Frequently Asked Questions

We are frequently asked questions on various garden machinery related subjects by customers in our shop. Often we know the answer from our years of experience in the trade and can answer instantly and accurately.

Below we have compiled a list of all the questions we are asked on a daily basis - hopefully this will tempt you to get in contact with us!

When should I get my machinery serviced?

The demand for our services is always high between October and April each year so early booking is advisable to ensure that your machinery gets onto our list so that it is back with you in good time for the first cut of spring.
Collection is available for lawnmowers and garden tractors at a small extra charge within the local area. Alternatively you can bring your mower to us at Garden Kit Ltd, Unit 2, The Old Sawmills, Colaton Raleigh, EX10 0HP.

Which mower? Collect or Mulch?

Both mowers have their place on the lawns of East Devon. For those who wish to have the best lawn with the best stripes in the area then the roller rotary with collection may well be the best choice. But for those with an average lawn and who want to spend the minimum of their precious time cutting grass then Mulching must be seriously considered. A good mulching mower, used correctly, can leave a near perfect finish and only takes half the time of a collector mower.

Mulching mower is only as good as the person operating it. You have to work with the system if you want the very best finish and this may mean cutting twice a week in the peak growing season. But the beauty is that each cut takes only hlf the time of traditional 'cut and collect' and the lawn is constantly being fed by the nutrients from the clippings, so a lusher, greener lawn will result.

Contrary to common belief, mulching does not contribute to thatch, in fact the opposite applies.

All you need to know about mulching

Which mower? Steel or Aluminium deck?

The mower decks of pedestrian mowers can be made of Steel, Aluminium or Polythene.

Steel is the cheapest material. It has the advantage of being lighter weight and cheaper than either aluminium or polythene, but the main drawback is the tendancy of steel to rust. We consider the average lifespan of a steel deck to be around 10 years.

Cast Aluminium decks generally last much longer and are more rigid than steel, but production costs are higher. As the deck itself is more expensive, we often find that these mowers often sport higher quality components than those found on the steel decked machines.

Plastic or Polythene decks are of course, totally resistant to corrosion, but do sometimes show signs of fatigue with age, which can result in unrepairable cracks. We currently only offer one polythene deck model.

Choosing a Ride on Mower

Choosing the correct Ride On Mower, Lawn Tractor or Rider is more involved than you may think, but it is important to get it right at the outset rather than end up with the wrong machine. It is virtually impossible to advise on-line, but we can offer some though prevoking questions. If you intend to call us, or visit us to seek our advice, then we will need the answers to these questions.

How much grass do you have to cut? Many people know the total area of their plot and use this figure. But invariably the actual area is much less as they forget to subtract the area of the house, outbuidings and paved areas.
Do you wish to collect the grass clippings? Many answer yes to this questiion merely because they are unaware of the options offered by mulching mowers.
Do you have any width restrictions, such as gateways, paths or shed doors?
Is you terrain rough or smooth (lawn or paddock)? It is important to choose a machine that can cope with the challenges of cutting both terrains.
Is the ground sloping? and if so, by how much? now I appreciate that it is difficult to gauge a slope, bnut nevertheless, it is important for us to ensure that the chosen machine is safe to use on your terrain.
How frequently do you intend to cut the grass? For instance, do you want to keep it short and looking like a lawn all the time? Or maybe you are content to let the grass for a few weeks and then hit it hard.
How much did you have in mind to spend on your mowing machine?

If you have the answers to these questions in mind when we speak it will be much easier to help with your choice of Ride On Mower. We want to see you with exactly the right machine. One that fits you, the garden and your pocket.

Choosing a Brushcutter (strimmer)

I often have strimmers and brushcutters in for service that have been purchased elsewhere, and I am always amazed at how often they are totally unsuitable for the task being performed.

Very often the machines are far too large for the intended usage, resulting in a waste of cash as well as a waste of effort when using them, but of course, it is also possible to buy a totally inadequate machine, especially when buying purely on price.

We give all our customers the benefit of our advice in order to ensure that they spend their money in the most efficient manner and purchase the ideal brushcutter for the task. Over the last 25 years I have sold many thousand Tanaka machines and, with such a low breakdown rate, I have come to respect these machines above all others. I will happily sell a Tanaka to both domestic users and commercial users alike, safe in the knowledge that I have sold them the ultimate machine for their task.

which is the toughest mower?

The answer to this is quite involved and I have covered it on another page. Click on this button to view.

Which is the toughest lawnmower?

Does petrol go stale?

The answer is most definately 'YES'. Click this link to find out more about this subject.

Why petrol goes stale

Why won't my strimmer start?

There are very many reasons for your strimmer not to start ( or any other small petrol engine), but by far the most common cause is stale fuel. I have written a detailed answer on another page, this link will take you there.

I hope this helps.

Why will my 2 stroke engine not start?

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