ForConstructionPros.com

Debris handling equipment is in high demand during the waning days of summer and fall. Before the snow flies, many of your customers want to get their yards and landscaping into shape, so chain saws, chippers and stump grinders will be popular items with both homeowners and lawn & grounds contractors.

The more thorough your maintenance program, the more repeat business you'll receive from happy customers. Also, a good maintenance program will decrease the downtime of a piece of equipment.

Maintenance is, of course, a year-round project. But there are some special considerations you'll need to take this time of year to ensure these popular pieces of debris handling equipment make it through this high-demand period.

Chain saws
"Whether it's before, during or after the chain saw is used, inspection and maintenance are critical to your chain saw's mechanical integrity and safety," says John Keeler, national training manager for Stihl Inc.

The highest maintenance components on a chain saw are the bar, chain and sprocket, which will require frequent inspection and upkeep. "Sprockets will wear as the saw is used and will require replacement," says Keeler. "A good rule of thumb for replacement is to install a new sprocket after every two chains that it wears out."