What If Your Tiller Doesn't Start?

Even though we are mired in the dead of winter, you can never begin to plan too early for lawn care.  The piles of snow and ice have done a number on our lawns, and it may be time to seed new grass or prepare your vegetable or flower garden for when spring comes.  Before long, it will be time to take out the trusty tiller and get to work.  

In order to become more efficient, tillers have come a long way from their humble beginnings.  Simple push mowers have given way to the convenience and accessibility of gas-powered tillers.  Gas-powered tillers are reliable, dependable machines that will serve you faithfully for many years.  However, there does come a time where you add gasoline and oil, pull the starter cord, and… nothing.  The silence can be deafening.  Most failures to start a tiller result from a problem in the fuel or ignition system, so a few troubleshooting methods may help you identify and correct the problem.

Old gasoline is often the cause of a tiller that won’t start.  Gasoline that has been sitting in the tank since last year can often settle or condensation can seep in.  Drain the old fuel and replace it, while checking the carburetor and intake manifold bolts to ensure they are tight and ensure that all linkages are connected.  Everything pertaining to the fuel line needs to be nice and tight.  Be sure to replace the fuel according to manufacturer’s specifications.  Your tiller is likely fueled by regular high-octane fuel or is a two-cycle motor that requires the specified gas-oil mixture.  Ensure that if there is a fuel shutoff valve, that it is put in the open position. 

Also take a moment to check the ignition.  If your tiller has a shutoff switch, make sure the switch is in the “On” position when attempting to start it.  Disengage all attachments, make sure the transmission is in neutral, and all operating handles are in the correct starting positions.  Also check the spark plug by removing it and touching the bare metal of the spark plug’s base to the bare metal of the engine.  Look for the accompanying spark between the electrodes.  If there is none, it’s time to replace the spark plug.

Also, it’s important to check the fuel cap vent to ensure it’s open and that all filter screens in the tank are clear.  Take a moment to look at the air cleaner, as a dirty air cleaner can flood the engine or restrict air intake.  If none of these troubleshooting items fixes your tiller, give Crowell’sFlying Wrench a call.  Our mobile small engine repair team specializes in tiller repair, and we are eager to serve you with professional experience and competitive prices.  We serve Park City and the Salt Lake Valley.  Call us today.

By: Kyson Crowell

Which Snow Blower to Buy?

Winter has unofficially arrived.  As many parts of the country find themselves buried under feet of fresh powder, many of us find ourselves thinking how we are going to dig ourselves out when the storm hits.  Snow blowers have made life significantly easier for our snow-filled lives, but the important decision of choosing the best snow blower must be answered.  There are several brands of snow blower that offer great features and reliable performance, and each of them is angling for your hard-earned money.  

For those of you looking for the best snow blower of 2014, look no further than Troy-Bilt.  Troy-Bilt offers a wide array of reliable, durable snow blowers that can handle even the toughest of jobs.  Troy-Bilt offers a 2-year limited warranty and affordable financing options.  The Troy-Bilt 31AH64Q has been recognized by Consumer Reports as the best snow blower buy for your money this year, as it includes heated handgrips, joystick control, and offers the benefits of a double-stage gas blower for the price of a single-stage blower. 

Ariens also offers a variety of award-winning snow blowers that meet your needs and feature a selection of premium features.  The Arians 921022 is a critically-acclaimed double-stage snow blower that Consumer Reports recognizes as one of the year’s best.  What sets this snow blower apart is its heavy duty construction and immense power.  Ariens is renowned for durability and 3-year limited warranty.  Financing is also an option, allowing you to find a model that suits your needs and fits your budget. 

If you are looking for a more affordable option, the $700 Craftsman 88970 is an impressive double-stage machine.  This 26-inch gas blower is backed by the dependability of Craftsman, one of America’s most reputable brands.  This particular model offers great clearance and tremendous power output, helping make the task at hand a breeze.  Enjoy a two-year limited warranty and joystick control, with a limited lifetime warranty on upper and lower chute.

If looking for a single-stage snow blower, look no further than the Simplicity SS7522E.  Simplicity offers an affordable alternative to many of the more well-known brands, while featuring superior performance.  This particular model features a 163cc Briggs & Stratton 4-cycle motor, electric start, and highly-rated throwing power.  This $499 snow blower offers a two-year limited warranty and financing. 

Any of these award-winning snow blowers will make snow removal a breeze, while not putting a dent in your wallet.  However, as time goes on, many of these models will need to be serviced or repaired.  Crowell’s Flying Wrench offers local, mobile snow blower repair acrossthe Salt Lake County and Summit County to help your machine remain in tip-top condition.  We are here to serve you. 

By: Kyson Crowell

What Snow Blower Best Fits You?

       Utah winters can be brutal.  Experiencing lake-effect snow can quickly turn 2 inches of freshly coated snow into 2 feet of packed powder that leaves our driveways buried in.  Digging our way out of that snow without a snow blower can be daunting, to say the least.  Most of us can recall stories from our childhood of being woken up by Dad hours before dawn to head outside with the shovel and get to work.  It’s a wonder many of us don’t walk around with debilitating back injuries from all that heavy lifting. 

       

       Even to this day, many people haven’t made the move to buy a snow blower.  If you’re a newbie, it’s hard to know which snow blower is best.  There are two primary types of snow blowers: single-stage and double-stage.  Single-stage models also offer gas and electric options, further confusing the uninitiated.  Knowing which type to buy may seem daunting, but in reality, the decision is easy once you understand what you are looking for. 

       A single-stage gas snow blower is ideal for a flat, midsized paved driveway.  They are most effective in areas that receive an average snowfall of 8 inches or less of snow or less.  Single-stage blowers are light, easy to handle, and require the same amount of garage storage as a typical lawnmower.   A single-stage gas model will give you a 20- to 22-inch swath when clearing your driveway. Gas-powered models are two-cycle engines and require regular maintenance and most offer electric starters.  Single-stage snow blowers are not a good choice for gravel driveways as the auger contacts the ground, and the limited drive action makes steep hills undoable, as the machine will pull from side to side.  

       

       Single-stage electric models are ideal if you have a short, flat paved driveway and walk while electric snow blowers are most effective in areas that receive an average snowfall of 4 inches while an electric model will give you an 11- to 18-inch swath.  Single-stage electric snow blowers offer many of the same advantages and disadvantages, while being quieter and not requiring regular maintenance.  Just be aware that you’ll require a long extension cord you will have to tote with you.

Double-stage snow blowers are the best option for you if you have a long, wide, or hilly driveway and receive a typical snowfall of 8 inches or more.  Two-stage blowers clear a 24-32 inch swath, ensuring your job is done much more quickly and efficiently.  Double-stage blowers are required for gravel driveways, as the awning won’t contact the ground.  They offer electric starting and have driven wheels and an impeller to throw snow.  Two-stages are quite heavy and take up as much space as some sit-down mowers, while requiring regular maintenance. 

When choosing any model, be sure to try the controls to ensure that you are comfortable with the way it handles, the height of the controls, and the ease of chute adjustment.  One-handed drive and auger are important on a double-stage model.  Keep your eyes open for models with headlights and dead-man control.

       

       When the time comes to repair your new investment, Crowell’s Flying Wrench offers local, mobile snow blower repair throughout the Salt Lake Valley and we are a top pick for snow blower tune up's and repair in Park City.  We offer outstanding customer service and competitive pricing that will fit any budget.  Our trustworthy team brings years of repair experience to meet any need.

By: Kyson Crowell