When you fire up your lawn mower, snow blower, or trimmer, the exhaust pipe tells a story.1 While a puff of vapor on a cold morning is normal, persistent, colored smoke is your engine sending a distress signal. For small engines, the color of the smoke…
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That familiar sound of your lawnmower starting strong, only to choke and lose RPM when it hits a patch of thick grass, is a clear signal: your engine is struggling under load. A loss of power under load means the engine isn’t getting enough fuel/air or is…
The STIHL KM 94 R is a professional-grade KombiMotor, but its “simplified starting system” can be confusing if you are used to older 2-stroke engines. Whether you are using the KM 94 R or a similar model like the FS 94 RC-E trimmer, the starting procedure…
Are you tired of the noise, the gas cans, and the constant maintenance of a standard mower? You’ve probably looked at a manual reel mower because they promise a ‘golf course’ finish and a peaceful Sunday morning. But before you spend your money, you need…
A few years back, a customer gifted me a Husqvarna wheeled string trimmer. I was genuinely excited because I had been eyeing a “DR Trimmer” style machine for quite a while. These walk-behind units are essentially a hybrid between a traditional lawn mower and a…
Starting a professional-grade Stihl trimmer like the FS 120, 200, or 250 requires a specific sequence to avoid flooding the engine. These robust 2-stroke machines are built to last, but they can be finicky if you don’t follow the “warm” vs “cold” start rules. Watch…
One of my favorite pastimes is searching for tools at a discount and taking on weekend projects like rebuilding or repairing small engines. My goal is always to add professional-grade gear to my arsenal without the retail price tag. Spring is the perfect time for…
When I head out to a job site, efficiency is my top priority. My gear setup is a bit different than most professional outfits because I do not use a trailer. I prefer to keep my operation lean and mobile, which means everything has to…
Like any four-stroke engine, the Stihl 4-MIX line requires routine valve adjustments to maintain peak performance. Proper adjustment ensures maximum power, easy starting, and better fuel efficiency. Common signs that your valves need attention include a loss of compression, difficulty pulling the starter rope, or a noticeable…
Maintaining your backup power is essential for home emergency readiness. In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to perform an oil change on the PowerBack 5250 portable generator. This model features a rugged 10HP Tecumseh engine, and while it’s a workhorse, it requires clean oil every 50…