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Blogs 2025

Essential Maintenance Tips for Your Hedge Clipper

Essential Maintenance Tips for Your Hedge Clipper

Hedge Clipper
January 31, 2025 | Maintenance | By: Hometown Outdoor Power

Close-up of a man repairing outdoor power equipment in the garage.Properly maintaining your hedge clipper ensures that your hedge-trimming efforts are always neat and efficient. Hometown Outdoor Power, your local source for outdoor power equipment in Salina, McPherson, and Minneapolis, KS, offers this expert guide to hedge clipper maintenance. Whether you have recently purchased from our selection of hedge clippers for sale or are looking to keep your current model running smoothly, these tips will help. Remember, a well-maintained hedge clipper not only performs better but also lasts longer!

Regularly Cleaning Your Hedge Clipper

Keeping your hedge clipper clean is an important part of overall maintenance. After each use, remove any debris and sap from the hedge clipper blades. This prevents the build-up of materials that can cause corrosion and blunt the blades. Use a soft brush or cloth to gently wipe the blades, and if necessary, use a mild detergent for tougher sap or resin. Regular cleaning not only prolongs the lifespan of the equipment but also maintains its cutting efficiency.

Sharpening Hedge Clipper Blades

Sharp hedge clipper blades are essential for clean and efficient cuts, whereas dull blades can damage plants and make your job harder. We recommend sharpening the blades at least once per season or more frequently depending on usage. If you're not comfortable sharpening the blades yourself, consider bringing them to our service department here at Hometown Outdoor Power. Our experts can ensure that your hedge clipper will cut precisely and smoothly.

Cleaning the Air Filter in Your Hedge Clipper

For hedge clippers powered by gas, the air filter plays a pivotal role in the engine's performance. A clean air filter ensures that the engine receives enough air for combustion, keeping it running smoothly and efficiently. Check the air filter regularly and clean or replace it as needed. This simple maintenance task can prevent significant and costly engine problems down the line.

How To Properly Store a Hedge Clipper

Proper storage of your hedge clipper is vital, especially during the off-season. Clean the equipment thoroughly and lubricate the blades to prevent rust, then store it in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight. If your hedge clipper is battery-powered, remove the battery before storing it and charge the battery periodically to maintain its health and efficiency.

Maintaining your hedge clipper ensures that your hedges remain a source of pride! For residents in Salina, McPherson, and Minneapolis, KS, remember that Hometown Outdoor Power not only offers a range of hedge clippers for sale but also provides expert services to help maintain your outdoor power equipment. We look forward to serving you!

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Essential Maintenance Tips for Your Hedge Clipper

Essential Maintenance Tips for Your Hedge Clipper

Hedge Clipper
January 31, 2025 | Maintenance | By: Hometown Outdoor Power

Close-up of a man repairing outdoor power equipment in the garage.Properly maintaining your hedge clipper ensures that your hedge-trimming efforts are always neat and efficient. Hometown Outdoor Power, your local source for outdoor power equipment in Salina, McPherson, and Minneapolis, KS, offers this expert guide to hedge clipper maintenance. Whether you have recently purchased from our selection of hedge clippers for sale or are looking to keep your current model running smoothly, these tips will help. Remember, a well-maintained hedge clipper not only performs better but also lasts longer!

Regularly Cleaning Your Hedge Clipper

Keeping your hedge clipper clean is an important part of overall maintenance. After each use, remove any debris and sap from the hedge clipper blades. This prevents the build-up of materials that can cause corrosion and blunt the blades. Use a soft brush or cloth to gently wipe the blades, and if necessary, use a mild detergent for tougher sap or resin. Regular cleaning not only prolongs the lifespan of the equipment but also maintains its cutting efficiency.

Sharpening Hedge Clipper Blades

Sharp hedge clipper blades are essential for clean and efficient cuts, whereas dull blades can damage plants and make your job harder. We recommend sharpening the blades at least once per season or more frequently depending on usage. If you're not comfortable sharpening the blades yourself, consider bringing them to our service department here at Hometown Outdoor Power. Our experts can ensure that your hedge clipper will cut precisely and smoothly.

Cleaning the Air Filter in Your Hedge Clipper

For hedge clippers powered by gas, the air filter plays a pivotal role in the engine's performance. A clean air filter ensures that the engine receives enough air for combustion, keeping it running smoothly and efficiently. Check the air filter regularly and clean or replace it as needed. This simple maintenance task can prevent significant and costly engine problems down the line.

How To Properly Store a Hedge Clipper

Proper storage of your hedge clipper is vital, especially during the off-season. Clean the equipment thoroughly and lubricate the blades to prevent rust, then store it in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight. If your hedge clipper is battery-powered, remove the battery before storing it and charge the battery periodically to maintain its health and efficiency.

Maintaining your hedge clipper ensures that your hedges remain a source of pride! For residents in Salina, McPherson, and Minneapolis, KS, remember that Hometown Outdoor Power not only offers a range of hedge clippers for sale but also provides expert services to help maintain your outdoor power equipment. We look forward to serving you!

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Blogs 2024

How to Prepare a Generator for a Power Outage

How to Prepare a Generator for a Power Outage

Generator
December 31, 2024 | Safety | By: Hometown Outdoor Power

Man starting electricity generator on the floor.When unpredictable weather or unforeseen circumstances cause a power outage, being prepared can make everything much easier. One way of ensuring readiness is by having a properly prepared generator. In this article, we provide an informative guide on how to prepare your generator for a power outage.

Understanding the Importance of Generators

Generators offer an excellent solution for maintaining power during outages. They ensure the continuous operation of essential appliances, keep lights on, and prevent potential safety hazards. To reap these benefits, it's vital to understand your generator's operation and how to prepare it in case of an emergency.

Checking Your Generator Regularly

One key step in preparing your generator is regular checks and maintenance. This helps you spot any issues in good time and resolve them before an actual power outage occurs. Ensure it's clean, check if it has adequate oil levels, and test run it periodically.

Stocking Up on Fuel

Another crucial aspect is ensuring you have enough fuel for the generator. Running out of fuel during a power cut can be frustrating and potentially dangerous if you rely on essential electrical devices.

Storing Your Generator Properly 

Proper storage extends the life of your generator. Store your device in a dry, well-ventilated area free from exposure to harsh weather elements.

Knowing How to Operate Your Generator Safely 

Finally, learn safe operating practices for your generator—operate it outdoors away from windows and vents to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. However, each device may have its specifications; thus, always refer to its manual for exact instructions.

We encourage you to visit Hometown Outdoor Power—located in Salina, McPherson, and Minneapolis KS—where we cater to all your outdoor equipment needs including generators for sale, which are designed precisely for such emergencies as power outages. As your local generator dealership, you’ll experience proactive service from our knowledgeable team who'll answer any queries you may have and guide you throughout the generator selection and usage process. Make Hometown Outdoor Power your choice for dependable power generators.

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How to Prepare a Generator for a Power Outage

How to Prepare a Generator for a Power Outage

Generator
December 31, 2024 | Safety | By: Hometown Outdoor Power

Man starting electricity generator on the floor.When unpredictable weather or unforeseen circumstances cause a power outage, being prepared can make everything much easier. One way of ensuring readiness is by having a properly prepared generator. In this article, we provide an informative guide on how to prepare your generator for a power outage.

Understanding the Importance of Generators

Generators offer an excellent solution for maintaining power during outages. They ensure the continuous operation of essential appliances, keep lights on, and prevent potential safety hazards. To reap these benefits, it's vital to understand your generator's operation and how to prepare it in case of an emergency.

Checking Your Generator Regularly

One key step in preparing your generator is regular checks and maintenance. This helps you spot any issues in good time and resolve them before an actual power outage occurs. Ensure it's clean, check if it has adequate oil levels, and test run it periodically.

Stocking Up on Fuel

Another crucial aspect is ensuring you have enough fuel for the generator. Running out of fuel during a power cut can be frustrating and potentially dangerous if you rely on essential electrical devices.

Storing Your Generator Properly 

Proper storage extends the life of your generator. Store your device in a dry, well-ventilated area free from exposure to harsh weather elements.

Knowing How to Operate Your Generator Safely 

Finally, learn safe operating practices for your generator—operate it outdoors away from windows and vents to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. However, each device may have its specifications; thus, always refer to its manual for exact instructions.

We encourage you to visit Hometown Outdoor Power—located in Salina, McPherson, and Minneapolis KS—where we cater to all your outdoor equipment needs including generators for sale, which are designed precisely for such emergencies as power outages. As your local generator dealership, you’ll experience proactive service from our knowledgeable team who'll answer any queries you may have and guide you throughout the generator selection and usage process. Make Hometown Outdoor Power your choice for dependable power generators.

Read More
How To Replace Your Lawn Mower Engine

How To Replace Your Lawn Mower Engine

Lawn Mower Engine
October 29, 2024 | Maintenance | By: Hometown Outdoor Power

Close-up of a man unscrewing a lawn mower engine.Time to give your old lawn mower a new lease on life? This guide from Hometown Outdoor Power explains how to replace your lawn mower engine. This simple step can add years to the lifespan of your lawn mower! For more advice on lawn mower maintenance, feel free to consult the team here at Hometown Outdoor Power. We proudly offer a wide selection of lawn mower engines for sale at our dealerships in Salina, Minneapolis, and McPherson, KS.

Getting Started

First, be sure to check the owner’s manual provided with your lawn mower. While these general tips from Hometown Outdoor Power can be applied to most lawn mowers, the owner’s manual may include more detailed, model-specific instructions on how to replace the engine.

Once you have reviewed the owner’s manual, start the engine replacement process by tipping your lawn mower on its side. Wedge a block of wood between the blade and the mower deck, and use a wrench to remove the bolt securing the mowing blade to the mower engine crankshaft. Unscrew and remove the mowing blade, then lay the mower down flat.

Removing the Engine

To remove the old engine from your lawn mower, start by following the throttle lever to the throttle linkage on the side of the engine. Use a screwdriver to remove the throttle wire, then unscrew the bolts securing the engine to the mower frame. Use a wrench on the bolt head on top and on the nut under the mower deck. Repeat these steps to remove all the bolts, then carefully remove the old engine from the mower deck and set it aside.

Installing the New Engine

Next, place your new lawn mower engine where the old one was, then replace and tighten all the bolts and nuts until the new engine is secured to the frame. Reattach the throttle linkage, then put the mower on its side again. Screw the mowing blade back into the base of the crankshaft, then use your block of wood as a wedge as you tighten the bolts.

Testing the New Engine

With your mower lying flat again, give your new engine a test run. Fill the oil and fuel tanks, then turn on the engine and watch out for any unusual sounds or vibrations. If the engine seems to be installed properly, take it for a quick spin around your lawn to test its performance.

We hope you found this guide helpful! Still searching for a new lawn mower engine? Head to Hometown Outdoor Power and shop our selection today. You can find a great selection of Kawasaki® small engines for sale at our dealerships in Salina, McPherson, and Minneapolis, KS. We also have plenty of Kawasaki small engine parts for sale.

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The Key Benefits of Owning a Chainsaw

The Key Benefits of Owning a Chainsaw

Equipment
September 30, 2024 | Buying Guide | By: Hometown Outdoor Power

Gasoline powered professional chainsaw on pile of cut wood.Chainsaws are powerful tools that offer numerous advantages to their users, making them a must-have for many homeowners and professionals alike! 

Versatility and Efficiency

Incredibly versatile, chainsaws can handle a wide range of tasks. From cutting firewood and pruning trees to creating wooden sculptures or assisting in construction projects, these dynamic tools make quick work of what might otherwise be labor-intensive tasks.

Safety

Contrary to what some may believe, modern chainsaws are designed with safety as a priority. With features like anti-kickback chains, automatic chain brakes, and vibration reduction systems, they combine power with safety precautions.

Time-Saving 

Chainsaws save you significant time. What would take hours with hand saws or axes can be accomplished in minutes with a good chainsaw. Plus, the efficiency of a chainsaw translates into less overall fatigue for the operator.

Customization Options

Another benefit of owning a chainsaw is the customization options available. Today's chainsaws come in different sizes and with various capabilities tailored to your specific needs—whether for light garden work or heavier logging tasks.

Cost-Effectiveness 

Though it may seem like a pricey purchase at first glance, consider the longevity and robust nature of this tool. With proper maintenance, your chainsaw will serve you well for many years, ultimately proving to be cost-effective compared to regular tool replacements.

At Hometown Outdoor Power we aim to help you find the perfect chainsaw that suits your needs while valuing safety and performance. We guarantee informative assistance throughout your selection process—ensuring you make a decision that promises satisfaction. Let us guide you through our wide variety of quality options when you visit our locations in Salina, McPherson, or Minneapolis, KS.

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