All Power Equipment

• Refer to the maintenance section of your owner's manual for proper instructions.
• Dress properly for the job, wearing substantial shoes, long pants and close-fitting clothes (no loose jewelry, unrestrained hair or anything that could get caught in a moving part).
• Clear the working area before you start by picking up anything that could be thrown by the equipment or would block the equipment's operation. Then clear the area of people and pets. Watch out for young children.
• Never remove or tamper with safety devices and labels -- they're designed to protect you.
• Handle gas carefully. Fill up before you start, while the engine is cold. Don't spill when you fill and no smoking when gasoline is being used.
• Wear Hearing Protection -- When working with equipment that generates increased sound levels be sure to protect your ears. Wear hearing protection such as special earmuffs to prevent potentially damaging sounds from reaching your ears without eliminating the sounds you'll need to hear. So protect your ears from sounds that are too loud and too close for too long.
• Regularly check that engine oil is "Full."
• Regularly check all nuts, bolts, belts and screws for tightness.
• Check that engine cooling fins are clean with every operation.

Hand-Held Leaf Blowers & Edger/Trimmers

• Use a high-quality engine oil specifically for two-cycle, hand-held equipment (if applicable). Fuel stabilizers can help fuel maintain a high octane level for longer periods, giving easier starting and cooler engine performance.
• Make sure all intake vents are clear.
• Before using, carefully balance and adjust the equipment for operator comfort and safety.

Lawn Tractors

• Disengage power to attachments when leaving operator's seat, when transporting or when tractor/rider is in storage.
• Check blades for sharpness and make sure cutting deck is cleaned of old clippings and debris.
• Regularly check that air filter is clean.
• Regularly check that tires are properly inflated.
• Always remove dirt, grass, and debris from engine cooling fins, engine covers, and air intake screens.

Log Splitters

• Carefully position equipment on stable, even ground.
• Make sure tires are properly inflated and all components operate correctly before starting.
• Check that pressure hoses are tight and not leaking.
• Follow manufacturer's directions for operating and standing at a safe distance.

Walk-Behind Blower Vacs

• Check wheels, intake vents, and other components to make sure they are free from debris and in working order.
• Empty bag and make sure vacuum is unobstructed.
• Disengage power before switching attachments.
• Fill collection bag only to recommended levels and replace with care.

Walk-Behind Rotary Tillers

• Check all working components to see if they are operating properly.
• Check that nuts and bolts are tight.
• Select forward or reverse (for dual-direction models) and carefully align handles, controls, operating height, and operator position before starting.

Shredder/Grinders

• Always disconnect spark plug wire before cleaning grinder/shredder, making repairs, or conducting routine inspections.
• Check oil every two hours of operation to ensure it is at "Full" level.
• Apply lubricant several times a season to the clutch lever, wheels and axle spacer, and the belt tension adjustment bolt (see operator's manual).
• Ensure correct tension of the belt (see operator's manual).
• Check cutting blades often and rotate/replace as necessary (see operator's manual).

Chain Saws

• In cold regions, use winter-grade bar oils which pour and flow more easily.

Lawn Mowers

• Regularly check belts/chain drives for wear and tightness.
• Check that pull cords are not frayed and are in working condition.
• Make sure throttle control is properly adjusted.
• Check blades for sharpness and make sure cutting deck is cleaned of old clippings and debris.

All Power Equipment

• Refer to the repairs section of your owner's manual for proper instructions.
• If you have any questions or are not comfortable repairing your own equipment, please contact your nearest outdoor power equipment servicing retailer.
• Before any repair, be sure to turn off the unit and disconnect the spark plug wire.
• Keep hands and feet away from moving parts. Never work on equipment while it is running.

All Power Equipment

• Add a fuel stabilizer to the last fuel tank of fuel at the end of the season.
• Make sure the equipment has run with the stabilized fuel in it for at least 10-15 minutes.
• Run or drain gas tank completely dry of all fuel outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
• Disconnect spark plug wire.
• Remove spark plug, put a small amount of oil directly into cylinder, turn engine over with the pull start a few times, reinstall spark plug.
• Clean all dirt and debris from engine and machine.
• Store equipment in a dry, ventilated area.
• Store fuel can in a dry, ventilated area and never near a pilot light, stove, or heat source of any kind.
• If equipment features folding handles, fold them for more compact storage.

Hand-Held Leaf Blowers & Edger/Trimmers

• Disconnect power, then thoroughly clean outer surfaces and clear all intake and exhaust vents.
• Empty vents, ducts, vacuum tubes and other attachments of any debris.
• Hang or store according to manufacturer's directions.

Walk-Behind Blower Vacs

• Disconnect power before cleaning outside surfaces of vacuum and attachments.
• Clear debris or dirt from any intake or exhaust vents.
• Empty and clean vacuum bag of any debris.
• Hang or store according to manufacturer's directions.

Walk-Behind Rotary Tillers

• Disconnect power. Thoroughly clean outside surfaces of tiller, including tines and tires.
• Hang or store according to manufacturer's directions.

Log Splitters

• Disconnect power. Clean and check all components, including hitch and tires.
• Store according to manufacturer's directions.

Shredder/Grinders

• Clean dirt and debris from engine and shredder housing.
• Remove battery and recharge before winter storage.

Chain Saws

• For prolonged storage, run the saw dry and empty the fuel tank, or fill it completely and add a fuel stabilizer. A half-full tank can attract condensation, adding harmful water to the fuel mixture.