How to Maintain Your Garden Tiller

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How to Maintain Your Garden Tiller

Posted On : Feb-27-2011 | seen (552) times | Article Word Count : 633 |

A garden tiller is a big investment. Maintenance is a key priority for helping your tiller to last for many years. If properly maintained, you shouldn’t have to replace tillers very often, especially since they are only used once or twice a year. Here is a guide to helping you know how to maintain your garden tiller.
Read Your Product Manual
Every garden tiller is different. While there are some basic guidelines that work well in most instances, your product manual should be your first reference for knowing exactly what you garden tiller needs. Make sure that you read your manual carefully and make notes so that you will know if any additional maintenance is required. If you have lost or misplaced your manual, you can find many online at the manufacturer’s website.
Before Storing for Winter
When you are finished using your garden tiller for spring and summer preparations, prepare it before putting it back into storage. It is a good idea to drain your fuel. You can do this easily by removing the fuel line. Since gasoline can burn or damage your lawn, make sure that you drain your tiller away from the lawn and garden. Always drain it into a container and dispose of any fuel that you will not use properly. Adding a fuel stabilizer to your tank is another option if you prefer. If you use a fuel stabilizer, make sure to follow the directions and use the proper amount.
Clean out the tiller tines and remove any excess dirt or foreign objects. When cleaning the tines, make sure that the tiller is unplugged if it is electric and turned off. If there are any broken tines, remove them and replace before next year.
Before Using in the Spring
Once you pull your tiller out of storage it is a good idea to perform routine maintenance before using it in the garden again. Dust and dirt will have accumulated on the garden tiller body. You can use a wet rag to easily wipe the body clean. Check the tines and make sure that everything is in working order.
Check all of the filters on your garden tiller. Typically tillers have a fuel filter and an air filter. Inspect them for dirt and damage and replace as necessary. Some garden tillers have a two stage filter than can be easily rinsed clean. If this is the case with your filter, give it a quick rinse and then let it dry before putting it back into your machine.
Check the oil level and refill if necessary. Also check the fuel line for any leaks. If you notice any oil stains under the tiller in your storage area, make sure that you investigate to find the problem. You may need to occasionally replace the spark plugs as well.
Tighten up any screws or bolts on the tiller. Pay special attention to the tines, since these can cause serious damage if they are loose.
Once you feel confident that your tiller is ready to operate, refill the gas tank. Make sure that you use the proper type of fuel and that you fill the correct receptacle.
Take your tiller to your garden area and start it. Since it has been sitting for quite a while it is a good idea to let it run for a few minutes before you start tilling. Pay attention to how your tiller sounds and stop it and investigate if you notice any strange sounds.
Maintaining your tiller will only take a few minutes each year and will ensure that your tiller will last for many years. Proper maintenance is essential to having a long lasting and well functioning garden tiller. Since your tiller is a big investment, it is important to treat it right.

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<h1>How to Maintain Your Garden Tiller</h1> Author: <a href='http://www.articleseen.com/profile_benni jenyfari.aspx'>benni jenyfari</a> A garden tiller is a big investment. Maintenance is a key priority for helping your tiller to last for many years. If properly maintained, you shouldn’t have to replace tillers very often, especially since they are only used once or twice a year. Here is a guide to helping you know how to maintain your garden tiller.
Read Your Product Manual
Every garden tiller is different. While there are some basic guidelines that work well in most instances, your product manual should be your first reference for knowing exactly what you garden tiller needs. Make sure that you read your manual carefully and make notes so that you will know if any additional maintenance is required. If you have lost or misplaced your manual, you can find many online at the manufacturer’s website.
Before Storing for Winter
When you are finished using your garden tiller for spring and summer preparations, prepare it before putting it back into storage. It is a good idea to drain your fuel. You can do this easily by removing the fuel line. Since gasoline can burn or damage your lawn, make sure that you drain your tiller away from the lawn and garden. Always drain it into a container and dispose of any fuel that you will not use properly. Adding a fuel stabilizer to your tank is another option if you prefer. If you use a fuel stabilizer, make sure to follow the directions and use the proper amount.
Clean out the tiller tines and remove any excess dirt or foreign objects. When cleaning the tines, make sure that the tiller is unplugged if it is electric and turned off. If there are any broken tines, remove them and replace before next year.
Before Using in the Spring
Once you pull your tiller out of storage it is a good idea to perform routine maintenance before using it in the garden again. Dust and dirt will have accumulated on the garden tiller body. You can use a wet rag to easily wipe the body clean. Check the tines and make sure that everything is in working order. 
Check all of the filters on your garden tiller. Typically tillers have a fuel filter and an air filter. Inspect them for dirt and damage and replace as necessary. Some garden tillers have a two stage filter than can be easily rinsed clean. If this is the case with your filter, give it a quick rinse and then let it dry before putting it back into your machine.
Check the oil level and refill if necessary. Also check the fuel line for any leaks. If you notice any oil stains under the tiller in your storage area, make sure that you investigate to find the problem. You may need to occasionally replace the spark plugs as well.
Tighten up any screws or bolts on the tiller. Pay special attention to the tines, since these can cause serious damage if they are loose.
Once you feel confident that your tiller is ready to operate, refill the gas tank. Make sure that you use the proper type of fuel and that you fill the correct receptacle.
Take your tiller to your garden area and start it. Since it has been sitting for quite a while it is a good idea to let it run for a few minutes before you start tilling. Pay attention to how your tiller sounds and stop it and investigate if you notice any strange sounds.
Maintaining your tiller will only take a few minutes each year and will ensure that your tiller will last for many years. Proper maintenance is essential to having a long lasting and well functioning garden tiller. Since your tiller is a big investment, it is important to treat it right.
About the Author: Benni Jenyfari is a freelance writer who provides informative and detailed articles and reviews for a number of home improvement websites. Read the review on the <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.1st-in-unique-gifts.com/mantis-tiller-review">Mantis Garden Tiller</a> to see how the Mantis Tiller will help you with your gardening. The <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.1st-in-unique-gifts.com/mantis-tiller-review/">Mantis electric tiller</a> makes soil preparation easy for the home gardener.
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Author Resource :
Benni Jenyfari is a freelance writer who provides informative and detailed articles and reviews for a number of home improvement websites. Read the review on the Mantis Garden Tiller to see how the Mantis Tiller will help you with your gardening. The Mantis electric tiller makes soil preparation easy for the home gardener.

Keywords : mantis tiller, garden tiller, mantis electric tiller,

Category : Home and Family : Home Improvement

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