The October Outdoor Power Equipment Checklist
October is when the seasons begin to change. Mowing is winding down, leaves are starting to pile up, and winter is just around the corner. With winter approaching, now is a good time to check your equipment and take care of any maintenance or repairs.
1. Give Your Lawn Mower a Final Check
Before putting your mower away, clean any grass and debris from the deck and check the blade, oil, air filter, spark plug, belts, and tires according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
Don't forget your blade! A sharp blade helps your mower perform properly when spring arrives. Cutters Mark offers mower blade sharpening to help get your equipment ready for storage.
2. Get Your ECHO Leaf Blower Ready
October means leaves—and plenty of them! An ECHO leaf blower can make fall cleanup much easier.
Inspect the blower tube, air intake, controls, and air filter. For gas-powered models, check the fuel system. For battery-powered equipment, inspect the battery and charger and follow the manufacturer's storage recommendations.
Fall tip: Keep up with smaller cleanup jobs throughout October instead of waiting for every leaf to fall.
3. Check Your ECHO or Husqvarna Chainsaw
Fall is a popular time for trimming branches, cleaning up fallen limbs, and cutting firewood.
Before using your ECHO or Husqvarna chainsaw, check the chain, guide bar, chain tension, chain brake, air filter, and fuel system. A sharp chain makes cutting easier, so take care of sharpening before your next project.
Need your chain sharpened? Cutters Mark offers chainsaw chain sharpening.
4. Get Your Ariens or Toro Snow Blower Ready
Don't let the first snowstorm be the first time you start your snow blower. Whether you own an Ariens or Toro, October is a great time to test your machine.
Check:
Oil and fuel
Belts
Shear pins
Skid shoes
Scraper bar
Auger and chute
Tires
Controls and cables
Spark plug
Gearbox grease
Loose hardware
If your snow blower doesn't start easily, makes unusual noises, or isn't operating properly, getting it checked now can help prevent problems when the snow arrives. Cutters Mark offers a variety of tune-up services to help keep your outdoor power equipment running smoothly. Learn more about our tune-up and repair services here.
Looking for a New Snow Blower?
If you're ready for an upgrade, October is a great time to start shopping. Cutters Mark carries Ariens and Toro snow blowers in a variety of models and sizes. Check out our online inventory today!
Stop by one of our 4 convenient locations and talk with our experienced staff about finding a snow blower that fits your property and snow-clearing needs.
5. Check Oil, Fuel & Batteries
Fresh oil is important for four-cycle engines. Check your owner's manual for the correct oil type and change interval.
Fuel that sits for extended periods can cause starting and performance problems. If your equipment hasn’t been used in the last six months, consider draining the old fuel and replacing it with fresh fuel before using it again. When preparing equipment for seasonal storage, follow the manufacturer's recommendations for fuel care.
For battery-powered equipment, inspect batteries and chargers and store them according to the manufacturer's instructions.
6. Take Care of Repairs & Parts
October is a good time to take care of repairs you've been putting off. Whether your mower needs service, your leaf blower isn't running properly, your chainsaw needs a new chain, or your snow blower had trouble last winter, don't wait until you need the equipment.
It's also a good time to check your supply of commonly needed parts, including:
Snow blower shear pins
Belts
Spark plugs
Skid shoes
Scraper bars
Chainsaw chains
Engine oil
Fuel treatment
When purchasing replacement parts, bring your equipment's model and serial number to help ensure you get the correct part.
Your October Checklist
☐ Inspect and clean your lawn mower
☐ Sharpen mower blades
☐ Check your leaf blower
☐ Inspect your chainsaw and chain
☐ Test your snow blower
☐ Check belts, shear pins, skid shoes, and scraper bars
☐ Check oil and filters
☐ Address fuel concerns
☐ Inspect batteries and chargers
☐ Schedule repairs before winter
Download the printable copy here.
Get Ready for the Season at Cutters Mark
From finishing the mowing season to tackling fall cleanup and preparing for winter, October is the time to get your equipment ready.
Cutters Mark offers sales, service, repairs, parts, mower blade sharpening, and chainsaw chain sharpening.
Stop by or call one of our 4 convenient locations in Lindstrom, MN, Minnetonka, MN, North St. Paul, MN, or Dresser, WI, and get your equipment ready for the season ahead.
