Minimize corroded electrical connections with a kit of “watertight” connectors. It takes some patience and delicate work but saves downtime. Photos by Scott Nesbitt
Now is the time to tackle those little tasks that annoy you in busy times.
Do it in the offseason. Or when nature hates you … too much snow, rain or wind. Not enough daylight. Call it deferred maintenance. Or busy work. Or “idle hands are the devil’s workshop.”
Whatever the size of your operation or your budget, there are things that really should get done. You’ll never know how much downtime you’ll avoid.
Fuel cans
A ½-inch PVC pipe cap fits nicely on the spout of the old-style plastic fuel jugs that lost their lid. Install a small eye hook and chain to keep the new cap with the spout.
Help your fuel cans breathe. Install metal vents on your cans. Or just buy some replacements for those yellow vent hole flippers that have broken off over time. Maybe get new spouts and fittings for under $20. Use colored zip ties to mark the kind of fuel in the can.
A retrofit metal vent makes pouring fuel easier, and color zip ties mean this is two-cycle mix.
Compressed air system
Drain the water from your compressor’s tank. Remove the existing drain valve, install a new fitting in the tank and use a piece of air hose to position the tank drain in a convenient place that’s easy to reach. Premade setups are under $15. No more crawling under the tank to let the water out. Or, if the budget allows, get an automatic electrical/electronic drain system, often under $50. Spray soapy water on air system connections and replace the bleeders.
Water-resistant electrical plugs
Corroded connectors plaguing your mower and tractors? Get a waterproof automotive electrical connector kit so your machines can have the kind of moisture resistance enjoyed by cars and trucks for the last quarter century. It’s good work for those with patience and a gentle touch. Under $50 buys bunches of plugs and sockets and the tools to assemble or take apart all manner of old- and new-style connections.
Anti-seize bunches of bolts
Every steel bolt that mounts in aluminum is a service nightmare in waiting. Factories don’t apply anti-seize because it’s messy, costs more and slows the production line. So each trimmer, chain saw and air-cooled engine and machine in your fleet gets to enjoy electrolytic corrosion when exposed to moisture and vibration. There’s a saying about an ounce of prevention and a pound of cure … but you already heard that one.
Leaky air system connectors are easily found with a spray of soapy water. Cut down on compressor noise and power waste by stopping the leaks.
Check all vehicle lights
Verify that all the brake lights on all your vehicles and trailers are working. Fix the bad ones. Maybe install LED “bulbs” that tend to last longer. You’ll never know about an accident that didn’t happen, but you can assume this will make the world safer.
Advocate sharpness
Old Boy Scouts will tell you sharper knives are safer. Ditto for chain saws. Teach all crew members how to sharpen things, give them proper equipment and speculate on how many injuries and accidents have been avoided.
Scott R. Nesbitt is a freelance writer and former GCSAA staff member. He lives in Cleveland, Ga.