Landscape & Irrigation

Business Planning Guide Special Edition Part 2

Landscape and Irrigation is read by decision makers throughout the landscape and irrigation markets — including contractors, landscape architects, professional grounds managers, and irrigation and water mgmt companies and reaches the entire spetrum.

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than your car. They require routine maintenance to function properly and last for several years." After machines are clean and all oil and fi lters are changed, the engine type dictates the next steps. "Propane mowers are pretty simple when it comes to winterizing the engine," said Hyler. "Contractors should shut off tanks and run the machine until hoses are completely empty of fuel. They can keep the propane still left in a cylinder." Gasoline and diesel engines require more attention. Just as stored gasoline and diesel needs a fuel stabilizer, so does fuel left in the machine's gas tank. "Gasoline and diesel left in a tank might go bad, which can damage some engine components. It can be avoided by adding a stabilizer to the gas tank before storing the machine for winter," explains Hyler. "For it to work, you have to run the stabilizer though the system. Another option is to siphon the remaining fuel from the tank, and restart the mower until it stops on its own. That'll also make sure the stabilizer is evenly distributed throughout the fuel system." To finalize the winterization process, Hyler recommends the following tips for all types of mowers and landscape equipment: ■ Remove mower blades and examine them for damage. Sharpen and replace them as necessary. ■ Lubricate and grease idler arms, pivot points and cutter housing. Also, tighten screws and bolts and replace any damaged parts. Make sure electrical connectors are disconnected and clean, as well. ■ Remove batteries from electric mowers and equipment and charge them completely. "If it's a long winter season, it might be necessary to charge the battery a few times throughout, because a full battery is less likely to freeze up. Also, never leave a battery on top of a concrete floor. It'll get too cold and the chemicals inside will react to the extreme temperature," said Hyler. After equipment has been fully prepped for storage, Hyler suggests keeping machines in a dry, covered area away from the elements. A garage would be best, but a tarp can provide protection if a building isn't available. Ultimately, the risks of not winterizing aren't worth the trade off. "Not winterizing equipment can shorten the life of an engine, and — worst case scenario — cause engine corrosion," said Hyler. "If contractors take these routine steps, they should be ready to go in the spring. Really, it's just common sense to protect the investment of expensive equipment and save the hassle and headache of scrambling to do these things when winter is over." Jeremy Wishart is deputy director of business development, Propane Education & Research Council (PERC). www.greenmediaonline.com Business Planning Guide December 2014 25 "Machines are machines. It's no different than your car. They require routine maintenance to function properly and last for several years." — Joe Hyler, service technician for Exmark ALL PHOTOS PROVIDED BY THE PROPANE EDUCATION & RESEARCH COUNCIL (PERC).

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