Q: Is it possible to cut my grass too short? If this happens, what should I do?
Q: What is aeration, and what does it do for the turf?
Q: Can I use an electric mower for my lawn?
Q: To be environmentally responsible, how do I dispose of yard waste such as leaves and grass clippings?
Q: What about emissions from outdoor power equipment? Don't they add to our air quality problems? What is the industry doing?
Q: Is it true that a lawn mower operated for one hour spews as much pollution into the air as a car would driving 100 miles?
Q: I have heard that some pieces of outdoor power equipment use 2-cycle engines. What is the difference between a 2-cycle and a 4-cycle engine?
Q: Which types of equipment use 2-cycle engines? Which use 4-cycle? Why? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each?
Q: In using outdoor power equipment, what are some basic common sense safety steps?
2. Know How To Operate The Equipment. Read the operator's manual before using the equipment. Know where the controls are and what they do. Do not remove or disable guards or other safety devices. Check for any additional safety instructions.
3. Dress Properly for the job. Wear substantial shoes, long pants, and close fitting clothes -- no loose jewellery, unrestrained hair, or anything that could get caught in a moving part.
4. Handle Petrol Carefully. Store petro in an approved container, in a clean, dry, ventilated area, and never near a pilot light, stove, or heat source. Fill up before you start, while the engine is cold. Don't spill when you fill and no smoking while petrol is being used.
5. Clear the Area Before You Start. Pick up anything that could be thrown by the equipment such as trash, golf balls, toys, rocks, etc. Then, clear the area of people and pets. Be sure children are out of the way and stay away until the job is completed.
6. Operate Equipment Carefully and Follow Recommended Safety Procedures. Always turn off the engine and disconnect the spark plug wire, if accessible, before attempting to unclog or do any work on outdoor power equipment. When leaving equipment unattended, turn off the engine and remove the key.
7. Keep Hands and Feet Away from Moving Parts. Never work on equipment while it is running. Never remove or tamper with safety devices and labels . . . they are provided to protect you and your family.
Q: What is the best way to store my lawn mower? (depending on time of year)
Q: Are there any special safety tips that apply to specific types of equipment that users should be aware of?
Walk-behind Mowers -- Walk, don't run. Push the mower; pulling it increases the risk that you might slip and pull it over your feet. Mow across slopes with a walk-behind mower and avoid mowing on wet grass.
Riding Mowers & Tractors -- Operate the equipment alone. Never carry passengers. When grass is thick, mow slowly to avoid clogging. Mow up and down slopes when using a riding mower. When backing up, look behind you and double check for any children or pets before you move. When the grass catcher needs unloading, disengage the blade, put the mower in neutral, turn off the engine, set the brake and only then, begin to unload.
Electrical Equipment -- Use a cord that is in good shape and is the size recommended by the manufacturer. Never use electrical equipment in the rain or when the ground is wet.
Shredder-Chipper, Edger-Trimmers, Chainsaws, log splitters -- Safety goggles or eyewear protection should be worn when operating these power products. For log splitters, always split wood in the direction of the grain, never across. Keep hands away from the ram, the wedge and partially split logs.
Tillers -- Be sensitive to any change in terrain when using a tiller. Be sure you know how to turn off the controls to stop the rotating tines.
Q: How should I maintain my equipment for most efficient performance?
Q: How should I care for my mower year around?
Spring/Summer -- If you haven't had your mower serviced already, take it to an authorized service dealer for inspection to be sure it's ready when mowing season starts. Clean the spark plug or, if necessary, replace it. Make sure the carburetor air filter is clean. Fill fuel tank with gas and change crankcase oil.
Q: If I have a problem with my machine, who can help me?
A: Cutting grass very short, especially in hot and dry weather can burn your lawn. It is recommended that you cut no more than the top third of the grass blade at each mowing.
A: Aeration is a process of punching holes into the turf to a depth of 35-60mm. These holes allow water and air nutrients to more easily reach the grass root zone. This stimulates root development and healthier turf.
A: That depends on the size of your lawn and the convenience you want. Corded electric mowers are limited by the amount of extension cord you attach to the mower. It can also become tricky when a lot of obstacles like trees or flowerbeds are in the way.
A: You can't eliminate yard waste, but you can dispose of it in different ways. Your walk-behind lawn mower or riding type mower, used frequently without bagging, can "broadcast" clippings throughout the lawn. If you use a bagging attachment, start a compost pile instead of taking clippings curbside.
Chipper/shredders help reduce twigs, branches, leaves, and other yard waste into small pieces that create recyclable mulch and compost for shrubs, gardens, and landscaped areas.
Walk-behind tillers help return yard waste and compost to the soil by blending it with existing soil for increased fertility.
A: Every common power source (gasoline, coal, electric, or nuclear) has an environmental implication -- some more than others -- including the small, gasoline-powered engines used in much outdoor power equipment.
Gasoline engines produce three types of emissions: hydrocarbons (HC), nitric oxides (NOX), and carbon monoxide (CO). Small, spark-ignition engines under 50 H.P. - the type generally found in outdoor power equipment - contribute a minimal amount of the total man-made HC, NOX, and CO emissions. These emissions come from the engine exhaust, spilled gasoline, evaporation, and other sources.
The outdoor power equipment industry has been working with Environmental Protection Agencies all over the world to reduce the current levels of emissions. It is only tp our advantage to see a healthy, growing environment. Without it the outdoor power equipment industry will not exist.
A: Numerous statements have been made comparing outdoor power equipment to cars. The auto industry has been regulated for more than 20 years and thus has extensive emissions controls as standard equipment. Until 1995 in California, no specific regulations were in place for outdoor power equipment. However, if one must compare, the leading manufacturer of four-stroke gasoline engines has stated that a four-stroke engine lawn mower, complying with California's 1995 standards, will cut the average lawn more than 38 years before it produces the VOC emissions equal to driving a 1990 or newer car one year or 10,000 miles.
A: The 2-cycle engines require that special oil be mixed with gasoline in exact quantities. This mixture is added to the engine to provide lubrication. The 4-cycle engines use separate compartments for gasoline and oil and thus the oil and gasoline are not mixed.
A: 2-cycle engines are small and lightweight and are used on hand-held type equipment such as blowers, trimmers, and chainsaws, as weel as on certain lawn mowers. 4-cycle engines are used on other types of outdoor power equipment such as mowers, ridi-on mowers, tillers, etc. Small 2-cycle engines as used on hand-held equipment couldn't be used on larger equipment because they do not provide enough power or torque to turn a lawn mower blade or other device. 2-cycle engines are used on lawn mowers that has to cut at angles greater than 30 degrees.
Q: What are mower manufacturers doing to reduce noise?
A: Mower manufacturers have given quiet operation a high priority for several decades, and claim that decibel levels have dropped significantly on riding lawn mowers and tractors over the last several years. Companies are using such vibration dampening systems as rubber engine mounts, synchro-balanced engines, and even liquid-cooled engines. Sheet metal for side panels is being replaced with thermoplastic resin compounds that dampen noise. New plastic hoods and side panels deaden vibration noise, as well. They're actually stronger and quieter, too.
A:
1. Keep Children And Pets Away From The Area Until You're Finished. Never allow children to operate a mower. And never carry children as passengers on a riding mower.
A: The best way to store your equipment is as follows: Drain the unit completely of any fuel – this can be done by running the engine dry. In some cases, a teaspoon of oil can be added to the crankcase for lubrication. Of course, cleaning of the unit along with greasing any lubrication points is essential. The unit is now ready for storage.
A: Yes, the following are some specific safety precautions that users should consider before operating particular pieces of equipment.
A: The operator's manual that comes with your equipment will have a section on proper maintenance to assure you trouble-free use and longer life for the equipment. Some general tips for all outdoor power equipment products include making sure the equipment blades are sharp, tightening parts periodically, and checking gas and oil before each use, or checking electric cords and plugs.
A: Autumn/Winter -- Drain fuel tank completely. Then run the engine until all of the fuel in the carburetor is exhausted. While engine is still warm, drain the crankcase oil. Fill it with fresh oil. Lubricate all lubrication points. Check all moving parts for damage. Cover any bare metal parts with oil or rust preventative. Store in a clean, dry place. Take your mower to a service dealer for service.
A: Numerous retailers have authorized servicing departments. In fact, this is one point to consider when purchasing equipment. If you're not mechanically inclined, take the equipment to a service dealer like lawn mower Clinic. We handle warranties as well as servicing and general repairs on most makes of outdoor power equipment.
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