Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

For me working in the small engine repair business, I was wondering when all you guys out there started thinking of pulling your Spring and Summer gear out to get it ready?

Sherri

A lot of the folks around here are getting their things serviced in the fall before they put them away.

But as for when the snowblowers die off and the mowers take over???  They run into each other.  Our Spring parts orders start coming in March, so dig them out when you have a chance and look them over, make a list of what you would like done and then call ahead to see if the place where you buy your parts has what you want in stock - go for it.  Like I said in our shop they collide.  I had 2 lawn mower calls today - it's never too early!

Sherri

Walt wrote:

NASCAR??? Man you have just won my heart!!!  Although I have 4-H kids once a month for Small Engines meetings and I miss some of the races.  (But I guess it's worth it!)

Sherri

Thats ok Sherri I will tell you all about the race.

Sherri,

I prepare mine in the fall when I put them away. Change oil, lubricate, sharpen the blade, clean out the deck, wipe/wash them down and drain the fuel and or run the carbs dry. Just have to give them a final check in the spring, maybe lubricate a few areas, gas them up, and go. In theory anyway. 

Sherri:

I too service my equipment when I put it away so that it is ready to rock and roll the next season.  I never liked the idea of leaving old acid prone oil to sit in the crankcase over the off season. 

bbwb

I live in Michigan,  and what you should do is start getting your summer equipment out now.  Since the winter stuff is most likely over, and you probably don't have any snowthrower in stock anyways.  So what I would do is clear out your show room, wash and mop all the salt off the floors then wax the floors so they look good and clean for the summer. Nothing impresses a customer more than a clean show room. Then start filling up the show room.  There are quite a few people that come in early looking for a deal. So mark the equipment at the regular price, but tell your customers that it's the pre-season price. But really it's the real price, then they will feel happy that they got a deal and return to your store. As for services, you will always have the guy who waits til mid-April when his grass is 8 inches long and needs it done that day. So why make the early bird wait for the late birds worm, Get a movin' on the equipment. I hope this advice has helped. Also, welcome to the forum.

Yes Sherri,  Nascar is quite big down here.  I go to the Pennsylvania 500 at Pocono each year.  It is a great time.   With my kids I also miss a lot of races, but I try to either tape them, or listen to them on the radio. 

Although you miss some races, I'm confident that the children you help are worth the sacrifice and appreciate you greatly.  It is a very kind thing you do.

Paula,

Yes, it is better than no wife at all.  In lui of insulation in the shed I put copper pipe along the walls so I can store shovels etc. between the studs.  Given the fact that our faithful groundhog saw his shadow last week (6 more weeks of winter) it looks as though I need to mind my manners until about March 15th!

You are right that we get enough quiet later on, I'm moreover looking for one 6-7 hour period without alarms, buzzers, or my "monster" climbing on my head.  (Very similar to "movie sleep" without actually paying the $7.50!)  

I have the walk-behind mower all ready.  The LT1000, needs the deck cleaned, and it needs a bath with wax.  The oil has been changed, and spark splug will be looked at. 
I try to do half in the fall, then what I don't get done, gets done in the spring. 

Cleaning the deck is something you should do in the fall.  It gets the old grass out and prevents you from storing a moldy substance.  After cleaning the deck give a spray or wipe with some oil and it will prevent rusting.

Sherri

PS - I wish I could go to see an actual race - would sure beat the tv!

And by all means make sure too bring all of your summer equiptment in too have it taken care of in the middle of winter.
There is no better time too do it considering:
I am 3 weeks behind in snowblowers from the last storm.
The pipes too the powerwasher have been frozen since December.
The last available air filter was used in the fall and I wont see another one until the spring order arrives.
The shop has been hermetically sealed with polyurathane and duct tape for the last 4 months and has had one air exhange in that period.
It is the most pleasant time of the year too sharpen a blade, blast dehydrated, micro-mulched, ddt laden grass clippings with 90 psi of compressed air and watch the particles as they are suspended in the air for the next 2 months.
(I really enjoy as those particles attach themselves too the inside of my nose and mix with the annual post-nasal drip that everyone that lives north of Florida experiences at this time of year.)
And make sure that you either call me every other day too see if it is done yet....or better yet....just leave the stuff in the shop for the remainder of the winter.
And by all means....when first cut comes around...make sure you dump the gas from last year into the tank....and come back when I am 100 mowers behind in the spring...and demand that I take care of the problem instantly!  (By the way....thats the best time too bring in your snowblower in for service.)