Friday, March 15, 2013

Landscaping Truck and Trailer Tips

How to create an efficient truck or trailer for your lawn care equipment

Whether your landscaping business is conducted out of the back of a truck or a fleet of enclosed trailers, we have a few tips designed to optimize your equipment space, keep your equipment secure and organized for quick storage and removal.

Truck Only

Many landscaping businesses start out working from the back of a truck. Some may own a commercial utility truck, but the focus of these tips will be on traditional residential trucks with a standard flatbed.

Cover Your Equipment

Whether you choose a camper for your truck, or a tonneau-style cover, it’s a good idea to cover your truck bed. This not only protects your tools from the rain, it can also keep your equipment safely locked away while your crew is working.

Install a Chest or Cargo Net

For smaller items that can roll around in transit (gas cans, motor oils, packages of trimmer line, etc.), secure them with the use of a cargo net or storage chest. Storing these items together keeps your truck bed organized and lowers the potential for spills.

Use a Truck Bed Liner

Working out of the back of your truck can be demanding on your truck bed. By using a truck bed liner, you can help prevent scratches and keep your truck looking professional on the job.

Install Tie Down Anchors

Many modern trucks already feature tie down anchors inside the truck bed. If not, you can purchase these anchors and have them installed. This will make securing your lawn care equipment or materials (topsoil, sand, mulch, etc.) much easier, and more secure during transit. Always make sure that your tie down strap or rope is rated for the weight you are securing

Open Trailer

If you tow an open trailer for your equipment, there are a few common tips to consider that will help extend the life of your trailer and help you get to the items you need, faster.

Install Utility Racks

Install lockable racks for your trimmers, hand tools, backpack blowers, gas cans and more. These racks free up valuable floor space and make it easier for your crew to quickly access the items they use more often. Racks also make securing your equipment faster and easier than individual tie-downs.

Install a Trimmer Line Spool

Save time and space by installing a trimmer line spool directly on your trailer rail. Instead of carrying around multiple packages of trimmer line, your crew can quickly grab what they need and continue their work.

Keep the Gate Clear

Do not mount equipment on the lift gate or directly between a gate and riding lawnmower. Keeping these areas clear will make loading and unloading the trailer quicker and reduce the chance of damaging equipment.

Mount a Toolbox

Store smaller items, such as motor oil, hand tools and misc. parts in a mounted toolbox. These are a great way to keep your items protected, secure and organized.

Enclosed Trailers

Enclosed trailers have many advantages over open trailers: They are more protected from the elements, more secure against thieves, and the sides can be wrapped with graphics to advertise your business. There are trade-offs, however, including heavier weight, less ventilation and less convenient loading/unloading. With the right organization, some of these negatives can be mitigated.

Store Gas and Oils Neatly

Because enclosed trailers lack the same ventilation as open trailers, it is critically important that you store gas and oils properly to avoid fumes and spills. Keep all gasoline in Type I or Type II safety cans (as defined by OSHA and Underwriters Laboratories). Secure all gas cans away from power equipment and as near as possible to a ventilation source. Use containers with spill-resistant nozzles and ensure all caps are completely sealed prior to transit. To help reduce unnecessary fuel handling, clearly mark your fuel containers (premixed fuel, diesel, etc.) to reduce the amount of guesswork your crew has to do when fueling equipment. And at all times, adhere to these gasoline safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association.

Install a Roof Bracket for Ladders

Ladders take up a lot of space. You can free up a lot of trailer space by mounting your ladders to the roof of your trailer.

Organize the Inside Economically

It doesn’t have to cost a fortune to keep your equipment organized. If your trailer walls are plywood, you can use most closet organizers to store items, such as gloves, trimmer line, oil containers and more. Use a standing toolbox to store smaller items such as hand tools, parts, and protective apparel. The more items you can store on the trailer walls, the easier it will be to access and use equipment on the trailer floor. But it may be wise to check with your trailer’s manufacturer before hanging things on the walls.


Thursday, March 14, 2013

Ten Tips for Spring Maintenance for your Stihl Equipment

Ten Spring Maintenance Tips

It's time to awaken your STIHL equipment from its winter slumber. Before you pull your tools out of storage and put them to work, make sure you've prepared them for your spring workload. This checklist of proper maintenance tips will help get your equipment out of hibernation and ready to run.
NOTE: For a comprehensive list of maintenance and repair instructions, refer to your product's instruction manual.
  • Check the condition of your spark plugs and replace if necessary.
  • Check air filters for dirt and damage to determine if any need cleaning or replacement. Clean debris from blowers and trimmers as well.
  • Inspect your equipment for broken parts, and replace any that are broken or damaged.
  • Check screws and nuts, and retighten them if necessary.
  • Now is a good time to sharpen or change saw chains, as well as replace trimmer line.
  • Lubricate parts where friction will occur.
  • Check power cords on electric tools for damage or wear.
  • When mixing fuel, use fresh fuel (stored for less than 2 months) and new 2-cycle engine oil.
  • Use STIHL MotoMix® Premixed Fuel in your fuel tanks. STIHL MotoMix® is a highly stable blend that will help to ensure great performance.
  • Don't put your power tool to work immediately-after a season of storage, let it warm up for a few minutes before use.
We Can Help
Not sure if your STIHL equipment requires additional parts and service? Just drop by our Dealership for some helpful advice. While you're here, pick up replacement parts and anything else you need for your spring maintenance, such as the proper oils and lubricants for your equipment. Don't have time to do all this maintenance on your own? No problem – we also service what we sell. Our first-class service is one of the many perks of owning a STIHL.
 

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Lawn Tractor Tune up Recommendations by Morgan Power Equipment, Halifax Ma

Lawn Tractor Tune up Recommendations

by Morgan Power Equipment, Halifax Ma

Change Oil / Waste,
Change Oil Filter (if equipped),
Change Spark Plug(s) (adjust gap),
Inspect all Belts and PulleysLubricate All Pivot Joints,
Replace Air Filter/ Pre-CleanerSharpen & Balance Blade(s),
Adjust & Lubricate Cables,
Check Safety Components and Test Run,
Check Tires & Inflate to proper Pressure,
Clean Unit- Steam Clean,
Replace Fuel Filter (if equipped),
Service Battery and Cleaned Terminals,
Check Electrical System/ Charging system,
Drop Carb Bowl and Clean,
Scrape Mower Deck,
Inspect Starter (Pull/Electric),
Check and Adjust Brake System,
Check and Re-gap elec P.T.O.

Look Up and Buy your replacement parts online for Lawn Mowers, Chainsaws, Zero Turn Mowers and Snowblowers from Morgan Power Equipment, MA
Click Here


2013 Husqvarna Power Equipment YTA19K42

2013 Husqvarna Power Equipment YTA19K42

Husqvarna's yard tractors offer premium performance with quality results. Husqvarna Riding Mowers compact size makes them easy to maneuver and require less space for storage. Features such as fender-mounted cutting height adjustment, adjustable seat and an ergonomic steering wheel make these tractors simple and comfortable to operate. These tractors feature an automatic transmission for smooth, variable forward and reverse speed. Air Induction mowing technology improves airflow within the deck, ensuring a clean, consistent cut every time. For added versatility, all models can be equipped with a range of towable accessories and mulch kit for effective lawn fertilizationHUSQVARNA YTA19K42.

Sunday, March 10, 2013

Lawn Mower and Power Equipment online Parts Headquarters

Morgan Power Equipment was founded in 1979. The store has grown from a specialty shop to one of the largest Power Equipment multi-line dealers in Massachusetts. We offer Sales, Parts and Service on Most Power Equipment, Lawn Mowers,Leaf Blowers,Chain Saws,Riding Lawn Mowers, Zero Turn Mowers,Yard Tractors,Snow Blowers,Hedge Trimmers,String Trimmers,Generators,Walk Behind Mowers,Brush Cutters,Rotary Tillers, Pressure Washers,Small Engines,Compact Tractors and more.
With Spring fast approaching place your Parts orders Now.
 
 

Parts Link CLICK HERE

 
 
 
 

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

2013 Husqvarna Riding Lawn Mower YTH21K46

Husqvarna's yard tractors offer premium performance with quality results. Their compact size makes them easy to maneuver and require less space for storage. Features such as fender-mounted cutting height adjustment, adjustable seat and an ergonomic steering wheel make these tractors simple and comfortable to operate. All tractors feature hydrostatic transmissions for smooth, variable forward and reverse speed. Air Induction mowing technology improves airflow within the deck, ensuring a clean, consistent cut every time. For added versatility, all models can be equipped with a range of towable accessories and mulch kit for effective lawn fertilization.
2013 Husqvarna Power Equipment YTH21K46