pleasant

oops- meant Al-ko. But you probably guessed that. Same supplier.

Doesn't really leave a lot else but the ignition module although it would be a first if it were causing plugs to fail. But given everything else it would be worth obtaining a used known working one to test the theory.

Given the application, then an electric chiansaw is exactly what it was designed for. Low maintenance, quick stop, no fumes, low noise and reliable (either works or it doesn't- no half way house unlike a petrol) chains used are exactly the same quality and spec as equivalent sized petrol saws (ie 91vx etc 3/8" low profile 0.50") so no worries there. Like someone else said- get a suitable sawhorse and that's the prefect set-up. Would advise avoiding supermarket/shed brands as spares are a no no and the adjuster mechanisms leave a lot to be desired. If you don't want to pay top dollar for a Stihl or Husky top end electric, then other brands to consider would be a Mitox, or an Efco product- both very good (although I think the Efco is just that little bit better) I have experience of both and they are reliable with easy parts availability.

I have dealt with a few in my time as we used to be a Masport dealer- primarially involved with their cylinder mowers, however I have supplied a few rotary mower and as with all manufacturers ranges they have mowers for specific usage and can confirm the alloy deck machines are very good indeed. Robust and reliable, but the spares can be extortionately priced especially drive components.

Never use a proprietory treatment- not recommended.

Sure- that's fair enough, but there is such thing as false economy....and after all you did ask for a recommendation, albeit with no budget mentioned. However, it may be a consideration for future, like minded questions?

If the oil you are using states a dilution ratio of 50:1 then 50:1 it is. Most, good oils from Stihl Husqnarna etc are 50:1 rated. Cheap, generic mineral rubbish oil from Halfords, b& q etc won't have a ratio stated on the bottle and that's where people go wrong. No need for a "blow though" (whatever that may be) just drain off and re-fill with known quality oil and fresh unleaded.

Yeah true. And why does it take the man and the wife to come in and collect the part he's just rung up and reserved 15 minutes beforehand. Does he not take her out much????

hmmmm.... sometimes "customer self diagnosis" can be very profitable from my experience.

Don't forget the additional cost of the drivers' hourly rate, which is not reflected in the HMRC mileage allowance.

..and that was the original, factory fitted plug was it?

why?????

....why is it that when the man of the house has got a problem with his mower/chainsaw/brushcutter etc, he gets the wife to ring up who knows booger all and then relays my questions to him, whilst (presumably) he's sitting next door to her???? Happened four time today and in the end I just said "look, why don't I just talk to your husband instead of using Chinese whispers"

Yup- I'll make it up on something else.

....hmmm, wasn't quite the "french work" I was expecting to see when I opened this topic. .......is very disappointed.

Keeping on topic. Bahco are a very good brand of Axe. Blackspur and silverline are far eatern noddy stuff- hence the reason they are rubbish.

Had a Husky 340 come in last week and the guy had somehow managed to break all the throttle trigger components in the rear handle. Ordered the throttle trigger, throttle lock and return spring and thought this is a five minute job going by the Stihls I've done in the past. Jeez, what a pain in the backside- even with a picture and description from the workshop manual of how to re-assemble it all, the spring took two hours and three mechanics to work out how to re-fit it. Could only charge the bloke £20 labour even though two hours is £90, so that's a winner.

What NGK number are you using for the application?

Busy day so far today. Sun out and nice and warm, so the weekend warriors are out in force! So far today 42 pairs of shears for sharpening, 15 chains for sharpening. 22 mowers for full service and 13 to get going (just stale fuel, so a charge of £40 each to flush through) 17 new mowers sold and ready to be PdI'd when the workshop opens on Monday. Three week turnaround now for service/repair work. Sadly it also brings out its fair share of idiots. Heaving showroom and everyone running around like headless chickens. Bloke comes in and plonks a well used Honda blade down and asks whether we can sharpen or supply a new one. Said I would have to order a new one but could arrange for it to sharpened. "that's great, can you do it while I wait" yeah- right, like I'm doing nothing else on the busiest day of the year so far and I'm just waiting for something to do! Told him if he was prepared to wait 7 days then tha'ts fine otherwise leave it with me and I would call him next week.

...and I don't sell second-hand machines for similar reasons. So my nicely repaired Harrier BBC will be sold at auction, so no worries there.

To be honest anything associated with my name above the door is strictly adhered to in terms of quality of repair and traceability and accountability. Yes- I would prefer to lose some jobs if the customer doesn't want to pay to have the job done properly (not saying you don't do a job properly, but you know what I mean) by replacing rather than attempting some sort of ad-hoc repair. If I fit a new part in keeping with the manufacturers recommendations and it fails and causes injury I then have a paper trail of accountability and someone else to blame.

http://arbtalk.co.uk/forum/general-chat/4166-pfanner-air-stretch-chainsaw-trousers.html

PFANNER Schutzbekleidung GmbH; Hohenems - Austria

Yup- sorry. More haste and less speed in posting I feel.

Don't be fooled into thinking you won't get cut- it just means you won't get cut quite as deeply or as quickly with your choice of trousers/chaps.