How to Get Your Garden Tools Ready for Spring
If your powered gardening tools have been hibernating over the Winter, it’s good practice to see what shape they are in before putting them back to work. We share our top tips for making sure your Lawnmower, Chainsaw, Hedge Trimmer, and any other outdoor power equipment, run reliably this season and for many more seasons to come.
FRESH FUEL AND TWO-STROKE MIX
Using fresh fuel is essential for the health of your machine. If the fuel has been sitting in the tank for over a month, we recommend replacing it before you start the engine. Two-Stroke fuel can go stale, which can cause carburetors to fail early, fuel lines to perish, and in extreme situations, engines to seize.
To mix a fresh batch of fuel at the correct 50:1 ratio for STIHL petrol tools, simply mix 20 ml of Two-Stroke Engine Oil to 1 litre of 91 octane petrol.
After replacing the fuel, allow your power tools to warm-up for a minute or so before starting your garden projects – this will give the oil and fuel time to circulate through the machine.
Tools that have been left unused all Winter will benefit from a service, which will help improve your equipment's performance and longevity. With a STIHL Service Kit you can maintain your tools at home. The kits contain all the necessary components for performing a basic service (fuel filter, air filter and spark plug) and we even have step by step videos to show you how easy it is to do the service yourself.
CHECK YOUR BLADES AND CHAINS ARE SHARP
Blades and chains become blunt over time.
Having a blunt chain not only makes the cutting process more difficult, it's also less safe. Find out what the 5 key signs of a blunt chain are and how to sharpen it:
Learn How To Sharpen Your Chain Here
You'll know when your Hedge Trimmer blades are blunt when the tips of the cut branches appear jagged or light in colour, or when the blades begin snagging. Giving the blades a sharpen will ensure you can cut through tougher material and get a better finish:
Learn How To Sharpen Your Hedge Trimmer Blade Here
If your Lawnmower blades are blunt, you will end up with grass that has jagged tears on the tips. This can cause a yellowish hue and lead to your lawn being more susceptible to disease. Additionally, having sharp blades is better for your Lawnmower's engine.
You can choose to sharpen your blades and chains yourself with one of our STIHL Sharpening Tools, or simply pop into your local STIHL SHOP where we offer a quick and convenient sharpening service.
LUBRICATE AND TIGHTEN ANY LOOSE PARTS
Hedge Trimmer blades are often exposed to sap that can bind the blades and reduce cutting performance and efficiency. Use a resin solvent like STIHL Superclean which has the dual action effect of removing resin and dirt, as well as providing lubrication and corrosion protection.
Lubricating your Chainsaw chain helps it glide smoothly and prevents corrosion and friction damage. When applying chain lubricant, take this chance to examine all of the moving parts, bearings, hinges and grease points for potential damage or missing parts.
RECHARGE YOUR BATTERIES
If you own a STIHL Battery tool, make sure that you start the season off right by testing them and charging them sufficiently. That way, you will be ready to tackle the job at hand. When your batteries are being stored, we recommend leaving them at a charge level of 40% - 60%, which is indicated by 2 LEDs on the battery.
