Need Support? Talk to an Expert

How To

Tag: How To

Keeping Your Leaf Blower in Top Shape

Posted on Marie Holper

Leaf blowers are handy tools that make light work of blowing leaves and debris off the lawn, driveway, and sidewalks. However, like any tool, they require maintenance to function properly. With proper maintenance, your leaf blower will not only be more efficient in cleaning but also last longer. In this blog post, our team at B & M Lawn & Garden will share some essential leaf blower maintenance tips.

1. Clean the Air Filter Regularly

The air filter keeps dust and debris out of the engine and, over time, it can become clogged up. If this happens, the engine will have to work harder, leading to poor performance and, in some cases, engine damage. Set a reminder to clean the air filter regularly, following the manufacturer’s instructions.

2. Check the Fuel and Oil Level

Before using your leaf blower, check the fuel and oil levels. Running out of oil can damage the engine and lead to expensive repairs, and running out of gas can result in a lack of power or cutting out mid-use.

Remember that not all models are powered with fuel and an engine, however. If you have an electric model, this step won’t apply.

3. Keep the Spark Plugs Clean

If you have a gas-powered leaf blower, the spark plugs will be another maintenance concern for you. The spark plug ignites the fuel and air mixture in the engine, and dirt and debris can build upon it. The result is a misfiring engine or altogether failure. Check your spark plug for wear and tear and clean or replace the plug as needed.

4. Store your leaf blower properly

Storing your leaf blower correctly will extend its life. When storing your leaf blower, drain the remaining fuel from the tank, clean the exterior, remove the battery, and store the unit in a dry, secure place away from sunlight.

Following these maintenance tips will help you extend the life of your leaf blower and make sure you have a safe and high-performing tool. Visit B & M Lawn & Garden in Anaheim, CA, to have a look at our inventory of commercial and residential leaf blowers. We proudly serve Long Beach, San Bernardino, and the surrounding areas.

Buying a Chainsaw by Size

Posted on Marie Holper

There are several important questions to consider when selecting a chainsaw, but perhaps the most important factor is the bar length. This guide from B & M Lawn & Garden explains how to choose the right size of chainsaw for your application. If you need more advice on buying a chainsaw, please feel free to consult our qualified salespeople. You can find plenty of chainsaws for sale at our dealership in Anaheim, CA, serving Long Beach and San Bernardino.

Bar Length Guide

Chainsaws are categorized by their bar lengths into three groups:

  • Short bars (10 to 14 inches): Ideal for small tasks, like pruning.
  • Medium bars (16 to 20 inches) Best suited for cutting small trees and firewood.
  • Long bars (20+ inches): Great for larger trees and forestry work.

Which Bar Length Is Right for Me?

When choosing the right bar length for your needs, you should first consider the diameter of the wood you plan on cutting. As a general rule, the guide bar should be at least 2 inches longer than the thickness of the wood. Meanwhile, you should also consider your experience level and the frequency at which you plan on operating the chainsaw. For occasional, light use, a smaller chainsaw will be easier to use and maintain. Larger chainsaws, on the other hand, tend to be more powerful and robust. Even if your tasks do not typically involve cutting thick wood, you might prefer a larger chainsaw for its greater versatility and long-lasting power.

Are you ready to start shopping for a chainsaw? Head to B & M Lawn & Garden and browse our selection. Our salespeople can assist you in selecting the perfect chainsaw, and our service department can help out with all your chainsaw maintenance and repair needs. We proudly serve Anaheim, CA, and our neighbors in Long Beach and San Bernardino.

Things You Shouldn’t Pressure Wash

Posted on Marie Holper

Pressure washing is a great solution for removing dirt and grime from a variety of surfaces, from driveways to home exteriors. However, there are some surfaces that can be damaged by pressure washers, including windows, roof shingles, and some painted surfaces.

This guide from B & M Lawn & Garden offers a quick overview of surfaces you should avoid cleaning with a pressure washer. If you need more advice on pressure washing, please feel free to contact us! B & M Lawn & Garden is your trusted source for outdoor power equipment in Anaheim, CA, serving customers from Long Beach and San Bernardino.

Outdoor Furniture

While outdoor furniture is prone to getting dirty and discolored, you should avoid cleaning it with a pressure washer. The high water pressure can strip the finish off wood furniture, break glass furniture, and cause painted furniture to chip and peel. To preserve the condition of your outdoor furniture, make sure to clean it by hand using the appropriate cleaning products.

Interiors of Gutters

Cleaning your gutters is an essential home maintenance task, but it should never be done with a pressure washer. The high water pressure can damage PVC pipes and compromise their structure, potentially causing leaks. Always take the time to clean your gutters by hand.

Vehicles

Vehicle exteriors are not suitable for pressure washing, as the high water pressure can dent the metal and damage the paint job. Instead, check the manual that came with your vehicle for instructions on how to properly clean the exterior. The recommended method usually involves using a garden hose, a sponge or soft-bristle brush, and a gentle automotive detergent.

Painted Surfaces

Unless you intend to remove the paint, avoid cleaning painted surfaces with a pressure washer. Even if stripping the paint is your ultimate goal, keep in mind that the high water pressure may cause damage to the surface beneath the paint, potentially making it difficult to repaint.

Electrical Features

Electrical meters and panels, air conditioners, light fixtures, and other electrical features can be harmed by pressure washers. Even if they can be exposed to the elements, these items are not designed to withstand high water pressure. Water can seep into the cracks and ruin the electrical components, potentially creating a safety hazard. If you must operate a pressure washer in close proximity to electrical features, protect them with a tarp or cover.

This is an incomplete list, but we hope it gives you a sense of what kinds of surfaces are suitable for pressure washing. If you are not sure whether a particular surface can be cleaned with a pressure washer, you are always welcome to ask the experts here at B & M Lawn & Garden! You can find us in Anaheim, CA, near Long Beach and San Bernardino.

The Importance of Using Ethanol-Free Fuel in Small Engines

Posted on Marie Holper

When choosing fuel for your outdoor power equipment, it is important to avoid fuel containing ethanol. Ethanol-free fuel is recommended for outdoor power equipment due to the negative impact ethanol can have on small engines. This guide from B & M Lawn & Garden aims to answer all your questions about ethanol, so you can choose the best fuel for your equipment.

What Is Ethanol?

Ethanol is a pure alcohol derived from organic matter. Here in the United States, it is typically made from fermented corn starch. This agricultural byproduct is used as a renewable biofuel and a supplement to gasoline. Using gasoline mixed with ethanol cuts down on carbon emissions and reduces the consumption of fossil fuels. However, while ethanol can be safely used in most modern vehicles, it is not recommended for small engines.

Why Is Ethanol Bad for Small Engines?

Fuel with 10% ethanol (also known as E10) has been approved for some small engines. That said, we still recommend choosing an ethanol-free fuel for the following reasons:

  • Ethanol fuel burns hotter than standard gasoline, causing small engines to run hotter and wear out faster.
  • Ethanol fuel absorbs more water than standard gasoline. This can cause the fuel to resist igniting in the carburetor, leading to starting issues.
  • When using blended (two-stroke) fuel, the gas and ethanol may separate in your fuel tank over time. The oil will stay bonded to the gasoline, but not the ethanol. This may cause your small engine to run on ethanol without any oil to lubricate the engine.
  • Ethanol is a powerful solvent that can dissolve rubber, plastic, fiberglass, and other materials that may be present in your small engine.
  • The use of ethanol fuel may void the warranty on your small engine.

Choosing ethanol-free fuel ensures the optimal performance and longevity of your outdoor power equipment. If you have any further questions about small engines, please feel free to contact B & M Lawn & Garden. B & M Lawn & Garden is your local equipment dealer in Anaheim, CA, serving Long Beach and San Bernardino. We appreciate your business!