Leaf Blower Maintenance
Leaf Blower Maintenance
When you’ve got piles of debris to clear, you want reliable equipment that can get the job done. If you’re the proud owner of a leaf blower, you know how useful these tools can be. However, you’ll be less than satisfied with their performance if you neglect routine maintenance. Fortunately, Ryan Equipment Center is here to help. We’ve created this guide with some tips for lead blower maintenance. Read on for more details, then visit our dealership in Hartselle, AL, near Decatur.
General Maintenance Tips
Regardless of what type of blower you use, there are some general maintenance tips that will come in handy. Each week, you should confirm the trigger and throttle are still functioning. Additionally, you might be surprised to learn that the most important tips revolve around keeping your equipment clean. Whenever you’re about to use your blower, perform a thorough inspection first.
Some parts are more vulnerable than others such as the vents, fans, and air filters. If you discover any dirt or dust on the equipment’s exterior, clean it up. You can use a mild soap and water to clean the handle and the casing. Avoid harsh cleaners that may cause damage, including turpentine and ammonia.
Handheld Leaf Blower Tips
A handheld blower with a gas engine will require a few different maintenance checks. First, take a look at the air filter and remove any felt pieces or sponges before cleaning it. Soak it in warm, soapy water for a brief period before rinsing and drying. Once the air filter is completely dry, squeeze a couple of drops of oil into the sponge or filter.
If you’re familiar with gas-powered engines, you know how important the spark plugs are. Handheld blowers demand a lot of power from their engines, so keep up with spark plug maintenance. Start by disconnecting them and checking for signs of corrosion. If you come across issues, it might be time for a replacement. Generally speaking, you should replace them after 25 hours of use or each fall season, whichever occurs first.
You should consider draining and replacing the fuel in your blower every month. If you have a 2-stroke engine, remember to mix the proper amount of 2-stroke oil with the fuel. The most common ratio is 50:1. It’s best to mix enough for a one-month supply. You should never use motor oil as this will damage the engine. While you’re at it, you should replace the fuel filter if it’s time to do so.
A 4-stroke engine has a separate tank for oil and fuel, which need to be changed regularly. A common recommendation is to complete the first oil change on a 4-cycle engine after the initial 20 hours of use. After that, you can change it after every 50 hours of use.
Backpack Leaf Blower Tips
If your backpack blower has a gas engine, you’ll follow many of the same engine maintenance tips as you would with a handheld blower. However, you’ll also want to pay attention to other areas of maintenance when dealing with a backpack blower.
For example, examine the shoulder straps to make sure they’re not wearing out too quickly. You should adjust their position each time you use your equipment. The flexible hose is also important. This part connects the blower pipe and control handle to the engine. You should regularly inspect the flexible hose for tears, cracks, and other damage.
Finally, don’t forget to check the cooling system, which is designed to prevent your backpack blower from overheating. In some models, this setup includes a set of fins that are attached to the cylinder and work in conjunction with the air intake screen. You’ll want to regularly inspect and clean the fins with a brush to keep them free of dust and debris.
If you’d like more leaf blower maintenance tips, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the team at Ryan Equipment Center in Hartselle, AL. We’re available to answer any questions you may have. Our dealership also serves those in Cullman.