Outdoor Power Equipment
POWER UNITS
Power sources for lawn and garden equipment fall into three categories: gasoline engines, electric motors and battery-powered electric motors.
For smaller equipment, the convenience of cordless operation is a major feature. Not only has extended battery life contributed to the popularity of cordless tools, but lightweight gasoline engines on products such as string trimmers allow users to move about freely without the fear of cutting an electrical cord.
Starting cordless units powered by electrical motors is easy, and battery charges will usually last through most typical yard jobs. The unit can be recharged between jobs. Increasingly, electric motors are being used in a wide range of outdoor power equipment and starter motor applications.
Larger power equipment is primarily gasoline powered.
STARTERS
Recoil starters are most widely used, but battery-powered starters have grown in use over the years.
The batteries for electric starters can be recharged either with chargers that connect to electrical wall outlets or with electrical chargers built into the engine, which recharge the battery while the engine is operating.
Battery voltage may be 6V or 12V, and the number of starts possible depends on the battery amperage rating and the output of the engine charger.
The convenience and reliability of electric starters are features. Electric starters may add $50 or more to the retail selling price of a walk-behind mower and as much as $150 to the price of a tractor.
GASOLINE ENGINES
Gasoline engines are available in two- and four-stroke cycle constructions. The four operating functions are intake, compression, power and exhaust stroke.
In two-cycle engines, compression and power are combined in one cycle, and exhaust and intake are the second cycle.
A four-cycle engine uses valves and a two-cycle engine utilizes intake and exhaust ports.
Lubrication for two-stroke cycle engines comes from the oil being mixed with the gasoline. The four-stroke cycle uses a reservoir.
Two-cycles are easy to start, but speed regulation is usually limited. Some models have fuel primers for easier starting.
SPARK PLUGS
Failure to use the correct plug, or substitution, could result in poor performance or engine failure.
Engine manufacturers specify spark plugs for specific requirements and best performance. Some of the considerations made in specifying spark plugs include heat range, size, sealing features, materials, depth projection (position of electrode) in the cylinder head and electrode shape/design.
Original equipment manufacturers can supply data on the specific plug needed for individual power equipment engines. Manufacturer representatives can also supply information such as charts and brochures on use and interchangeability. For home improvement advice, visit JS West Lumber & Ace Hardware Sonora, Ca. or visit
www.acehardware.com and click on the Answers@Ace icon. Answers@Ace is an online resource with information for do-it-yourselfers about hardware and home improvement projects. The Everyday Projects section has pictures and detailed, step-by-step instructions for this and many more home improvement projects.
To speak to an Ace Hardware advisor in Sonora call: 209 532 7446.
