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A guide to purchasing a lawnmower or ride on tractor

by admin 2
05 Feb

With spring on its way, now is the time to consider if you need to purchase a new landmower or ride-on tractor. So here is some guidance to get you started:

Getting Started

Whether you’re in the market for a petrol or electric lawnmower, a compact ride-on tractor, or a more powerful machine, WG Gardencare offers over 25 years of expertise providing advice and help on buying and owning these tools.

For most lawns, a petrol or electric push mower should suffice. However, for larger or sloping lawns, a self-propelled petrol model is ideal. If your lawn spans half an acre or more, a lawn tractor might be your best bet.

How to choose a lawnmower or ride on tractor

1. Think about your lawn mower or tractor’s purpose. Many mowers offer options to mulch, bag, or side-discharge grass clippings. Your choice depends on your composting capability for the waste.

2. Evaluate the features and controls. Ride-on tractors typically have handy pedals or levers for speed control. Self-propelled mowers may let you control speed by pushing the handlebar or adjusting ground speed without lifting your hands.

3. For hilly properties, avoid zero-turn or rear-steering tractors, as their tight-turn capabilities make steep slopes tricky. Consider models with front steerable wheels instead.

If you’re planning to purchase a new lawn mower or ride-on tractor for spring and need guidance, contact Graham on 01403 283814. We’re happy to help you find the perfect lawn mower or sit-on tractor. Plus, our servicing and free delivery make your decision even easier.

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LAWN CARE AND MAINTENENCE DURING THE WINTER MONTHS

by admin 2
02 Jan

General lawn care and maintenance

Even in the winter months, your lawn requires some attention, even if your lawnmower or Ride-on-Tractor is stored away.

If the weather is mild, consider laying new turf or fixing hollows and bumps in your existing lawn. To do this, make an ‘H’ shaped cut in the turf, peel back the grass, and fill hollows with loam or remove soil from bumps. Re-lay the turf, pressing it down and pinching the cut edges together.

Repair lawn edges, especially around flower and shrub beds, using turf from other parts of the lawn. If your lawn suffers damage from being walked on during wet, muddy conditions, placing stepping-stones can help prevent further harm while allowing easy access.

Troubleshooting

Keep an eye on your lawn for waterlogging as the weather becomes wetter. If you missed autumn lawn care maintenance, you can still improve the lawn by spiking it with a garden fork or mechanical aerator. Fill the holes with sharp sand and loam, brushing it in with a stiff broom.

In January and February, mole activity increases due to mating and nest building. Remove large molehills and re-firm the soil before overseeding the bare patches in spring.

Worm casts are a nuisance during this season, regularly brush them away to avoid soil build up on your turf.

Watch for snow mould, a problem in wet weather on overly lush lawns. This appears as small patches of yellowish grass covered in cottony fungal growth. The only available fungicide is Bayer Garden Lawn Disease Control, suitable throughout the year, except during drought, or when the ground is frozen or snow-covered. Limit its use to twice a year and combine with non-chemical methods.

Algae can also be an issue on poorly drained or excessively shaded lawns, or under tree drip lines.

Lastly, if your lawnmower hasn’t been serviced for spring, feel free to call us at 01403 283814 for assistance or click here for more information.

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Mowing advice on getting your lawn fit for Spring

by admin 2
02 Apr

Spring has finally arrived, which means it’s time to prepare your lawn for the upcoming season. Our garden lawns are the ‘go to place’ for outdoor summer activities, such as hosting parties and providing a space for relaxation, play, and dining. So to set your lawn up for the summer, follow these practical tips for the first cut:

1. Clear up beforehand

After months of bad weather, remove any debris like dead sticks, leaves, and rubbish. Check for stones and thick branches hidden in the grass that can damage the lawnmower blade.

2. Timing is key

In the first two weeks of April, it’s usually the best time to give your garden lawn a good trim. However, the timing can vary depending on your location.

3. Follow the “one third” rule

When mowing for the first time, never cut more than a third of the grass blade. Gradually reduce the grass length over a few weeks to avoid stressing the grass and prevent disease and weed infestation.

4. For longer grass

If your lawn has grown longer than desired, still follow the one third rule but decrease the cutting height gradually over multiple weeks until you reach your preferred length.

5. Pay attention to the edges

Trim the edges of your lawn after mowing to avoid a messy appearance and wasted effort.

6. Consider new grass seeds

If you’ve recently repaired your lawn with new grass seeds, wait until it has grown over three inches in length before mowing to allow it to strengthen.

7. Make it a habit

After the first cut, maintain the desired grass length by mowing once or twice a week, as warm weather encourages grass growth.

8. Choose the right equipment

Consider the condition and size of your lawn, as well as your gardening needs, when selecting a lawnmower.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your lawn is ready for a summer of enjoyment. If you need any help or advice on whether your lawnmower or ride-on-mower is ready for the new season then please call us on 01403 283814 and we’ll be delighted to help.

 

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5 essential steps to get your lawnmower ready for spring

by admin 2
02 Apr

Did you know that cutting your grass when it gets too long can harm your lawn? As spring is finally here and the weather warms up, it’s the perfect time to start mowing your lawn. But before you begin, make sure your lawnmower is in good condition and learn how to keep it running smoothly during the season.

Here are our top tips:

  1. Change the fuel

For petrol mowers, drain the fuel from the previous season as it can spoil over time. If there’s leftover fuel from the winter, replace it with fresh fuel according to your instruction manual.

  1. Check the oil

Petrol mowers need oil to lubricate the machinery. Depending on your lawnmower, the oil may need to be added separately or combined with the fuel. Refer to your manual for instructions on oil maintenance.

  1. Inspect the power cable

Electric mowers should have their power cables checked for any damage, such as fraying or holes. If your mower cable is damaged, consider getting a replacement to ensure safety. It’s also important to fully untangle the cord before mowing to prevent overheating.

  1. Sharpen the mower blades

Dull blades will result in uneven cuts and may damage your grass. Sharpen the blades if needed, or replace them if they’re cracked, damaged, or too dull to sharpen. New blades will improve the performance of your mower.

  1. Clean the lawnmower

Regularly cleaning your lawnmower will extend its lifespan. Remember to remove any grass build-up from vents to keep the motor well ventilated and prevent overheating. Clean the blades and their surroundings to allow for smooth spinning. Consider using a cleaning kit with a mulch barrier to prevent future grass build-up.

Once your lawnmower is prepared, you can confidently tackle your lawn! To maintain a healthy lawn throughout spring and summer, we recommend mowing regularly when the grass is reasonably dry.

If you would like your lawnmower or ride-on-mower or tractor serviced our team of expert mechanics will be delighted to help. Call us on 01403 283814 and we can arrange a day and time that best suits you.

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Preparing your petrol lawnmower or ride on mower for winter storage

by admin 2
07 Oct

With the growing season coming to a close, you should be looking forward to putting your lawnmower or ride on mower away for the winter. The best time to service your lawn mower is immediately after the last cut of the season. By doing this you will miss the mad rush next spring when everyone else has left it to the last moment to get their lawnmower or ride-on-tractor serviced. Also it is not good to put the mower away for the winter if it is wet and caked in grass clippings as it will cause it to rust and deteriorate.

Have your lawnmower serviced

At WG Gardencare we specialise in servicing and repairing all types of professional and domestic garden machinery including mowers, four and two stroke machines and commercial diesel tractors.

When we service a lawnmower, ride-on-mower or tractor we will look at a whole host of things. For a full list of what is included in our winter service click here. We will collect your mower and return it to you at home once the service is complete. Our Collection and Delivery Service covers West Sussex and Surrey.

So once spring arrives you will be ready to go with only a few spot checks needed.

Check the oil level before use

Once any faults have been repaired as part of the annual service, all you’ll need to do before use is check the oil level using the dipstick and top up if needed.

Clean after use

After use, clean the underside of the mower with a damp cloth to prevent a build-up of grass and rusting. Be sure to tip the mower toward the back of the sump, rather than toward the carburettor. Consult the manual if you’re not sure.

Consider a conditioner

If you’re storing more than one can, you can prolong the life of fresh fuel by adding an ‘additive’ or ‘conditioner’.

Servicing your lawnmower with WG Gardencare

Our comprehensive workshop facilities offer a service – second to none. Our service price is carried out at an hourly rate with free estimates. Please call us on 01403 283814 or email us for a quote. And from the 1st November 2021 until the 1st April 2022 we are giving 10% off our winter service.

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Book a full service now and save 10% with NO VAT! Offer ends 1st April 2022

by admin 2
04 Oct

Our Winter Service Supersaver offer is back, with a 10% discount on parts and labour, plus FREE isolated local collection and delivery when we service your garden tractor, lawn tractor or ride-on mower.

Due to Covid – 19 this service is in line with Government guidelines. This means collection and delivery will be in isolation and arrangements for payment and delivery without contact will be discussed prior to collection for this service.

The 10% saving is for full services only, on any machine. And now we are no longer VAT registered there’s no VAT added to your bill, making your overall service even cheaper. Our Winter Service Supersaver is always popular so book now to be sure of your 10% saving. And remember, this offer must end on 1st April 2022 .

So what’s included in a WG Gardencare full lawn tractor, ride-on mower or garden tractor service?

The answer is a thorough and meticulous check on every element of your machine including cleaning, lubricating and tuning.

For petrol mowers, for example, we steam clean the machine, strip the carburettor, flush the fuel tank and replace the pull starter cord, fit a new spark plug, replace the air filter, sharpen and balance the blade, check and adjust the drive belt, lubricate the height adjuster and all control levers and cables. Finally, we tighten the engine mounting and handlebar bolts, run and test all machine functions, check the running speed and tune the carburettor. You can find out more about our full service here.

As part of your full service, we also supply a complimentary fuel stabilizer, which means you don’t have to drain the tank prior to storing your machine for the winter – a practical, time-saving touch that’s typical of WG Gardencare’s service.

Why not book your garden tractor or mower in for its full service now to be sure it’s running smoothly and ready to go this spring? Email us now or call us on 01403 283814 and we’ll be happy to help.

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Tips and advice on mowing the lawn for the first time this spring

by admin 2
14 May

Spring has arrived, meaning that it’s time to dust off your lawnmower and gardening tools to prepare for the season ahead.

Garden lawns play an important part in our outdoor summer enjoyment – they host parties, provide a space to play, relax and read, and el fresco dining.

Therefore, it is important to get the first mow of the year just right to set your lawn up for a summer of use. Here are some practical tips for that first cut.

  1. A pre-cut tidy

After months of bad weather and lack of sunshine, your lawn may look a bit sad. Time to clear any mess including dead sticks, leaves and any rubbish that may have gathered.

Check to see what is hiding in the grass; stones and thick branches may have made their way into the overgrown lawn and the lawnmower blade can be damaged if the lawn mower catches these. Keeping the mower blade sharp is important as a blunt blade can cause damage to the new grass, opening up space for pests and diseases to enter.

  1. Don’t leave it too late

Although the difference in climate can vary depending on where you live in the country, usually the first two weeks in April is the best time to dig the lawnmower out and give the garden a good trim.

  1. Use the one third rule

When cutting your lawn for the first time, always follow the one third rule: never cut more than a third of the blade of grass in one go. The reason: cutting more than this can stress the grass.

Gradually reduce the grass length over a number of weeks to reach the desired length. Cutting the grass too short, too quickly, can lead to disease and weed infestation.

  1. What if your grass is really long?

If your lawn has been a little unkempt throughout the colder months and has grown longer than you would like, still follow the one third rule but take it in stages over a number of weeks. Gradually decrease the cutting height on your lawnmower each time until you reach your preferred grass length.

  1. Contour your garden

The edges of your lawn are important too when cutting your lawn for the first time. Overgrown edges can look messy and can mean time and effort spent working in the garden has been in vain. Trim the edges straight after mowing.

  1. Don’t water immediately after mowin

Don’t water your lawn immediately after mowing. There is no specific point in the month to give your lawn a hose down – it should simply be done if and when it needs moisture which is usually after a long period of drought – if you do chose to water then there are a few guidelines on what time it should be done during the day:

• Watering late in the evening or at night can lead to fungal problems as the grass doesn’t dry out as the sun has set.

• The middle of the day is when the sun is at its hottest. This leads to the water evaporating instantly or the droplets acting as a magnifying glass, burning the blades of grass.

• So the best time is first thing in the morning as the air is cool and the water can travel to the roots before drying up.

  1. Don’t forget about new grass seeds

If you have repaired your lawn in the autumn the new grass that has grown from the seed will be noticeably weaker than the rest of the lawn and can be easily damaged if cut incorrectly. Wait until the grass has grown over three inches in length before mowing for the first time to allow it time to build up strength.

  1. Make mowing your lawn a habit

Following your first cut of the season, you should consider mowing your lawn once or twice a week to maintain the desired length. This is due to the warm weather encouraging your grass to grow.

  1. Choose your equipment carefully

It’s important to remember that no two lawns or gardens are the same even if they are side by side. Take into consideration the condition and size of your lawn, and your gardening needs when choosing the best lawn mower for the job.

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Preparing a petrol lawnmower for winter storage

by admin 2
11 Oct

With the growing season coming to a close, you should be looking forward to putting your lawnmower away for the winter. The best time to service your lawn mower is immediately after the last cut of the season. By doing this you will miss the mad rush next spring when everyone else has left it to the last moment to get their lawnmower or ride-on-tractor serviced. Also it is not good to put the mower away for the winter if it is wet and caked in grass clippings as it will cause it to rust and deteriorate.

Have your lawnmower serviced

At WG Gardencare we specialise in servicing and repairing all types of professional and domestic garden machinery including mowers, four and two stroke machines and commercial diesel tractors.

When we service a lawnmower, ride-on-mower or tractor we will look at a whole host of things. For a full list of what is included in our winter service click here. We will collect your mower and return it to you at home once the service is complete. Our Collection and Delivery Service covers West Sussex and Surrey.

So once spring arrives you will be ready to go with only a few spot checks needed.

Check the oil level before use

Once any faults have been repaired as part of the annual service, all you’ll need to do before use is check the oil level using the dipstick and top up if needed.

Clean after use

After use, clean the underside of the mower with a damp cloth to prevent a build-up of grass and rusting. Be sure to tip the mower toward the back of the sump, rather than toward the carburettor. Consult the manual if you’re not sure.

Consider a conditioner

If you’re storing more than one can, you can prolong the life of fresh fuel by adding an ‘additive’ or ‘conditioner’.

Servicing your lawnmower with WG Gardencare

Our comprehensive workshop facilities offer a service – second to none. Our service price is carried out at an hourly rate with free estimates. Please call us on 01403 283814 or email us for a quote. And from the 1st November 2017 until the 1st April 2018 we are giving 10% off our winter service.

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Robot lawnmowers – To buy or not to buy?

by admin 2
10 Jul

If you feel that cutting the grass twice weekly at this time of year is important then there are two ways of looking at this job, a chore that has to be done or a way of getting some useful exercise before the BBQ!

Whichever way you look at it there is now the opportunity to buy the latest tech to cut the grass so you don’t have to lift a finger.

The benefits of a robot lawnmower is that you just get out the charging station, set up the lawn boundaries, programme your lawnmower and off it goes – simple. It does all the hard work for you and then after it’s completed the task of mowing the lawn makes its own way back to the charging station

robotic-lawn-mowerYour robot lawnmower can cope with any shaped garden including slopes and garden furniture such as tables, chairs and even trampolines. The environmental benefit is that all robot mowers mulch the grass they cut, shredding it finely and scattering the cuttings back onto the lawn to feed the soil with nutrients and protect the grass from drought.

If you are considering buying a robotic mower, make sure it’s suitable for the size and shape of your garden as the more expensive ones are really only worth it if you have a big plot. Check how long the battery lasts on a full charge and how long it takes to charge up as you will find that some take under an hour to charge whilst others take up to 16 hours.

Other things to consider are

  • Setting up a perimeter wire
  • Do you want it to cope with wet grass?
  • Do you want it to be quiet?
  • How long does the battery need to last to do the whole lawn/lawns?

Below we have listed 8 robot lawn mowers that are currently on the market that you may want to consider.

1. John Deere Tango E5 Series II: £2,130

2. Robomow RX12U Automatic Robotic Lawn Mower: £499

3. Honda Miimo HRM3000: £2,499

4. Flymo 1200R Robotic Lawnmower: £599.99

5. Bosch Indego 400 Connect: £750

6. Viking iMow 632 PC: £2,299

7. Husqvarna Automower 450X: £3,100

8. McCulloch ROB R600 Robotic Mower: £779

If you have any questions, require help choosing a robot lawnmower then please contact  Graham on 01403 283814 or email us and we will be happy to help.

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Book a full service now and save 10% with NO VAT! Offer ends 1st April 2018

by admin 2
31 Oct

Our Winter Service Supersaver offer is back, with a 10% discount on parts and labour, plus FREE local collection and delivery when we service your garden tractor, lawn tractor or ride-on mower. The 10% saving is for full services only, on any machine. And now we are no longer VAT registered there’s no VAT added to your bill, making your overall service even cheaper. Our Winter Service Supersaver is always popular so book now to be sure of your 10% saving. And remember, this offer must end on 1st April 2018 .

So what’s included in a WG Gardencare Machinery full lawn tractor, ride-on mower or garden tractor service?

The answer is, a thorough and meticulous check on every element of your machine including cleaning, lubricating and tuning.

For petrol mowers, for example, we steam clean the machine, strip the carburettor, flush the fuel tank and replace the pull starter cord, fit a new spark plug, replace the air filter, sharpen and balance the blade, check and adjust the drive belt, lubricate the height adjuster and all control levers and cables. Finally, we tighten the engine mounting and handlebar bolts, run and test all machine functions, check the running speed and tune the carburettor. You can find out more about our full service here.

As part of your full service we also supply a complimentary fuel stabilizer, which means you don’t have to drain the tank prior to storing your machine for the winter – a practical, time saving touch that’s typical of WG Gardencare Machinery’s service.

Why not book your garden tractor or mower in for its full service now before you put it in storage, and be sure it’s running smoothly and ready to go in the spring? Email us now or call us on 01403 700743 and we’ll be happy to help.

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