Snow is coming!!

Look to the city for the upcoming snow news. This from the latest in St. Louis snow news:

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Missouri transportation officials are getting ready for winter.

The state Transportation Department says crews are repairing equipment, building up supplies and testing their procedures for handling winter emergencies. From (KMOV)

If the city is ramping up for snow already shouldn’t we be as well? Snow might be a "maybe" here in STL, but it has already hit the North East with full force! See the article from The Daily Beast,

With snow coming in full swing, snow blowers are FLYING off of the shelves. Toro distribution center has already SOLD OUT of more than half of its models that were made for the year and will not be making anymore. If you are interested in a good snow removal machine, check out the Power Clear 418.

This machine has been a power house here in St. Louis and is at a great price point.

Do you already have your snow removal equipment, but it may need a bit of tune up? There are many ways to address your machine to get it in tip top shape. Here is a short list of things to check:

* Having trouble with your snow blower removing snow without tilting the machine up slightly? Check your scraper bar on the bottom of the machine to ensure that it is not worn out. Also, the rubber paddles on the single stage snow blower wear out and may need replacing.

* Having trouble starting your machine after it has sat all year long? Check to see if you have old fuel in the machine from last year. If so, you may need to drain the old fuel and start with fresh. If this does not work it is possible that the carburetor in the machine may have a buildup of varnish or that your carburetor inlet seat is damaged from sitting. Either way, a fuel system repair may be inevitable. If this is the case, purchase a carburetor repair kit, or take it in to your local dealer and they can get it up and running for you.

Looking for an easy way to eliminate ice on the walkways? We suggest using an Ice melt product rather than just a sodium chloride. Something with a tri-mix is preferable in order to do the best job with the least amount of lawn damage or tracking into the house. ICE MELT or STORMBUSTER are two great products for this, which can be purchased now at Arco Lawn Equipment.

As always, thanks for reading and if you need to purchase snow blower parts check out this great listing on Ebay for Toro kits! Other great values and parts available on our website.

Small Engine Smarts: The Five Basic Systems, Part 2

Image by David Reber's Hammer Photography

Previously, we took a look at the fuel system and the compression system. Now let's go over the three remaining of the five basic systems:

System 3: Ignition

System 4: Lubrication and Cooling

System 5: Governor (Speed Control)

Ignition

The ignition system is how your small engine starts. It can be a manual start, meaning you have to pull on a rewind or starter rope in order to turn the engine over the first time and start it running. Or it can be an electric start, which means that it has been equipped with an electric starter motor and a key, and all you have to do is turn that key to crank the engine up. Machines with electric start engines will generally have a higher price point than those without. 

The initial tug on the starting system, whether provided manually or electrically, causes the flywheel to turn. The flywheel has magnets mounted on it, and as the flywheel spins past the ignition armature, an electrical flow will occur and produce a spark at the tip of the spark plug. The spark, which is timed with the motion of the piston and the valves (part of the compression system, remember?), will then ignite the air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber. Once you give the engine that initial spark, its own momentum will keep it spinning and running.

Common Parts of the Ignition System

• Spark plug
• Spark plug wire
• Ignition armature
• Flywheel
• Flywheel magnets

Lubrication and Cooling

You've certainly noticed that your engine gets hot when it runs. Though some of that heat escapes through the exhaust gases and radiant heat, much of the heat remains in the engine. And overheated engine is an engine that won't keep running long, and that's why lubrication and cooling are so important. 

Oil is the lubricant which keeps engines cooler by reducing friction between the various engine parts. Friction is a major source of heat, so the less friction produced while an engine is running, the less heat. (Note: this does not mean that you should dump in more oil than recommended for your small engine! Excess oil does not mean less friction. Follow the guidelines in your owner's manual.) 

Air is the other cooling component in an engine; you'll notice, on the outside of the engine block, ridged cooling fins which increase the surface area of the engine so that more engine is exposed to more cool air. Keeping the cooling fins clean is an important part of maintaining your engine. 

Common Parts of the Lubrication and Cooling System:

• Oil reservoir
• Dipstick
• Oil dipper or paddle
• Oil filter
• Bypass valve
• Cooling fins
• Flywheel fins
• Blower housing
• Air guides

Governor (Speed Control)

The governor system allows you to use your power equipment under different loads while keeping the engine running at the same optimal speed. For a mower, the load would be how high and thick the grass to be cut is. The higher and thicker the grass, the more of a load the engine is under to move the machine and spin the blades through it. The governor automatically notes changes in the load as your machine encounters them, and adjusts the throttle so that the engine runs optimally without you have to make manual adjustments while you work. 

Common Parts of the Governor System:

• Engine speed control
• Throttle lever
• Governor spring
• Speed control cable
• Throttle linkage
• Governor lever
• Governor cup
• Governor shaft
• Flyweights
• Camshaft
• Timing gear

Arco Lawn Equipment provides how-to articles, advice, and all information on this website for informational purposes only, and cannot be held liable for damage to self or equipment incurred. Please read your owner's manual, follow all safety instructions, wear proper safety apparel, and never allow children or pets to play in or around lawn equipment. Consult a professional small engine technician if you are unsure about any of the steps involved in power equipment maintenance, use, or repair.  

Small Engine Smarts: Regular Maintenance Schedule

By James Lee

One truth that every small engine technician knows - and many homeowners don't realize - is that the regular, scheduled maintenance of your machine can eliminate costly breakdowns down the road. Of course, our human nature and tendency to procrastinate often leave us in the latter situation: stuck with a half-mown yard and a smoking lawn mower in the middle of June. 

It's the same problem we have with getting regular physical check-ups when we're feeling good... but just as you don't want a major disease to be the thing that finally gets you to the doctor, wouldn't you much prefer to invest a little money, at your convenience, into preventative maintenance now instead of wait until disaster strikes your lawn mower or weed trimmer? 

The Briggs and Stratton Small Engine Care and Repair Manual suggests this regular maintenance schedule for machines with small engines:

After the first five hours of use

• Change the oil and filter

After each use

• Check the oil
• Remove debris around the muffler

Every 25 hours or every season

• Change the oil
• Service the air cleaner assembly
• Clean the fuel tank and line
• Clean the carburetor float bowl (if your machine is so equipped)
• Inspect the rewind (starter) rope for wear
• Clean the cooling fins on the engine block
• Remove debris from the blower housing
• Check engine compression
• Inspect governor springs and linkages
• Inspect ignition armature and wires
• Inspect the muffler
• Check the valve tappet clearances
• Replace the spark plug
• Adjust the carburetor
• Check the engine mounting nuts/bolts

Every 100 hours or every season

• Clean the cooling system (clean more often if using under dusty conditions)
• Change the oil filter, if equipped
• Decarbonize the cylinder head

Arco Lawn Equipment provides how-to articles, advice, and all information on this website for informational purposes only, and cannot be held liable for damage to self or equipment incurred. Please read your owner's manual, follow all safety instructions, wear proper safety apparel, and never allow children or pets to play in or around lawn equipment. Consult a professional small engine technician if you are unsure about any of the steps involved in power equipment maintenance, use, or repair.  

Overview: Types of Grass

Spring is a common time for fertilizing and reseeding your lawn; if you're going to be seeding or sodding, get an idea of what type of grass will work best in your yard first. 

Bermudagrass: One of the most commonly grown grasses, able to thrive across many zones, Bermudagrass is a warm-weather grass that is drought-tolerant. It has a long green season. Though it will tolerate drought, it will be greenest and lushest with a regular watering routine. Use a sprinkler or install an irrigation system on a timer to make routine watering easy and efficient. 

Buffalograss: Grown mainly in the Central Prairie states, this grass doesn't require mowing but isn't quite the look most suburban homeowners are going for. It does prefer sun. Turns honey-colored during colder months. 

Fescue

Fescue: Will grow across all U.S. zones and is both drought and shade tolerant. A good choice if you're working with a yard that has large areas of both sun and shade. 

Kentucky Bluegrass: Though it prefers cooler climates, Kentucky Bluegrass can be grown across the Midwest. It likes full sun, but will definitely need regular watering. 

Perennial Ryegrass: Grows across all U.S. zones. It needs sun and isn't a fan of extreme temperatures and will do best with regular watering. 

St. Augustine

St. Augustinegrass: This coarse turf grass will handle almost any warm-weather demand you can give it, from full sun to humidity. It's not a fan of frost, so you might see early browning.

Tall Fescue: A cool-season grass, Tall Fescue is drought-tolerant and will grow well in full sun or in partial shade.

Zoysia

Zoysiagrass: Another common grass; Zoysia is a warm-season grass which grows well in hot Midwest summers. It turns brown in winter, greens again in spring. 

How To: Fix a Recoil Rope Starter on Lawn Equipment

This How To will take you step-by-step through what to do if the recoil starter rope has broken and needs to be replaced on your power lawn equipment.

Step One: Prepare to work on the equipment and be safe by first disconnecting the spark plug wire from the spark plug. This will prevent accidental startups while you are working on the engine.
Make sure safety systems are in place. If you are working on a ride-on unit, make sure the brake is set and the battery is disconnected.

Step Two: Remove the starter housing or blower housing. The starter itself will have at least three fastening points. It will vary in shape depending on the machine. It is not recommended to remove any rivets if you come across them. Most housings with rivets are part of a larger housing that needs to be removed.

Step Three: Remove the leftover starter rope and inspect the starter spring. Once it is off of the machine, you can remove any old rope and test the spring by spinning or charging the spring as if the rope was being pulled out. As long as tension builds up in the spring, you are ready to put a new rope in. If the spring does not build tension you will need to install a new starter spring.

Step Four: Charge the spring and install the rope. Charge the spring as mentioned above by rotating it as if the rope was being pulled. Once tight, back the spring off one turn and put the rope into the starter through the housing and into the pulley. Tie a knot on either end ot the rope and then slowly let the rope into the starter (make sure the grip is between the two knots).

Step Five: Reinstall the starter housing on the machine and test.

Arco Lawn Equipment provides how-to articles, advice, and all information on this website for informational purposes only, and cannot be held liable for damage to self or equipment incurred. Please read your owner's manual, follow all safety instructions, wear proper safety apparel, and never allow children or pets to play in or around lawn equipment. Consult a professional small engine technician if you are unsure about any of the steps involved in power equipment maintenance, use, or repair. 

Great Landscaping Ideas and Resources

As we're enjoying some better weather here in St. Louis, we can't help thinking about new landscaping projects. Here are a few ideas and resources we've run across on the web...

• Rock and Stone Garden Ideas (and lots of photos) - creating a rock garden is a great idea for hard-to-landscape areas, steep inclines, or places in your yard with bad soil. They can also help reduce the water needs of your landscaping and provide visual interest. 
•  Better Homes & Gardens offers a myriad of photos and landscaping ideas, divided into helpful categories. The landscaping on a budget section is nice if you're working with limited funds. You can still create beautiful spaces in your yard and garden without busting the budget!
• YardShare.com is a neat site that allows users to submit photos of local landscaping projects, yards, and gardens. It's nice for real-life ideas that real people have done successfully.
• The DIY Network has a lot of awesome resources, ideas, and photos for landscaping projects, hardscaping projects, gardening, and more.

Image courtesy of Linda Tanner.

Weekly Special: 50% Off Pre Filter!

This Week's Special
Every week we offer a special, discount, coupon, or great deal for our amazing customers! Friend us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, subscribe to our blog or e-newsletter to make sure you don't miss a deal. 

50% off appropriate pre filter

with purchase of air filter!*

Be sure to print off the coupon below to get the special!

 

*Offer valid April 25 through April 30, 2011.

See store associate for details. Limit one per customer.
Cannot be combined with other promotions, coupons, or discounts.
Must present coupon at time of purchase.
Terms subject to change without notice.

5 Ways to Save Money on Landscaping

Spring seems to get us all in the gardening and landscaping mentality. Suddenly the idea of digging in the dirt sounds fun... not like work. But a new flower bed, a landscaping project, or even a kitchen garden can get expensive. Here are 5 ways you can save money on your spring projects.


1. Rent equipment for major landscaping projects and do it yourself.
Wielding a shovel alone, you may not like the idea of digging out that large new flower bed. But for significantly less than hiring a landscaping firm, you can rent equipment that will allow you to tackle those projects yourself. Arco rents the Dingo, a powerhouse unit with different attachments which will make quick work of major landscaping projects.

2. Ask area farmers or horse owners about buying manure.
Preparing the soil for new plants can get costly; instead of buying as many bags of compost or manure as you can afford at the local garden supply store, find out where the farmers and/or horse owners are in your area. If you can bring a truck or trailer and haul well-dried manure yourself, you may be able to get as much as you need to create a nutrient-rich soil, without breaking the budget before you've even gotten to buying plants.


3. Create your own compost pile.
Though you won't be able to use your own compost this year, if you're just starting out, you'll reap the results next year if you're faithful to add food and lawn scraps, and give the pile a few turns every week or so. Check out this list of 163 things you can put into a compost pile.

4. Use online classifieds for your landscape supply store.
For landscaping materials such as timbers, stones, tiles, gravel, mulch, topsoil, and more, try searching your local classified listings. Sometimes folks are just wanting to clear out landscaping gravel, timbers, even shrubs that they don't want any more. If you're willing to do the work of moving that material, it can be yours for low or no cost.


5. Go to a local nursery rather than a big box store, and get an employee's advice on which plants are best for your area.
Your locally owned nursery is usually going to be more oriented toward and knowledgeable of what grows best in your area. Rather than grabbing what looks best on the plant sale table, take your time to talk to someone who knows. Describe your particular conditions - sun, shade, moist soil, dry soil, rocky soil, etc. - and get professional advice on the hardiest, best-growing plants. You'll save money on having to replace the ones that couldn't make it, not to mention the work of replanting.

What other ways do you save money on your landscaping projects?

Image: jayscratch (flickr).

Weekly Special: Free Estimate!

This Week's Special
Every week we offer a special, discount, coupon, or great deal for our amazing customers! Friend us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, subscribe to our blog or e-newsletter to make sure you don't miss a deal. 

FREE ESTIMATE

(Limit one per customer)*

Be sure to print off the coupon below to get the special!

 

*Offer valid April 18, 2011, through April 24, 2011.
See store associate for details. Limit one per customer.
Cannot be combined with other promotions, coupons, or discounts.
Must present coupon at time of purchase. Terms subject to change without notice.

4 Tips for a Less-Stressful Lawn Mower Experience

Service your mower - or get it serviced - every spring.
A well-maintained lawn mower will work better, cut better, start when you want it to, and save you time, money, hassle, and stress. It's better to maintain it than fix it, and easier on your wallet as well. A mower that is maintained will last longer, too, so you won't have to pay up for a new one as soon.

Keep fuel stabilizer on hand to keep your gas from spoiling in the tank.
Gas has such a high percentage of ethanol in it that it "spoils" quickly. If you have a small yard, and don't run thru a tank of gas with every cut, you can end up with fuel that goes bad in your lawn mower. The result is this gunky type of varnish that builds up in your lawn mower's fuel system and will cause problems with how the machine runs. To avoid worrying about how fresh your fuel is, get in the habit of adding fuel stabilizer to your gas can every time you fill it up.

Keep a spare blade on hand.
It's better to cut with a sharp blade; it's not only more efficient, but it will give you a better looking lawn. A dull blade will tear, rather than slice, through the leaves of grass; torn grass will turn yellow or brown on the tips and look like it's dying. Save yourself some trouble by buying a spare blade and keeping it on hand; if you notice your lawn is looking ragged, you can switch out the blades and take the dull one in for a sharpening without having to stop and interrupt your yard work then and there.

If you hose off your mower after use, let it sit out in the sun to dry thoroughly.
It's great to have a shiny, clean mower, but if you simply hose it off and then stick it in a dark, cool garage, you can be creating a problem. Some mower decks, made of steel, will corrode if they're left sitting wet. Eventually the corrosion can cause the deck to crack, cutting your mower's life short. Avoid that problem by letting your mower dry thoroughly out in the sunshine before you put it away.

Image: Sean Hobson on Flickr.

April Commercial Special: Free Hydro Flush with Service!

This Month's Commercial Special
Every month we offer a special, discount, coupon, or great deal for our commercial customers! Friend us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, subscribe to our blog or e-newsletter to make sure you don't miss a deal. 

Free Hydro Fluid Flush with FULL Service on Commercial Zero Turns*

Be sure to print off the coupon below to get the special!

 

*Offer valid for the month of April, 2011, 

for commercial customers in good standing.

See store associate for details. Limit one per customer.
Cannot be combined with other promotions, coupons, or discounts.
Must present coupon at time of purchase.
Terms subject to change without notice.

Weekly Special: Free Pump Saver with Power Washer Purchase!

This Week's Special:
Every week we offer a special, discount, coupon, or great deal for our amazing customers! Friend us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, subscribe to our blog or e-newsletter to make sure you don't miss a deal. 

Buy a power washer and get a free bottle of Pump Saver for off-season stabilization *

Be sure to print off the coupon below to get the special!

 
*Offer good April 11 thru April 17, 2011.
 See store associate for details. Limit one per customer.
Cannot be combined with other promotions, coupons, or discounts.
Must present coupon at time of purchase.
Terms subject to change without notice.

Weekly Special: While-You-Wait Sharpening for Discounted Price!

This Week's Special
Every week we offer a special, discount, coupon, or great deal for our amazing customers! Friend us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, subscribe to our blog or e-newsletter to make sure you don't miss a deal. 

WHILE-YOU-WAIT CHAIN SHARPENING FOR 

PRICE OF STANDARD SHARPENING*

Be sure to print off the coupon below to get the special!

 

*Offer valid April 5, 2011 through April 10, 2011.

See store associate for details. Limit one per customer.

Must present coupon at time of purchase.
Terms subject to change without notice.
Cannot be combined with other promotions, coupons, or discounts.

Facts About Fertilizing

The purpose of fertilizing is to add nutrients that grass needs so it can grow, develop a healthy and thick root system, have plenty of resources to draw on during the hot days of summer and the cold days of winter, and have healthy and thick growing pattern to discourage weeds.

Doing a soil test before you apply any sort of fertilizer is a great idea, and will help you apply the right kind of fertilizer in the right amounts so that your grass actually benefits.

Plan on 3 - 5 applications of fertilizer per year for most types of grasses, but be aware that the amount of fertilizer will vary depending on what type of grass you grow (if it is a vigorous grower, such as Kentucky bluegrass, you may need an additional application) and whether you mulch or bag your grass clippings. Mulched clippings, which return to the lawn and disintegrate, leave their nutrients back in the soil so yards may not need as much fertilizer. 

Fertilize when the lawn is growing, which will differ for warm-season and cool-season grasses. Warm-season grasses usually need several small "fertilizer meals" over the summer, while cool-season grasses will benefit most from a couple of heavier "fertilizer meals" applied in the fall. 

Slow-release formulas are safest and usually best for grass. If you use a liquid fertilizer with a quick-release nitrogen, you'll need to reapply more often. If you do want a quick surge of growth, as opposed to slower, steadier growth.  

Plan to fertilize right before a rainfall, or water your yard thoroughly after fertilizing. This practice will wash the fertilizer off the leaves of the grass and down into the soil, where the root system is.

Using a spreader will help you maintain an even spread over your whole yard.\

Sources:

Scotts Lawns: Your Guide to a Beautiful Yard by Nick Christians with Ashton Ritchie

Fertilizing Lawns by C. J. Rosen, B. P. Horgan, and R. J. Mugaas from University of Minnesota Extension.

Weekly Special: 50% OFF FailSafe Protection!

Every week we offer a special, discount, coupon, or great deal for our amazing customers! Friend us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, subscribe to our blog or e-newsletter to make sure you don't miss a deal. 

50% OFF FailSafe Extended Service Protection Plans 

on all new equipment purchases.*

Be sure to print off the coupon below to get the special!

 
*See store associate for details. Limit one coupon per customer. Must present coupon at time of purchase to receive 50% discount on qualifying equipment purchase. Equipment must be purchased in store at Arco Lawn Equipment, 14657 Manchester Road, Ballwin, MO 63011. Valid March 25, 2011, through March 31, 2011. Cannot be combined with other coupons, discounts, or specials. Terms subject to change without notice. 

Lawn Mower Care 101

Learn the basics you need to know to keep your mower in good shape.

Get your mower ready for the season.
You can do this every spring by bringing it into us at Arco Lawn Equipment for a regular service, or you can cover the basics yourself:

• Drain the gas tank and fill with fresh gas. 
• Clean around cooling fins.
• Change oil.
• Check air filter; clean or replace as needed.
• Clean the deck.
• Change the spark plug.
• Lubricate the machine thoroughly.
• Check cables and hardware.
• Sharpen the blades.

Mow at the proper height for the type of grass you have. 
As a general rule, it's better to mow at a higher cutting level and mow more often; this makes for longer, healthier grass which can absorb more nutrients from both sun and soil, thus withstanding disease and drought conditions better.

Keep the blades sharp all during mowing season. 
Dull blades will result in grass tips that are torn, not sheared off cleanly, and will make the grass tips turn brown on the ends which makes your yard look dull.

Keep the gas fresh. 
Gas can go bad quickly, causing a varnish-like substance to build up in your mower's fuel line, tank, and carburetion system. Add fuel stabilizer to your gas with every fresh purchase to help prevent gas going bad, and only buy a couple of gallons at a time.

Check the oil before every use.
It's easy to forget when you last checked or changed the oil on your machine, so just make it a habit to check with every use and keep at the optimum fill level. For most home owners, it's sufficient to change the oil twice a year: at the beginning and the end of the mowing season.

Weekly Special: $20 Gift Card!

This Week's Special
Every week we offer a special, discount, coupon, or great deal for our amazing customers! Friend us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, subscribe to our blog or e-newsletter to make sure you don't miss a deal. 

$20 Arco Gift Card with purchase of a new Toro Super Recycler or Super Bagger!*

Be sure to print off the coupon below to get the special!

 Click here to see photos, pictures, and pricing on the Super Recyclers and Super Baggers.

*See store associate for details. Limit one coupon per customer. Must present coupon at time of purchase to receive gift card. Equipment must be purchased in store at Arco Lawn Equipment, 14657 Manchester Road, Ballwin, MO 63011. Valid March 18, 2011, through March 24, 2011. Cannot be combined with other coupons, discounts, or specials. Terms subject to change without notice. 

Product Highlight: Dingo [Rental]

 

The ultimate machine for all your DIY projects, whether home repair or landscaping, the Dingo makes quick work of whatever's on your weekend to-do list. What a thought: get through that list of projects and still have some weekend left over? Sounds nice.

What It Is

The Dingo is a rental machine, a powerhouse, easy to use and quick to get the job done. It's a walk-behind machine with multiple attachments, so you can get exactly the right tool you need for the job at hand. It's easy to learn, with intuitive handling and steering for both moving the machine and controlling the hydraulic attachments. 

What It Can Do for You

The Dingo simply gives you much more power to complete big jobs in a hurry. You can dig a trench with a shovel, and it can take all day; or you can get the Dingo with the trencher attachment and be done in an hour. The bucket allows you to easily move a trailer load of mulch, gravel, or topsoil by yourself. Big jobs like hardscaping, re-routing water flow, moving mulch and rock, raking manure into the garden, installing a fence, and more can be done quickly and easily by one person, in a couple of hours, with the Dingo.

Attachments include

• Bucket
• Power Box Rake
• Fork Lift
• Trencher
• Post Hole Digger

For more information, rental rates, and to check availability, give us a call: 636-394-0044. Or stop by the shop: 14657 Manchester Road, Ballwin, MO 63011. 

**Extended Spring Hours: Arco Lawn Equipment is now open from 8am to 6pm, Monday thru Friday, and from 9am to 3pm, Saturday.***

***Don't forget our Spring Open House this Saturday, March 19th, from 9 to 3! Food, fun, prizes, product demos, giveaways!***