Tech Tips: Tech Tips was created by I-4 Power Equipment to help our customers answer some basic questions about Power equipment and Golf Cars maintenance. Why do my deck belts wear out so quickly? Why should I run my engine at full throttle?
LAWN EQUIPMENT:
There may be several reasons why a deck belt may wear prematurely.
(1) The blades should always be turned on at full throttle if the mower has a electric P.T.O. switch. There are two reasons for this, first the electric clutch will engage with a instant and sometimes violent hit on the belt if it is turned on at low rpm's, for obvious reasons the deck belt will be stressed and shorten belt life.
(2) The electric clutch has clutch plates that need to be burnished, this is acomplished when the P.T.O. is turned on at Hi rpm's.
(3) The blades must be the correct blades and balanced, too much of a Hi lift or unbalanced blades will put more stress on the deck belt, not to mention the bearings in the spindles.
(4) Always turn the blades on with no load, like over the driveway, or anywhere there is no grass.
Most small engines are air cooled and it is necessary to run them at its highest rpm for the following reasons:
(1) The engine's cooling and lubrication systems are designed to operate best when the throttle is in the highest position. Running the engine at lower speeds will decrease the flow of cooling air and the volume of oil circulated. These two factors will shorten engine life.
(2) The engine's carburator is adjusted so that the engine operates most efficiently at full throttle. Operating outside or below the optimum speed range will result in poor peformance and more maintenance.
(3) Everything driven by the engine (eg. cutting blades/belts) are designed to turn at the speed maintained by the engine's governor when the throttle is at the highest position. Running the engine at a lower speed will result in poor performance and excessive vibrations.
How often should I be using new gasoline and why?
Fresh gasoline is more volatile than stale gasoline. Gasoline over 30 days old has likely lost volatility and is unsuitable for use in most small engines on outdoor power equipment. If storing a piece of equipment for more than 30 days, drain or run out any of the fuel which remains in the fuel system (tank, fuel lines, carburator(s), etc.) When gasoline becomes old and stale, it begins to break down and become what is commonly called engine gum or engine varnish.
This is particularly detrimental to 2 cycle engines, this can cause the fuel delivery system to limit the flow of fuel to the piston and cylinder and not only can cause poor running conditions but can also cause major engine damage. There is one option which allows gasoline to store/last for a prolonged period. Gasoline stabilizer can be found at I-4 Power Equipment. This product must be mixed with gasoline the day of purchase. Mixed properly, it can extend the life of fuels up to 1 year depending on the amount.
Golf cart tips:
For optimum performance and battery life, the rule of thumb is to charge often. Todays electric golf cars have much better electronics and charging systems than years past. The two are designed to work together (charger & car/batteries) You must have good batteries and charger, having a weak cell in a battery or a weak battery will effect the charging cycle. With good batteries and a charger that is working to specifacation, normal charge cycles can vary from 2 hours, to as much as 18 hours, depending on the state of charge in the batteries or the age of the batteries.
The batteries water level should be checked once a month. While you do the maintience, you should always clean the batteries entirely as well as the cables and post. When adding water make sure the batteries are charged first, batteries that are low on charge will overflow during a normal charge if you where to fill the batteries to the recomended level before charging. Always used distilled water. The battery nuts should always be checked for tighting after cleaning and refilling.
LAWN EQUIPMENT:
There may be several reasons why a deck belt may wear prematurely.
(1) The blades should always be turned on at full throttle if the mower has a electric P.T.O. switch. There are two reasons for this, first the electric clutch will engage with a instant and sometimes violent hit on the belt if it is turned on at low rpm's, for obvious reasons the deck belt will be stressed and shorten belt life.
(2) The electric clutch has clutch plates that need to be burnished, this is acomplished when the P.T.O. is turned on at Hi rpm's.
(3) The blades must be the correct blades and balanced, too much of a Hi lift or unbalanced blades will put more stress on the deck belt, not to mention the bearings in the spindles.
(4) Always turn the blades on with no load, like over the driveway, or anywhere there is no grass.
Most small engines are air cooled and it is necessary to run them at its highest rpm for the following reasons:
(1) The engine's cooling and lubrication systems are designed to operate best when the throttle is in the highest position. Running the engine at lower speeds will decrease the flow of cooling air and the volume of oil circulated. These two factors will shorten engine life.
(2) The engine's carburator is adjusted so that the engine operates most efficiently at full throttle. Operating outside or below the optimum speed range will result in poor peformance and more maintenance.
(3) Everything driven by the engine (eg. cutting blades/belts) are designed to turn at the speed maintained by the engine's governor when the throttle is at the highest position. Running the engine at a lower speed will result in poor performance and excessive vibrations.
How often should I be using new gasoline and why?
Fresh gasoline is more volatile than stale gasoline. Gasoline over 30 days old has likely lost volatility and is unsuitable for use in most small engines on outdoor power equipment. If storing a piece of equipment for more than 30 days, drain or run out any of the fuel which remains in the fuel system (tank, fuel lines, carburator(s), etc.) When gasoline becomes old and stale, it begins to break down and become what is commonly called engine gum or engine varnish.
This is particularly detrimental to 2 cycle engines, this can cause the fuel delivery system to limit the flow of fuel to the piston and cylinder and not only can cause poor running conditions but can also cause major engine damage. There is one option which allows gasoline to store/last for a prolonged period. Gasoline stabilizer can be found at I-4 Power Equipment. This product must be mixed with gasoline the day of purchase. Mixed properly, it can extend the life of fuels up to 1 year depending on the amount.
Golf cart tips:
For optimum performance and battery life, the rule of thumb is to charge often. Todays electric golf cars have much better electronics and charging systems than years past. The two are designed to work together (charger & car/batteries) You must have good batteries and charger, having a weak cell in a battery or a weak battery will effect the charging cycle. With good batteries and a charger that is working to specifacation, normal charge cycles can vary from 2 hours, to as much as 18 hours, depending on the state of charge in the batteries or the age of the batteries.
The batteries water level should be checked once a month. While you do the maintience, you should always clean the batteries entirely as well as the cables and post. When adding water make sure the batteries are charged first, batteries that are low on charge will overflow during a normal charge if you where to fill the batteries to the recomended level before charging. Always used distilled water. The battery nuts should always be checked for tighting after cleaning and refilling.
