Performing routine maintenance on your outdoor power equipment is an important step to ensure you get the best performance out of your tools. Use this power tool maintenance checklist as a guide on how to tune up your outdoor power equipment at home.

Once you’ve purchased a piece of outdoor power equipment, it’s important to maintain the machine properly to continue to get the best results. A good time to tune up your equipment is as you’re pulling it out of storage and gearing up for yard work in the spring. This guide provides steps on what you can do at home to tune up and maintain your battery- and gas-powered equipment and how to do so safely.

Tools Needed:

• Soft cloth
• Mild detergent, such as dish soap
• Screwdrivers
• Lubricant for moving parts
• Safety goggles and gloves

Tune-Up Steps:

1. Clean the Tool: Using a soft, damp cloth with mild detergent, wipe clean the outside body of the tool. Avoid getting water into any electrical components.
2. Check and Clean Battery Contacts: With a dry cloth, clean the battery contacts—where the battery touches the tool—and the tool’s contacts—where the tool touches the battery—to ensure efficient energy transfer.
3. Inspect for Damage: Check the tool and battery for any signs of damage like cracks or leaks. If you find signs of damage, visit your local STIHL Dealer for information on appropriate repairs or replacements.
4. Lubricate Moving Parts: Apply lubricant to moving parts to reduce friction and prevent wear and tear. Avoid getting lubricant on electrical components. This can cause malfunctions or safety hazards.
5. Check the Battery's Health: If the battery isn’t holding a charge, it might be time for a replacement.
6. Storage: When storing your equipment, remove and store the battery in a cool, dry place. Exposure to heat and moisture can degrade a battery’s performance and lifespan.

• Spark plug wrench
• Socket wrench set
• Screwdrivers
• Cleaning brushes
• Air filter replacement
• Spark plug replacement
• Fuel filter replacement
• STIHL MotoMix®
• STIHL Engine Oil
• Cleaner/Degreaser
• Safety goggles and gloves

Tune-Up Steps:

1. Replace the Spark Plug: Use a spark plug wrench to remove the old spark plug. Check the gap of the new spark plug and adjust accordingly, per STIHL recommendations. Install the new spark plug and be cautious not overtighten it, as this could damage the threads or the cylinder head, leading to costly repairs.
2. Clean or Replace Air Filter: Remove the air filter cover. If the air filter is paper, replace it with a new filter. If the air filter is foam, wash it in soapy water, rinse, and squeeze out any excess water. Let it dry completely before reinstalling.
3. Inspect and Replace Fuel Filter: Check the fuel filter located inside the fuel tank. Replace it if it's dirty or old to ensure smooth fuel flow.
4. Change Oil: Drain the tool’s old oil while the engine is slightly warm, so it flows easily. Refill with fresh oil as specified by STIHL.
5. Check and Tighten Loose Parts: Vibration from using your gas-powered tool can loosen nuts and bolts. Check and tighten them as necessary.
6. Clean the Equipment: Remove dirt, grass, and other debris from the tool. Clean grease, dirt, oil, and wax from engine components, paying special attention to the cooling fins on the engine and the air intake area, which are crucial for maintaining proper airflow and preventing the engine from overheating.
7. Check the Fuel System: For tools that weren't emptied of fuel before storage, drain the old fuel and dispose of it properly. Replace with fresh fuel. Using stale fuel can cause starting problems.
8. Lubricate Moving Parts: Apply oil to moving parts like cables and pivot points to ensure smooth operation.

Safety is a number-one priority at STIHL. Before starting any maintenance on your outdoor power equipment, do so with safety top-of-mind.

When it comes to power tool maintenance and tuning up your equipment, whether gas- or battery-powered, we recommend using STIHL maintenance products and replacement parts to ensure compatibility and optimal performance.

Should any of these maintenance steps be out of your comfort zone, seek help from your local STIHL Dealer, who would be happy to assist you with the necessary tools and expertise.

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