October 2018 - Parks & Recreation - 81

across large properties. They can
be a good option for any routine
cleanup, such as grounds trash collection, and can be transformed
with attachments and accessories
to tackle other tasks, such as spraying and seeding.
Once you have selected the piece
of equipment that best suits your
needs, working with the dealer can
help you navigate through the purchasing process and ensure you are
choosing the best financing method for you.

Maintenance
To minimize downtime from
non-functioning equipment, each
day before you start work, do a
daily walkaround. Check for loose
parts or worn belts that may need
to be replaced and any leaks that
would require immediate attention. Make sure fluids, such as oil,
are at the recommended level, are
clean and align with the manufacturer's recommendation, information that can be found in your
owner's manual. Also keep an eye
on the tires - especially on mowers - to ensure they are properly
inflated to keep the mower level for
best cut quality. Check the tire pressure and tread so you know when
you need to just add air or when it's
time to replace the tires.
Mower decks and blades also
require special care to maintain
a quality cut. Remove any dirt or
debris that has built up over time
to enhance proper air flow before
performing maintenance. Inspect
for any visible damage that may
require the deck to be repaired
or the blades to be replaced or
sharpened. Whenever replacing
or sharpening a blade, make sure
it is balanced in order to maintain

a high-quality cut while minimizing vibration.
In addition to the recommended types of fluid requirements,
your owner's manual also outlines
the maintenance schedule for
each machine. Consider working
with a dealer to help with routine
maintenance and keeping parts
in stock. Many dealerships offer
maintenance and parts packages
to help streamline routine work
and ensure you have the right
parts when you need them. If you
are financing a piece of equipment, consider streamlining costs
by including parts and service in
your monthly payment.
If you are only using the machine
seasonally, make sure it is stored
properly in the offseason. Keep it
in a dry, covered place. Drain the
machine of fluids and give it a once
over, cleaning the parts and check-

ing for any wear and tear that needs
to be addressed, such as missing
bolts, loose belts or dull mower
blades. By preparing the machine
before you store it, it will be ready
to go when work starts again.
When maintaining park and recreation facilities, having the right
equipment is pivotal to keeping turf
healthy. While there are countless
options available, it is important
to work with a dealer to select the
right machine for the property and
tasks you would like to handle. A
dealer can also be a great resource
for maintenance and parts, helping
to make routine work easier and
more streamlined. With the right
machine and a plan, you will be
ready to tackle any park, regardless
of the size or terrain.
Bill Frank is Government Business Manager for
John Deere (corpacctgovsupport@johndeere.com).

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Parks & Recreation

October 2018 - Parks & Recreation

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