One of the most attractive things about battery-powered tools is that they’re low maintenance. Unlike gasoline power tools, you don’t need to change the oil, clean air filters, switch out sparkplugs, or do similar yearly maintenance tasks to keep the engine running. Battery tools are far easier to take care of.
However, “low maintenance” is not the same thing as “no maintenance.” There are still steps that you should follow to care for your battery-powered tools. Taking proper care of these tools helps extend the life of the tool and the batteries.
Why Choose Battery?
Low maintenance is just one of the many reasons to purchase battery-powered tools. Simple cleaning and no more engine maintenance, along with the fact that battery tools are
environmentally friendly, might be enough to make you want to switch to battery tools. Before you decide, though, it’s a good idea to look at the differences between battery and gasoline equipment.
Battery power tools run on electric motors that are much quieter than gasoline models. They’re also lightweight and easy to use. Maintenance is simple without an engine to worry about. Battery-powered equipment is usually smaller than similar gasoline tools which makes them easier to store and transport. Plus, battery tools don’t give off engine exhaust that might harm the operator or the environment.
Despite those benefits, gasoline-powered tools do offer more power for heavy-duty tasks like cutting down large trees or weed-whacking thick overgrowth. There’s also a wider available selection of gasoline tools, though this is changing as battery power becomes more efficient and more popular. Gasoline models are also easy to refuel if you’re working on-the-go or for longer periods of time without access to a location to charge batteries.
For more information, check out these posts:
- The Homeowner’s Guide To Stihl’s Battery-Powered Equipment, STIHL Battery Charge and Run Times
- Buying Guide: Choosing The Best Battery Powered Chainsaw
Storing Batteries
Perhaps the most important task when caring for battery-powered tools is how you store your batteries. The lithium-ion batteries used by power tools from brands such as STIHL and Echo can last for years if you take care of them properly.
If you’re going to store your batteries for a month or longer, STIHL recommends storing them with a charge between 40% and 60%. Similarly, Echo recommends storing their batteries with a charge between 30% and 50%. Keeping the stored batteries at half-charge helps slow down the aging of the battery and extend the life.
If the battery isn’t built-in to your tool, store it separately from both the tool and the charger. If the battery came with a storage cover, use that to protect the battery during storage. Make sure to store the battery in a dry location. When you’re on-the-go, keep batteries stored securely so they’re not bouncing around loose.
Batteries do best when stored at cool room temperature. As a general rule, lithium-ion batteries don’t react well to extreme heat or cold. However, the ideal temperature for storing batteries can vary depending on the brand. The recommended temperature range for storing STIHL’s AK, AP, AR batteries is 14°F to 122°F. For Echo, batteries should be stored at temperatures lower than 80°F.
Battery Use Tips
To help extend the battery life, recharge the battery before it runs all the way down to 0% charge. Deep-draining batteries can damage them in the long term.
It’s a good idea to have backup batteries on hand so you can swap them out as the charge runs down. Also, be sure you remember to remove the batteries from the charger once they are fully charged; overcharging can damage the batteries.
It’s normal for batteries to become warm to the touch during use. If batteries seem to be overheating, remove them from the tool or charger and let them cool down. Do not attempt to take batteries apart for service. If you’re having trouble with a battery, contact a trusted service dealer such as Richardson Saw & Lawnmower for assistance.
For more information on battery storage and use, check out Pro Tool Review’s “Lithium-Ion Battery Maintenance Tips.”
Tool Care and Storage
Batteries are the part of battery-powered tools which require the most care, but you’ll also want to take care of the tools themselves. Mostly, this involves keeping them clean and storing them properly.
As with all lawn tools, it’s a good idea to clean battery-powered tools regularly. You won’t need to worry about cleaning or changing things like air filters or spark plugs, as you would for a gasoline-powered tool. You will, however, need to clean off dirt and debris that accumulates on the tool.
You’ll also want to regularly sharpen cutting blades or teeth on tools such as lawnmowers and chainsaws. Depending on the type of lawn equipment, other maintenance tasks could include replacing the cutting line on a string-line trimmer and oiling metal parts before storage.
Store battery-powered tools in a dry location, preferably one that doesn’t get extremely hot or cold. As with other lawn tools, do not cover the tools with plastic during storage. Plastic could trap moisture, so use fabric instead. If you’re storing long-term, make sure you check on the tools every once in a while to make sure they’re staying dry.
Got Questions?
Battery-powered tools are low-maintenance and they can deliver reliable performance for many years. The main thing you need to be careful of is how you take care of the batteries. By keeping the batteries from getting too hot or too cold, recharging them before they run out completely, and storing them at half-charge, you’ll be able to get the most use out of your battery-powered tools.
If you have any questions about maintaining battery-powered tools, or if you’re wondering which battery tools will be the best fit for your needs, get in touch with Richardson Saw & Lawnmower. We’ll be happy to answer your questions and offer advice if you give us a call, send an email, or stop by in person.
