Arco Lawn Equipment

2011-11-22T08:16:00.000-08:00

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

2011-05-29T07:34:00.000-07:00

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

2011-05-25T11:48:00.000-07:00

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

Overview: Types of Grass

2011-05-21T09:20:00.000-07:00

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

2011-05-09T12:30:00.000-07:00

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

2011-04-30T08:51:00.000-07:00

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!

2011-04-25T16:05:00.000-07:00

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

2011-04-22T11:04:00.000-07:00

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!

2011-04-18T16:48:00.000-07:00

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

2011-04-13T13:25:00.000-07:00

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!

2011-04-11T14:35:00.000-07:00

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.

Weekly Special: Free Pump Saver with Power Washer Purchase!

2011-04-11T14:22:00.000-07:00

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!

2011-04-05T18:03:00.000-07:00

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

2011-03-28T08:35:00.000-07:00

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!

2011-03-25T12:18:00.000-07:00

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

2011-03-24T08:09:00.000-07:00

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!

2011-03-18T08:58:00.000-07:00

$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]

2011-03-15T08:08:00.000-07:00

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!***

Weekly Special: 10% Off Service!

2011-03-12T09:26:00.000-08:00

10% OFF SERVICE ON ONE MACHINE!*

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 discount. Valid March 11, 2011 through March 17, 2011 on qualified equipment. Cannot be combined with other coupons, discounts, or specials. Terms subject to change without notice.

You're invited....

2011-03-11T07:24:00.000-08:00

How to Fix Water Flow/Drainage Issues in Your Yard

2011-03-08T14:42:00.000-08:00

That rainy spring weather lets you know that winter is on the way out and summer is on the way in. It also might let you know about issues with water flow and drainage in your yard. If you're dealing with standing water, puddles that won't go away, or little rivers in the wrong places, you need to deal with the problem. Leaving that water where it is can leave you with muddy areas that won't grow plants or grass. in summer, those spots of standing water will become breeding ground for insects.

Fix it now, and you won't have to worry about it when the temperature starts climbing.

First Things First
Before you run outside with a shovel, take some time to figure out what's causing the drainage issue. Do you have good drainage up to a point, and then a blockage? Is there not any clear drainage marked out in which to direct water flow? Are there low areas in your yard that are acting as water basins?

Strategies for Fixing Water Flow Problems

1. Fill the low areas.
One of the simplest and easiest fixes, bringing in soil, sand, gravel, sawdust, or other organic matter to fill up low areas can be enough to eliminate puddles and standing water. Be sure you bring in enough fill; some will wash away, and the rest will settle as time goes by, which can leave you with a slightly higher area still holding water. Pack down the material you use and fill enough that you have a bit of a rise; as the material settles, the area will flatten out.

2. Clean out blockage.
If you have an otherwise flowing pathway for water, follow it to the blockage and you can eliminate the source of the water problem. Often roots, rocks, branches, or debris can simply pile up in unseen areas and then cause the water flow to back up and spread out into nearby low-lying areas. Clean out the most direct drainage path and see if that fixes the problem.

3. Redirect the water.
Water is going to automatically flow from high ground to low ground via the path of least resistance. If you're stepping into a river across your front yard or sidewalk, the answer is to create an easier path for water to follow so it doesn't end up in your walk way. You can do so by noting where the water originates (the highest nearby point) and digging a trench from that point, along the line you want the water to follow to the lowest point, drain, or ditch. Digging by hand (shovel) is time-consuming but if you're only a short bit to do, can definitely be done in an afternoon or so. Consider renting out the Dingo with the trencher attachment if you want to save your time and back muscles, or if the trench needs to extend more than a few feet in length.

4. Install a French drain.
For low-lying areas that can't be fixed by adding fill of some kind (too large, bottom of the hill), you might consider installing a French drain. A French drain is simply a hole or trench dug into the low-lying area; dig it several feet deep in the place where water normally collects. Lay down a layer of landscaper's fabric, then a thick layer of gravel. Cover it with soil and mulch or seed the area to keep it from staying muddy. Water that normally collects will have a thick layer of gravel to drain into at the natural collection point.

Image: GollyGforce.

March Commercial Special: Free Commercial Rush Status!

2011-03-04T10:50:00.000-08:00

February's Commercial Special of the Month:
Every month we present a special 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 Commercial Rush status

on service for one machine.*

See details below, and be sure to print the coupon

to bring in to the store to get your special!

*See store associate for details. Limit one coupon per commercial customer for the month of March, 2011. Must present coupon at time of service to receive free Commercial Rush status. Valid March 1, 2011 through March 31, 2011. Cannot be combined with other coupons, discounts, or specials. Terms subject to change without notice.

Weekly Special: $19.99 Oil Change/Lubrication Special

2011-03-04T10:42:00.000-08:00

$19.99 Oil Change and General Lubrication special on one piece of power equipment.*

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

*See store associate for details. Does not include cost of oil and disposal. Limit one coupon per customer. Must present coupon at time of purchase to receive discount. Valid March 4, 2011 through March 10, 2011. Cannot be combined with other coupons, discounts, or specials. Terms subject to change without notice.

Product Highlight: Stihl Hedge Trimmers

2011-03-03T14:30:00.000-08:00

With the weather the crazy way it's been lately (that's Missouri, for you), we're not really sure whether we should talk about lawn mowers or snow blowers.

So we're taking the middle ground...

Today's product highlight: Hedge Trimmers.

Did you know that...

Early spring is a good time to do initial, light pruning on your trees and trim those hedges and shrubs so they grow into the shape you want them to have this summer?

Did you know that...

Stihl makes hedge trimming easy, even (dare we say it) fun?

The HS 45 Hedge Trimmer

This is the home owner's best friend. Goodbye, cheap and unwieldy pruning shears that rust closed every winter. Hello, gas-powered hedge-trimming power. This little beauty is light weight, easy to use, easy to handle, and powerfully effective for trimming hedges, shrubs, bushes, and doing light pruning of trees.

Features

18" or 24" inch blade version
Stihl Homescaper series engine
Blade lock for safer starts and for moving from one plant to another
Reciprocating, dual-sided blades

Starts at $289.99

The HL 45 Extended Reach Hedge Trimmer

When most of your trimming and pruning requires a step ladder, this is the hedge trimmer you need to invest in. With the lengthier design and lighter weight gear box, the HL 45 gives you extended reach so you don't have to balance on a step stool with a sharp object in your hands. Instead, stay safely on the ground and just let the HL 45 do the reaching and working for you.

Features

Powered by STIHL HomeScaper Series™ engine
20" blade with fixed 0º angle
New lighter weight durable gearbox

Starts at $339.99

How to Keep Your Power Equipment Running

2011-02-25T13:11:00.000-08:00

Power equipment like lawn mowers, chain saws, snow blowers, trimmers, and blowers all require regular maintenance if you want them to keep working and get a good long life out of them. It's easy to forget that they're machines with wear-and-tear parts, and there's a little bit more to the upkeep than just putting fresh fuel in the tank before you use the equipment.

To keep your power equipment running in top shape, for all types of yard and garden power equipment, you'll want to pay attention to these areas:

The Fuel System
The main thing to remember about a fuel system in power equipment is that the fuel you're purchasing won't stay fresh very long. Due to the high levels of ethanol in gas, the fuel quickly disintegrates and can leave a sticky, nasty varnish all inside the fuel system of your lawn mower or snow blower. The small parts involved in the fuel system of any piece of power equipment don't appreciate this varnish, and it can cause serious problems. You might find that your machine won't start, or that it will start and then die out, or that you have a kind of up-and-down thing happening, with the engine revving up and then nearly dying out.

The easiest way to make sure you don't get that varnish in your machine's fuel system is to add fuel stabilizer to all the fuel you purchase. At Arco Lawn, we carry individual packs that make it quick and mess-free (no measuring) as well as larger bottles with easy ratios to follow for adding to gas cans.

The Lubrication System
For 2-cycle machines such as trimmers, blowers, and chain saws, you know you need to add oil to the gas so the machine's engine gets adequate lubrication. Be sure of two things: first, that you're using the right kind of oil and second, that you're adding it in the correct ratio for your machine. For Stihl equipment, which we carry at Arco, there are small and large bottles of 2-cycle oil. If you don't want to mess with measuring, get the smaller bottles and add the whole thing to the appropriate amount of fuel in your gas can. You'll have your pre-mixed fuel ready to go when you're ready to use your equipment.

The Maintenance Parts
It's easy to forget, but some engine parts aren't meant to last forever. Spark plugs and air filters are parts which get a lot of wear and tear and should be replaced every season. Other commonly replaced maintenance parts include self-propel cables, fuel lines, and, of course, the chain on your chain saw and the blade on your mower will need to be regularly sharpened for best performance. Use our quick and easy Parts Look Up online system to find the parts you need for your machine.

We're happy to help you figure out what you need to do to keep your power equipment in working order. Feel free to stop by our store {14657 Manchester Road, Ballwin, MO 63069}, give us a call {636-394-0044}, or leave your question on our blog or Facebook page.

Image courtesy of tourist_on_earth.

This Week's Special: Free Gas Can with Stihl Equipment Purchase!

2011-02-21T14:48:00.000-08:00

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 1 Gallon gas can when you purchase new STIHL equipment and 6 pack of ultra oil.*

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

*See store associate for details. Stihl FS45 trimmer and BG55 blower not eligible. Equipment must be purchased in store at Arco Lawn Equipment, 14657 Manchester Road, Ballwin, MO 63011. Valid February 21, 2011, through February 26, 2011. Cannot be combined with other coupons, discounts, or specials.

Weekly Special: 20% Off Service Parts with Eqt Purchase!

2011-02-15T08:21:00.000-08:00

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% off any service parts purchased at time of sale on new equipment.*
Be sure to print off the coupon below to get the special!

*See a sales associate for details. Coupon must be presented at time of purchase. Valid February 14, 2011, through February 19, 2011. Service parts must be purchased at same time of sale as purchase of new equipment. Cannot be combined with other coupons, discounts, or specials.

Product Highlight: Toro Snow Blowers

2011-02-15T07:57:00.000-08:00

The Midwest has gotten quite a lot of snow this year; definitely more than our usual. If you've been getting by pushing the snow around with a shovel, now is the time to upgrade to a more back-friendly method of snow removal.
Behold the glorious snow blower!

Toro offers several models of snow blowers to meet different budgets and consumer needs. If you have a small driveway, the biggest model is probably more than you need. On the other hand, if you're trying to clear a large driveway, patio, sidewalk, or other area, you need a snow blower big enough to do the job well.

Toro PowerClear180
The PowerClear 180 has an 18" clear width and 25' throw distance. With its 4-cycle, OHV engine it provides power as well as portability. Recoil start or electric start options available.

Pricing starts at $399.95.

Purchase or view more info about the PowerClear 180 here.

Toro PowerClear 210

The 210 offers more power for larger areas to clear at a great price. With a 21" clearing width and a 30' throw distance, it can make quick work of snow.
With an R-Tek Engine, Power Propel Drive System, and 2-year warranty, this machine is a great investment for winter.

Pricing starts at $559.95.

Purchase or view more info about the PowerClear 210 here.

Weekly Special: 10% Off Parts Purchase!

2011-02-09T07:49:00.000-08:00

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.

10% off parts, e.g. air filters, spark plugs, and more.*
Be sure to print out the coupon below to redeem this offer.

*See store associate for details. Must be purchased in-store at Arco Lawn Equipment. Must present coupon at time of purchase for redemption. Valid February 7, 2011, through February 12, 2011. Cannot be combined with other coupons, discounts, or specials. Limit 1 coupon per customer. Terms subject to change without notice.

Commercial Deal of the Month: 20% off Parts!

2011-02-09T07:48:00.000-08:00

February's Commercial Special of the Month:
Every month we present a special deal for our commercial customers.

20% off pre-season commercial parts orders above $500.00! *
See details below, and be sure to print the coupon to bring in to the store to get your special!

*Applies to regular service parts only. See a store associate for details. Arco Lawn Equipment reserves the right to make exceptions of parts not valid for this offer. Coupon valid through the month of February, 2011.Must present coupon at time of purchase for redemption. Cannot be combined with other coupons, discounts, or specials. Complete parts order, pre-tax, must equal $500.00 or above. Limit 1 per customer.

Basic Snow Blower Maintenance List

2011-01-28T11:49:00.000-08:00

Snow blowers, like lawn mowers, are one of those things we don't think about until we need them and we need them working. We've gotten a good bit of snow in St. Louis this winter (with more expected), so snow blowers are becoming something we all think about. It's one thing to shovel the driveway once; it's quite another to have to shovel it several weeks in a row.

Keeping your snow blower well-maintained will mean you're prepared when the snow comes. Hang that snow shovel up, and take care of this instead:

Check that the machine is starting up right away.
Change the spark plug if you haven't in a season or more.
Change the oil if you haven't since last season.
Check the blades for any rips or tears. Replace if damaged.
Check for and tighten any loose nuts and bolts.
Add fuel stabilizer to keep your fuel fresh between uses.

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Check out our full line of snow blowers at www.ArcoLawn.com!