It is that time of year when the leaves are falling and giving a nice autumnal look to the garden but left they can become troublesome and slippy giving issues around the garden. If there are a lot of deciduous trees around the garden then the leaf fall can be considerable and removing them can be quite a task. One of the best ways to remove is either by using a vacuum or blowing machine to clear the leaves as they fall. It is best to have a machine that can carry out both functions allowing to either blow or vacuum depending on the amount of leaf and the condition. The versatility of a vacuum and blower type allows you to adjust to whatever situation where it be small amounts of leaf that can be vacuumed or if there is large amounts then blowing to a central point of the garden could be a better option. If you are vacuuming wet leaves this can be difficult and awkward however if you are able to vacuum dry leaves then this will be easier on the machine.

Most vacuum type leaf collectors are now fitted with an internal shredding blade or wire, this helps to reduce the volume if adding the leaves to the compost heap.

If using an electric leaf blower or vacuum it is important to use an RCD safety plug at all times, as with any outdoor electrical items, you should check cables and plug for any damage before and after use and also check the air intake is clear to avoid premature burn out of the electric motor.

If you are using a petrol driven engine it will require regular maintenance throughout the season, Make sure you disconnect the spark plug lead from the spark plug before any maintenance is done and be careful near the engine or exhaust especially if you are using a type of machine that goes over your shoulder. regular maintenance of spark plugs should be carried out at every 15 – 20 hours of use by removing the spark plug and cleaning the plug with a wire brush if required, An indication as to how well your engine is running is the condition of the spark plug, A light grey coloured electrode suggests a good running engine, black coloured centre of the spark plug ( Electrode ) indicates there is possibly an issue with the engine, possible causes of this are blocked air filter, choke sticking on or old or improper oil, this would improve the overall staring and fuel economy of the mower if rectified, A spare spark plug is also a good idea and some oil to top, usually SAE30 grade oil, but always consult the manufacturers guidelines.

When the last cut is complete you should switch off the fuel tap on the tank and let the engine run until it uses the fuel in the carburettor and fuel line as the fuel can go stale within 6 to 10 weeks of sitting causing blockages in your carburettor, thus making it difficult to start next season, One of the most common problems of engines not starting at the start of the season is stale fuel. You can also buy an additive for the fuel system that prolongs the shelf life of the fuel, this would be added to the fuel and run for about 10 minutes. Thanks for reading and happy leaf collecting!

Jack Aikman