As a professional landscaping business, your success relies on the efficiency of your equipment. Poorly maintained equipment can hinder you or your team’s ability to do their jobs. Proper landscape equipment maintenance can also maximize your tools’ lifespan.
It can also help you avoid costly and time-consuming repairs and prevent injuries on the job. If you’re an average Joe who loves to stay on top of his lawn and garden, this article can help you too!
This guide covers everything you need to know about maintaining all types of landscape equipment. Read on and stay tuned for some tips for landscaping businesses.
Lawnmower
Lawnmower accidents are more common than most people think. Studies show that lawn mower-related accidents result in 20,000 injuries every year. Children account for over 800 of these lawnmower accidents.
These accidents often occur due to incorrect use and poor maintenance. These injuries are avoidable, provided you communicate with your family or customers.
Start by scraping or hosing down old clipping from under the deck. Check the engine cover, cooling fins, and air-intake screen. Any soil, grass, or debris can cause the engine to overheat.
Four-Stroke Gas Mowers
Check the oil dipstick level. It should be near or at the full mark. Add more oil if necessary, but make sure not to overfill.
Too much or too little can under lubricate its parts. This can destroy the engine or cause air bubbles.
Two-Stroke Gas Models
Two-stroke gas models require a specific ratio of two-cycle oil and fresh gasoline. If you’re unsure how much your lawnmower needs, check the owner’s manual.
Too little oil can under-lubricate its parts and damage the engine. Too much can damage the spark plugs and result in excess exhaust emissions. It can also affect the efficiency of your lawnmower.
Lawn Tractor Care
Start by checking the lawn tractor’s battery. If it’s maintenance-free, you can skip this step. If not, check the electrolyte level and add distilled water to each cell as needed.
Tighten any loose connection to electrical parts. This may include your ignition key, lights, and gauges. Like the lawnmower, check underneath the mowing deck and clean off any old clippings.
If you’re using a hose, be careful not to get the transmission or engine wet. Sharpen your blades if you haven’t done so yet, and inflate your tires if needed.
Garden Tiller
For four-stroke and two-stroke gas-powered tillers, use the instructions listed under lawnmower care. Check the air filter and see if it needs cleaning or replacement. Read the owner’s manual and see if you need to add grease to the transmission.
Check the tires and spark plugs and inflate or replace them as needed. Don’t forget to lubricate small components like nuts, bolts, and levers. Ensure all nuts and bolts are tight and secure before running the tiller.
As a pro tip, always clean your tiller after use. This will prevent any dirt or debris from hardening.
String Trimmer
String trimmers require a new line every season. Cutting lines deteriorate quickly and can break if you continue to use them. Set the handles so they’re balanced and more comfortable to use.
Replace the debris shield if it’s damaged. Most gas trimmers need a mix of oil and fuel, so check the manual to get the correct ratio.
Hedge Trimmers
Dull hedge trimmers can snag on branches. Some trimmers require replacement blades, while others have blades you can sharpen with a file. Secure nuts and bolts and replace the spark plugs as needed.
If you have a gas model, follow the user’s manual to check the ratio of oil and gasoline. Secure the blades and debris shield to ensure it protects your hands.
Equipment Maintenance for Landscaping Businesses
Landscape equipment maintenance is essential to prevent injury and keep your fleet moving. If you own a landscaping business, here are some things to include in your maintenance plan.
Create Service Reminders Based on Usage
Broken equipment is the last thing you want while you’re on the job. A preventative maintenance schedule helps you avoid unnecessary downtime. Using equipment management software can help you keep track of maintenance schedules.
You can schedule maintenance for off-hours to ensure nothing breaks while your fleet is in the field. You can find software specifically for landscaping equipment maintenance. This software allows you to track usage and set alarms for needed maintenance.
You can customize your software so that you can manage schedules in bulk. This can help you save time and stay organized with your equipment.
Have an Inspection Routine
It’s best to have routine inspections even if you have equipment management software. If your business deals with numerous pieces of equipment, things can easily slip through the cracks. Have your team inspect the tools and equipment daily to uncover any underlying issues.
Inspection apps can help automate the process so you don’t need to deal with paper forms. Paper forms are also inefficient, as it can take days or weeks to reach the proper channels. Inspection apps give you and your team an easier way to communicate.
Create a Checklist for Preventative Care
Creating a checklist ensures you don’t miss anything when conducting inspections or maintenance. It also keeps you one step ahead so you can address problems before they get worse. Here’s what you need to include in your preventative maintenance checklist.
Oil and Filters
Many landscaping machinery require oil changes and new filters. Neglecting to change the oil as needed could result in engine failure. Save your company some time by ordering bulk fuel delivery near me.
Tire Pressure
Checking on tire pressure will help you maximize its lifespan and avoid costly replacements. Ensure the pressure is at the recommended range for smooth running.
Blades
Rusted or chipped blades can prevent you from doing your job. It can also damage the rest of your equipment and result in injuries. Sharpen or replace the blades as soon as possible.
Lubrication
Landscape equipment often consists of a lot of moving parts. Lubricating these vital parts can help you avoid expensive repairs. Some parts require grease or oil, and we recommend investing in a high-quality grease.
Cleaning
Advise your team to clean the equipment after every use. This allows you to stay on top of dust or debris and prevent it from damaging your equipment.
Maintenance Tips for Landscape Equipment
Here’s everything you need to know about maintaining landscape equipment. Proper maintenance will help you ensure that all tools are in working order. Check out our other blog posts for more!
