For the brands we carry, we stock all the most common wearable parts. For anything we don’t have in stock, we can usually order within a couple of days. In some cases, we need to make a special order for…
Services
Troubleshoot a Machine that Won’t Start
This is the most common issue we hear – “My machine won’t start!” There are so many reasons why a particular machine won’t start, including, fuel, ignition, compression, or some kind of mechanical damage. We have the tools and expertise…
Warranty Repairs
All new machines that we sell come with a manufacturer’s warranty. This is a guarantee that the product you purchased will work as promised. We are a full warranty depot for the brands we carry. An important consideration is that…
General Tune Up
Is your machine running but not at its optimal performance? Does it sound bad? Does it seem sluggish? Is it just not performing like it used to? We can do a general tune up which includes things like sharpening lawnmower…
Winterization
Your machines worked hard all Spring, Summer and Fall – they need a break for the winter! Let us winterize your machine after your last use of the year, which will ensure it’s ready to go with one pull when…
Spring Tune Up
Equipment that sits all winter long sometimes has a hard time starting up in the Spring. Commonly, we see issues around stale fuel or normal maintenance items like air filters and oil changes. We see a rush in April which…
Sharpening
Is your machine no longer the sharpest tool in the shed? It’s not its fault. We can help with that. Almost all of our machines have some sort of cutting ability, such as the chain on a chainsaw or the…
Service Tips (FAQs)
Lawn Cutting
Mowing the grass not only makes it look neat and tidy but contributes to the health of your lawn. Here are a few suggestions for proper lawn upkeep:
- Consider mulching.When you cut your lawn and leave the clippings on top, it can be quite unsightly. Many people opt for bagging the grass clippings and then dumping them into a compost or some other depository. However, in this case you're actually removing nutrients from the soil. We recommend mulching because with this technique the lawn mower grinds grass clippings so fine that they fall back into the soil where they quickly decompose.
- Your blades are critical to the process.It's one thing to keep your blades sharp, which means the grass is cut cleanly rather than being torn. This makes the lawn look better as well as facilitate its growth. Balancing your blades makes the lawnmower smoother and minimizes vibrations that you feel through the handle. It also helps maximize the life of the engine.
- Watch out for corrosion. Grass clippings themselves can have corrosive properties to metals on your lawnmower. It's a good idea to use a garden hose to spray off the underside of the lawnmower deck after use. This also prevents build up which keeps the mower functioning well. Adding fertilizers to your lawn can also have corrosive properties so this is an extra important time to wash your mower.
Chainsaw Maintenance
Chainsaws are inherently high performance machines. As a result, it takes regular maintenance to keep them functioning that way safely.
- Keep your chain sharp.It is recommended that you file your chain before each use. Don't forget to also file the rakers down which gauge how deep of a cut you make. It's a good idea to also have a replacement chain available in case you hit a rock or other debris. Another key component of optimal chain performance is the oil - make sure your machine has proper chain lubricant oil and is adjusted to the proper flow rate. Without lubrication, your chain will overheat and cease to function well.
- Use good quality and fresh fuel.We highly recommend the Aspen two-stroke fuel line as it comes pre-mixed and has other performance benefits. If you choose to mix your own fuels, try to avoid ethanol and use a good quality oil with careful attention to measurements for the correct oil-to-fuel ratio.
- Adjustments.For example, chain tension should be kept quite tight. The bar shouldn't have excessive wear and the sprocket should rotate freely. Some older saws also require mild adjustments to the carburetor to ensure the correct air-to-fuel ratio for optimal performance.
- Cleanliness.Saw dust gets everywhere. You want to make sure that the air filter area in particular stays clean and free of debris. Ensure there is no build up around the chain clutch or safety equipment to protect proper and safe operation.
DIY Spring Maintenance
We get a lot of questions about best practices for maintenance of lawnmowers or other machines with small engines. One of the most common approaches is to conduct your own Spring maintenance with the following:
- Replace the spark plug.
- Clean or replace the air filter.
- Change the engine oil.
- Check and sharpen your blade.
Avoid Stale Fuel
The gas you buy at gas stations has ethanol in it. It's only good for 3-6 months and will go stale in storage. This leads to carburetor problems that cause difficulty starting. Here are three tips to avoid stale fuel problems:
- Avoid Ethanol Fuels - Check the pump before you fill up - most gas stations offer a high octane fuel without ethanol. It does vary by fuel company, so do your own research.
- Use Fuel Stabilizer - If you do buy regular fuel with ethanol, it is highly recommended that you add a fuel stabilizer before you store your machine for the winter. Fuel stabilizer is a chemical additive that you pour into your fuel tank. It's widely available and you can find it at our Chilliwack retail outlet. Check ratio guidelines carefully to put the correct amount in.
- Use Alternative Fuels - We carry Aspen Fuels which are a synthetic derived from wood waste products. These fuels do cost more, however, they perform better than gasoline, never go stale, and typically have less smoke and exhaust fumes. Aspen is available in four-stroke and two-stroke variants.