Essential Fall Equipment Maintenance for Groundskeepers

As summer turns to fall, your groundskeeping equipment must be ready for new challenges. Cooler weather, increased moisture, and lots of falling leaves can take a toll on your tools. But with the proper care, your equipment will easily handle these changes.

Let’s walk through the essential steps to keep your mowers, aerators, and other tools working well season after season.  

Fall Leaf Management

Your mowers and leaf blowers are the workhorses of fall groundskeeping projects. Keeping them in good shape prevents breakdowns, makes them work better, and saves you time.

A well-kept mower cuts grass and leaves more effectively, helping your clients’ lawns look healthier. Plus, a leaf blower that starts easily and works powerfully lets you finish jobs quicker, giving you time for more tasks. So, before the leaves pile up, take a little time to care for your tools.

Maintenance for Mowers

Always refer to your mower’s manual for specific care instructions. Each model has its quirks, and the manufacturer knows best. That said, most mowers benefit from a similar maintenance routine.

• Blade sharpening: Sharpen mower blades at least once per season. If you operate the mower frequently or on rough terrain, sharpen the blades every 25 operating hours.  
• Oil and filter change: Dirty oil can damage your mower’s engine. Change the engine oil and filter at the start of the season and after every 50 hours.  
• Air filter cleaning: Clean the air filter after every 25 hours. If you’re using the mower in dusty conditions, it must be cleaned more often.  
• Spark plug check: Inspect the spark plugs every 200 hours. If they look worn or dirty, clean or replace them for easier starting.
• General cleaning: Grass and leaves love to hide under the mower deck. Take a few minutes at the end of the day to scrape it clean to maintain your mower’s performance.

Service for Leaf Blowers

As for leaf blowers, the same principle applies: your owner’s manual is the ultimate guide. But most leaf blowers share these common maintenance needs.

• Spark plug cleaning: Inspect the spark plug in your leaf blower after 200 hours or if it seems hard to start. Clean or replace the plug if it looks dirty or worn.   
• Fuel system check: Before using your leaf blower, look for cracks or leaks in the fuel lines. If the tank has been sitting around, consider filling it with fresh fuel.
• Air filter cleaning: Check and clean the air filter in your leaf blower at the end of every workday to protect its engine’s performance and reliability.

For larger properties or areas with heavy leaf fall, consider adding a leaf vacuum or chipper to your lineup. Leaf vacuums are like giant dust busters designed for your lawn, sucking up leaves and saving you the backache of raking. Many models even have a built-in mulcher that shreds leaves as they’re collected.

If you’re dealing with a mountain of leaves, a chipper can make them disappear in a hurry, saving you time and disposal fees. By shredding leaves into smaller pieces, you speed up decomposition and create valuable mulch for flower beds and walkways.

Lawn and Garden Care

Fall isn’t just about leaves. It’s also the time to show some love to the unsung heroes of your landscaping toolkit: your aerators, dethatchers, trimmers, and edgers. These tools are essential for maintaining healthy turf and sharp, professional edges that keep your customers returning.

Aerators

After a long, hot summer, soil can become compacted, keeping water, nutrients, and air from reaching plant roots. Keeping your aerator in top condition allows it to punch small holes in the ground efficiently, which promotes healthier, stronger grass.

To ensure your aerator is up to this essential fall task, complete the following maintenance services.

• Tine inspection: Take a close look at the tines. Are they bent or dull? If your aerator has replaceable tines, swap them out for new ones.
• Tine cleaning: Clear away any dirt or debris stuck in the tines after aerating. Debris removal prevents rust and ensures the tines can easily penetrate the soil next time.
• Storage: Store your aerator in a dry, covered area to protect it from the elements.

Dethatchers

Fall’s the perfect time to give lawns a fresh start, and your dethatcher is the tool for the job. It rips out that pesky layer of dead grass and debris that can choke out healthy growth. Before you put your dethatcher to work, ensure it’s up to the task.

• Depth adjustment: Adjust the depth settings appropriately to remove just the right amount of thatch without harming the grass.
• Tine cleaning: After use, remove any debris from the tines to prevent rust and ensure they are ready for the next use.
• Storage: Store your dethatcher in a dry, protected area during the winter months to prevent damage.

Trimmers and Edgers

Trimmers and edgers are your ticket to those crisp, clean edges that make a lawn look truly professional. But to keep these tools performing at their best, they need some TLC.

• Blade inspection: Closely examine the blades. Are they nicked, bent, or rusty? Replace them if needed to ensure a professional finish.
• Blade cleaning: After each use, wipe down the blades with a clean cloth to remove sap, dirt, and other debris.
• Lubrication: Apply a little lubricant to the moving parts after each use or once a month.

Irrigation System

As the growing season winds down, your irrigation system needs some attention. A well-maintained system saves water, money, and headaches down the road. Here’s what to focus on.

Fall Service

Before you shut things down for winter, give your irrigation system a thorough once-over. This is your chance to catch and fix minor issues before they become big problems next spring.

Start by checking for leaks. Even small drips can waste a lot of water and drive up your clients’ bills. While you’re at it, clean out those sprinkler heads. Dirt and debris can throw off spray patterns, leaving some areas parched while others become mini swamps.

Speaking of spray patterns, take a few minutes to adjust them. Watering the sidewalk doesn’t do anyone any good. A few tweaks now can mean healthier lawns and lower water bills next season.

Winterization

Here’s the big one: protecting your system from winter’s freezing temperatures. Skipping this step can lead to cracked pipes and a hefty repair bill come spring.

The key is getting all the water out of those pipes. For most systems, that means blowing them out with compressed air.

This project requires the right tools and know-how, so if you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, call in a certified equipment manager or repair specialist. The cost of winterization is a small price to pay compared to replacing a damaged system.

Safety and Storage Tips for Grounds Equipment

Your equipment is an investment in your business, and taking care of it means taking care of yourself, too. As your trusted certified equipment support professional, we’d like to take a moment to talk about keeping both you and your tools in top shape.

First up, safety. Always wear the right PPE, like gloves, safety glasses, ear protection, and sturdy boots. Your health is worth more than any job.

Also, keep these safety tips in mind:

• Never run equipment when you’re tired or after a few drinks. It’s not worth the risk.
• Give your tools a quick once-over before each use to prevent minor issues from becoming a big problem.
• Stay with your equipment when it’s running. A wandering mower can cause severe damage.
• Always turn off your tools and their computer systems (if applicable) before you start tinkering.

When it comes to your equipment, don’t guess about its care needs. Whether for groundskeeping or construction, each equipment manufacturer offers all the manuals and other resources needed to keep your gear running like clockwork.

Now, let’s talk storage. Proper storage is key to making your equipment last. Before you put things away for the season:

• Clean everything thoroughly to prevent rust and make your life easier come spring.
• Add fuel stabilizer to your gas-powered tools. It’ll keep the fuel fresh and your engines happy.
• For battery-powered gear, check the manual. Some batteries need special care over the winter.

Final Thoughts

Proper maintenance is essential for ensuring your groundskeeping equipment stays in peak condition, season after season. As fall approaches, taking the time to perform these maintenance tasks will not only extend the life of your tools but also improve their performance, saving you time and effort. From sharpening mower blades and cleaning air filters to winterizing your irrigation system, each step you take now will pay dividends when spring rolls around.

By prioritizing safety, following manufacturer guidelines, and storing your equipment correctly, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle any challenge that comes your way. Remember, a little preventive care today can make all the difference in keeping your operations running smoothly and your clients’ properties looking pristine.