Although many people still use the lawnmower to mulch leaves, it will soon be time to put the garden equipment on hibernation. In order for the machine to work flawlessly in the coming spring as well, the fuel tank should be emptied and the engine oil changed.
More and more lawn mowers, tractors and trimmers are put in the winter apartment to wait for spring. In order for the equipment to serve the owner for a long time, however, it must not just be put in the garage.
“Each machine that is planned to be idle for a long time must definitely have its oil changed. Since the used oil becomes acidic, it causes corrosion inside the machine when it is standing,” explains Veiko Värk, Olerex fuel purchasing and logistics manager.
If the tank contains gasoline with bio-additive or 98 without additive, the fuel tank must be emptied for the winter. Alkylate gasoline, specially designed for small vehicles, does not age when standing, and can therefore remain in the tank for the whole winter.
“If air gets into the tank through the ventilation, the fuel with bio-additive starts to bind moisture with itself, and thus the water entering the engine’s supply system can lead to the engine crashing,” says Värk, which can happen when the equipment is restarted in the spring. He emphasizes that no fuel is intended for very long storage, and fuel left in the tank for several months gradually loses its properties. “Also, alcohol can cause gaskets and other plastic and rubber parts to break because the ethanol makes them brittle over time.”
2024-10-30 14:01:00
#putting #garden #equipment #winter #apartment
**Interview with Lawn Care Expert, Sarah Green**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Sarah. As we settle into the gardening season, I think a lot of homeowners are wondering: what are the best practices for mowing their lawns?
**Sarah Green:** Thank you for having me! One of the most important things to remember is to never cut more than one-third of the grass height at one time. This helps keep the lawn healthy and encourages deeper root growth.
**Editor:** That’s great advice! What about the timing of mowing? Is there a best time to do it?
**Sarah Green:** Yes, ideally, you want to mow in the late afternoon when grasses are dry and cooler temperatures have set in. This reduces stress on the grass and minimizes water loss.
**Editor:** And what type of mower do you recommend for a typical suburban lawn?
**Sarah Green:** For most homeowners, a rotary mower works well. There are also options like reel mowers for smaller yards, which are more environmentally friendly and provide a clean cut.
**Editor:** Speaking of the environment, how can homeowners be more eco-conscious while mowing their lawns?
**Sarah Green:** Choosing a push mower or an electric mower can significantly reduce carbon emissions. Also, leaving grass clippings on the lawn can provide nutrients and reduce the need for fertilizers.
**Editor:** Those are fantastic tips! any common mistakes to watch out for while mowing?
**Sarah Green:** Absolutely! One common mistake is mowing too low. This can stress the grass and lead to weed invasion. It’s essential to adjust your mower to the correct height depending on the type of grass you have.
**Editor:** Thank you, Sarah, for sharing these invaluable insights on lawn care. Happy mowing to all our listeners!
**Sarah Green:** Thank you! Happy gardening!
