Air pollution comes from many sources such as exhaust and fuel emissions from gasoline powered engines — the kind used in lawnmowers, riding tractors, string trimmers, tillers and other types of outdoor power equipment. Other contributors include fuel spillage and evaporation.

Today the industry is doing its part to reduce air pollution by manufacturing new generations of outdoor power equipment that operate with low-emission engines and cordless electric power. Users can contribute by considering the environment when using outdoor power equipment. Not only can one perform earth-friendly lawn and garden tasks such as mulching and composting to nourish and beautify lawns, but users can help to reduce air polluting emissions by handling fuel properly and keeping equipment in good working order. For do-it-yourselfers, here are some easy steps to keep power equipment more air-friendly. Always check the operator's manual for specific recommendations on maintenance. Otherwise, seek help from local outdoor power equipment service shops.

• Change equipment's oil seasonally and be sure to recycle the old oil.
• Replace the spark plug and air filter and check for proper carburetor adjustment — a properly tuned engine helps burn fuel more efficiently, thereby reducing emissions.
• Be sure to use replacement parts recommended by the manufacturer.
• Avoid gasoline spillage when refilling the tank. Also, keep fuel tanks and containers sealed tightly, leaving room (approximately 3/4 full) for expansion.
• Tighten loose nuts, bolts and belts so that your mower runs a little quieter, too.
• For mowers, sharpen cutting blades and keep decks cleared of all grass clippings to further enhance performance.
• Replace old worn out equipment with the latest models offering low-emission engines that run 70 percent cleaner than 1990 models. Electric or rechargeable battery power is also available.

Information reprinted from the OPEI Cyberlawn Web site, opei.mow.org.

Got Tips?

If you have maintenance tips to pass along to RER readers, please contact Rebecca Bridson, associate editor at rbridson@primediabusiness.com or 913/967-7455.