Outdoor Power Equipment Maintenance: Here's How to Keep Your Tools in Tip-Top Shape

Ready to tackle your next outdoor project? Whether you're mowing the lawn or cultivating your dream backyard, it's important to keep your outdoor power equipment in proper working condition. Maintaining your power tools helps to ensure they work safely and effectively, and it contributes to cost savings and longer tool life. Learn how to take care of your equipment and get the job done right.

Maintenance Tips by Outdoor Power Tool Type

There are a variety of outdoor power tools, each with their own function and maintenance requirements.

Read about these common power equipment types and how to care for them properly.

SAFETY TIP: Always disconnect the power and the spark plug before conducting maintenance.

Lawn Mower

If you have a lawn, you know that a lawn mower is an essential piece of equipment to keep your lawn looking great. Depending on its size, the type of terrain and the amount of effort you want to put in, the type of lawn mower you have will vary. Keep your gas or electric mower in working order with these lawn mower maintenance tips.

Gas lawn mower maintenance

• Examine the pull-start cord and replace it if it's frayed

• Check the spark plug and replace after 50 hours of operation

• Check the oil regularly and change it after 50 hours of operation

• Check and clean under the deck with a putty knife

• Inspect for blade damage. Sharpen or replace dull blades

• Make sure air and fuel filters are always clean

• Regularly check belts and chain drives for wear and tightness

• *Add fuel stabilizer before storage to keep fuel fresh and prevent carburetor damage

• Keep tire pressure properly inflated to ensure performance and efficiency

• Lubricate gear and moving parts

• Degrease regularly

Electric lawn mower maintenance

• Examine the power cord. Replace it if it shows cracks or other damage

• Check and clean under the deck and check vents for debris

• Check for blade damage. Sharpen or replace dull blades

• If battery operated, inspect the battery and charger before each use​

Chainsaw and Chipper

Is your property packed with trees and bushes? For felling trees, trimming branches or cutting brush, a chainsaw or wood chipper comes in handy. Keep your gas or electric chainsaw revving with these chainsaw maintenance tips.

Gas chainsaw maintenance

• Inspect the chainsaw for loose bolts and screws with each use

• Examine the air filter. Clean the filter regularly and replace it for every 100 hours of use, or every three months

• Check the fuel filter and replace if damaged

• Check the chain for dullness and damage

• Lubricate the bar and chain

• Clean the bar and groove. A pipe cleaner or wire brush is useful

• Clear spark plugs of dust and debris

• Use the proper gas and oil mixture for optimal performance. Check manufacturer's instructions

• Degrease regularly

• *Add fuel stabilizer before storage to keep fuel fresh and prevent clogging the carburetor

Electric chainsaw maintenance

• Check the power cord. Replace it if it shows cracks or other damage

• Check the chain for dullness and damage

• Clean the bar and groove. A pipe cleaner or wire brush is useful

• Lubricate the bar and chain

• If you have a battery-powered chainsaw, clean the battery terminals and regularly charge the battery

Electric wood chipper

• Follow the tips above with the exception of fuel maintenance

• Examine the power cord. Replace it if it shows cracks or other damage​

Gas wood chipper

• Check bolts and screws for proper tightness

• Clean regularly and remove debris that can lead to blockages

• Keep the blades sharp for better performance and longevity

• Check the air filter. Clean or replace as needed to keep the engine running smoothly

• Inspect the spark plug regularly and replace it each season

• Check the oil before each use and change it periodically

• Keep moving parts lubricated to prevent wear and tear

• Check engine oil and fuel levels. Fuel degrades over time, so use a fuel stabilizer. See the manufacturer's instructions.

Hedge Trimmer

A hedge trimmer helps to keep your hedges and bushes properly trimmed. Depending on your yard size and the volume and density of hedges, there are different types of trimmers to tackle the job. Keep your gas or electric trimmer humming with these hedge trimmer maintenance tips.

Gas hedge trimmer maintenance

• Check that blades are sharp. Sharpen or replace dull blades

• Clean the air filter and replace as needed to keep the engine running smoothly

• Inspect the fuel filter and replace it if damaged. Replace every season

• Clean or replace the spark arrestor. Replace it at least once a year for proper functioning

• Clear all intake and exhaust vents of debris for an efficient engine

• Degrease at the end of the season

• For a string trimmer, check the condition of the string. Replace it at least once a year for a better cut

Electric hedge trimmer maintenance

• Examine the power cord. Replace it if it shows cracks or other damage

• Check the blades for damage before use

• Clean off debris after each use

• Lightly lubricate the blades regularly for smooth, cutting ​

Tiller

A tiller cultivates soil to ready your garden for flowers and vegetables or prep your yard for a new lawn. Keep your tiller turning soil with these gas and electric tiller maintenance tips.

Gas tiller maintenance

• Check the air filter. Clean or replace it as needed to keep the engine running smoothly

• Inspect the spark plug regularly and replace it each season

• On large tillers, keep tire pressure properly inflated to ensure performance and efficiency

• Check moving parts and make sure nuts and bolts are tight

• Clean after each use before dirt hardens, so tines can rotate freely

• *Add fuel stabilizer before storage to keep fuel fresh and prevent clogging the carburetor

• Some models require the addition of grease to the transmission once a year. Check the manufacturer's instructions

• Check moving parts and make sure nuts and bolts are tight

Electric tiller maintenance

• Examine the power cord. Replace it if it shows cracks or other damage

• Check moving parts and make sure nuts and bolts are tight

• Clean after each use before dirt hardens, so tines can rotate freely​

Pressure Washer

Tackle tough cleaning jobs with a pressure washer. It provides plenty of power for washing down surfaces, from your siding to your deck and driveway. Keep your gas or electric pressure washer pumping with these pressure washer maintenance tips.

Gas pressure washer

• *Check engine oil and fuel levels and top up if needed. Fuel degrades over time, so use a fuel stabilizer. See the manufacturer's instructions.

• Check and clean the screen filters to keep out dirt and debris. Replace if damaged

• Inspect the hose for leaks, cuts and abrasions and to ensure all hose connections are secure. Replace O-rings if worn or damaged

• Examine the air filter, fuel filter and spark plugs and replace yearly or if damaged

• Clear out debris from nozzles and vents and flush the water system to prevent clogging

• Test the spray gun trigger for spray function

• Ensure tires are properly inflated

Electric pressure washer

• Follow the tips above with the exception of fuel maintenance

• Examine the power cord. Replace it if it shows cracks or other damage

• Check the oil. Electric models don't require oil for the motor but may for the pump​

Leaf Blower

A leaf blower helps make yard clean-up easy. It's great for clearing up leaves, sand and dirt and even light snow in winter. Keep your blower in tip-top blowing condition with these gas and electric leaf blower maintenance tips.

Leaf blower maintenance

• Examine the hose for cracks and make sure it isn't loose. Tighten any loose fasteners

• Regularly check and clean the air filter (with warm, soapy water) for optimal blowing performance

• Check the spark plug if the blower isn't powering up properly . Clean with a wire brush or replace if worn or damaged

• Wipe down the area around the air filter, the fan blades and the carburetor after each use

For gas blowers:

• *Fuel degrades over time. Flush out old fuel and replace the tank with fresh fuel monthly

• Check the oil level. Refill with the recommended oil to achieve the correct gas and oil mixture

For electric blowers:

• Examine the power cord. Replace it if it shows cracks or other damage

• If you have a battery-powered chainsaw, follow the manufacturer's instructions for battery maintenance​

Lawn Tractor

Ideal for large properties, a lawn tractor offers a quick and efficient way to cut your lawn. It can handle tough terrain and makes mowing more comfortable. Keep your tractor in top mowing condition with these gas and electric lawn tractor maintenance tips.

Lawn tractor maintenance

• Regularly clean the mower deck to remove caked on dirt and old clippings. Blow away debris with an air compressor or leaf blower. Carefully hose down or scrape away old clippings

• Keep moving parts lubricated to prevent wear and tear

• Check and change the oil as needed

• Ensure blades are sharpened and tires are properly inflated

• Regularly check belts and chain drives for wear and tightness

• Replace the air filter, fuel filter and spark plugs each season

• Remove and keep the battery charged with a trickle charger during storage

• *When winterizing, add fuel stabilizer or empty the gas tank completely. Check the manufacturer's instructions.

*Fuel maintenance can vary by type of engine, type of fuel and model. Always check the manufacturer's instructions.

When your outdoor power equipment runs smoothly, yard maintenance is quicker, easier, and less costly. And the best part? Your outdoor living space will look its best, and you'll have more time to sit back, relax and enjoy your hard work.​