Refurbishing Used Power Gardening Equipment

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Unlike rotary mowers, few serious gardening machines have been criminally neglected or worked to death. Few single-function gardening machines get more than a few hours of use per season.
Unlike rotary mowers, few serious gardening machines have been criminally neglected or worked to death. Few single-function gardening machines get more than a few hours of use per season.
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First check of used-engine condition: Remove and inspect air filter. Moderate discoloration is OK, more means careless use.
First check of used-engine condition: Remove and inspect air filter. Moderate discoloration is OK, more means careless use.
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Close-fit tools may be needed. Here, a hex-socket with a large Phillips-head bit forms an offset wrench for flushing bolts holding a muffler. Lock jaw pliers are needed for other bolts.
Close-fit tools may be needed. Here, a hex-socket with a large Phillips-head bit forms an offset wrench for flushing bolts holding a muffler. Lock jaw pliers are needed for other bolts.
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We rescued our thirty-year-old Gravely from an immoderate late-winter snowfall, and fired it to life with just a new spark plug and a shot of starter fluid.
We rescued our thirty-year-old Gravely from an immoderate late-winter snowfall, and fired it to life with just a new spark plug and a shot of starter fluid.
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Measure the attachment circle on the back of an engine from center to center of opposing bolt holes and across center of circle. Order a replacement engine of same size and configuration (here, a new 7 hp horizontal shaft Tecumseh
Measure the attachment circle on the back of an engine from center to center of opposing bolt holes and across center of circle. Order a replacement engine of same size and configuration (here, a new 7 hp horizontal shaft Tecumseh "tiller" engine with a 3 5/8 inch 4-bolt circle).
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First step in revitalizing a used engine is squirting carburetor, inside and out, with carb cleaner. Remove mixture-adjust screws and squirt them, too (see the following photo to identify screws).
First step in revitalizing a used engine is squirting carburetor, inside and out, with carb cleaner. Remove mixture-adjust screws and squirt them, too (see the following photo to identify screws).
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Spark plug is removed with a rubber-core sparkplug socket (not pliers or common sockets, or you can snap the ceramic insulator). A gapping tool is needed to set the gap: .025 on J-8s and 0.35 on J-10s, the most common outdoor-tool plugs.
Spark plug is removed with a rubber-core sparkplug socket (not pliers or common sockets, or you can snap the ceramic insulator). A gapping tool is needed to set the gap: .025 on J-8s and 0.35 on J-10s, the most common outdoor-tool plugs.
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Here, carburetor is off. Linkage wire are unhooked and twist ties are used to flag holes for correct reassembly. Screwdriver points to upper-mixture adjust screws. Lower adjust screw is at bottom.
Here, carburetor is off. Linkage wire are unhooked and twist ties are used to flag holes for correct reassembly. Screwdriver points to upper-mixture adjust screws. Lower adjust screw is at bottom.
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For ease in repair and storage, install an aftermarket cut-off in fuel-line between gas tank and carb. Fasten to hose with stainless screw-type clamps. Improve engine longevity by installing a fuel filter in the other (tank) end of fuel line as well.
For ease in repair and storage, install an aftermarket cut-off in fuel-line between gas tank and carb. Fasten to hose with stainless screw-type clamps. Improve engine longevity by installing a fuel filter in the other (tank) end of fuel line as well.

Tips on evaluating, buying, and refurbishing used power gardening equipment. (See the image gallery for garden equipment photos.)

You say you don’t fancy the idea of spending as much for a
new gardening machine as you’d pay for a barn roof or a
good used truck? Well, scout around for a good used garden
tractor, tiller, or shredder. Your selection may be limited

  • Published on Feb 1, 1997
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