GCCtFJLVVM1wwdgNxUwzuN2Cx5ALbX6O: 2012

Sunday, December 2, 2012

The Basics of a Sump Pump and Backup System

A sump pump is designed to drain groundwater that has collected in the sump pit or basement of your home. This type of pump is designed for properties located in low-lying areas, most specifically those prone to flooding. When installed properly, this water-pump system can protect your basement and your home from flooding and from moisture that has accumulated over time. Here are a few basics on buying one for your home and the various types available in the market.

Main types

A sump pump generally comes in two types, which include the pedestal and submersible varieties.

The pedestal pump is characterized mainly by its motor located on the exterior of the sump basin. It comes in a vertical float design which is ideal for sump pits which are smaller. Pedestal pumps are highly economical and will normally last anywhere from five years to fifteen.

The submersible pump is designed to be installed below water level, with the motor located within the sump and sealed for protection. One of the biggest advantages of this kind of basement pump is its quiet operation. If maintained regularly, a submersible pump may last more than 25 years.

The Components of the System

The sump pump system is made up of several primary components. These include the groundwater collection, sump basin, primary pump, discharge hose, check valve, and the backup sump pump.

The groundwater collection component drains groundwater into the sump pit, while the sump pit or sum basin accumulates the water before removing it. The primary pump can be of the submersible or pedestal type. The discharge hose routes water away from the basement or the home, while the check valve takes care of any backflow problems. Finally, the backup pump system, which can be optional, provides added support to ensure a continuous system especially in times of failed power.

The backup system moreover comes in two types. These systems may be powered by battery or through municipal water pressure. Your primary pump is normally connected to the main power, which ensures its permanent operation. Should the main power fail, the backup system will turn on and carry on with the entire process.

The pre-assembled sump pump and backup system by Wayne Water Systems features a high flow, reliable system with a battery-powered backup pump. A pump with a reliable battery backup ensures a continuously working system, so you can flood-proof your home or your basement without trouble year after year.

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How To Efficiently Get Rid Of Moles In Your Yard

Furry and small rodents which can infest people's yards, moles are considered as pests by many people because these can dig up tunnels and kill or damage plants. Because these rodents can reproduce and then produce more of them, it is vital to get rid of them fast especially if they are annoying. Below are some things that are centered on how to get rid of moles.

Prior to evicting these critters from the yard, the concerned homeowner must detect them first. These moles should be searched for thoroughly since they build tunnels which can conceal their whereabouts. And as soon as a tunnel is discovered, it can be known whether it is active or not by thrusting a stick inside it. When it is indeed an active tunnel, there are a few manners in which the pests inside it can be gotten rid of. In this regard, a manner in eliminating moles is putting up a certain pit trap that can be built utilizing at least one big jar or can of coffee, to be placed in the tunnel. Then, this trap or these traps must be monitored once or twice per day. In the event that a mole, or more, is found trapped, its release should be done far away.

On the other hand, an involved individual can also get rid of moles by flooding these out using running water to be poured into their tunnel. After doing so, any mole that tries to escape can be caught. All in all, setting a trap and flooding is a couple of available options to eliminate such moles and not to kill them. However, in case anybody wants to kill them, a fatal victor or a nash trap can be considered. Any of these two will impale or choke any mole.

Getting rid of moles can be a frustrating ordeal for many homeowners. They can wreak havoc on a lawn and will continue to come back in most cases. For those who are against killing moles or live in a state where killing or trapping is not allowed, attrition may be an option. Attrition is where you simply keep mashing down the mole tunnels (sometimes several times a day). This may force the mole to dig deeper and eventually not be noticeable from the surface. Although this doesn't get rid of the moles entirely, it does make the damage they cause a little more manageable.

Choosing The Right Lawn Roller

A lawn roller is designed to flatten and even out grass to lay new sod or grass seeds. If you want a lawn that looks professionally maintained it is important to invest in a quality garden lawn roller that will give you a uniform garden that looks even and attractive. When you are comparing lawn rollers on the market you will come across several different types of applications. The size of the lawn you are tending and how you will be using the tool will steer you in the right direction when you are making your purchase. Understand what types of garden rolling lawn tools are available and make an investment suitable for your needs.

Most rollers are similar in function and appearance. Each roller will have a hollow cylinder responsible for flattening everything in its path. This cylinder can be made from concrete, polyethylene, or steel. The steel lawn roller is the most common type of construction used for smaller personal units. When you are comparing rollers, you will find that cylinders will have different sized diameters depending on the size of the lawn you are tending. Smaller applications will measure 18-inches while larger applications will measure up to 24-inches. The larger the diameter of the cylinder the larger the area covered. Smaller personal lawns may only require a small unit.

Once you have found the right size you will need to determine whether you want a manual roller or a pull model. Pull rollers can be attached to a tractor or a vehicle and are generally needed for larger areas. While manual models are more affordable, they are not sufficient for big areas of grass. Compare pricing and features and choose the right lawn roller for your needs. With several models available, online it has never been easier to find the right roller at the right price.

Whether renting or owning, if you have a large yard or do quite a bit of yard work, you're surely to find many uses for your roller. They can come in quite handy for things like seeding or overseeding. For overseeding, you can use the roller to pad the grass down and then rake through it with a garden rake to remove all the dead grass. For initial seeding, you'll want to take care of a few other things before using your roller. For instance removing any large rocks or sticks, making sure your PH has a nice balance or is around 6 to 7.5. After your soil is ready, the roller makes it nice to roll out large dirt clods and smoothing out the surface and ready for seeding.

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How To Get a Bargain in the End of Season Snow Blower Sales

My friend Jeannie buys her Christmas decorations in the New Year sales. She also buys her Easter Eggs after Easter and a whole lot of summer clothes in Autumn.

If you are anything like Jeannie, then this article is not for you. You already understand the power of seasonal spending. The rest of us, however, can learn a thing or two from Jeannie's approach.

Jeannie simply relies upon the fact that some products are subject to seasonal or event-specific peaks and troughs in demand. When there is high demand for a product, retailers can sell at the highest prices. When demand is low, prices fall.

Thus, if you can get one, you wouldn't have to pay too much for a Christmas tree in January. In December, however, it's a different story.

Outdoor tools and equipment are seasonal products, almost by definition, and perhaps the most seasonal of all are snow blowers and snow throwers.

In September and October, the new snow clearing stock comes into the stores, maybe including new models or upgraded versions of old models. Snow blower ads start appearing in the gardening magazines and in the press and people start thinking about the amount of snow there was last winter and how it might now be the time to get that new snow blower or power shovel in preparation for this years storms.

So, in September and October, demand is up and prices generally stay high.

But what happens towards the end of winter or in spring? Now, the dealers want to promote the summer equipment. They want to roll out the lawn tractors and fill the racks with hedge trimmers, chain saws, leaf blowers and pole saws. Those snow blowers are getting in the way. Nobody is thinking about clearing snow now. Or are they?

If Jeannie had a yard, she would be. And if you do, you should be. Because now is the time to pick up the best snow blower bargains. It is in late winter and spring that the snow blower sales are on.

If you think ahead and plan for the following winter, you can save yourself a small fortune, especially if you are in the market for a powerful two-stage gas-powered snow blower that could have a price tag of in the $1,000 - $3,000 range. The other way you can benefit from late seasons special offers is by being able to get a higher spec model at the price that a lower spec model normal sells for.

You might be able to drive a good bargain by visiting your local dealer. Alternatively, check out the online offerings - you might find that that's where the best bargains can be found given the lower overheads of the online retailers.

Tools for Gardening - Power Tools

Hedge trimmers should have reciprocating blades - two blades that move at the same time. Those which have just one vibrate uncomfortably. Machines can also be divided into those that have teeth on both sides of the blades and those with teeth along just one edge - the latter is not as versatile.

Generally the closer the teeth the cleaner the finish. Close teeth are fine for maintaining Lawson cypress hedges, but wider gapped teeth are more suitable if you want to prune woody stems and branches.

Power hedge trimmers are the source of many accidents so safety is vital. Machines fitted with lock-off switches have a two-step starting procedure which prevents the machine being activated accidentally. Make sure the machine will also turn itself off when you relieve pressure on the on-button.

Nylon-line trimmers are popular with gardeners, not least because they perform several tasks. The machines are ideal for cutting grass where lawnmowers can't reach, such as the corners and edges of lawns. The machine will also edge a lawn, though not as neatly as some edging tools.

Some trimmers are equipped with devices to feed the nylon line. As the line may snap during use, a feeding mechanism avoids interruption. Chainsaws of professional specification are best left to the professionals. Smaller, electric models are useful for removing small to medium-sized branches and help fell small-stemmed or young trees.

Choose the machine according to the guidelines for safety described above for hedge trimmers.

Power weeders are designed to eliminate the chore of bending and pulling weeds. The prongs dig and cut out small weeds with shallow roots easily but are not so effective for deep-rooting weeds.

Power shredders help recycle your garden refuse - woody tree and shrub prunings, for instance - by reducing it into shredded matter ready for the compost heap. Electric and petrol models are expensive but do help provide high grade compost.

Pole trimmers are one of the easiest means of trimming lawn edges and they give a very clean cut. They can be fitted with an extension rod to prevent you having to stoop. A straight pruning saw is ideal for cutting branches 2.5-13cm (1-5in) thick. The teeth cut on the backward stroke -the strongest stroke when you are working at shoulder height. This saw has an interchangeable long or short handle.

Being battery powered, they require regular recharging - you could run out of power in the middle of a task. They are not suitable for lawns of more than 30 sq m/yd.

Snowblower Parts

Snowblowers are the most effective way to remove snow. They quickly and efficiently suck up snow and ice and blow it out in a way that you can point in a desired direction. If you own or operate a snowblower, you need snowblower parts and tools on hand to fix and repair your machine. Many parts of the country, including southern states, have received record snowfall in recent years. If you have been in a snowstorm, you could have benefitted by having a snowblower.

There are a variety of snowblower parts needed to maintain and properly operate a snowblower. They include scraper bars, tires chains, belts, paddles, chutes, and engine parts. Nuts, screws, bearings, and pins are also needed for your machine. At a minmum, you need to know the make, model, and year for your machine to get the proper parts.

Some of the largest snowblower part manufacturers are Ariens, Bolens, Gilson, Honda, Husqvarna, Jacobsen, John Deere, Lawn Boy, MTD, Murray, Noma/Sears, Sears Craftsman, Simplicity, Snapper, Tecumseh, and Toro. Be sure the part you need fits the specification of your mahcine. Also, having a snowblower cover can really protect your machine and the internal parts and preserve their life.

Snowblower parts at major retail stores such as Sears, Ace Hardware, Lowe's, or Home Depot, depending on where you live. If you reside in a snowy climate, parts are likely more plentiful. Parts can also be purchased from online retailers such as Amazon.com and eBay. Be sure to carefully review your snowblowers' owner's manual and product specifications to ensure that you get the parts that fit your machine.

How To Buy A Lawn Mower

As Spring arrives, the grass in your yard may appear to be going through an annual growth spurt. Spring seems to represent the teenage years of a lawn, a period when it simply will not stop growing. However, you should have no trouble finding a suitable solution for this problem. By following a few tips, you can find the lawn mower that will meet your needs and requirements easily.

Essentially there are two different mower types that you can choose from, rotary and reel. A reel mower cuts grass by using a spinning blade passing over a fixed blade. A rotary mower, however, cuts using a circulating blade under a housing of metal, fibreglass, or plastic. Both of these types of mower can be purchased in electric or gasoline models. In addition, a reel mower may be purchased in a manual model that can be chosen for the width of the lawn it will cut at one time.

When making the choice between the two, you will want to consider your budget. Generally you will find that reel mowers are less expensive, easier to operate, and easier to sharpen. Rotary mowers, however, are much more likely to give your garden and grass a more manicured and clean look because they can cut grass shorter and and normally have a bag attached to the motor that collects grass clippings as the grass is cut.

You will also need to make the choice between electric and gas. Gas mowers are normally noisier and can cause pollution. Electric mowers, however, are much cleaner and quieter, but will be more restrictive in models that have cords. When choosing a mower with a cord, it will be important to consider where your electrical outlets are located outside of your home. A large yard will usually require a cordless electric mower which may be more expensive, but will be much easier to use and maintain. These systems are normally powered by solar or battery systems built into the housing of the unit.

You can also choose between push mowers and self propelled mowers. Again, if your garden is fairly small then a basic push mower may be all that you need. If you have a much larger yard, or the area you will be mowing is uneven, using a self-propelled mower will be a better choice.

If you do not want to deal with bags of clippings that need to be unloaded every couple of minutes than consider getting yourself a mower with a mulching attachment. This type of mower will cut grass into small pieces and then blow the mulch onto the lawn. These makes an excellent compost, but will still create the manicured look for your yard that you want.

How To Buy Lawn Tractor Tires

When a customer is searching for lawn tractor tires, they may wonder where to start. There are a few companies who specialize in wheels for this particular device. Picking out products for a grass cutter, may include searching for the right tread and brand name.

Picking out an item may have someone looking at the sizes. Each machine will have its own set size and dimensions. The buyer will need to ensure that the size matches the machine. Most places will sell the wheels and the rubber in a separate way.

Checking out products may have someone checking out the brand names. There will be a few different names to pick from. With each brand may involve a new price. To pick out a good brand and price, a consumer can research into the background of the name and see what reviews say about it. A place that sells tires may suggest certain brands and names for someone to check out.

The tread that is on the rubber will help someone decide how good of quality it is and how long it may last. Someone who is using their tractor often may want a good tread. A person who only uses it once in a while and does not have a large space to cover, may pick one with less of tread.

Finding someone to put the rubber on will not be hard. Most retailers have connections to installers who can help. If the place that is selling the wheels does not provider service, then they will know who can.

Finding lawn tractor tires that work for a consumer, may have someone checking out a few options. Looking at expert rubber retailers is a good start. The staff in retail locations may be able to help pick out one based on the model of machine and the brand desired. There may be many lawn tractor tires that a consumer likes, choosing one could come down to the price or the quality.

No You Cannot Use My Ride-On-Lawnmower Engine and Equipment for a Ground Effect Hovercraft

They say that having a ride-on-lawnmower is a status symbol, especially if it is a ride on lawnmower of the most accessory endowed type with the largest motor. Nothing comes behind a man and his ride on lawnmower with custom drink holder. Nevertheless, the other day a neighbor who had a new invention concept asked if I would like to partner up with him to help him build his prototype. Being retired, that sound like something fun to do, until he explained to me what help he actually needed.

You see, he didn't just want my help building this contraption of his. He wanted to use (read: confiscate) my yard equipment, and the engine on my lawnmower. Can you imagine the tenacity of this individual, what kind of neighbor would ask you to disassemble your yard equipment, and your trusty lawnmower tractor to build a new type of transportation device? He wanted to build a ground effect hovercraft no doubt. And he said it was partly my idea because I gave him information on building hovercrafts.

Yes, I told him but that doesn't mean he can have the engine of my lawnmower. Meanwhile he said we can become partners and I could own a percentage of the prototype and any future company that we started. That sounds like a pretty good idea but I'm not going to sacrifice my pride and joy, we are talking about serious yard equipment here, these things are not cheap, and I have a custom lawnmower with a custom seat, and a special drink holder, and heck, I was even considering putting satellite radio on the darn thing.

The motor is a water-cooled 38 hp engine. It has several hydraulic systems able to do just about anything. Of course when I tried to explain this to my neighbor and why I didn't want to donate my lawnmower to his cause, I could see his mouth watering as I explained all of the attachments, systems, and power that my ride on lawnmower has. He even wanted to use the seat for his ground effect vehicle, and he said the seat belt was perfect.

Of all the nerve, you think for a second a man would give up his pride and joy just to use it as a prototype for an invention and new company that might make 10s of millions of dollars in the future? No way! Indeed I hope you will please consider all this.

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What Are the Best Aerators for Lawns?

The best aerators for lawns are determined by the condition that your lawn is in. Aerators are generally used when the lawn becomes very compacted. When the soil in your lawn becomes extremely compacted it is difficult or impossible for the grass roots to penetrate the soil. It also creates difficulty for the water and air to penetrate the soil and reach the existing grass roots. It can be difficult to tell if you need to aerate your lawn.

If you know that there has been a lot of traffic on your lawn since the last time you aerated your lawn, you may need to aerate it again. If you begin to notice brown patches in your lawn this could be a clue that you need to aerate. When water and air cannot reach the grass roots the grass dies out. If you notice water runoff during rain or while you are watering your lawn this could mean that it is time to find the best aerators for lawns in your area. When water runs off the soil instead of absorbing into the soil, it is a sign that the soil has become compacted.

Sometimes the best aerators for lawns are mechanical. One option you may want to consider is the Billy Goat Tow Behind Aerator. This aerator attaches easily to a lawn tractor or ATV and can be used on any good-sized lawn. Mechanical aerators for lawns can come in many sizes and you can use them yourself or hire a lawn care service to use them for you. These are generally more effective if you have a large lawn or a business property that you need to keep looking green and healthy.

There are other choices when it comes to aerators for lawns. If you are looking for a more organic method of aerating your lawn you may want to consider Liquid Aerator Blend; this is a completely biodegradable blend that improves air and water penetration of your soil. Some of the benefits of using liquid aerators for lawns are:

1. No need for mechanical aeration 2. Reduces soil compaction 3. Breaks up clay evenly 4. Improves soil structure and humus formation 5. Can be applied any time during the growing season 6. Increases earthworm activity 7. Will help bio-activate all soils

These are two of the best aerators for lawns available. Of course you could save yourself some money and simply spend a week or so walking around your lawn poking a long stick into the soil to aerate it, but this can get to be back-breaking labor very quickly.

Everyone would like to have the type of green velvety lawn that is shown in magazines and television. However, even the smallest lawn can be a compliment to your home and landscaping. It really doesn't take a lot of effort or money to create the kind of beautiful green lawn you desire. All it takes is knowledge: learn which aerators for lawns will work best for you and give your lawn a much needed boost.

Simple Steps on How to Buy Vinyl Fence Online

It is so time-consuming when one needs to build a home for the very first time. There are so many things that one needs to think about, and everything should be perfectly planned. Planning for a kind of fence for the backyard would be one thing that a homeowner should think about. It would be great if the backyard does have a beautiful fence on it to make sure that there is protection and safety for the entire family living inside the house. However, most of the people nowadays have hectic schedules, and so others prefer to buy whatever they see online.

Online business has started to become booming in the 19th century when there are so many innovations that have been popularized by people from across the world. People sell and shop online to make sure that they are able to provide themselves convenience. One thing that has been offered online is the product vinyl fences.

Vinyl fences are other alternative for wood fences that are usually used by homeowners. It is said that these are easy to maintain, and is not easily rotten. These are just a few of the reasons why most people would want to install vinyl fences rather than wood fences. There are just safety reminders on how to buy online vinyl fences.

People buying online would not be able to see the exact product or item. This is why it is very important to ask the seller some questions before deciding. If one would decide to buy vinyl fence online, they need to think that it is not that easy as one-two-three.

Choosing the style of fence would be highly relevant. There are different styles that are available online, and that is why it is encouraged to browse for more options. There are ones that are traditional in style, and there are unique styles that one can choose from, too. Whatever one decides to choose, it should match the way how their house looks like.

When deciding to buy vinyl fence online, it is wise to choose a company that is more reliable and popular. These kinds of companies have already gained people's trust, and so anyone can be confident when buying from them. Read the company's profile. If there are reviews and testimonials from previous customers, it would also be best to read those online. Check if they can also offer discounts if people would buy bulk orders from them. What are their other offers?

Tips on Lawn Mower Repair

When you own a beautiful yard some kind of lawn mowing equipment is necessary. Since it is such a necessity you should also be well informed on some of the necessary maintenance skills. A solid ability to maintain it is a must.

When you are maintaining any type of lawn equipment, you will understand the benefit of knowing some of the do-it-yourself lawn mower repair tricks. This can not only save you money, but also save you some major frustration of not knowing what to do when the engine goes crazy. Yes, these skills will most likely not be acquired over night. It may take years of experience to learn all the tricks to keep the mower running properly.

But guess what! You are lucky enough for finding this page right now as this is where you will find some important tips on do-it-yourself lawn mower repair!

Tip #1: A mower that won't start at all is most likely needing a new spark plug. What can you do to solve this? It is relatively simple, just replace the plug with a new one. You should be able to purchase one at a nearby electrical store. Just check the model number to make sure you purchase the correct one. The store should have a qualified employee that can offer their assistance.

Tip #2: When a mower continue to cough and sputter the problem is usually one of two things. It is either a problem with the air filter or the fuel. If the problem lies with the air filter, it is a simple solution. Just replace it with a new one. It the fuel is the problem make sure that there is enough fuel in the tank to make it run properly.

Tip #3: The best do-it-yourself lawn mower repair when you are faced with a mower that keeps dying after starting it is to check to see if it has fuel in it. If it does have enough, the problem could be that the engine has become flooded. Turn the fuel off, and then restart the engine. Do this several times and make sure to start it on the correct setting. Also remember this tidbit: do not use old gas! Discard any old gas and replace with fresh fuel.

It does not matter what type of problem you are having with your lawn mowing equipment, always remember to remove the spark plug before trying to fix anything. Keep these tips in mind as they may be able to save you some time and money. It is certainly essential to inform yourself with these do-it-yourself lawn mower repair tips!

Good Luck!

Your Guide to Snow Blower Maintenance

As our winters seem to get hit with more and more snow fall each the need for a snow blower becomes almost a necessity. Anyone who has ever shoveled a driveway knows that not only does it take a long time to shovel a long driveway, but it is quite tiresome and can lead to a nagging back injury. Those of us who own a snow blower never want to go back to the old method of manual shoveling of the snow. While a snow blower is an expensive item, proper maintenance and care of it will make it a great investment that can last for many years.

Just like your lawn mower, any type of snow throwing machine or a blower should be maintained on a yearly basis. Reading the manual that comes with this device and some basic mechanical knowledge will keep this device running smoothly and efficiently no matter what the outside conditions may be. If you happen to have a blower that has chains, make sure you keep these properly lubed and have extras in a safe place just in case of an emergency. Another good idea is to always check the rubber on the auger, because with too much space in between could cause a major malfunction of the blower.

The key is to provide maintenance to the snow blower as directed in the user guide and to always clean and check all bolts and parts before the winter hits in your area. Remember that these devices will be sitting out for 6 or more months at a time and it is necessary to make sure that it is in full working condition before a big snow fall hits your area. Always have enough gas and oil available and make sure to start it up every few weeks year around and let it run for a few minutes, just to avoid any starting problems.

Always keep a few extra spark plugs handy as they are often one of the first parts of the snow machine to break down. Be sure to follow the directions exactly when it comes to the amount of oil and gas that you can use together, because often times this can cause major damage to your device.

In the event of a major malfunction, check on the internet or use your local yellow pages to find a tool or body shop that specializes in snow blower repair and maintenance. Many times if you go to these places when the weather is warm they will often have snow blowers at deep discounted prices for you to purchase.

Having a snow machine is one of the best investments that you can make if you live in any climate with heavy snow fall. Just like any other gas powered machine, proper maintenance and upkeep of your snow blower will keep it working for many years to come.

Homelite Weed Eater: A Complete Review

A few weeks ago my best weed eater broke while I was out working on my lawns. After completing the job, I headed to my local mechanic's shop so he could fix it. Since it was early spring, he was backed up with other repairs and told me he couldn't have mine fixed for 2 weeks. So, I headed to the nearby Home Depot and purchased a Homelite weed eater.

In hind sight, I should have gone home and gotten online to read reviews on the top weed eaters for sale. But, I was in a hurry to get back to my lawns and I needed a new trimmer and I need one fast. I picked the Homelite weed eater because it felt good, looked quality, and cost around $100. I didn't want to spend too much since I'd be getting back my top string trimmer soon. I just needed something decent to hold me over.

After I purchased the trimmer, I took it out to the parking lot to try and get it started. Much to my dismay, I couldn't get it running. I did everything I normally did to get a trimmer running, but it still wouldn't start. Right as I was about to take it back inside, I noticed instructions on the shaft for how to start it. I followed those and it started right up. I was now ready to go try it out on a lawn to see how it would perform.

I was pleased to find out that the Homelite weed eater was powerful and lightweight. It also was easy to adjust the handle in order to make it comfortable to use. The trimmer had plenty of power, but I soon found out that it was not intended for trimming of thick weeds and ground. The engine could handle it, the problem was, the head would come spinning off if it was met with too much resistance. I quickly adjusted to this and only used it for normal trimming and edging and it worked fine.

The only other issue I had with the Homelite weed eater is that by the end of the day my arm was very sore. I have been using a weed eater for over ten years and hadn't experienced soreness like that. However, the trimmer is not meant for commercial use and this only happened when I used the unit for an extended period of time.

Once I received my string trimmer back from the shop, I gave the Homelite to a friend to use on his lawn. He uses it once a week for basic trimming and edging and thinks it works great.

Long-Term Storage of Gasoline for Lawnmowers

It's spring and the grass needs cutting. You get the gas lawnmower out of storage and look in the tank - it has gas in it. You pull on its cord to start it and after a few pulls, it sputters and starts but then stalls. How come last fall it would start so easy and now you are having one heck of a time starting it?

Well, you can probably blame it on the kinds of gas we are able to buy today. Ever since ethanol was required to be added to the gas at the pump, an unintended gas storage problem was created. If gas stands for more than a few weeks the ethanol will separate from the gasoline and in the extreme a varnish will develop which can clog the carburetor and internal parts of an engine. You might even have to take it to a small-engine shop to have it fixed.

Storage is not a problem when you are using gas in your car or truck because you probably are burning through tanks on a regular basis. But when you are storing gas in containers or over the winter in a gas mower or other small-engine-powered tool, the separation of the ethanol becomes a problem.

So how do you store gas properly?

First maybe it isn't such a good idea anyway. Only buy gas when you need it and burn through it - don't store it. Storing gasoline is not safe since it is inflammable, highly dangerous, and can act like a bomb if ignited accidentally or otherwise.

At the end of the lawn mowing season drain or siphon all the gas out of the lawnmower tank and then run the engine until it stops for lack of gas. In this way you can store the mower without damaging its gaskets or other parts of the motor.

The second method entails the use of approved-small-engine gasoline stabilizers which you can add to the gas in the tank. Some stabilizers claim to keep the gas from separating and creating problems for up to 24 months. It really doesn't matter in that all a lawnmower needs is about six months and you will be back to burning through new gas all during the grass-cutting season. Note: there are gas caps that can be purchased, that will contain the stabilizer, and add it to the fuel automatically. These work fine so long as you remember to periodically fill the cap, especially at the end of the season if you intend to store the mower with gas in its tank.

Long-term gas storage is a problem that can not only cause you a lot of aggravation - trying to start a gummed-up, small-gasoline engine, but can also cost you in the repair of an engine that has had its parts varnished by the stale gas. So before you put that lawnmower or other small-gas-engine tool away for the season, it is wise to take the steps necessary for the proper storage of gasoline.

Sunday, December 2, 2012

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