Springtime Landscape Equipment Maintenance Checklist

March is here and for landscapers, that means one thing: the busy season is about to begin. Before diving headfirst into customer projects, ensuring your landscaping equipment is ready for the demands of both residential and commercial properties is crucial. 

Regular maintenance extends the lifespan of your machines and tools, prevents costly downtime, and keeps your crew safe and productive. This landscape maintenance checklist outlines key tasks for power equipment, hand tools, and other considerations to reduce downtime and ensure a smooth and successful spring/summer season.

Power Equipment Maintenance

Power equipment, such as mowers, blowers, trimmers, edgers, and other types of cutting equipment are the backbone of your operation. Here is a look at what maintenance landscaping business owners should perform for each of these essential pieces of equipment to get them ready to be used every day – and avoid expensive repairs. 

Mowers

• Oil and Filter Change: Sticking to the manufacturer’s recommended schedule (usually annually) for oil changes and filter replacements is crucial. Fresh oil lubricates vital engine components, preventing friction and wear. Replacing the filter traps harmful contaminants that could damage your engine.
• Spark Plug Inspection and Replacement: Inspect your spark plugs for wear, cracks, or carbon buildup. Worn or damaged plugs can lead to difficulty starting, reduced performance, and increased emissions. Replace them as needed based on the manufacturer’s specifications.
• Air Filter Cleaning and Replacement: A clogged air filter restricts airflow, hindering engine performance and increasing fuel consumption. Clean the air filter according to the manual, and replace if it’s excessively dirty or damaged. Ensure you use the correct filter type for your specific mower model.
• Blade Sharpening and Balancing: Dull blades tear through grass, leaving ragged edges and potentially harming the lawn. Sharpening ensures clean, precise cuts that promote healthy turf growth. Balancing the blades distributes weight evenly, preventing uneven wear and vibrations. Remember, sharp blades are safer, more efficient, and make lawn mowing easier.
• Tire Pressure Check and Inflation: Underinflated tires make your mower sluggish and can damage the lawn. Regularly check the tire pressure against the manufacturer’s recommendations and inflate them accordingly. Proper tire pressure ensures smooth operation, reduces wear and tear, and protects the lawn.
• Deck Cleaning and Lubrication: The underside of your mower deck accumulates grass clippings and debris. Before each season, thoroughly clean the deck to remove any buildup that could impede airflow or hinder performance. Once clean, lubricate all moving parts according to the manual to reduce friction, prevent rust and wear, and keep your mowers running smoothly for optimal lawn care.

Hedge Trimmers and Edgers

• Line Replacement and Spooling Techniques: Check if you have enough trimmer line, and ensure you know how to properly spool and load it according to your specific model’s instructions. Improper spooling can lead to jams, so mastering this technique saves you time and effort in the long run.
• Fuel System Cleaning and Stabilizer Use: If you use gas-powered trimmers or edgers, prevent fuel system issues by cleaning them regularly. This removes debris that can clog components and hinder performance. Additionally, adding a fuel stabilizer extends the fuel’s shelf life and prevents gumming, ensuring easier starting even after storage.
• Shaft Lubrication and Grease Points: Locate the designated grease points on your trimmer or edger’s shaft and apply lubricant according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This reduces friction and wear, ensuring your tools move effortlessly, are working properly, and last longer.
• Spark Plug and Filter Maintenance: Regularly check the spark plugs and air filters in your gas-powered trimmers and edgers for wear or damage. Replace them as needed based on the manufacturer’s recommendations. Fresh spark plugs and clean filters translate to easier starting, better fuel efficiency, and reduced emissions.

Leaf Blowers and Vacuums

• Filter Cleaning and Replacement: Regularly clean or replace the air filter according to the manufacturer’s instructions. A clogged filter reduces suction power and can damage the engine.
• Hose and Nozzle Inspection: Inspect hoses and nozzles for any cracks, tears, or blockages that could impede airflow or cause leaks. Repair or replace damaged components as needed.
• Impeller Check and Cleaning: Inspect the impeller, the rotating component that generates airflow, for debris buildup. Clean it thoroughly to ensure optimal airflow and prevent performance issues.
• Spark Plug and Air Filter Maintenance: If you use gas-powered blowers or vacuums, regularly check the spark plugs and air filters for wear or damage. Replace them as needed based on the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Chainsaws and Saws

• Sharpening: A dull chain increases the risk of kickback and requires more force to operate, causing fatigue and potential accidents. Sharpen your chainsaw chain according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This typically involves using a specialized file and jig to maintain the correct angles and depth of the cutting teeth.
• Tensioning: Improper chain tension can also lead to safety hazards and reduced cutting efficiency. Regularly check the tension and adjust it as per the manufacturer’s recommendations. An optimally tensioned chain should not sag excessively but should also move freely when pulled with moderate force.
• Lubrication: Friction between the chainsaw bar and chain is a major cause of wear and tear. Regularly lubricate the bar with high-quality bar oil to reduce friction and prevent damage. Most chainsaws have automatic lubrication systems, but it’s essential to check the oil level before each use and refill as needed.
• Cleaning: Debris build-up on the bar and sprocket can hinder proper lubrication and contribute to wear. Regularly clean both components, removing sawdust, wood chips, and other debris. This ensures smooth oil flow and optimal lubrication.
• Air Filter: A dirty air filter restricts airflow, impacting engine performance and increasing fuel consumption. Check the air filter regularly and clean or replace it according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Spark Plug: Inspect the spark plug for wear or damage, such as cracked porcelain or eroded electrodes. Replace it if necessary with a compatible new plug. A clean and properly functioning spark plug ensures easier starting and smoother engine operation.
• Safety Check: Before using any chainsaw or saw, perform a thorough safety check. Ensure the chain brake, handguards, and other safety features function properly and are in good condition. Inspect for any loose bolts, cracked components, or other potential hazards.

Hand Tool Maintenance

While power tools may do the brunt of your landscaping work, hand tools also play an important role in completing your projects. They also need some love and attention before starting the busy season. Some specific things to pay attention to include: 

• Shears, Pruners, Loppers, and Saws: Dull blades can tear and damage plant tissues, hindering growth and increasing disease susceptibility. Sharpen your blades regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This typically involves using a whetstone, honing tool, or professional sharpening service to achieve the correct angle and sharpness. Sharp blades provide clean, efficient cuts that promote healthy plant growth.
• Blades and Mechanisms: Built-up debris on blades and mechanisms can hinder smooth operation and attract rust. Inspect blades and regularly clean your tools with a damp cloth or brush, removing any dirt, sap, or plant residue. Pay particular attention to areas where blades meet mechanisms.
• Oiling: After cleaning, apply a light coat of oil to moving parts as per the manufacturer’s recommendations. This reduces friction and prevents rust, ensuring your tools operate smoothly and last longer.
• Safety First: Don’t risk injury or poor performance by using worn-out or damaged tools. Inspect your tools regularly for cracks, loose handles, or other signs of wear and tear. Replace any tools that compromise safety or functionality promptly. Using well-maintained tools ensures efficient work and minimizes the risk of accidents.
• Designated Storage: Store your tools in a clean, dry, and organized location. This protects them from damage caused by weather, dirt, or accidental knocks. Consider using toolboxes, cabinets, or pegboards to keep everything easily accessible and prevent tangles or clutter.

Additional Considerations

Beyond equipment maintenance for specific types, there are other considerations to pay attention to when getting ready for the busy landscaping season. They include: 

• Battery Care: Electric power equipment is becoming increasingly popular among landscapers and contractors. If you have any electric equipment, ensure your batteries are charged and in good condition. Consult the manufacturer’s instructions for proper charging and storage techniques to maximize their lifespan. Avoid storing batteries in extreme temperatures and remember to remove them from equipment for long-term storage.
• Maximizing Battery Life: Consider investing in a battery charger with multiple charging modes, allowing you to optimize charging based on battery type and usage patterns. Additionally, using the correct battery for your specific equipment and avoiding deep discharges can extend battery life.
• Regular Inspection and Cleaning: Regularly inspect your safety gear, such as gloves, goggles, and hearing protection, for signs of wear and damage. Clean them according to the manufacturer’s recommendations to maintain their effectiveness and comfort. Frequent inspections help prevent issues and ensure proper function.
• Prompt Replacement: Don’t compromise your safety by using damaged or worn-out safety gear or broken equipment. Replace any faulty equipment immediately with high-quality replacements that meet relevant safety standards.
• Pre-Trip Checks: Before each trip, ensure your trailer and truck are in safe operating condition. Check all lights, tires (including pressure and tread depth), brakes, and fluid levels (oil, coolant, etc.) according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Address any issues promptly to avoid breakdowns and potential accidents.
• Regular Vehicle Maintenance: Schedule regular maintenance for your trailer and truck based on the manufacturer’s guidelines. This helps prevent breakdowns, extends the lifespan of your vehicles, and ensures safe operation.

By following these essential landscape maintenance checklist steps, you can ensure your equipment is ready to tackle the spring season with ease. Remember, regular maintenance not only saves you money in the long run, it helps keep your employees working seamlessly throughout the season. 

Partnering with a company like Kenney Machinery, which provides preventative maintenance and ongoing turf maintenance equipment repairs, is a great first step to take in getting ready for the spring and summer. Exploring the benefits of a service agreement is also a good idea.