1/ Refresh your knowledge Read your equipment owner’s manuals and follow all manufacturer’s guidelines. If you find a manual online, save a digital copy for future reference.
2/ Look over equipment Lots can happen in a garage or storage shed over the winter. Check the air filter, oil level and gasoline tank. Watch for loose belts and missing or damaged parts. Replace any parts needed or take your equipment to a qualified service representative. Check you have the appropriate batteries.
3/ Drain fuel tanks If you didn’t empty the gasoline tank before storing equipment, drain it now. Fuel should never sit in outdoor power equipment for more than 30 days. Untreated gasoline (without a fuel stabilizer) will deteriorate, which may cause starting or running problems or damage the fuel system.
4/ Protect your power Use only E10 or less fuel in gasoline-powered outdoor power equipment. Most manufacturers recommend a fuel stabilizer be used, especially if you don’t use up all the fuel in the tank right away. Any fuel containing more than 10 percent ethanol can damage small engine equipment not designed for it.
5/ Store fuel safely Label fuel cans with the date of purchase and ethanol content of the fuel. If you don’t know the date of purchase, dispose safely of the fuel and buy fresh gasoline. Always store fuel out of the reach of children or pets and in approved containers.
6/ Don’t mix up your battery packs For battery-powered equipment, use only the charger specified by the manufacturer. A charger that is suitable for one type of battery pack may create a risk of fire when used with another. Follow all charging instructions and do not charge the battery pack or tool outside the temperature range specified in the instructions.
7/ Stash batteries safely When the battery pack is not in use, keep it away from other metal objects, like paper clips, coins, keys, nails, screws or other small metal objects, that can make a connection from one terminal to another. Shorting the battery terminals together may cause burns or a fire.
8/ Tidy up Clean equipment and tools are more efficient and last longer. Clean and store in a dry place. Remove dirt, oil or grass. Never store equipment or tools in a place that is damp or wet.
A Few Products to Help In Your Garden This Spring Picked By Our Editors
Fiskars
Prune trees and bushes and then easily store away this tool in a drawer or hang it up. 10-in Folding Pruning Saw, $26.99; lowes.ca
Wild Flowers of North America
Lovely depictions of local and seasonal floral inspiration. Edited by Pamela Henson Botanical Illustrations by Mary Vaux Walcott, Penguin Random House, $65.00.
Maximum
After leaving leaves and twigs as habitat for small creatures over winter, these bags are ideal for tidying up, will not tear and make easy transport to compost bins. 33 x 48 3mil Black Contractor Bags 32, $19.99; lowes.ca
Bogs
For sloshing through the garden, no matter the time of year. Amanda Chelsea II Women’s Waterproof Slip On Rain Boots, $130; bogsfootwear.ca
Fiskars
A perfect duo designed for trimming and other jobs that promote plant growth. Pruner Hand Tool Kit, $24.99; lowes.ca
This original article first appeared in the Spring 2023 issue of City Style and Living Magazine.
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