Maddax Outdoor Equipment Repair

Maddax Outdoor Equipment Repair Repairs of most outdoor power equipment and generators. Pick up and delivery service available. Minor on site repairs available. 12 years experience.

Repair and service most brands of lawn mowers, edgers, pressure washers, generators, line trimmers and blowers.

09/10/2015

Avoid unnecessary repairs:
1. When a blade that is attached to the crankshaft is worn down from 1 1/2 to 2 inches from its original length it may shear your flywheel key. The blade serves as a counter weight for the flywheel.
2. You may break the upper shaft on a line trimmer if you start it without an attachment.

08/21/2015

Are you prepared for a power outage? Check your generator now. Not only do you want to make sure it starts but if we have an extended period of time without power - change the oil before you need it running for long periods of time.

07/28/2015

Grass Cutting Tip: In the summer heat, cut your grass on a higher deck level height. This allows more shading of the roots.

06/23/2015

Most mowers have air cooled engines. There are three components that make up the cooling system: There is a squirrel cage type fan attacted to the flywheel; the Blower Housing and other engine covers; and the engine cooling fins. If each separate part of the cooling system is not working properly, the entire system is compromised.
I've seen some mowers operating without the blower housing or with missing engine covers. I can only think of two reasons a owner may do this. 1) The covers were removed for repair and it was too much trouble to reinstall them. 2) The engine will run cooler without them.
Actually the most frequent thing I see is cooling fins glogged with grass debris. Air is forced over the cooling fins by the 'wind' from the fan being directed by the blower housing and covers.
Not maintaining your cooling system results in shortened engine life. If you covers are installed, how can you tell if your engine is overheating? One way is - check your oil. Is it black and does it smell burnt.
If you have questions, call me at 850-982-7696

06/11/2015

What is the most common cause of 'no star't or 'rough running' engines? Fuel contamination
What causes Fuel Contamination?
1. Debris in gas cans or gas tank.
a) Debris enters the gas can or tank when the cap or funnel cover is left off. The wind blows it in or insects crawl of rly in.
b) Assuming that the gas from the pump is clean, rust forms in metal tanks and cans and manufacturing debris can be left in new plastic cans.
2. Water. How does water get into our gas tanks and containers? Condensation. There's always moisture in the air. The more air inside your tank [espescially metal ones] the more chance for condensation. Unless your unit is going to be used weekly, or bi-weekly, Keep it full of gas.
Correcting problems caused by bad or old fuel is, by far, the most common shop repair task.

06/01/2015

Are you "getting by" with your equipment? You know it needs service or repair but as long as it keeps working, you put it off. I can make minor repairs at your site or if you are in the local area, I can pick it up and bring it back; no charge if within 5 miles of shop. Sometimes, I'm able to help over the phone. Putting off service and delaying some repairs wind up costing in the end.

04/22/2015

Tip #4 - There are two frequent comments I've heard customers say over the years. Both are in response to problems caused by rust.
1. "But I keep it covered with a tarp." When covering your unit with a tarp you need air circulation, especially at ground level. A good and inexpensive method:
Use 4 - 1 ft. x 1 ft. patio blocks under the wheels. Build a box shape frame out of PVC. Make the frame about 6" higher than the unit. Then secure a tarp over the frame. Leave 6 to 10" between the ground and the bottom edge of the tarp.
2. This one really shouldn't be unexpect. "I always wash my unit off after each use." It's good to keep your equipment clean, especially the deck surface on riding mowers. Grass and debris build up will affect pulleys and belts. BUT, after washing your unit, let it run, with blades engaged, for 5 to 10 minutes. This will dry your washed surfaces.

The last related tip isn't from customer comments, but advice from me when I find the under side of a deck caked with grass/dirt build up. This happens when wet grass is cut. I've litteraly had to use hammer and metal scrappers to clean decks many times. The material is very similar to ancient brick making.
If you prefer to cut wet grass, install a wash-out and use it after each use.
CUT YOUR MAINTENANCE COSTS WITH PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE

04/15/2015

Tip #3 - There are a few user related neglects that will "kill" an otherwise good mower:
1. Failure to check oil; not just the level but the condition. A lawn normally needs many more "top offs" than your car. And, an oil change, under normal use, at least once at the start of each season.
2. Failure to keep the air filter AND the air filter compartment clean. The engine will experience dirt injestion which, along with oil that is no longer doing its job, is one of the main reasons for premature engine wear. The filter is designed to form a seal within the compartment. If the shape of the filter is damaged, replace it.
3. This will "kill" a brand new engine. A bent crankshaft caused by hitting something hard with the blade.

04/01/2015

Tip #2 - Check your oil for contamination. If the carburetor has flooded the gas may have gone into the crankcase. Symptoms are: a) Oil will level may be over-filled; b) Oil may smell like gasoline; c) Oil will be very thin; d) lots of smoke while engine is running. DO NOT OPERATE ENGINE if any of these conditions exist. Confirm the cause and repair.
Oil may also be contaminated with grit or metal. If the oil is a light grey color that may be aluminum [most engine crankcases are make from aluminum]; Grit can be seen & felt. Both of these conditions may be symptoms of engine wear.

03/31/2015

It's been a real good start to the season. Let me share a few pointers for better service out of your lawn equipment:
CHECK the oil. The technical term for the most common cause of engine failure is - Insufficient Lubrication which BTW voids your warranty.
If your oil is the color of tea, it's time for an oil change.
If it's black, it's past time.
If it smells burnt, it's way past time.
Do not over-fill. On most walk behind mowers there's about 6 oz between 'Add' & 'Full'. On most riding mowers it's about 8 oz.

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Pensacola, FL
32526

Telephone

+18509827696

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