Maintaining your garden machinery properly will extend its lifespan and ensure optimal performance throughout the year, reducing costly breakdowns. For a detailed checklist, view our article titled ‘Garden Machinery Maintenance Seasonal Plan’. Below is a comprehensive guide to keeping your garden equipment, including robotic mowers, petrol mowers, trimmers, chainsaws, and other tools, in top condition in the UK.
General Garden Machinery Maintenance Tips
Regular Cleaning
Mowers
Remove grass clippings and debris from the underside of the deck and blades after every use.
Trimmers & Chainsaws
Wipe off dirt, sawdust, and oil buildup.
Robotic Mowers
Clean sensors, wheels, and blades weekly to ensure smooth operation.
Check and Replace Blades
Sharpen or replace blades/chains yearly to maintain a clean cut.
Engine and Battery Maintenance
Petrol Engines
• Change the oil annually or as per the manufacturer’s guidelines.
• Clean or replace air filters and spark plugs before each season.
• Use fresh petrol and consider adding a fuel stabilizer for storage.
Battery-Powered Equipment
• Keep batteries charged but avoid overcharging.
• Store batteries in a cool, dry place during winter.
Lubrication & Moving Parts
• Apply grease to moving parts like wheel axles, cutting mechanisms, and drive belts.
• Check cables for wear and ensure smooth operation of levers and switches.
Storage Tips
• Store machinery in a dry, covered area like a shed or garage.
• Use protective housing for robotic mowers during winter.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Neglecting Regular Cleaning: Accumulated debris can cause damage and reduce efficiency.
• Ignoring Blade Maintenance: Dull blades can tear grass rather than cut it cleanly, leading to lawn damage.
• Skipping Engine Checks: Failing to change oil or clean filters can lead to engine wear and costly repairs.
• Improper Battery Storage: Leaving batteries in cold or damp conditions can reduce their lifespan.
• Using Non-Genuine Parts: These may wear out faster and void your equipment's warranty.
Additional Tips and Ideas
• Seasonal Checks: Perform a thorough inspection at the start and end of each season to catch any issues early.
• Protective Covers: Use covers for your equipment when not in use to prevent dust and moisture buildup.
• Professional Servicing: Schedule annual servicing with professionals to ensure all components are in top condition.
• User Manuals: Always refer to the user manual for specific maintenance guidelines for your equipment.
• Tool Organization: Keep your tools organized and easily accessible to streamline maintenance tasks.
Following a regular maintenance schedule ensures your garden machinery remains reliable and efficient. Proper care can also save money on repairs and replacements in the long run. Using genuine parts and professional servicing helps maintain optimal efficiency. Non-genuine parts may be cheaper initially but tend to wear out quicker, resulting in repeated breakdowns and downtime. Additionally, using non-genuine parts may void the warranty of your equipment.
Benefits of Regular Yearly Servicing
• Loose or blunt parts can reduce the lifespan of your equipment.
• A well-maintained petrol engine uses less fuel in the long run.
• Preventing sudden breakdowns ensures your equipment functions well when you need it.
• Malfunctioning garden equipment can be dangerous to the user.
At Greenstripe, we provide a selection of high-quality garden machinery parts to keep your equipment running at peak performance. We stock parts from top manufacturers, including Husqvarna and Stihl. Finding the right part can be challenging, which is why our expert team is here to help. Call us on 01673 844 250 or WhatsApp us on 07802416267 – our customer service team looks forward to assisting you.
