Special to Road Trips for Gardeners
By STIHL, Inc.

It’s time for gardeners to awaken their outdoor power equipment from its winter slumber. Before pulling tools out of storage and putting them to work, they need to be prepared for their spring workload.

This checklist of proper maintenance tips will help get tools ready to run. More tips can be found online.

• Check air filters for dirt and damage to determine if any need cleaning or replacement. Clean debris from blowers and trimmers as well.
• Inspect your equipment for broken parts, and replace any that are broken or damaged.
• Check screws and nuts, and retighten them if necessary.
• Now is a good time to sharpen or change saw chains, as well as replace trimmer line.
• Lubricate parts where friction will occur.
• When mixing fuel, use fresh fuel (stored for less than two months) and new two-cycle engine oil.
• Don’t put your power tool to work immediately after a season of storage; let it warm up for a few minutes before use.

(Photo courtesy of STIHL)