Is Your Machinery Ready for The Growing Season?

With spring in full swing and summer just around the corner, there is no better time to make sure your power tools are still in working order and prepared for the growing season.

This will help to prevent mishaps during use and prolong the life of your tools and equipment, and it will also ensure you get the best results.

We have collated some helpful tips that will make your work easier when it’s time to tackle your horticultural and gardening challenges…

THOROUGHLY INSPECT AND TEST YOUR POWER TOOLS

It is vitally important to correctly store your gardening equipment over the winter. If your tools are sitting in your garage or shed for months on end, they could have rust, corrosion or other unwanted damage. This is why it is important to perform a thorough inspection of everything before you come to use it.

On electric machines, check that the power cable isn’t damaged. And also look for any rusty, loose, broken or damaged parts. Some of these issues are fairly easy to fix or replace at home, and if you detect any bigger issues that impact the usability of any tools, you will still have time to take it to a registered repairer.

After inspecting a power tool, start it and run it to test for any irregular noise and to make sure it is still in good working condition. If you detect issues, assess if the damage is minimal and can be fixed at home (loose parts, in need of lubrication, etc.). Keep in mind that power tools can be extremely dangerous, so if you think the issue or damage is too big or too complicated to fix yourself, take it to your local registered repair shop where it can be fixed by professionals.

Pressure washers in particular can suffer from leaks if they are kept somewhere that is not frost-free, as water in the tubes and pumps expand when it freezes and can cause failures.

If you are the owner of an expensive power tool, you should consider taking it for an annual service at an authorised repairer, so you can be sure it’s in top condition.

Witham stock a wide range of products to help clean and store your equipment safely.

Perform General Maintenance

Once you know your garden machine is in a safe, working condition, you will need to perform some simple general maintenance such as wiping down the chassis and the exterior with a damp cloth to remove dirt. Also tighten any loose screws or bolts and make sure all the external wires are secure.

It is also good practice to oil and lubricate all chains, bars and blades on machines such as chainsaws and hedge trimmers. You can rub hedge trimmer blades with wire wool to help remove any build-up of plant sap, followed by a coat of Witham Prolan and / or Chain Oil.

Regular maintenance will prolong the life of your garden power tools significantly.  We stock a whole range of lawn mower engine oils, chain oils, multi ease lubricants as well as long lasting, biodegradable options.

Recharge Any Batteries

If your power tools are cordless, you’ll want to make sure their batteries still work. Charge the batteries and test them and replace any that are no longer working. Power tool manufacturer Stihl suggests you should leave batteries at a charge level of 40–60% when in storage.

Make sure you use the appropriate battery lubricant such as Witham Prolan Medium Grade Spray, which protects battery terminals and contacts from corrosion and oxidation.

Change the Oil and the fuel

Replacing the Engine Oil in your power tools is essential if you want to ensure they run smoothly and efficiently now spring has arrived.

Manufacturers of garden tools recommend stocking up on the correct grade of oil before the season starts. This way you can get on with the gardening jobs straight away and top the Oils up in small amounts when you need to thereafter.

Petrol driven power tools that were drained of fuel before winter storage can be refilled. Also do not forget to clean the spark plug as well. Witham stocks a whole range of Qualube 2-Stroke Easy Mix, Lawnmower Engine oil, Chain oils and other maintenance products for equipment to help ensure your machine operates safely and smoothly and lasts a long time.

For more information about our gardening and horticultural product range, please visit our website:

https://www.withamgroup.co.uk/horticultural