The beginning of spring can be a busy time for homeowners and professionals alike. With winter behind you, getting back on top of everything will take some time. But with a few helpful tips, it can be made easier and help set you up for a good season ahead.
One of the best ways to stay on top of the garden is to keep on top of your tools. Sharp and well-maintained tools mean quicker and safer operation and will help you get to work when the weather warms up, without worrying about machinery stalling, seizing or being blunt.
In just three simple steps, you can prepare your garden tools for spring, giving you a head start on hedge trimming, lawn mowing, leaf blowing and pruning like a pro. Better yet, regular tool maintenance improves tool performance, reliability and longevity - letting you better manage your time outdoors.
Here are a few pointers on how to prepare your garden tools for spring.
Regular Garden Tool Maintenance
Spending a little bit of time maintaining your garden tools before spring arrives will save you hours on last-minute repairs, accessory changes and trying to struggle through a job with underperforming tools. We have all been there and know how frustrating it can be.
It is important to remember the effects cold temperatures and moisture-rich air can have on our tools, especially if they have been out of work over the winter months. However, it doesn't take much effort to get garden tools spring-ready. If you're short on time or not quite sure what to do yourself, you can always take your Husqvarna tools to your local service centre for professional servicing. However, some maintenance tasks are easy to do yourself - here are a few of our suggestions.
General Maintenance
General maintenance gives your garden tools a good once over, removing any dirt, grime and debris from the tool. This is also the perfect time to check for any cracks, wear and tear or damage that needs to be fixed before using your tools.
- Wipe down the chassis' with a damp cloth to remove dirt.
- Inspect blades, knives and chains for signs of rust or corrosion.
- Tighten any screws or bolts and check external wires are secure.
- Check air filters and clean or replace them as necessary.
- Oil and lubricate chains, blades and knives as needed.
Change or Sharpen Chains
Chainsaws will benefit from regular chain maintenance, including sharpening, changing and upgrading chains. From bars and chains to filing equipment and original parts, the Husqvarna range of chainsaw accessories ensures you get the most out of every task to ensure you spend less time and effort on everyday cutting and pruning jobs.
Sharpening a chainsaw chain is quite easy to do when you have the proper filing and sharpening tools at hand. However, if you are short on time or don't have the tools for the job, a professional service will have it up to standard again in no time at all.
Switch Out Mower Blades
A healthy, well-maintained lawn requires sharp, clean blades. When lawn mower blades are blunt, dull or damaged, they pull grass out at the roots, splitting and damaging the blades of grass instead of creating a clean cut.
For the most part, mower blades can be sharpened every few months as required. However, damaged or bent blades should be replaced before mowing. Lawn Mower repair is essential for professional landscapers and greenspace businesses, it helps keep output high and costs low throughout the year.
Whether you have a ride-on mower, a compact stand-on mower, a ZTR® zero turn mower, an Automower® or a push mower, you'll find replacement blades and all of the mower accessories you need from your local Husqvarna dealer.
Oil Change & Fuel Mixes
Oil and fuel that has been left in garden tools over winter can become contaminated with sediment and rust, resulting in poor performance and an increased risk of engine damage. Some seasoned gardeners will empty their fuel tanks as a preventative measure before storing them away for the winter months, but if not, you can simply empty the tank and refill as needed.
For professional lawn mowers, it's recommended to change the oil after every 25-hours of use. If you are not sure how to mix your fuel and oil or work out the best ratio, this post will guide you through it step by step.
Upgrade Your Current Garden Tools
Sometimes, the best thing you can do for your garden tools is to update them with more advanced accessories and parts. As an example, Husqvarna Chainsaws can benefit from switching out to an X-Cut Chain or new bar, along with a variety of other Chainsaw accessories. Likewise, Automower® accessories and Grass Trimmer accessories make it possible to breathe new life into your garden tools, giving you an up to date experience without needing to buy brand new tools.
Garden Tool Storage Clean-up
While it may be tempting to keep all of your garden tools and accessories in a cardboard box in the corner of the garage, it's not an ideal way to store them. Instead, take a moment to remove all of your garden tools and accessories, give them a good clean and a little TLC - then place them somewhere easy to reach that is free from moisture, direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
Tool storage boxes and cases go a long way to preserving garden tools for extended periods, while a dedicated set of drawers are ideal for keeping spare chains, filing kits and accessories in one location. Where possible, place lighter tools on shelves or hanging hooks, and larger, heavier tools such as lawn mowers can just be placed on a row of house bricks to elevate them off the ground.
By giving all of your tools a place, you'll save hours of time on digging around hunting for what you need and find it so much easier to clean, maintain and store them throughout the year.
Start Spring The Right Way
Get a head start on all of your spring and summer garden tasks by performing some much-needed maintenance on your Husqvarna garden tools. From mowing to trimming and blowing to hedging, find everything you need to get the job done like a pro, whether you are a general user or a professional greenspace business.
Put a spring in your step this growing season, and get ready to rediscover the joy of ease and simplicity in the garden.
