Frequently Asked Questions

1. How often should I service my lawn mower or tractor?

Most manufacturers recommend their equipment be serviced at least once a year. All small engines use petroleum-based products. As the additives in the petroleum break down and the oil & gas is left to settle over long periods of time, it can cause sludge and a gummy residue. This residue can cause engines to run rough and even sometimes not at all. Also, the sludge can block key lubricating points which can cause rapid and excessive wear. Eventually, the engine could become completely ruined.

2. What is included in your advertised tune-up price?

We include everything for a tune-up at our low advertised price. We don't charge you for unlisted extras. If your unit needs a part we don't have, we can get it in 2 to 3 days.

3. Do I have to pay an extra pick-up or delivery charge?

NO! We come to you and do the work at no additional charge. If your equipment requires repair parts that have to be ordered (in most cases we have the parts in stock), we will come back to complete the job.

4. What type of oil should I use in my small engine?

In warmer climates, most engines need thicker oil. In colder climates, most engines need thinner oil. Oil is measured by its thickness or "viscosity". For example, 40 weight oil is thicker than 30 weight oil. The "W" in "10W40" stands for winter, which means that in winter, this particular oil behaves like 40 weight. Using the wrong oil can cause difficult starting and poor gas consumption.

5. How often should I sharpen my mowing blades?

Sharpening cycles depend on the conditions encountered by the mower. In sandy or very dry conditions, the blades may need sharpening every 2 to 3 hours. At a minimum, the blades should be checked and sharpened if necessary before each day of operation. Keep an extra set of sharp blades handy to replace those that become dull or damaged during daily operation.

6. What type of oil should I use in the hydraulic system?

Any high-quality 15W-40 fully synthetic motor oil can be used.

7. How often should I check and service the hydraulic system?

Hydraulic oil should be checked daily. The hydraulic oil and filter should be changed every 500 hours or once before the mowing season. Instructions for the oil and filter change can be found in the operator's manual.

8. How often should I grease, change oil, or otherwise service my mower?

Complete service instructions and service recommendations can be found in the operator's manual.

9. How can I correct poor discharge or uneven cut?

Poor discharge is a factor of blade tip and ground travel speed. Always mow with the engine operating at full speed. At high ground speeds, the blades cannot cut the grass efficiently. When grass is high, the ground speed must be slowed down. Never cut more than 1/3 of the grass height. In high or lush grasses, the mower should be operated at its highest level of cut, and then re-cut at the final desired height of cut.

Uneven cut can be something as simple as incorrect tire pressure. NOTE: Check the operator's manual for correct tire pressure. Poor discharge and uneven cut can also be caused by damaged, unbalanced, or dull blades. Grass build up under the deck can damage or wear the deck belt.

Check the operator's manual on how to correctly set the cutting height of the deck.