GardenKit

I had an MS250 melting the worms just the other day. Someone had fitted a new worm AND a new steel washer plate between it and the clutch (you know, the one with TOP stamped on it). Except it was a plate for a different saw, the dished part in the centre was too small a diameter and it was pressing hard against the worm when assembled, This tried to drive the worm and melted the surface. I melted two before I sussed it.

At least his saw was sharp. That is more than can be said for his brain!

I had a problem with my previous 53 plate. There is an advance solenoid in the pump which advances the pump for cold starts and should return immediately, but mine did not always return. When it stuck it would knock like hell and chuck out smoke. I would not drive it for fear of damage. It would often free off when warm, but got to the stage eventually where it would not. Never had an injection problem though.

Kats need to run hot in order to work. They impede the flow of exhaust gas a little, which results in a power loss. A little googling reveals that the pre Kat model produced 1.7hp. whereas the Kat model has lost a little power through the Kat and only produces 1.6hp. I have always prefered to sell the 180 and then the 181 models, they have a 1.3 bar and a little more power (1.8hp)for very little more money.

I would have sold him one though if he asked. As the law stands at the moment it is perfectly alright to do so.

No, its an old Jonsered, but I do service it.

Result! Next step, Aspen.

The guy is one of my customers and very local to me. I would say he is in his early 70's but very fit and active. He is a domestic user of a saw, but I have no idea if he has had any training, despite using saws for many years. He suffered a punctured lung, 8 broken ribs and a smashed shoulder. 18 months ago I was flamed on this forum for saying that saws were dangerous and should maybe be restricted on sales to general public without training. There were replies saying thst hilti guns, circular saws etc were eqully dangerous. But this goes to show that the consequences of using the saw can be more serious than just using the saw. I hope the guy makes a good recovery, he is a nice chap.

So it did! I must study the catalogue a bit more closely in future, as I feel a bit stupid now!

Thanks for the advice Drew. Up to 32 likes now, but it is slow. For the others, who cannot find my page by searching, it may help to search 'Garden Kit', rather than 'gardenkit' as it appears on arbtalk. Copying a link is of course easier, but finding a page through simple searching is the normal way that most people who know of you, but do not know you, would search. I am no longer able to post a link, due to forum rules, but will be keen to hear if simple searching works. To keep the record straight, I am not really attempting to advertise my business at the moment, just keen to get to grips with Fb and how it all works. The forum is an ideal sounding board for this.

Surely it must be a 171?, the 170 went years ago.

Thanks for the info guys. i have found it difficult to find pages too, especially without knowing the URL first, which kind of defeats the object. Some of you will have noticed that I did originally post my URL, but I was unwittingly in breach of the forum rules which only allow site sponsors (which I am not) to post URL's to Facebook Business pages and business websites. I apologise to Steve and anyone else I may have offended by posting the links. Barrie.

Probably best to replace the pickup pipe with some softer stuff really, (and a weighted filter for good measure). Shortening it may not allow it to flop around in the tank properly either and it may run out of fuel whilst on its side.

No no no, I know enough about that already:001_tongue:

This facebook thing is a slow old business. My page is over a month old and I still only have 27 likes:confused1: I have asked quite a few customers, but most do not seem to use fb, but I suppose we will get there eventually. How do you guys get on with your page?

Just to clarify, in case anyone gets the wrong idea. I am not selling, just found it on the web whilst surfing.

In the future, when the oil reserves are depleted we will still be able to cut the lawn with the 'Exercise Mower' Weibang Garden Machines

I find that, generally, commercial users will not commit to even a full service. They usually only want a repair done. This OK as long as they understand that I have only fixed what was requested and will not be responsible for any subsequent failure of other items. The trouble is that they often say "just fix (for example) the chain brake, the rest of it is fine", but when I fix that, I notice all sorts of little issues that really should be fixed. And these are only the things I see without delving. These are the sort of things that will fail shortly after the machine is returned. But if I were to do the extra repairs it can often tip the balance as to wether the repair is economically viable in the eyes of the owner. (communication is then paramount) I would sooner be asked to do a full service as well as repair, because that way I can inspect every item and quote accordingly for repairs over and above the service. If I then do the service and repair I will stand by the machine when it goes back, as if I have missed anything then it is my fault, I will correct it at my expense. A request for a full refurb would involve 'an open check book' as we will run up costs in the investigation process and some parts may need fixing in order to test other components. Life is never easy.

I'm with Beau on this Mike, and we would have travelled together had you been closer. We both feel a little guilty that we have not helped. Hope some locals have come forward. Best wishes Barrie

Joey Essex has not yet learnt to procreate:biggrin:

As Ray said, we would never have any service work if we were to charge for totally unnecessary work like that. Crank seals are a repair item, not a service item.

Anyway, seals aside. Had a classic example today as to how easy it is to jump to the wrong conclusion. A Stihl HL95 that would not turn over. The engine would turn half a turn then stop with a jolt. It felt like a broken con rod, but somehow a bit more precise. So took the engine off and noticed the clutch drum bearing had failed, so made a note to fix later, and carried on dismantling the engine. Carb and tank off ready to take pot off, the removed flywheel. Went to remove starter cup and noticed that the engine was now free and the crank / con rod felt fine. It turned out that a ball from the clutch bearing had found its way round the back of the flywheel and located itself neatly in a balance hole, where it was held tight by the magnetism. This ball then locked against the flywheel housing. I am just glad I had not ripped the pot off first.

Its never taken me 15 minutes to adjust the L screw by 2 or 3 degrees, besides which, as I said before, the seals rarely cause problems. Sure, its a simple fix if they need fixing, but to describe the seals as a 'service item' is IMO, a bit over the top.

But if I said to a customer " your seals did not need changing, but I did it anyway for an extra £40" I would soon lose customers. Crank seals very rarely cause problems.

Nice one Pat. I have customers who would argue that was warranty:biggrin: