Author Archives: Suburban

Is it Time to Ditch Your Gas Lawn Mower for an Electric One?

Maintaining a well-polished lawn is an important aspect of owning a home. Mowing the lawn may not be everyone’s favorite chore, but it is necessary for keeping the grass healthy and promoting a neat and organized appearance. When it comes to lawn mowers, there are two main types: gas mowers and electric mowers. Throughout this blog, we will go through the differences between gas mowers and electric mowers to help you determine which is the best choice for your lawn care needs.

Gas Lawn Mowers

Gas mowers are powered by a gasoline engine and are the most common type of lawn mower on the market. They are typically more powerful than electric mowers and are capable of handling larger lawns or more rugged terrain. Gas mowers also tend to have a longer lifespan than electric mowers, and they can be more durable.

One of the advantages of gas mowers is that they do not require a power source, allowing them to be used in remote areas or in locations where there is no access to an electrical outlet. However, this also means that they are not environmentally friendly and produce more emissions than electric mowers. Additionally, gas mowers require more maintenance than electric mowers, including regular oil changes and spark plug replacements.

Electric Lawn Mowers

Electric mowers are powered by electricity and are becoming increasingly popular due to their environmentally friendly nature. They are typically less powerful than gas mowers, but they are still capable of handling most residential lawns. Electric mowers are also quieter than gas mowers, making them a good option for neighborhoods with noise restrictions.

One of the main advantages of electric mowers is their ease of use. They do not require fuel, oil changes, or spark plug replacements, and they are much lighter and easier to maneuver than gas mowers. Electric mowers are also more affordable than gas mowers and have a lower operating cost. They can be plugged into any standard electrical outlet, making them a convenient option for homeowners who do not have a lot of storage space.

However, electric mowers do have some disadvantages. They are not as powerful as gas mowers and may struggle with tall or thick grass. They also require a power source, which can limit their use in remote areas or large properties where an extension cord may not be long enough. Additionally, the battery life of cordless electric mowers may not be sufficient to complete larger lawns without needing to be recharged.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the choice between a gas mower and an electric mower comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of your lawn. Gas mowers are more powerful and durable, but they require more maintenance and are not environmentally friendly. Electric mowers are quieter, more affordable, and easier to use, but they may not be powerful enough for larger or more rugged lawns.

Consider the size and terrain of your lawn, your budget, and your environmental concerns when deciding between a gas mower and an electric mower. Regardless of which type of mower you choose, maintaining a well-manicured lawn is an essential part of homeownership that can increase your home’s curb appeal and provide a welcoming outdoor space for you and your family to enjoy.

Our product lineup has a variety of new and used equipment from top brands including ToroCub CadetStihlExmarkHonda EnginesHonda Power EquipmentEcho, Grasshopper, Hustler TurfWalker Mowers, Troy Bilt, Scag & Boss Snowplows. We’ll always have something to meet your needs and budget.

SubLawnEq.com | 1950 W Newport Pike Wilmington, DE 19804 | 302.998.7700

5 Lawn Mowing Myths Debunked

As the weather gets warmer and the grass starts to grow, it’s time to start thinking about lawn maintenance. One of the most important tools in lawn care is your lawn mower, but with so many myths floating around about how to properly use it, it can be difficult to separate fact from fiction. Throughout this blog, we will debunk 5 of the most common lawn mower myths you might have heard.

Myth #1: You Should Mow Your Lawn as Short as Possible

Many people believe that mowing your lawn as short as possible is the best way to keep it looking neat and tidy. However, cutting your grass too short can actually be harmful to your lawn. When grass is cut too short, it doesn’t have enough leaf area to produce energy through photosynthesis. This can weaken the grass and make it more susceptible to disease, weeds, and pests. To avoid this issue, aim to cut no more than one-third of the grass blade length each time you mow.

Myth #2: You Should Mow Your Lawn in the Same Direction Every Time

Another common myth is that you should always mow your lawn in the same direction. The theory behind this is that it will help prevent ruts and grooves from forming in the grass. However, mowing in the same direction every time can actually cause the grass blades to lean in one direction. To keep your lawn looking its best, try changing the direction you mow each time you cut the grass. Alternating the pattern allows the blades to return to a more upright position.

Myth #3: You Should Sharpen Your Mower Blades Every Year

While it’s true that sharp mower blades are important for a clean cut, you don’t necessarily need to sharpen them every year. Instead, it’s better to sharpen your mower blades when they start to dull. Some signs that your mower blades need sharpening could include ragged, torn grass blades and a choppy, uneven cut. If you’re not comfortable sharpening your mower blades yourself, bring them into Suburban Lawn Equipment to take care of that for you. 

Myth #4: You Should Bag Your Grass Clippings

Many people believe that they should always bag  grass clippings and remove them from the lawn. However, grass clippings can actually be beneficial for your lawn. As the clippings break down, they release nutrients back into the soil that can help fertilize your lawn. In addition, leaving the clippings on the lawn can help reduce water evaporation and soil erosion.

Myth #5: You Should Only Mow When Your Grass is Dry

The last myth is that many people believe you should only mow your lawn when the grass is dry. While it’s true that wet grass can be more difficult to mow, it’s not always needed to wait for dry conditions. As long as your mower blades are sharp, mowing wet grass shouldn’t cause any harm to your lawn. Just be sure to take extra care when maneuvering your mower on wet grass to avoid slipping or damaging the grass.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are many myths surrounding lawn mower usage during the spring season. By understanding the facts behind these myths, you can ensure that you’re using your mower properly and keeping your lawn looking healthy and vibrant. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to a beautifully maintained lawn this spring!

With over 40 years in business, we are your one stop shop for all your outdoor power equipment. Our product lineup has a variety of new equipment from top brands including ToroCub Cadet, StihlExmarkHonda MowersHonda Snow blowers, Honda Generators, EchoHustler Turf, Walker Mowers, Troy Bilt, Scag, Boss Snowrator & Boss Snowplows. We’ll always have something to meet your needs and budget.

SubLawnEq.com | 1950 W Newport Pike Wilmington, DE 19804 | 302.998.7700

Start the Season Right: How to Prepare Your Lawn Mower for Spring

As the weather warms up and the grass starts to grow, it’s important to prepare your lawn mower for the spring season. Proper maintenance can help your lawn mower run smoothly and efficiently, ensuring that your lawn looks its best. Here is a checklist of steps you can take to prepare your lawn mower for spring:

1. Change the Oil

Before you start using your lawn mower, check the oil level and condition. If the oil is dirty or low, replace it with a high-quality oil that is recommended for your lawn mower. Check the owner’s manual for specific instructions.

2. Change the Spark Plug

A worn or dirty spark plug can make it difficult to start your lawn mower or cause it to run poorly. Replace the spark plug at the beginning of each mowing season to ensure that your lawn mower runs smoothly.

3. Clean or Replace the Air Filter

A clogged air filter can restrict airflow to the engine, which can cause it to run poorly. Clean or replace the air filter at the beginning of each mowing season to ensure that your lawn mower is running efficiently.

4. Sharpen the Blades

Dull blades can tear the grass rather than cutting it cleanly, which can damage the grass and make it more susceptible to disease. Sharpen the blades before the start of the mowing season to ensure that your lawn mower cuts the grass cleanly and efficiently.

5. Check the Fuel

If you left fuel in your lawn mower over the winter, it may have gone bad. Drain the old fuel and replace it with fresh fuel that is recommended for your lawn mower. Make sure to use the correct fuel-to-oil ratio, and never use old or stale fuel.

6. Inspect the Belts and Cables

Check the belts and cables on your lawn mower for any signs of wear or damage. Replace any worn or damaged parts to ensure that your lawn mower is running safely and efficiently.

7. Check the Wheels

Check the wheels on your lawn mower to ensure that they are properly inflated and free from damage. Properly inflated wheels will ensure that your lawn mower is running smoothly and making even cuts.

By following these steps to prepare your lawn mower for spring, you can ensure that it is running smoothly and efficiently. A well-maintained lawn mower will not only help you achieve a beautiful lawn, but it will also last longer and require fewer repairs over time. If you don’t want to do the work yourself, bring your mower to Suburban Lawn Equipment for a service.

Visit Suburban Lawn Equipment YouTube for more lawn mower tips and how-to videos to help you get the most out of your mowing season.

SubLawnEq.com | 1950 W Newport Pike Wilmington, DE 19804 | 302.998.7700

Customer Appreciation Week 2023

Suburban Lawn Equipment is happy to share that our Customer Appreciation Week will take place Monday, March 6th – Saturday, March 11th! We will be having lots of fun and engaging things happening throughout the week. There will be Refreshments, Factory Reps on site, Same Day Financing Available, Giveaways, a Grand Prize and so much more! We will be having a one-day sale on Echo X units for 15% off and the Shindaiwa Fleet week deal will go on throughout the week. Take a look at a more detailed schedule for what to expect each day. We can’t wait to see our amazing customers there!

Tuesday: Hustler and Walker 

Hustler Turf is a company thriving on American know-how and innovation. Developing new products and improving existing ones is a source of pride for the Midwest craftsmen and women at our company. And it’s that pride, plus hard work and ingenuity, that all comes together as we strive to create the most innovative and best-in-class outdoor power equipment solutions in the industry.

The Walker Mower is distributed throughout the United States and into 28 other countries. We are thankful for the thousands of people who have recognized the benefit of our product and invested in a Walker Mower. We truly enjoy how our product brings people together and the relationships we have formed over the years. Innovations continue to be made to the product line including a focus on better fuel efficiency and improved performance.

Wednesday: Scag and Vanguard 

Scag mowers are assembled by highly trained individuals using the latest technologies such as pulse air torque guns. Mowers are run at the end of the assembly lines to ensure that the following items are up to specification: engine RPM is set, all safety switches are checked for proper operation, fluids are filled, systems are checked for leaks, and neutral and tracking adjustments are set using special dynamometers that apply load to the drive system. These steps add to the value of every Scag mower and ensure the product is the best it can be when it leaves our factory.

Vanguard delivers power solutions for your equipment. As power needs and power solutions have evolved, we too have evolved beyond just an engine and battery brand — we’re power application experts who create a powerful experience working side-by-side with our customers to develop, innovate and solve problems with and on behalf of our partners. We’re leading a revolution in power with not only our commercial engines and innovations, but also our commercial batteries.

Thursday: Lepco – Exmark, Echo, Billy Goat, and Shindaiwa / Education Seminar on commercial equipment 10am-12pm

Established in 1970, Lawn Equipment Parts Company (LEPCO) is a family-owned and operated wholesale distributor of quality outdoor power equipment, parts, and accessories. Originally, LEPCO operated as an aftermarket parts distributor to independent lawn equipment dealers. Today, we handle six major brands of power equipment and continue to supply aftermarket parts to over 1,300 dealers in the northeast region.

Over the years, LEPCO has continued to grow, becoming one of the preferred distributors in the industry. Maintaining our reputation for outstanding customer service to our dealers continues to be our everyday focus. LEPCO’s continued goal is to provide quality products and services to our group of independent dealers who, in turn, are able to provide a higher level of service and support to the end-users for all of the brands we represent.

Friday: Toro, STIHL, Greenworks / Education Seminar on handheld outdoor power equipment from 10am-12pm

The Toro Company  is a leading worldwide provider of innovative solutions for the outdoor environment including turf and landscape maintenance, snow and ice management, underground utility construction, rental and specialty construction, and irrigation and outdoor lighting solutions. With a presence in over 125 countries, we proudly offer a wide range of products across a family of global brands to help golf courses, professional contractors, underground construction professionals, groundskeepers, agricultural growers, rental companies, government and educational institutions, and homeowners – in addition to many leading sports venues and historic sites around the world.

STIHL has branched out to be a world leader in the portable outdoor power equipment industry. STIHL products use highly sophisticated technology, developed to match our customers’ needs: straightforward, effective, long-lasting and hands-on. From the professional to the hobbyist, STIHL helps to face new endeavors and guarantees a reliable partner is at hand, whenever needed.

Greenworks Tools is the industry leader in battery-powered outdoor power tools for DIY-consumers and landscaping professionals! The company distributes Greenworks branded and private label products, as well as products for an extensive network of Original Equipment Manufacturers.  Greenworks offers the right tool for every job.  Utilizing best-in-class technology, Greenworks tools deliver the power and performance of comparable gas-powered tools without the mess, fumes, aggravating pull cords and noise associated with gas products

At the end of the week we will be giving away a grand prize. This grand prize is an Echo PB-9010T. Along with a $300 and $200 STIHL Gift Certificate, that can only be used with STIHL equipment and accessories. The winner will be announced on Monday, March 13th on our Facebook Live!

With over 40 years in business, we are your one stop shop for all your outdoor power equipment. Our product lineup has a variety of new equipment from top brands including ToroCub Cadet, StihlExmarkHonda MowersHonda Snow blowers, Honda Generators, EchoHustler Turf, Walker Mowers, Troy Bilt, Scag, Boss Snowrator & Boss Snowplows. We’ll always have something to meet your needs and budget.

SubLawnEq.com | 1950 W Newport Pike Wilmington, DE 19804 | 302.998.7700

3 Easy Tips on Using Your Snow Thrower

Did you recently purchase a new snow thrower and need some quick advice on how to use it? 

Check out a few snow thrower operating tips, so you’ll be prepared to take on the snow this winter. Whether it is from a few inches or a blizzard.

Check Your Snow Thrower in Advance

Check the following before you use your snow thrower:

  • Have the gas tank filled with fresh stabilized fuel, and the oil is filled to the proper level.
  • Make sure to clear all foreign objects from your driveway or sidewalk. 
  • Wear appropriate clothing that will not get stuck on any parts of the machine. This would include gloves, safety glasses, and bright colored clothing.
  • Read the Owner’s Manual to understand how to operate the controls.

Start the Snow Thrower in an Appropriate Area

Before you start, make sure the auger and drive clutch are disengaged. You will want to start your snow thrower outside or in the garage with the door open, so the fumes won’t be overpowering. 

Many snow blowers now come with an electric start option, which requires an extension cord to be plugged into an outlet. Check your owner’s manual for extension cord recommendations.

Snow Thrower DON’TS

In all the excitement of operating your snow thrower, don’t forget about these snow blower don’ts.

  • You do not want to leave a running snow thrower unattended.
  • Don’t clean out the chute or augers with your hands or feet.
  • You will not want to  point the chute at buildings, cars, or people.
  • Don’t refuel while the engine is on.
  • You should not start the snow thrower in an enclosed area.
  • Don’t use the snow thrower to clear anything other than snow

Conclusion

The best piece of advice when learning to use new equipment is to read the owner’s manual for more detailed explanations on how to operate certain parts and features. So, when the next Winter storm comes, you’ll be ready to get out there and try out your snow blowing skills.

Related Article

Quick Tips on Using Your Snow Blower

Tips and Tricks for Preparing Your Snow Thrower for Winter | Suburban Lawn Equipment

With over 40 years in business, we are your one stop shop for all your outdoor power equipment. Our product lineup has a variety of new equipment from top brands including ToroCub Cadet, StihlExmarkHonda MowersHonda Snow blowers, Honda Generators, EchoHustler Turf, Walker Mowers, Troy Bilt, Scag, Boss Snowrator & Boss Snowplows. We’ll always have something to meet your needs and budget.

SubLawnEq.com | 1950 W Newport Pike Wilmington, DE 19804 | 302.998.7700

Happy Holiday’s From our Family to Yours!

It’s that special time of the year when we give blessings and thanks to cherish what we care the most about in life. Suburban Lawn Equipment would not be here without a family of hardworking and devoted people, so today we’d like to introduce our team to you in this video and wish you a Happy Holiday! 

We want to give a special shoutout to our Raffle winner Trinidad Martinez for winning the 50th Anniversary Limited Edition PB-580T Blower in November. We had a lot of entries for this prize and appreciated everyone who participated in the raffle! 

Make sure to stop in Suburban Lawn Equipment to check out the newly renovated showroom. We have a variety of battery powered equipment that you will definitely want to check out! 

We appreciate each and every one of our loyal customers! Suburban Lawn Equipment understands that winter may be a tough time for home/business owners trying to fight the harsh winter conditions.

In case you missed it, here are some helpful resources to make this winter as painless as possible!

3 Simple Steps to Winterize Your Commercial Lawn Mower (suburbanlawnequip.com)

Check Out the Features of the Boss Snowrator and Snowplow (suburbanlawnequip.com)

Tips and Tricks for Preparing Your Snow Thrower for Winter | Suburban Lawn Equipment

Your One Stop Shop for All Your Outdoor Power Equipment Needs!

SubLawnEq.com | 1950 W Newport Pike Wilmington, DE 19804 | 302.998.7700

3 Helpful Steps to Winterize Your Commercial Lawn Mower

Here are 3 simple steps you can take to store your lawn mower before winter arrives. Taking these steps will ensure that you can get your mower up and running without issue next lawn mowing season, along with getting more time out of your equipment.

Step 1: Prepare Your Battery For Storage

By disconnecting the battery on your mower, you can ensure that its charge and the battery itself will last longer. When a battery is connected to the mower, it will slowly drain over time. While an unplugged battery will also drain over time, it will do so much slower. To help prevent this from happening  you can start your mower once a month and let it run for about 10-15 minutes to keep the battery charged when it’s not being used.

Step 2: Clean Your Equipment

If you are looking for your equipment to last for years to come, the last thing you want to do is leave grass on it, especially on your mower’s deck. Make sure to give your commercial equipment a final bath before storing it away for the winter! Leaving caked on grass on your mower will retain moisture, and corrode your lawn mowers deck, and other parts prematurely. 

Step 3: Service Your Mower

If you are looking to go above and beyond, you should definitely plan on getting a complete service on your lawn mower before it goes into hibernation during the winter season. This will leave you better prepared for the next mowing season. 

You will want to take the time to change your oil, replace your fuel filter, sharpen your blades, level your deck, and grease all your lawnmower’s joints. Taking the time to handle these service points now, will allow you to hit the ground running next mowing season. 

With over 40 years in business, we are your one stop shop for all your outdoor power equipment. Our product lineup has a variety of new equipment from top brands including ToroCub Cadet, StihlExmarkHonda MowersHonda Snow blowers, Honda Generators, EchoHustler Turf, Walker Mowers, Troy Bilt, Scag, Boss Snowrator & Boss Snowplows. We’ll always have something to meet your needs and budget.

SubLawnEq.com | 1950 W Newport Pike Wilmington, DE 19804 | 302.998.7700

Check Out the Features of the BOSS Snowrator and Snowplow

We are starting to approach one of our favorite times of the year, snow season! However, winter may not be favored by those who prefer warm temperatures. Here at Suburban Lawn Equipment our team has the opportunity to share our knowledge to help ensure that you have a safe, delightful and hassle-free winter. We have provided 2 videos on our BOSS products. Learn more about how to mount a Boss Snowplow and advantages of the new Boss Snowrator!

Boss Snowrator

When this winter season hits and the first snow blast happens you want to make sure you have the right products that will help you clear the snow. If you ask a snow and ice contractor about how to manage sidewalks, they will inform you about its many challenges. However, The BOSS Snowrator will reduce the need for shovels, maximizing productivity and efficiency. This could be used in metro, commercial or residential environments, where clean and clear walking surfaces are always the top priority. The Snowrator quickly deploys to plow and de-ice surface area- effectively reducing the need for shovels. A Snowrator will save you time with its many features like, allowing the operator to brine, spread, and plow at the same time to maximize on-the-job productivity and profitability. Check out this video on The BOSS Snowrator in action!

Mounting BOSS Snowplows

Making sure to know how to mount your BOSS snow plow to your trailer is very critical to do prior to the first snowfall. If you want a snow plow that can do a little more than just a regular straight blade you may want to check out the Boss V Blade. This blade works just like a straight blade and can move side to side without any mechanics. However, they have an extra feature which is scooping. We have an instructional video that will explain how easy you can do this, along with advantages to the Boss V blade! Check it out below!

With over 40 years in business, we are your one stop shop for all your outdoor power equipment. Our product lineup has a variety of new equipment from top brands including ToroCub Cadet, StihlExmarkHonda MowersHonda Snow blowers, Honda Generators, EchoHustler Turf, Walker Mowers, Troy Bilt, Scag, Boss Snowrator & Boss Snowplows. We’ll always have something to meet your needs and budget.

SubLawnEq.com | 1950 W Newport Pike Wilmington, DE 19804 | 302.998.7700

See What Our STIHL Customers Are Saying About Us!

Suburban Lawn Equipment of Delaware is proud to be an Authorized STIHL Dealer and we are honored having the opportunity to be a retailer of the STIHL product line. Suburban Lawn Equipment provides many services that the big box chain stores cannot match. We are confident that our friendly and knowledgeable staff will be ready to help you select the equipment that meets your specific lawn care needs. From the quality of our dedicated staff to the quality of the STIHL line of products, Delaware’s best commercial and residential lawn equipment providers have what STIHL customers need to get the job done quickly and efficiently.

Our lawn equipment business has received many nice reviews throughout the years as an authorized STIHL dealer! We want to take the time and acknowledge our loyal customers for supporting our independent retail store! Watch the video below showcasing a few of our customers’ positive reviews about our superior service as a local independent STIHL dealer! Make sure to check out all of our reviews.

See What Our STIHL Customers Are Saying

In support of independent retail stores across the country, STIHL is a proud sponsor of Independent We Stand – a nationwide movement supporting independently owned businesses and the role they serve in local economies. You can continue to support the cause by shopping at your area’s locally owned businesses, including your neighborhood independent STIHL Dealer.

From all of us at Suburban Lawn Equipment, Thank you for all the positive feedback! Keep supporting your local independent retailer!

SubLawnEq.com | 1950 W Newport Pike Wilmington, DE 19804 | 302.998.7700

snow thrower

Tips and Tricks for Preparing Your Snow Thrower for Winter

There is no worse feeling than being stuck with a driveway full of snow and a broken snow thrower. This is why it is so important to service your snow thrower throughout the year and perform proactive maintenance. If you do not service your machine routinely, it will not continue to work and perform in the way you want it to. Even though it is August, now is the time to start preparing your snow thrower for the winter. Here are some tips and tricks:

Check Oil Level

You will first want to check the oil level on your snow thrower and make sure it is up to level. You turn and pull it out the dip-stick just as you would on a car. Check the level and determine if you need to add more oil.

Check Fuel

Next up is to check the fuel. You may have fuel in the thrower from last year, if it smells off, you should drain it and add new gas. To drain the fuel, you will want to make sure you have a good sized drain pan. Unscrew the nut underneath the carburetor, and place the drain pan underneath.

Once you have drained the snow thrower of the fuel, you can add the new fuel. You can add gas and also add StarTron. This stabilizes the gas and also cleans out what is left within the carburetor. Gas normally has a shelf-life of 30-60 days. You can also purchase TruFuel which lasts longer than gas. This can be a great option for snow throwers, as you do not need gas as often as you would for a car.

Check Controls

Now that you have oil and gas in the snow thrower you will want to make sure the machine turns on and check the controls. Make sure that both the auger and transmission engage.

Check Chute

You will now want to check and ensure that your chutes turn properly and the directional parts work as well.

Service Check at Suburban Lawn

If you are still having trouble with your snow thrower or just want to get it checked out by a professional team before the winter, bring it in to Suburban Lawn Equipment today. We service all equipment we sell so we are more than happy to help you service your snow thrower and other equipment.

For more in-depth and visual tips and tricks you can check out this video. If you are looking to purchase a snow thrower before the winter, we have a wide selection to choose from.