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Ethanol or NOT for my lawnmower
March 24th, 2011
Even as the debate on ethanol expansion rages on in the House of Representatives, small engine mechanics insist that a higher mix of ethanol in gasoline will corrode aluminum parts, disintegrate plastic and rubber parts used in many engines and these parts were not designed for ethanol. The EPA wants to allow higher amounts of ethanol in newer automobile models, and wants the richer mixture put into the general fuel supply. Opponents say this could adversely impact up to 60% of the cars on the road today, and lead to confusion at the pump and an elevated number of engine failures.
The goal is for the United States to produce 36 billion gallons of renewable fuel by 2022, but if the higher ethanol content mandate is accepted, these blends of gasoline/ethanol will be pumped from every gas station in America. The problem then becomes filling up with a mixture that is too rich for the machine.
This could be especially disastrous to small engines: lawnmowers, trimmers, chainsaws and boats. Too much ethanol can literally choke a small engine.
The alcohol content in the ethanol makes engines run extremely hot and can melt the rubber components in these engines. Over time, the heat rots the insides due to the corrosive properties. The standard threshold for lawnmowers is 10%. Hickman recommends a mixture no greater than that for all small engines to retain a safe and optimum performance.
Consumers need to be educated when they fill up at the pump. A mixture rated E-30 means 30% ethanol blend. Don’t assume that is a safe formula for use in your lawnmower, gas trimmer, or boat. Smaller engines such as the two-cycle utility engines common in outboard boat motors, chainsaws and lawnmowers can be rusted from the inside out and the rubber gaskets destroyed by the higher blends of ethanol. Rubber and plastic components will rapidly become brittle. Ethanol creates a chain reaction in small engines that eventually clogs the valves and other parts, particularly the carburetor. The ethanol actually attracts moisture, and creates a gummy residue that clings to the hoses and filters. The moisture barrier pushes the oil away, so the engine is not properly lubricated and runs at a much higher temperature. The combination of high heat, internal corrosion and clogging can quickly kill any small engine.
Ethanol can dislodge debris in standard gas station fuel, and the resulting clogging blocks gas flow to the engine. The debris forms a gel-like substance that prevents the engine from getting the fuel it needs to operate. The engine literally starves for gas.
As gasoline blended with ever-higher percentages of ethanol takes over more gas stations, beware of the danger these richer mixtures pose to your small engines. With a government mandate to make the country less dependent on foreign oil, more mid-level ethanol blends are likely to enter the marketplace, so it becomes critical to understand how sensitive small engines can be to ethanol effects. This year the government ordered the production of nine billion gallons of renewable fuel. Within a decade, that amount will triple and ethanol-rich blends will be common in every gas station in the country. Know the mix, and keep any ethanol/gas mixture with more than 10% ethanol out of your small engines. If you still have questions about the right fuel mix for your small engine, the experts at MSE Hickman are here to help! We’re happy to advise you on all small engine concerns.
Posted in Lawn Mowers, small engines | Comments (0)
Receiver Hitches at MSE Hickman
March 1st, 2011
MSE Hickman has hitches, and you can learn all about them and find the ideal towing equipment at http://msehickman.com/curt-trailers. The more you understand about the equipment and capabilities, the better choice you can make. There are laws and restrictions to consider as you tow from state to state, and weight-carrying capacities to think about. Not all vehicles can tow all classes of trailer and hitch. You should always refer to your vehicle owner’s manual to determine the towing capacity. Choose a hitch that is strong enough to handle the maximum anticipated total weight of the trailer without exceeding the towing capacity of the vehicle. The trailer tongue load should be kept at 10% of the loaded trailer weight for deadweight trailer hitches, and at 12% for weight-distributing – sometimes called equalizing – trailer hitches.
You might also consider beneficial vehicle modifications such as weight distribution hitch, sway bars, or stiffer springs if you are planning on heavy or long-distance towing. Your trailer’s springs, axels, tires and chassis were designed to handle a certain and specific maximum load. You do not want to push the limits and risk losing your trailer or your cargo!
Using your trailer hitch safely starts with good weight distribution. For optimum handling the trailer must be properly loaded and balanced. You will get the best handling by keeping the center of gravity low. Always keep in mind some basic safety tips. Check to be sure the trailer ball (as applicable) on your tow vehicle matches the coupler on your trailer, and is properly fastened to the tow vehicle. If you have a receiver type hitch, make sure that the insert – the bar the ball attaches to – is secured safely with a retaining pin and that it has a locking clevis pin on it.
Safety chains are required by law, and should be crossed under the tongue of the trailer so that the tongue will not drop to the road if it becomes separated from the hitch. Never attach the chains to the bumper or allow them to drag on the ground, and always leave enough slack in the chain for easy turning. Consider a sway control device to reduce the lateral movements of the trailer, but don’t use this if you have a class 1 or 2 hitch, or if you have surge brakes. Be careful to select the right hitch ball. The number one factor in making the ideal choice will be the hitch ball’s gross trailer weight rating. The mounting platform must be at least 3/8” thick, with the hole diameter no more than 1/16” larger than the thread shank. And remember to check the nut and lock washer to make certain they are securely fastened…every single time that you tow!
MSE Hickman can assist you in finding the appropriate hitch and other towing equipment. If you need ball mounts, couplers, bumper hitches, hitch pins and locks, receiver hitches…it’s our expertise that will make it easy to match your needs to the correct equipment. Our website is loaded with information on products that give long service and great value. You need to have a heightened sense of awareness when towing, and solid confidence in the equipment, so let us guide you with a great selection of towing products. Browse our website, http://msehickman.com/curt-trailers or give us a call. We’ll give you the best advice, service and value so you can be on the road, safely towing.
Posted in General | Comments (0)
Get Your Equipment Ready for Spring!
February 10th, 2011
It’s not too early to act on your spring fever and get your lawn and garden equipment ready for the upcoming season! You can order the parts you need easily online, and have them in just a few days. Many people aren’t familiar with the code numbers needed to get the right part, so knowing where to look will simplify the process and assure that you get the exact replacement part necessary to complete your repair. Think of your lawnmower as consisting of two parts: the engine and the frame.
If you need tune-up parts such as spark plugs, fuel filters, carburetors and rebuild kits, or air filters it is necessary to determine the engine model. This consists of model; type, code or specification number; and serial number and may be in different locations on each make. Specify the brand: Kawasaki, Briggs and Stratton, Tecumseh, etc. Look for a sticker or stamped numbers on the engine block. Occasionally the number is located under the engine shroud on top of the engine, or on the overhead valve cover.
For other parts that are not related to the engine, the mower will have a sticker somewhere on the deck that lists the model and serial number. Assemblies used to control the mower including cables and throttle, the mower deck and wheels, handle assembly and blades can be ordered with this information.
MSE Hickman has the parts you need, from blades and starters to pull-cords, oil and air filters, and spark plugs. If parts ordered are in-stock, they can be picked up immediately or shipped the next day. For special order parts you can expect your order in 2-10 days. Manufacturer items that are backordered will be provided as quickly as possible and always with notification of expected arrival time. The online parts lookup and purchasing system is in place to streamline the process, and includes a feature that provides detailed drawings that can help you determine the part you need.
Go to http://www.mse-hickman.com/pages/parts/viewbybrand/default.aspx and on the drop-down menu you can look up your part by model fit, or use the handy Quick Part Lookup menu. If you are unsure when ordering, the Parts Department can reconfirm the brand, line, year, model and part numbers for you prior to ordering with a quick phone call. The staff is pleased to help you get your mower up and running in good condition.
Keeping your mower operating at top speed requires conscientious maintenance and quality parts. Good equipment is an investment, and homeowners are smart to realize the value and see to the care of the mower to prolong its life and ensure that it performs at an optimum level. Those people who are confident in making repairs themselves need a quick resource for parts and information, and MSE-Hickman is the premier provider, offering thousands of parts for all makes and models. For those that need expert service, we are happy to do the repairs for you.
MSE-Hickman has the largest selection of parts available, and is an authorized dealer for Hustler Turf Equipment, Toro Proline, Bluebird, Brown, Claussen/Little Wonder, JRCO, Mantis, Maruyama, Plugr, Redmax, Ryan, Scag, Wright Standar, and more. You’ll find parts for Briggs and Stratton, Honda, Kawasaki, Kohler, Toro…literally most mower makes and models. Professional grade parts and service is what makes MSE-Hickman the right choice! For parts, service or even just a little advice from the experts, we work hard to be sure that you have what you need. Additional information and help is always just a “click” away at our website, and keep visiting our blog to learn more about a variety of products and services. We’ll be chatting about topics you’re interested in and keeping you updated on the latest innovations in equipment.
Posted in General, Maintenance Tips | Comments (0)
Innovation Apparent In ‘Recirculator’ Update
January 27th, 2011
In a recent article in Power Equipment by Ken Morrison, he explains how the offset cylinder, crankshaft counterweights cut emissions, vibration and fuel consumption.
Ten years ago, 2-stroke engines manufacturer Maruyama established its low-emissions pathway by developing the “High Efficiency Recirculator Engine.” Like all the best low-emissions technologies, this one retained the simplicity and power-to-weight advantage of standard 2-strokes. The design has progressed over the years and today it is entering its third generation.
Like previous generations, the new Recirculator engines are pure 2-strokes that use exhaust gases to buffer the incoming fuel charge and reduce scavenging losses-the main source of 2-stroke emissions. These third generation models also sport some very innovative features.
Characteristic of Maruyama’s commercial market emphasis, this new technology was introduced on a large-displacement trimmer/brushcutter engine, not the usual 25 cc variety. The new B42 (41.5cc) engine, and B30 (30.1 cc), which is still in development, provide the power for Maruyama’s new “Venom” equipment line.
The B42 design, while true to the 2-stroke concept, has several radical deviations that pay off big in terms of reduced emissions, lower vibration and improved fuel economy. First the cylinder is offset from the crankshaft centerline. Second, the crankshaft counterweights are not symmetrical. And third, the crankcase volume has been increased.
Together, these features slow the speed of the air/fuel transfer charge and alter the port timing of the piston-opening and closing the exhaust port a little sooner than a standard engine. The advanced crank angle also helps equalize the pressure in the combustion chamber and crankcase, which improves the exchange of incoming air/fuel mix and outgoing exhaust gases.
These features improve the core Recirculator concept, which uses channels in the piston skirt to connect exhaust and transfer ports at top-dead-center. The end result is a big engine that meets Tier 3/Phase 3 emissions regulations without a catalytic muffler, special carburetor or added plumbing. And, fuel consumption is reduced by an amazing 50% compared to standard engines of similar displacement.
Japan-based Maruyama originated in 1895 as a manufacturer of firefighting equipment, and later developed into a world leader in high-pressure pumps. The company began making portable power equipment in the 1960s using sourced engines at first. Today, nearly all their products are powered by Maruyama engines. The engine plant, which opened in 1990, recently produced its 5 millionth engine-a notable milestone for an operation that is only 20 years old. During the past two years, the company has also extended its U.S. and worldwide distribution network.
Today, Maruyama offers a breadth of commercial-quality products that fit well with the servicing power equipment dealer concept. The line includes 11 trimmers and brushcutters, four backpack multi-cutters, two hand-held edgers, five hedge trimmers, two high-reach hedge trimmers, four backpack blowers and one hand-held blower. Two 30 cc chain saw models are currently in development.
Posted in General, small engines | Comments (1)
The Power of Winter – Maintenance Time for Your Power Tools
January 25th, 2011
You may be focused on the snow blower right now, but it’s not too early to think about spring and making sure that your warm weather lawn equipment is in top shape for the first thaw. Here are some tips for winter maintenance on your power tools and lawn mowers:
- Create a maintenance log that lists all your tools by model and serial number. Note the dates of each maintenance occurrence and what was done, much like a vehicle maintenance log. If you need to order new or replacement parts, having the model and serial numbers at hand will make it easier to get the right parts quickly and affordably.
- Make sure everything is cleaned up and stored properly. If you did not give all your tools a good cleaning at the end of the summer, go ahead and do it now. Make sure that leaf blowers and trimmers don’t have any debris lodged in them.
- Replace spark plugs and air filters. You may find that some of these items are on sale now, along with cases of oil or other special lubricants.
- Drain both two-cycle and four-stroke engines of gas and oil and dispose of the hazardous liquids responsibly.
- For large engines, check all the cables, lines and belts connected to the engines and repair or replace any cables that are showing signs of wear.
- Winter is also a great time to inspect and sharpen mower and chainsaw blades and replace them if necessary. If you don’t have the right tools to sharpen blades at home, take them into a local shop for maintenance. Most repair services offer special winter discount rates.
- Check for rust and treat with rust resistant paint or corrosion block.
Taking the time now, when you can’t get out of the garage or workshop, will allow you to step out in the spring thaw with tools that are in great shape. You’ll save time and probably some money by having all your power tools cleaned, serviced and ready to go for the spring and summer months.
Tags: clean tools, lawn equipment, Lawn Mowers, maintenance on power tools, tips for winter maintenance, winter maintenance
Posted in General, Lawn Mowers, Maintenance Tips | Comments (0)
Features & Benefits “Power-V XT” Snowplows
January 20th, 2011
Power-V XT Snowplows benefits and features listed below!
Tags: Boss, Power-v xt snowplows, snowplows
Posted in BOSS, General, Snowblowers | Comments (0)
Competitive Comparison BOSS “Power-V XT” vs. Western MVP Plus
January 14th, 2011
This week’s comparison features the Boss Power V XT and the Western MVP.
Tags: Boss snowplows, competitive comparison, snowplows
Posted in BOSS, General, Snow Plows | Comments (0)
More Snow Means More Snowblowers!
January 12th, 2011
Winter is in full force and those on the East Coast know it. With the third snowstorm in less than three weeks causing chaos, customers have cleaned out some stores’ supplies of snowblowers.
Although snowblower producers such as Toro typically begin to focus on lawn mower production in the winter, the sudden shortage of snowblowers has prompted Minnesota-based Toro to continue production and shipment of its snowblowers like the consumer power shovel.
The recent storm has dropped over a foot of snow over New Jersey and other areas and with several more weeks left of winter, the demand for both electric and gas snowblowers will remain steady!
Tags: snow removal, snowblowers
Posted in Snowblowers, Toro | Comments (0)
Tow, Tow, Tow Your Boat – Getting a DOT Legal Trailer
January 10th, 2011
Before you hitch up that new boat or even your snowmobile, be aware that a number of federal and state regulations govern not just the operation of your sport vehicle, but the actual towing of it as well. Towing laws are governed by both federal and state DOTs (Departments of Transportation) and strict guidelines cover everything from the tires on your conventional trailer to the chains, tail lights and length.
For example, many states require that you install special trailer brakes if you are towing a boat of a certain weight. Heard of breakaway brakes? You may be required to equip your trailer with them as a safety measure against trailer and hitch separations. Trailer lights can include a license light, tail lights, brake lights, clearance lights, turn signals and reflectors.
If you are purchasing a new or used trailer for the first time, check out the federal DOT guidelines at the DOT web site and then also check with your state’s DOT. Since you may find hundreds of articles and regulations in your research, you may also want to visit with a licensed trailer manufacturer/distributor about the guidelines for your state and any states that you may be traveling and towing through.
Getting a used a trailer up to the legal standards of the DOT can be expensive, especially if the trailer is not compliant in the first place. By purchasing from a legitimate trailer distributor, you can understand the features of the trailer and purchase a unit that is already federally DOT compliant and perhaps legal for your state as well. This can certainly save you time and money in fixing up an existing trailer and can also ensure that you won’t be subject to fines or tickets for having a training that is not DOT legal.
Do your homework before you buy a trailer and hit the open road. You’ll appreciate being in compliance with the expectations (and laws) of the DOT.
Tags: conventional trailer, DOT, DOT guidelines, DOT regulations, towing, trailers. DOT legal trailer
Posted in DOT, General, Trailers | Comments (0)
Features & Benefits “Power-V” Snowplows
January 6th, 2011
The chart below gives some helpful features and benefits on the “Power-V Snowplows”.
Tags: Boss, Boss snowplows, Power-V Snowplows
Posted in BOSS, General, Snow Plows | Comments (0)