One of the best ways to ensure that Honda’s durable HHT trimmer enjoys a long useful life is to make sure that fuel is being used and stored in the proper way throughout the year. Whether it’s using the right fuel composition during the warmest months of the year, or properly storing fuel and tending to the trimmer’s needs during the so-called “off season,” Honda equipment owners should follow a few key recommendations and timelines in order to have the most efficient and long-lasting equipment possible.
During the Trimming Season: What to Know About HHT Trimmer Fuel and Storage
The Honda HHT trimmer, like many other Honda equipment models currently on the market, functions best when used with low octane gasoline. The equipment’s efficiency can be further enhanced by ensuring that any fuel used in the trimmer contains no more than 10 percent ethanol. That’s because ethanol is typically quite detrimental to both performance and corrosion. Because the substance attracts water more easily than pure gasoline, it can lead to all kinds of problems in the engine.
When fuel isn’t being placed directly into the engine, the experts at Honda recommend storing leftover gasoline in a plastic container, properly sealed. Only store gasoline in a container that has been approved for fuel storage, as storage in any other container can be detrimental to the gasoline’s quality and it can put the equipment operator at risk of injury during refueling. Finally, be sure to purchase only as much gasoline as will be needed in the next 30 to 60 days. Fuel older than 60 days tends to be less efficient and it can cause problems within the equipment. As a best practice, always use leftover fuel to refuel the equipment after each use.
Preparing for the Colder Months: What to Do Before Storing the Trimmer
The colder temperatures of winter generally kill weeds and brush, making trimming unnecessary for a few months. When preparing for the coldest months of the year, be sure to drain any remaining fuel from the engine into an approved storage or disposal container. Then, place the fuel cap back on the Honda HHT trimmer and start the engine. Allow the engine to run until it turns off on its own, indicating that all remaining fuel has been exhausted and the equipment is ready for long-term storage in a garage or toolshed.
Preparing for Warmer Months: What to Know 3 Months Before Resuming Usage
Several steps can be taken to prepare for active trimming about three months before the trimmer itself is actually needed. Start by verifying the quality of any stored gasoline. If a stabilizer was added to stored gasoline during the colder months, it can likely be used with the trimmer once spring arrives and trimming is again required. Either way, the trimmer should be filled either with gasoline that was stored with a stabilizer, or with fresh gasoline from a local gas station.
No matter which type of gasoline is placed into the engine at this point, a fuel stabilizer should be added to the trimmer’s fuel tank to keep the gas in good condition while the trimmer remains in storage. With both fuel and a fuel stabilizer added, start the trimmer’s engine and allow it to run for about ten minutes. This will ensure that the new, stabilized fuel has replaced any leftover gasoline from the prior summer season.
Getting Ready for Active Use: What to Know 3-4 Weeks Before Summer Starts
About three or four weeks before the start of summer, give the trimmer another visit and fill its fuel tank with fresh gasoline. This will replace any fuel that was spent during the brief, 10-minute test run that was performed a few months earlier. Furthermore, adding fuel to the tank until it’s full will ensure that there is a minimal amount of air in the tank. As most equipment operators should know, air in a fuel tank only serves to break down the gasoline stored within the tank and cause problems when the trimmer is brought back into active use.
With the fuel tank refilled and air removed from the tank, the trimmer is safe to remain in storage for the next few weeks. When warm air finally causes weeds and brush to begin growing again, the equipment will be perfectly ready to take on any task a homeowner throws its way. Best of all, the equipment will be even easier to start and it will run more efficiently than if these steps had not been taken in advance.
For More on Honda Trimmers and Maintenance, Visit HondaLawnParts.com
HondaLawnParts.com is one of the leading sources of OEM replacement parts, service guides, and maintenance tips for those who are considering a Honda HHT trimmer as well as those who already own one. With the parts and advice needed for summer success, the website’s resources will make sure any trimming is done quickly and effectively.