Maintaining Your Garden Machinery: A Seasonal Guide

At Rock Machinery, we understand that your garden machinery is an investment in the health and beauty of your outdoor spaces. Whether you’re using one of our robust log splitters, powerful wood chippers, or reliable stump grinders, proper maintenance is crucial to ensure your machinery remains in top condition year after year. Below, we offer a seasonal guide to help you care for your equipment, prolong its life, and maintain its performance.

Autumn: Prepare for Storage

As the gardening season winds down, it’s important to prepare your machinery for winter storage to prevent damage and ensure a smooth start next spring.

Drain Fluids

Before storing your machinery, drain the oil, fuel, and hydraulic fluids. This prevents condensation and the formation of sludge, which can damage internal components during long periods of inactivity.

Clean and Lubricate

Give your equipment a thorough cleaning to remove any dirt or plant residue. Once clean, apply a coat of lubricant to moving parts to protect against rust and corrosion during the winter months.

Store Properly

Store your machinery in a dry, sheltered location. Cover it with a protective cover to keep dust and moisture at bay.

Winter: Routine Inspections and Upgrades

Winter is the perfect time to perform any major maintenance or upgrades. With your equipment out of commission for the season, you can take your time to ensure everything is in top shape.

Conduct a Deep Inspection

Check for any wear and tear that may have gone unnoticed during the busy season. Replace worn parts and make any unnecessary repairs.

Upgrade Components

If you’ve been considering upgrading any parts of your machinery, such as installing a new blade or improving the engine, winter is the ideal time to do it.

Plan for the Next Season

Assess how your machinery performed over the past year and consider if any additional tools or equipment might make your gardening tasks easier in the future.

Spring: Prepare for the Growing Season

As the days get longer and temperatures rise, it’s time to bring your garden machinery out of winter storage. Before you start tackling the tasks ahead, give your equipment a thorough inspection.

Check the Oil and Fuel

After months of inactivity, the oil in your machinery may have deteriorated. Drain old oil and replace it with fresh oil to keep the engine running smoothly. Similarly, replace any stale fuel, as old fuel can cause starting issues.

Sharpen Blades

Whether you’re using a lawnmower, hedge trimmer, or wood chipper, sharp blades are essential for efficient cutting. Dull blades can damage plants and strain your machinery’s engine, so make sure to sharpen or replace them as needed.

Inspect Belts and Hoses

Over time, belts and hoses can wear out or crack, leading to breakdowns. Inspect these components and replace them if necessary to avoid disruptions during the busy season.

Summer: Keep Your Equipment Running Smoothly

Summer is peak gardening season, and your machinery will likely see a lot of use. Regular maintenance during these months is essential to keep everything operating efficiently.

Clean After Use

After each use, take a few minutes to clean your machinery. Remove any debris, grass, or sap that may have accumulated, especially around moving parts. This prevents blockages and reduces the risk of rust.

Monitor Fluid Levels

During heavy use, your machinery may consume more oil and hydraulic fluid than usual. Check fluid level regularly and top up as needed to ensure smooth operation.

Adjust Settings

As the season progresses, you might find that adjusting the height of your ATV mower or the settings on your wood chipper improves performance and results. Make these adjustments to suit the specific needs of your garden.

At Rock Machinery, we’re committed to helping you get the most out of your garden machinery. If you need advice, parts, or new equipment, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team of experts. We stock a wide range of high-quality garden machinery and accessories design to meet the demands of even the toughest jobs.