How to Care for Your
Garden Machinery
Expert advice on maintaining 2-stroke handheld tools and garden equipment
Why Proper Maintenance Matters
Your garden machinery is a valuable investment that deserves proper care. Regular maintenance not only extends the life of your equipment but also ensures it performs reliably when you need it most.
2-stroke handheld tools — including strimmers, blowers, hedge trimmers, and chainsaws — require particular attention due to their specialized fuel systems and high-performance engines.
This guide will help you keep your equipment in peak condition and avoid common problems that lead to costly repairs or premature replacement.
Hedge Trimmers
Leaf Blowers
Strimmers & Brush Cutters
Chainsaws
Essential Care Tips
Everything you need to know to keep your equipment running perfectly
Fuel Advice
The #1 cause of 2-stroke problems
✅ RECOMMENDED: Use Aspen or Alkylate Fuel
- Aspen fuel is virtually emission-free and lasts up to 5 years
- No ethanol damage or fuel degradation
- Cleaner burning = less carbon buildup
- Pre-mixed for 2-stroke engines (Aspen 2) — no mixing needed
⚠️ WARNING: Standard Pump Fuel
- Ethanol (E10) in modern petrol attracts moisture and degrades quickly
- Can damage fuel lines, carburettors, and seals
- Goes "stale" after 30 days — causes starting problems
- If using pump fuel: Run machine monthly and never store with old fuel
💡 Pro Tip
We stock Aspen 2-stroke fuel at our workshop. Switching to Aspen dramatically reduces fuel-related failures and extends engine life. It's the professional's choice for a reason!
Service Acceptance Policy
To maintain workshop standards and provide quality service, we apply the following policy
✅ We Will Service
- Machines running on Aspen or alkylate fuel
- Well-maintained machines with regular service history
- Machines serviced within the last 3 years
- Equipment in good overall condition
- Machines with disclosed faults and honest history
❌ We Will Not Service
- Machines damaged by fuel degradation from long-term storage
- Heavily neglected or severely damaged equipment
- Machines with replacement cost under £500 (may be uneconomical)
- Equipment with undisclosed or misrepresented faults
- Machines that haven't been serviced in over 3 years
Assessment Charges Apply
All inspections are chargeable at our standard hourly rate, including cases where repairs are declined or deemed uneconomical.
These charges reflect the time and expertise required for professional diagnosis. However, assessment fees are redeemable as store credit if you purchase a replacement machine from us.