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Earl's Yard ServicesBlogSmall Engines
08 Nov 2025
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No Start, No Problem: Tracing the Fault in Your Electric OPE

The beauty of electric Outdoor Power Equipment (OPE) is its simplicity—no spark plugs to check, no carburetor to clean. But when your trimmer, blower, or mower refuses to start, the troubleshooting process is different from gas engines. You need a simple, linear approach to isolate the electrical fault.

Don’t panic and assume your expensive tool is dead. Follow this step-by-step guide to trace the problem from the power source (battery) to the motor.

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07 Nov 2025
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Gas vs. Battery for Commercial Landscaping – A True Cost Comparison

For professional landscapers, the tools they use aren’t just equipment—they’re the engine of the business. While battery technology has improved dramatically, the choice between traditional gas and modern batterypower is often reduced to purchase price versus perceived convenience.

The real metric for professionals is Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). When you factor in fuel, maintenance, downtime, and lifespan, the comparison shifts dramatically.

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06 Nov 2025
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💧 Fuel System Fixes: Troubleshooting and Cleaning a Gummed-Up Small Engine Carburetor

Few things are as frustrating as pulling the cord on your trimmer or blower and getting nothing but sputtering, coughing, or silence. In small engines, especially after long storage periods, the main culprit is almost always the carburetor, which has been fouled by stale, ethanol-laced gasoline.

When your engine is surging, stalling, or struggling to maintain a consistent idle, it’s time for some focused carburetor cleaning.

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06 Nov 2025
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🔥 The Oil & Gas Ratio Riddle: Avoiding Catastrophic Two-Stroke Engine Failure

The simplicity of a two-stroke (2-cycle) engine is its greatest feature, but it also hides its greatest vulnerability: it does not have a separate oil reservoir. The oil that lubricates the piston, cylinder, and bearings is the same oil you mix directly into the gasoline.

Get this ratio wrong, and you’re essentially running a time bomb. This isn’t just about a little smoke—it’s about protecting your investment from total catastrophic failure.

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05 Nov 2025
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⚡️ V is for Velocity: Why 40V, 60V, and 80V Aren’t Gimmicks

As battery-powered outdoor power equipment (OPE) pushes gas engines toward retirement, consumers are faced with a dizzying choice: 40V, 60V, 80V, and even higher. Is a higher number just a marketing ploy, or does it actually translate to better performance for your lawnmower or chainsaw?

The answer is simple physics: a higher voltage is a more efficient and practical way to deliver the intense power needed for heavy-duty yard work. It all comes down to the relationship between Volts (V) and Amps (A).

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