Yard and Garden Equipment
TIPical Mary Ellen : Episode TIP-170 -- More Projects »
Lawn-care expert Mike Ferrara demonstrate ways to get that yard equipment up and running for spring.
- Use a snap-on plastic conduit over an extension cord to protect the cord from being cut on electric lawn tools (figure A).
- Use a pressure wand to clean crud from a mower. Another option is to bring it to a self-serve car wash and blast it with a pressure hose.
- For two-cycle engines, don't mix the gas and the oil in the machine's gas tank, and don't go out and buy a whole new gas can--that will just take up space in the garage. Clean out a dishwashing-soap bottle and mix the gas and oil in there. There's no spill because you just use the squirt spout to fill the tank.
Avoid spilling gasoline when a mower is tipped to clean the deck, or inspect the blade by putting a small plastic bag between the tank and the cap (figure B), then screwing on the cap. This forms a temporary leakproof seal.Another way to keep the mower clean and working well is to use a blower/vacuum to clean it off and vacuum out the bag to get those clippings that cling to the inside. Always remember, a clean mower runs better.
Buying an edger to keep a lawn looking neat isn't necessary. Just turn a string trimmer sideways (figure C) and use it as an edger.After edging, use a blower on the area where the pavement meets the grass. It'll really clean the area nicely.If a blower isn't available and the sidewalk or driveway is clear of debris, use the mower to blow clippings back onto the lawn.Use a blower/vacuum in the spring to clean off a driveway or even to dry a car after washing it.After hauling something in a truck, use a blower/vacuum to blow out the bed. If the truck has vinyl seats, use the blower to clean out the cab, too.
Guests Mike Ferrara
The Lazy Homeowner / Lawn-Care Expert, Axiom Productions
Toll-free: 888-917-3716
E-mail:
lazyhomeowner@axiomcom.com
Website:
www.lazyhomeowner.com
Also in this Episode
![PHOTO](javascript:popup("http://img.hgtv.com/HGTV/2003/02/28/tip170_2c_e.jpg",350,450))
![PHOTO](javascript:popup("http://img.hgtv.com/HGTV/2003/02/28/tip170_2a_e.jpg",350,450))
![PHOTO](javascript:popup("http://img.hgtv.com/HGTV/2003/02/28/tip170_2b_e.jpg",350,450))
