Your journey to finding the perfect snowblower for you and your driveway starts with asking the right questions. Single-stage, two-stage, and crossover machines that combine aspects of both are all great for clearing snow from your driveway and sidewalk, but they remove snow differently. Aside from choosing the right stage, your driveway and the type of snow you get in your area should direct your decision. Single-Stage Snowblowers Toro’s…
When it comes to buying battery-powered yard tools, it may be hard to truly understand how powerful they are. So, what do you really need to care about when comparing tools? Make sure you’re buying the right tool for the job by understanding 10 basic aspects of battery-powered tool power and performance. 1. Brushed Motors Brushed motors employ a mechanical switching mechanism (or commutator) to turn the motor; whereas…
Winter is on the way and you don’t want to get caught off-guard by the first snowfall. Get your snowblower ready to go in 5 simple steps so you’re ready to take on the snow when the time comes. 5 Step Single-Stage Snowblower Prep 1. Tighten Handles and Knobs Make sure all handles and knobs are securely tightened and in place before attempting to operate your snowblower. 2. Look for…
As mowing season winds down and you think about winter storage, take the time to do some basic fall maintenance that will help protect your mower during the cold off-season, and make getting started next spring easier. How to Prepare Your Mower for Storage First, fully clean your mower. Damp grass clippings, leaf mulch or mud can cause rust or a freeze and thaw cycle, potentially weakening metal. Even…
By the time autumn rolls around, many homeowners are tired of lawn maintenance. After all, you’ve spent the entire summer watering, trimming, mowing, and taking steps to ensure your lush, green grass stays that way. And then the leaves start to fall. Although you might be tempted to let the fall leaves stay on the grass for the winter, it’s rarely a good idea to let the leaves just lay…
If your lawn is looking like a DIY project after the stresses of summer and heavy traffic, there’s good news – it’s the perfect time to start a new fall lawn care schedule. You don’t always need tons of tools or lawn care equipment, though having the basics can help, as long as you follow a few suggestions on timing for making the most out of your yard. Early Fall…
Regardless of where you live and what type of turf grass you’re working with, aeration can help your lawn be healthier and more beautiful. The trick is knowing when it’s best to aerate, what equipment to use, and what else you can do to encourage the vigor of your grasses while limiting weeds’ ability to gain a foothold in the lawn. According to Josh Friell, Ph. D, of The Toro Company’s Center…
What Kind of Oil Should I Use in My Lawn Mower? The safest bet when it comes to oil will always be to use the kind of oil your lawn mower manufacturer recommends in the operator or engine manual for your particular mower. While SAE 30 motor oil is commonly recommended for lawn mower engines, each engine manufacturer’s recommendation may be unique and might include recommendations based on your local climate. For these reasons, it is best to follow the…
Throughout much of the country, the end of summer typically triggers the biggest heat wave of the year. At the height of a heat wave, everything can be impacted in some way − the air we breathe, the plants we grow, and the grass we walk on. Even our moods are affected. And, everywhere you turn, you’re being told to be mindful of water use, which only makes the extreme…
The Toro Company is initiating case studies involving commercial and residential irrigation applications. This is the first residential case study in the series. Resident Profile The Schenck family has lived in their Yucaipa, California, home since 2007. Nicole Schenck, owner of a firm that stages large events, such as a water conference attracting irrigation experts from around the state, is a water aficionado who pays close attention to her monthly…