{"id":3813,"date":"2021-05-27T07:34:18","date_gmt":"2021-05-27T11:34:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/innovativepixel.com\/IGIN\/?post_type=features&p=3813"},"modified":"2021-12-27T17:33:58","modified_gmt":"2021-12-27T22:33:58","slug":"stay-on-the-move","status":"publish","type":"features","link":"https:\/\/innovativepixel.com\/IGIN\/features\/stay-on-the-move\/","title":{"rendered":"Stay on the move"},"content":{"rendered":"

Equipment breakdowns are costly. At a minimum, there is the cost to repair the tool. If it can\u2019t be repaired quickly or you don\u2019t have a backup, downtime cuts into profitability. In worst-case scenarios, poorly maintained equipment can damage part of the landscape or throw debris that injures a person or property.
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Download 2021 Equipment Maintenance Survey Results<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Being proactive about equipment maintenance can save you time and money. Ideally, preventive maintenance begins at the end of the previous season. Nick Minas, the go-to-market manager at John Deere Commercial Mowing, Moline, Illinois, recommends adding a fuel stabilizer and keeping tanks full year-round.<\/p>\n

\u201cThroughout the off-season, it\u2019s also good to start vehicles periodically to charge the battery, as well as get fuel circulating to minimize carburetor issues that cause varnishing,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n

Jack Easterly, brand manager of the professional handheld category at Husqvarna, Stockholm, Sweden, agrees that an ethanol free stabilizer should be used with fuel and left in the tank. However, he acknowledges there is often debate around running a piece of equipment before storage.<\/p>\n

\u201cOne thing that is a little controversial in the service world is running the engine dry out of gas,\u201d he says. \u201cThat runs the risk of damaging the diaphragm, which can potentially dry out and become brittle.\u201d<\/p>\n

Good product life has a lot to do with following original equipment manufacturer servicing guidelines, according to Tim Cromley marketing manager for Walker Manufacturing Company, Fort Collins, Colorado. Customers who get familiar with maintenance schedules and are disciplined at performing maintenance will often have the best results.<\/p>\n

\u201cProper operation is also a big part of the longevity of a mower, and using a mower properly for its intended task will give good overall product life,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n

Common zero-turn repair items<\/h2>\n

Landscape work takes a toll on any piece of equipment. Even the most well-cared-for, best-built tools have common parts that fail simply due to the nature of the work. Some parts to include in routine checks for a mower include belts, air filters, hoses, seals and o-rings, as well as spark plugs and tires.<\/p>\n

Certain parts require maintenance checks at different times. For example, engine oil levels and air filters should be checked before each use, and spark<\/p>\n

plugs and fuel filters should be checked every 100 hours, says Amberlee Perry, the email and content analyst for Ariens Co., Brillions, Wisconsin.<\/p>\n

\u201cEngine maintenance, such as changing the oil and filters, should be performed per the engine manufacturer\u2019s recommendations,\u201d says Perry.<\/p>\n

Before a mower starts use at the beginning of the season, make sure moving parts such as caster fork bearings and caster wheel hubs are lubricated, the oil has been changed and blades are sharpened.<\/p>\n

Overall cleanliness of the mower is also important. Brad Unruh, director of new product development at Hustler Turf, Hesston, Kansas, recommends removing grass, dust and debris build-up from the top side and underneath the mower.<\/p>\n

Use air to blow off debris around the air intake, beneath shrouding, hydraulic components and around the muffler and engine compartment daily. If air is not an option, use low-pressure water.<\/p>\n

High-pressure water forces water and contaminants past seals in bearings, especially around electronics.<\/p>\n

\u201cMower blades can dull after multiple uses or belts can loosen, so we recommend checking if they are sharp and tight, respectively. Being mindful of tire pressure will avoid a midday tire change or need for an air pump,\u201d he says. \u201cThese practices will make a big difference in the performance of the mower and overall impact on a contractor\u2019s productivity.\u201d<\/p>\n

Belts and idler pulleys cause the most downtime in the commercial landscaping industry, he says. Because of the environment they\u2019re in and how many hours they\u2019re used, they get worn down easily and need to be replaced often.<\/p>\n

A common parts stock list for mowers includes these:<\/p>\n