DIY Workshops Keep an eye on this section of our website, we will shortly be introducing a number of useful articles, aimed at helping you maintain and service your garden machinery.
If you have an article you would like to include on this page or you would like to become a regular contributor to this section on our website, please do not hesitate to contact us.
FOUR STROKE ENGINES
Four stroke engines are fitted to the majority of petrol garden tractors, lawnmowers, cultivators, scarifiers etc. Before starting fill the engine sump with the correct quantity and grade of oil (as detailed in Owner's Manual). Check the level is correct on the dipstick to the FULL mark when the machine is on a flat level surface. When you subsequently use the machine, before starting, always check that the oil is at the correct level and where necessary top up to the required level. Failure to observe the above will result in permanent engine damage, which is not covered by manufacturers warranty. All machines fitted with four-stroke engines must run on unleaded regular grade petrol. We strongly recommend petrol is only purchased in small quantities and is stored in a suitable container, correctly marked in a cool dark environment. Unleaded petrol has a reduced storage life (most manufacturers recommend no more than one month unless fuel storage additives are used).
TWO STROKE ENGINES - (petrol oil mixture)
Two stroke engines are fitted to all petrol chainsaws, hedge trimmers, blow vacs, and most brush cutters. All manufacturers recommend the use of unleaded petrol, however special attention is drawn to the storage and efficiency of two-stroke mixture where most manufacturers recommend storage should not exceed one month.
We therefore advise you only mix small quantities as required and to prevent the fuel mixture from becoming stale and lessen the likelihood of starting problems, we suggest the use of a fuel storage additive (as described below). We also recommend the use of good quality approved two-stroke oil to a minimum specification of APITSC3 and mixed at a ratio endorsed by the manufacturer; alternatively we would strongly suggest ratio of 25:1.
FUEL STORAGE TIPS - (Fuel Storage Additives)
Fuel stored in the machines petrol tank, will become less efficient due to the machine vibration, causing the fuel to become oxygenated and this in turn leads to the build up of an oxygenised film within the fuel system, and loss of performance, this may lead to engine damage, or poor starting. Fuel additives are available to extend the storage life of fuel. We recommend the use of Briggs & Stratton fuel additive part number 999005, it will prolong fuel storage life and reduce gum and varnish deposits within the fuel system.
ELECTRIC
With all electric machines we strongly recommend the use of an RCD (residual current device) or power-safe cut out, protecting the user from a potentially lethal electric shock in the event of an accident.
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