All Power Equipment

• Change spark plug if necessary.
• Clean or replace air filter.
• Check safety devices to ensure that they are attached and working.
• Change engine oil.
• Fill gas tank carefully to avoid spilling fuel.

Walk-Behind Lawn Mowers

• Check blades for sharpness.
• Make sure the cutting deck is cleared of old clippings and debris.
• Check that pull cords are not frayed and are in working condition.
• Check that attachments are connected and working properly.

Lawn Tractors

• Give battery a thorough charging before reinstalling after winter storage (check electrolyte level in each cell, first) . . . see owner's manual.
• Check electrical system for loose or dirty connections.
• Check sp ark plugs annually.
• Clean all old debris and clippings from cutting deck and attachments.
• Make sure tires are properly inflated.

Hand-Held Leaf Blowers & Edger/Trimmers

• Clean or replace spark plug every year.
• Make sure all components are in operating condition.
• Check that straps, handles, nuts, and bolts are secure.

Log Splitters

• Check that all engine components are properly lubricated and in good operating condition.
• Replace cracked or leaky pressure hoses.
• Make sure tires are properly inflated.

Walk-Behind Blower Vacs

• Check that all engine components are properly lubricated and in good operating condition.
• Make sure catch bag is clea n and in good repair.
• Check that attachments, tires, levers, and controls are operating correctly and in good condition.

Walk-Behind Rotary Tillers

• Check that all engine components are properly lubricated and in good operating condition.
• Sharpen tines.
• Make sure tires are properly inflated.
• Check that control levers, connections, nuts, and bolts are secure and opera ting correctly.

Shredder/Grinders

• Give battery a thorough charging before reinstalling after seasonal storage (check electrolyte level in each ce ll, first).
• Make initial oil change after first two hours of operation; every 10 hours thereafter.
• Clean or replace spark plug every year.

Chain Saws

• Lubricate the clutch drum bearing.
• Check the bar for excessive wear or bent rails and replace if necessary.
• Clean the cooling fins on the flywheel, the cylinder fins, area outside the carburetor, and star ter housing with a brush or light air source.
• Check the fuel filter and replace if necessary. 
• Have carburetor checked and adjusted periodically by a properly trained person to assure that the saw is running at peak performance an d without excessive heat.

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 ou t 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 gas oline is being used.
• Check safety devices to ensure that they are attached and working.
• With spark plug disconnected, sharpen tines, or remove and sharpen (or replace) blades in accordance with your owner's manual.
• Fill gas t ank to proper level, making sure not to spill fuel.
• 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 ope ration.
• Regularly check that air filter is clean.

Hand-Held Leaf Blowers & Edger/Trimmers

• Use a high quality two-cycle engine oil specifi cally for two-cycle hand-held equipment (where applicable). Lower grade oils or those for outboard boat engines will not provide sufficient protection. Fuel stabilizers can help fuel maintain a high octane level for longer periods, giving easier starting and cooler engine performance.

Lawn Tractors

• Check mower deck for bolt tightness, belt wear, and blade sharpness.
• Check that tires are inflated to proper pressure.
• Make sure throttle control is properly adjusted.

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 have no leaks.
• 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.
• Make sure nuts and bolts are tight.
• Select forward or reve rse (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

• Periodically rotate the bar for even wear.
• Check throttle trigger and interlock system for prope r function.
• Check chain brake for proper function.
• Assure that the saw chain is properly tensioned, that it is sharp, and that it is getting sufficient oil.
• Check that the saw idles properly (the chain should not rotate at idle speed). 
• Inspect the entire saw for loose parts, cracks, or other problems.
• Use a high quality bar oil to lubricate the bar and chain.
• Avoid gasoline containing alcohol, or use a gasoline with less than 10% alcohol wi th a high quality two-cycle engine oil with additives. 

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.