures better performance but also enhances the safe usage of high-powered equipment.