24 December 2014 Business Planning Guide www.greenmediaonline.com
EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE
Whether winter is a welcome break from a long, busy mowing
season, or a lucrative season of snow removal, it is inevitable. Fall
leaves soon give way to plummeting temperatures and a blanket of
snow. Before storing and forgetting about landscaping equipment
until springtime though, it's essential to winterize it properly.
Thorough winterization will ensure all equipment functions
properly for the next mowing season and
many more after that.
FUEL STORAGE
All operators of commercial mowing
equipment need to store extra fuel safely
in the winter — whether it's propane,
gasoline, or diesel.
A key benefi t of propane is that it
doesn't degrade or go bad like other fuels.
Even so, extra propane cylinders not
attached to equipment should be secured in a storage cage or other
protected area away from ignition sources.
Contractors with permanent propane infrastructure should
mark their propane tank with a fl ag, pole or stake higher than the
average snowfall depth for their area. Marking tanks will ensure
snow isn't plowed into or shoveled on top of them.
Propane tanks should also be fi lled adequately before winter
begins. In the event of a storm or excessive snowfall, roads may
be inaccessible. Calling for a propane delivery when the tank is
30 percent full is advised at any time of the year, but especially
in the winter.
Gasoline and diesel also need to be stored safely in
marked containers specifically intended to hold fuel, said
Joe Hyler, service technician for Exmark. "Unlike propane,
fuel stabilizers must be added to gas and diesel for long-term
storage. Store tanks in a clean, cool place away from anything
that could spark or ignite. Keep the
tanks as airtight as possible to reduce
the chances of spoilage."
EQUIPMENT STORAGE
Winterizing and maintaining mowers
and other lawn care equipment will
alleviate any headaches come spring,
and save time when everything needs to
be ready for the busiest green industry
season.
The fi rst thing Hyler recommends contractors do is clean their
machines. "Remove all debris from the engine and cutting decks,
and around the blades. If machines need to be washed, make sure
to dry them thoroughly with a blower or using compressed air to
prevent any rusting."
After machines are clean, contractors should change the oil and
replace the oil fi lter and air fi lter. Mowers with a hydraulic drive
system need to have the hydraulic oil and fi lters changed, as well.
"Machines are machines," Hyler emphasizes. "It's no different
■ BY JEREMY WISHART
Proper procedures for peace of mind, and less work come springtime
Thorough winterization
will ensure all equipment
functions properly for the
next mowing season and
many more after that.
Mower Winterization
