Seasonal Care: Tips to Keep Garden Gear Running All Year in Grafton

Leslie Farm & Garden Machinery • August 3, 2025

Maintaining a well-kept garden in Grafton isn’t just about planting at the right time or watering regularly—it’s also about keeping your powered garden equipment in top condition throughout the year. From humid summers to chilly winters, Grafton’s climate puts garden gear like lawn mowers, brushcutters, hedge trimmers and chainsaws through a lot.

With some know-how and the right maintenance habits, you can keep your garden machinery performing smoothly all year round, reduce breakdowns, and avoid costly replacements. Here’s how to care for your tools through every season.

Understanding Grafton’s Climate & How It Impacts Garden Machinery

Grafton’s subtropical climate mixes warm, wet summers and cool, dry winters. While ideal for growing lush gardens, these weather patterns can be tough on machinery. The region’s rainfall and humidity can lead to rust and moisture damage, while prolonged use strains engine components and cutting parts during the growing season.

To keep your equipment running:

Store machines in a dry, covered space away from rain and direct sunlight
Clean off mud, clippings and debris after every use to prevent corrosion
Monitor for signs of moisture damage, like rust or sticky throttle movement
Schedule maintenance at the end of each season to prepare for the next

Understanding the weather your tools face each year is the first step to protecting them.

Prepping Your Lawn Mower for Each Season: Don’t Just Fuel & Forget

Your lawn mower is one of the hardest-working machines in your shed. During spring and summer, it likely sees weekly use. That’s why seasonal maintenance is critical—not just for performance, but also for safety and fuel efficiency.

Checklist for year-round lawn mower care:

Spring: Replace spark plugs, inspect blades and change the oil before the first mow
Summer: Clean the deck regularly and check the air filter for dust clogging
Autumn: Sharpen or replace blades and drain excess fuel if usage drops off
Winter: Store dry, empty of fuel, and remove the battery if applicable

These simple steps keep your mower cutting cleanly and starting reliably.

Hedge Trimmer Headaches? Clean & Oil for Consistent Cuts

Hedge trimmers often see bursts of use rather than weekly operation, which makes them prone to issues if stored poorly or not cleaned after use. Sap, plant fibres, and moisture are common culprits behind sluggish cutting performance and rusted blades.

To keep your hedge trimmer reliable:

Cleaning:

Wipe down the blades with a cloth after every use
Remove stuck-on debris with a stiff brush or putty knife

Oiling:

Apply light machine oil to the blades after cleaning
Operate the trimmer briefly to spread the oil evenly

Storing:

Hang vertically to avoid bending blades
Store in a dry location or use blade covers

Chainsaw Safety Starts with Seasonal Servicing

Chainsaws are powerful tools that demand respect—and regular servicing. Whether you’re felling trees, cutting firewood or clearing storm debris, your chainsaw should be in top condition before you start it up.

Essential chainsaw maintenance includes:

Checking and tightening the chain regularly to maintain safe tension
Cleaning the air filter and replacing it if it is clogged with dust or oil
Inspecting the spark plug each season and replacing it if fouled
Ensuring the bar oil is topped up before every use
Cleaning the bar groove and chain drive area

Chainsaws that aren’t regularly checked can be dangerous, so inspect them before use and consider a professional service annually.

Don’t Ignore Your Brushcutter: Maintenance for Consistent Performance

Brushcutters are often used to tackle the heavy work that mowers can’t manage—thick weeds, long grass, and uneven terrain. Because they’re used in rugged conditions, they’re more vulnerable to wear and vibration-related issues.

Here’s what to check regularly:

Inspect the cutting line and replace it when frayed or worn
Clean the cooling vents and air filter to prevent engine overheating
Check that the throttle trigger and kill switch are functioning properly
Examine the fuel lines and tank for cracks or leaks
Tighten all screws, handles and vibration mounts

Staying on top of this routine ensures smooth starts and longer-lasting performance from your brushcutter.

Storage Matters: Where & How You Store Tools Affects Their Lifespan

Where you keep your equipment when not in use can make or break its lifespan. Many garden tools fail not from use, but from poor storage.

Tips for optimal storage:

Dry Environment:

Store all gear in a moisture-free shed or garage
Use shelving or hooks to keep tools off damp ground

Fuel Considerations:

Drain fuel from machines that won’t be used for several months
Use fuel stabilisers if storing with petrol inside

Physical Protection:

Cover equipment with breathable tarps or fitted covers
Keep sharp tools out of reach of children and pets

Better storage reduces rust, corrosion and damage from environmental exposure.

Servicing Schedule: When to Call the Experts for a Tune-Up

Some maintenance can be done at home, but it pays to trust a local expert for deeper inspections. Professionals offer servicing for all types of powered garden equipment in Grafton, ensuring your tools remain reliable year after year.

Here’s a rough service schedule to follow:

Annually: Full service for lawn mowers, chainsaws and brushcutters
Every 25 hours of use: Oil change and filter clean
Seasonal: Pre-summer check for moving parts, blades and safety features
Post-heavy use: Spark plug and air filter inspection

Sticking to a regular maintenance plan extends your tool’s working life and avoids untimely breakdowns.

Replacing vs Repairing: How to Know When Your Equipment Needs an Upgrade

Even the best-maintained gear wears out eventually. Knowing when to replace versus repair can save money and reduce frustration during peak gardening seasons.

Signs it’s time to upgrade:

Repeated failures to start, even after servicing
Worn or unavailable parts for older models
Frequent loss of power or inconsistent performance
Major damage like cracked decks or broken engine housings

Need Help With Powered Garden Equipment in Grafton? We’re Ready

If you’re unsure whether to service or upgrade, visit us at Leslie Machinery. We’re here to help you protect your investment in powered garden equipment in Grafton. Whether you need routine servicing, replacement parts, or advice on the latest tools, give us a call or get in touch via our contact page to book a consultation or service. Let us help you get more from your garden gear, all year round.