Servicing equipment

Hi Paul

Can i ask where you get all your service items for your Etesia's, I'd like to give mine its first service in my ownership this year but there doesnt seem to be a lot of options regards suppliers!

Pro Gard said:

I do all my machines plus maintance of my trailer and to an extent my van and truck. I cant see any benefits to paying someone to do what I can do along with the downtime.

2 stroke and four stroke engines are simple things, even the technical bits like ignition modules are just bolt on, My kit gets inspected and serviced atleast bi annually.

It is very very rare that I get a break down and all my machines run perfetly.

In terms of kit to service, I am lucky enough to have a lot but the basics are possible with a socket set and manufacturers suplied box spanners, pliers and a couple of brushes to clen off dirt, a decent file, plus a length of wire to pull/ fish out fuel filters.

Stuff like a compress, digital tachobench grinder etc are usefull but farr from esential.

I get parts from either Stanton hope for Stihl and Husky or Meetens for 4 stroke engine parts.

Replies

Dan Frazer Gardening July 14, 2010 at 8:47pm

And to add another question if you don't mind, is there a good online supplier for the usual service parts?
PRO

Nick @ NM Garden Services Ltd July 14, 2010 at 8:48pm

It partly depends on cost. I am able to fix things but if it is cheaper (or quicker) for me to send equipment away than do it myself then I will do that instead. My machinery dealer has also been known to fix things while I wait - they also have spares, more expertise etc and it is nice to support another local business.

-Nick
Jamie Sessford July 14, 2010 at 8:50pm

Cheers Nick, forgot to mention what is considered cost effective.

NMGS said:
It partly depends on cost. I am able to fix things but if it is cheaper (or quicker) for me to send equipment away than do it myself then I will do that instead. My machinery dealer has also been known to fix things while I wait - they also have spares, more expertise etc and it is nice to support another local business.

-Nick
Anthony Toop July 16, 2010 at 8:40am

Hi Paul

Can i ask where you get all your service items for your Etesia's, I'd like to give mine its first service in my ownership this year but there doesnt seem to be a lot of options regards suppliers!

Pro Gard said:
I do all my machines plus maintance of my trailer and to an extent my van and truck. I cant see any benefits to paying someone to do what I can do along with the downtime.

2 stroke and four stroke engines are simple things, even the technical bits like ignition modules are just bolt on, My kit gets inspected and serviced atleast bi annually.

It is very very rare that I get a break down and all my machines run perfetly.

In terms of kit to service, I am lucky enough to have a lot but the basics are possible with a socket set and manufacturers suplied box spanners, pliers and a couple of brushes to clen off dirt, a decent file, plus a length of wire to pull/ fish out fuel filters.

Stuff like a compress, digital tachobench grinder etc are usefull but farr from esential.

I get parts from either Stanton hope for Stihl and Husky or Meetens for 4 stroke engine parts.
PRO

Gary RK July 16, 2010 at 8:50am

I balance our down time Vs service costs.

If it a simple/basic issue we will do it.

If it's major and is likely to need multiple spares (and until stripped down we are not sure what is needed) then it's down to our dealer(s).

We get a loan mower and can earn more than it costs to mess about and keep a team in the yard fixing stuff and ordering spares etc.

However IF you have the spare time, it would make sense to repair more yourself.

We get our spares from 1 of two local Etesia dealers. We have built up a good dialogue, spent money with them and therefore get good service with priority. However engine stuff (plugs, filters, oils etc) we keep as they are common across many machines
Geoff Norfolk July 16, 2010 at 9:15am

Always do everything myself......... once asked my local Stihl dealer about how much to sharpen my hedgecutter...... £20 was the reply which I thought was quite reasonable and I was in a bit of a hurry. He then suggested I had it serviced at the same time........ didn't query the price and the final bill was over £70. What exactly that £50 covered was a mystery..... air filter, fuel filter, plug..... I know there's a lot of overheads but seemed a bit excessive...... done everything myself since!!
You can also save a lot on bearings and belts by not using the genuine "Honda" or whatever one. I use a site called Bearingboys for all ball races even down to the ones in the front wheels...... top quality and significantly cheaper.