Ruppert Landscape Appoints Kang President & COO
Jessica Schwartz
OPEI: 12 Questions To Ask Before Powering Up The Snow Thrower
With Winter just around the corner and snow slowly creeping into forecasts across the U.S., it’s important for anyone who will have to tackle the flakes head on to make sure they’re prepared. Winter storms can be unpredictable and the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) encourages lawn and landscape business owners to prepare in advance before bad weather hits. Here are OPEI’s 12 questions to ask before operating a snow thrower: Have you read your owner’s manual? Know safe handling procedures and how to operate the controls of your machine. If the manual cannot be found, look it up online and store a copy on the computer. Have you checked your equipment? Equipment should be powered off when checking it. Adjust any cables and check the auger. If you forgot to drain the fuel before storing equipment last year, empty the gas tank. Have you purchased the right fuel? Be sure to use the fuel recommended by the equipment manufacturer. Fuel that is more than 30 days old can phase separate and cause operating problems. Buy gasoline ahead of a storm. For more information see LookBeforeYouPump.com. Is gasoline used safely? Never add fuel to a running or hot engine. Store gasoline in a fuel container and label with date purchased and ethanol content. Make sure fuel is stored safely and out of reach of children. Are batteries charged (for battery-powered equipment)? Make sure batteries are fully charged before a storm, in case electricity goes out. Is the yard clear of obstructions? Snow can hide objects. Doormats, hoses, balls, toys, ...
10 Generator Safety Tips from OPEI
If your electricity goes out due to snow and ice, a generator can keep power flowing to your business. The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), an international trade association representing manufacturers and suppliers of outdoor power equipment, small engines, battery power systems, portable generators, utility and personal transport vehicles, and golf cars, reminds business owners to keep safety in mind when using generators this Winter. Tips include: Take stock of your generator. Make sure equipment is in good working order before starting and using it. Do this before a storm hits. Review the directions. Follow all manufacturer’s instructions. Review the owner’s manuals (look manuals up online if you cannot find them) so equipment is operated safely. Install a battery operated carbon monoxide detector. This alarm will sound if dangerous levels of carbon monoxide enter the building. Have the right fuel on hand. Use the type of fuel recommended by the generator manufacturer to protect this important investment. It is illegal to use any fuel with more than 10% ethanol in outdoor power equipment. (For more information on proper fueling for outdoor power equipment click here.). It’s best to use fresh fuel, but if you are using fuel that has been sitting in a gas can for more than 30 days, add fuel stabilizer to it. Store gas only in an approved container and away from heat sources. Ensure portable generators have plenty of ventilation. Generators should NEVER be used in an enclosed area or placed inside a building or a garage, ...
Tips For First-Time Equip Attendees
Be aware: The registration price doubles this Friday! How does a first-time attendee find their bearings at Equip Exposition, the sixth largest trade show in the U.S.? The expo, being held October 18- 21, 2022, is offering tips on how to navigate the event, which boasts a million square feet of exhibit space, including a 30-acre Outdoor Demo Yard showcasing the newest outdoor power equipment in the industry at the Kentucky Exposition Center (KEC). “First, with a show this size, be sure to wear comfortable shoes,” says Kris Kiser, president & CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), which owns Equip Exposition. “Also, Expo is open rain or shine. Check the weather report so you can dress appropriately.” Other insider tips include:• Register now before the price doubles this Friday, September 9. Lock in your early-bird ticket for only $20. Prices double to $40 at midnight September 9, and double again after October 14 to $80. • Reserve your hotel room and make travel plans now. Louisville’s 17,000 hotel rooms book up as October approaches. Some hotels are on a complimentary shuttle route that will get you to the show quickly. Book your hotel now and you might even win a prize. • Download the official Equip Exposition app sponsored by Husqvarna. The app is the best way to plan your schedule. Navigate and mark the exhibits you want to see and education sessions to attend. • Add education and training to your registration. Landscapers can attend sessions on: ...
