Maintenance tips for your gardening tools

Zimbabweans should think about investing in high-quality gardening equipment, but like any investment, these tools need to be well maintained to ensure peak performance and a long lifespan. Routine maintenance guarantees the tools can perform their gardening jobs safely and easily. 

Cutting Edge is the supplier of GARDENA and Husqvarna gardening tools in Zimbabwe. While we have a servicing centre on our premises, many customers can perform simple maintenance on their gardening tools at home. This is quicker than bringing equipment to our workshop, but all major repairs should be done by our expert mechanics. 

In the long run, well-maintained gardening tools will save you money. You’ll also extend the life of your tools and benefit from years of dependable service by investing a small amount of time in routine maintenance. From blade sharpening and oiling to replacing wheels and cutting blades, we’ll give you some helpful maintenance tips below.

Taking care of your gardening tools

Different tools need different maintenance techniques:

• Secateurs – Wipe your secateurs with a clean towel after each use to get rid of sap and debris. To prevent the blades from rusting, lightly oil them and sharpen them regularly using a file or sharpening stone. Store them somewhere dry throughout the winter.
• Hedge clippers – Like secateurs, hedge clippers need to have their blades cleaned and sharpened regularly. To guarantee smooth functioning, lubricate the blades with an appropriate oil. Remember to inspect and tighten the nuts and screws if necessary.
• Hose pipes – While Zimbabwe has a mild climate year-round, some parts of the country can experience frost and freezing temperatures in the winter. Make sure your hose pipe is thoroughly drained after use to prevent residual water from freezing and damaging the inside of the hose. Avoid leaving your hose pipe on the driveway and don’t let cars drive over it. This is the easiest way to puncture a hose, especially on gravel driveways or paths. Look for cracks in the rubber and repair them as soon as you can. Our GARDENA hoses have a 20-year lifespan.
• Hose reels – These products make it easier to store your hoses neatly and help to avoid kinks and tangles. Replace any broken components and check the wheels on your hose reel, if it has any, to see if they spin freely. Apply a lubricant to the axles or bearings if necessary.
• Push mowers – Make sure the mower deck’s underside is clean and clear of grass cuttings. Sharpen the blades often to make it easier to push through tall grass. Lubricate the moving parts and inspect the wheels for damage.
• Lawnmowers – Petrol lawnmowers need routine engine maintenance in addition to deck cleaning and blade sharpening. Check the spark plug, clean or replace the air filter, and change the oil at the start and the end of the cutting season. You can also replace the wheels easily if they are not rotating freely anymore. Similarly, electric lawnmowers need sharp blades and free-spinning wheels. In general, electric mowers require less maintenance than petrol ones, but when they do need replacement parts, these need to be changed by our trained mechanics. Battery lawnmowers have maintenance needs of their own, especially for the batteries themselves. Avoid completely draining the battery and always keep it in a cool, dry location. When necessary, sharpen the mower’s blades and clean the deck.
• Robotic mowers – Although these autonomous machines need little upkeep, robotic mowers must be cleaned on a regular basis. Clear the mower’s underbelly and cutting disc regularly. Examine the blades for wear and swap them out as necessary. The wheels and tyres may also need replacing annually or when required, so remember to check them at the start of summer.
• Ride-on mowers – Similar to petrol lawnmowers, ride-on mowers need to have their engines maintained, their blades sharpened, and their decks cleaned. Lubricate all moving parts and make sure the tyres are properly inflated. For annual maintenance, contact Cutting Edge and book them into our workshop.
• Brushcutters – Clean the air filter and inspect the spark plugs often. If the trimmer head at the bottom of the machine is damaged, replace it immediately. Always remember to check how much trimmer line is left in the head before cutting a large area of grass. 
• Leaf blowers – Clean the blower tube and air intake often. For petrol-powered blowers, check the air filter and spark plug. Battery blowers need to be stored in a dry location and detach the battery from the machine when not in use.
• Sprinklers and garden irrigation – Zimbabwean water tends to contain lime, so it’s important to inspect sprinkler heads for limescale and blockages. Check for leaks in connections and fix any damage right away.
• Micro Drip Systems – As above, check the drippers frequently for limescale and any obstructions. Clean them as needed. Make sure there are no leaks and the system is connected correctly.

Cutting Edge can help with maintenance

Regular cleaning is essential to preventing rust and corrosion during the hot, rainy summer months in Zimbabwe. Clean any mud, grass clippings, or other debris after each use. To avoid damage from dryness and cold temperatures in winter, use the right storage and lubrication techniques. 

Cutting Edge is Zimbabwe’s supplier of GARDENA and Husqvarna gardening equipment and tools. We are dedicated to offering our clients superior products and knowledgeable guidance. Our staff can offer advice on appropriate maintenance as well as assist you in choosing the best tools for your needs. 

A key to successful gardening is purchasing high-quality tools and keeping them in good condition. Our brands reflect this outlook and we offer warranties on each product, along with full back-up and servicing for registered products purchased from an authorised retailer or dealer. Please contact us today to learn more about our gardening tools and servicing solutions.

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Cutting Edge is the leading supplier of Husqvarna, GARDENA and Hunter products in Zimbabwe. We bring you the best tools in the business with world-class service and after sales care. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news and product offerings from our brands.