Keeping Engines Clean With Detergents!

Gasoline is something you may not give a lot of thought to, but the type of fuel you use in your chainsaw makes a difference in the lifespan and in how well your saw runs.

I strongly advise using fresh gasoline with an octane rating of 89 or higher (mid grade or premium).

Most of the regular unleaded 87 octane gasoline that is available on the market today contains minimal amounts of detergent additives, which in four stroke applications keep pistons, valve stems, and fuel injectors clean. These same additives are needed in a two stroke engine to keep varnish, gum, and lacquer deposits from forming inside the engine. 

Pressure from the automotive industry has caused the gasoline suppliers to blend the 89 to 91 octane gasoline range with greater amounts of detergents and anti-oxidizing additives to prevent formation of deposits and keep engines clean.

Lack of detergent additives in two stroke fuel will cause heavy buildup of varnish, gum and lacquer deposits on the piston surface and inside of the ring grooves. Heat transfer from the piston to cylinder will suffer. Once the ring starts sticking in the ring grooves, combustion flame and exhaust gases will leak past them, further overheating pistons causing galling or seizures.

Since alcohol has been added to gasoline, power equipment manufacturers do not recommend storing fuel for more than 30 days. This period can be even shorter in hot and humid climates. Today, gasoline is considered too old for use in the two stroke engines if it’s older than 30-45 days. 

Fuel older than 30 days will begin to form varnish and gum. When the varnish and gum are heated by the combustion, they combine and form the byproduct tar. The tar byproduct is the number one cause of blocked spark arrestor screens and stuck piston rings. 

Since old gasoline won't vaporize well in the crankcase, the fuel will puddle in the crankcase, causing spark plug fouling, engine flooding and hard starting. Old, stale, oxidized fuel will also quickly form gum, varnish and deposits inside the carburetor and fuel system components. This is the most commonly found issue at many dealerships at the beginning of the season, primarily with products that are used seasonally.

"Moral of the Story"
Use only fresh mid-grade or premium gasoline in your chainsaw engines and other 2 cycle engines. It'll make your chainsaw last longer and run better with less maintenance and repair hassle.

Ready or Not, Here Comes Cyber Weekend!

By now, you know what Black Friday is. It's notorious for being a violently aggressive rush for deals. However, that isn't necessarily the case for online shoppers.

If you're not familiar with it, Cyber Monday is the Monday after Thanksgiving when online retailers drop their prices and list significant sales on their products. It's a day when millions of internet shoppers can get Black Friday prices without the hassle of fighting angry soccer moms over the last "Tickle-Me Elmo."

We will be celebrating Black Friday and Cyber Monday with deals on all of our power equipment sites. You'll be able to find some quality brand-name tools and equipment for unbelievable prices all through Cyber Weekend (Friday-Monday).

However, we will not be here Friday-Sunday! While other retailers make their employees work overtime and weekends, we choose to send our employees home for the weekend to be with their family.

Every site we have has Buyer's Guides to help you in the decision making process, so even though you can't reach customer service or our experts, we've done our best to provide you with answers to as many questions as possible. If you want more information, you can scroll to the bottom of the site and click on our "How-to Library," where you can find many articles about our power equipment.

Plus, most of the items on our site have customer reviews and accurate up-to-date ratings generated by our cutting-edge algorithm so you can feel confident in your selection.

If you have questions or concerns about your order, feel free to contact us on Cyber Monday, December 2nd, 2013.

Find Cyber Monday Deals at the Following Stores:

Snow Blowers Direct

Electric Generators Direct

Leaf Blowers Direct

String Trimmers Direct

Chain Saws Direct

Chippers Direct

Log Splitters Direct

Air Compressors Direct

Pressure Washers Direct

Sump Pumps Direct

Water Pumps Direct

Mowers Direct

Tillers Direct

Alternatives to Stihl & Echo

Many people are familiar with Stihl and Echo, but there are other brands out now that are comparably well built and reliable.

Husqvarna is well known for the comfort grip handles and easy-start capability which comes from a combined choke/stop control which reduces the risk of engine flooding and makes for easier engine start-up.

Additionally, Husqvarna has a specially optimized fuel pump that keeps fuel lines clear in order to facilitate start-up. An air purge feature removes air from the carburetor and fuel system for easy starting.

Husqvarna has one of the world's greatest ranges of outdoor power equipment. For most needs, such as homeowners and even professional wood cutters, Husqvarna offers lightweight chainsaws that will effectively cut through modest jobs with percision.

Unlike Stihl or Echo, Husqvarna can be found and purchased in more places including online. Husqvarna also provides more cost-effective products while still providing the same great quality and performance. So while some commercial workers may still prefer Stihl or Echo, Husqvarna is a great option for someone who needs power and reliability, but doesn't need it 7 days a week.

Using Log Splitters in the Winter

We all know that we would love to split our wood on a nice, clear day with a cool breeze. We all know that this will most likely never be the case. If you need to use your log splitter in the middle of the winter or in temperatures below proper operating temperature, here is what I recommend.

The log splitters will function below 41 degrees; however the functionality is decreased when operated in temperatures below 41 degrees.

It is recommended that in temperatures below 41 degrees that the splitter is allowed to warm before operation.

In temperature conditions below 10 degrees I recommend using electric log splitters inside. If you have a gas-operated splitter, you must use it outside. For these, you'll want to warm your gas splitter overnight by storing it inside. Otherwise, you could use an engine block heater to warm the oil chamber prior to use.

I do not recommended you use a different oil than what is recommended by the manufacturer. The best option is to put a magnetic block heater on the wood splitter when it is in storage so that the oil stays heated and will thin when you start it.

If it is really cold where you are using the splitter, just leave the magnetic heater on the splitter while using it. The reason you have to take these precautions to keep the log splitter warm is that when the temperature drops below 41 degrees, the hydraulic oil gets too thick. You may be tempted to change to a thinner oil, but doing so may put your log splitter at risk of overheating in summer months.

For more information, the most up-to-date log splitter ratings and reviews, or to stock up on accessories, visit www.logsplittersdirect.com

Cordless Benefits

Hello everybody!!

Are you tired of depending on gas to operate your chainsaws? I know I am. Rising prices, smelly hands, and nasty exhaust fumes have me looking for an alternative. Luckily, recent improvements in battery technology have allowed for some great new electric products to enter the market.

One of the biggest improvements has been the emergence of lithium ion technology. These batteries are able to maintain full strength throughout the entire charge cycle, meaning no loss of power as the battery drains. A few products that use these batteries are cordless pole saws and cordless chainsaws.

For those not looking to ditch the cord, there are plenty of electric models available as well. If you are close to a power source, these allow you the ability to work all day without worrying about stopping to charge the battery. Many people have small branches they need to clear away from their homes, and one of the best ways to do this is with an electric pole saw. It's quick, clean, and easy, with no charging of batteries or gas to deal with.

So if you are looking to free yourself from the hassles of gasoline, consider an electric chainsaw. They're the real deal!