Category: how-things-work

How 2-Stroke Engines Work

What is a 2-Stroke Engine?

The primary difference between 2-stroke and 4-stroke engines is that 4-stroke engines have four cycles for moving burned/unburned mixtures rather than only two. 2-stroke engines are typically very simple and light weight. Because of this, they are commonly used instead of 4-stroke engines in handheld power equipment. 2-stroke engines have very few working parts and require very little maintenance because of this. They are much cheaper to manufacture than 4-stroke engines. They do not have valves or specified lubrication systems.

Main Components:

  • Piston
  • Spark Plug
  • Combustion Chamber
  • Crankshaft
  • Connecting Rod
  • Intake Valve
  • Exhaust Valve
  • Cylinder Head

How it Works:

  • A precise mixture of fuel and air is created in the carburetor
  • The fuel and air mixture is brought into the main cylinder and compressed (compression stroke)
  • The spark plug fires at maximum compression which causes an explosion that drives the piston downwards (power stroke)
  • When the piston is nearing the end of its stroke, the exhaust port is uncovered (power stroke)
  • The pressure in the cylinder drives most of the exhaust gasses out of the cylinder through the exhaust port (power stroke)
  • As the piston hits the bottom, the intake port is uncovered and more fuel and air and pulled into the main cylinder to repeat the process (compression stroke)

Maintenance Tips:

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How Lawn Tractors Work

What is a lawn tractor?

A lawn tractor is what you think of when you hear “riding mower”. It is a mid-size tractor with a steering wheel. Often times, different attachments can be put onto a lawn tractor, including a mowing deck that is located under or in front of the tractor. The tractor usually has a speed lever or a pedal.

Components:

  • Four wheels
  • Steering wheel
  • Engine under the hood
  • Removable deck located under the the tractor

 How it Works:

  • Put the key in the ignition and turn it to the start button to start the engine
  • The mower can be driven once the engine is on
  • Lawn tractors have many potential attachments such as baggers, mowers, plows, blowers, sweepers, and carts. If properly attached, the PTO (power take-off) takes power from the engine and uses it to run any attached items.
  • The mower’s speed is controlled either with levers or pedals
  • The blades rotate under the deck and cut the grass
  • The deck can typically be lifted to traverse areas that can potentially harm the mower

Maintenance Tips:

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How Chainsaws Work

What is a chainsaw?

A chainsaw is a piece of power equipment that uses a combustion engine to rotate a chain around a metal bar at a high speed to cut through wood and other materials.

Components:

  • Guide Bar
  • Chain
  • Chain Brake
  • Hand Guard
  • Clutch
  • Engine
  • Trigger
  • Handle

How it Works:

  • The engine is powered by either an electric or gasoline motor
  • Engine propels chain around a metal bar
  • Clutch controls power to chain – if clutch is not engaged the chain will not be spinning
  • A trigger is pulled to make the chain rotate (as long as the clutch is engaged)
  • The blade teeth contact the wood or other material. Because of the high speed of rotation, the teeth will rip through the material with ease

Maintenance Tips:

 

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How Zero Turn Mowers Work

What is a zero turn?

Zero turn mowers are heavy duty and primarily used to mow large areas quickly. This is the mower that pros use to glide around yards at top speeds. Zero turns are named as such because they essentially have a 0° turning radius. They can turn in a complete circle which helps provide an efficient and thorough cut. The speed and turning radius are the two factors that make this mower so popular among commercial lawn care services.

Components:

  • Deck
  • Wheels
  • Steering Levers
  • Engine
  • Unpowered wheels

How it works:

  • The engine powers the mower as a whole
  • The drive shaft turns when the levers are pressed
  • The PTO takes power from the engine and distributes it to implemented attachments and systems
  • When the PTO is engaged, the blades turn
  • The operator controls the motion of the zero turn with the steering levers
  • Press both forward to go forward
  • Pull both back to go back
  • Put both in beginning position for neutral
  • Push the left handle forward and pull the right back to turn to the right
  • Push the right handle forward and pull the left back to turn to the left
  • The blades spin beneath the deck and cut the grass.

Maintenance Tips:

 

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How Leaf Blowers Work

What is a Leaf Blower?

A leaf blower is piece of equipment that is powered by either an electric or gasoline motor. It blows air out of a nozzle and is used to move/remove various debris such as leaves, grass clippings, and dirt.

Types:

  • Backpack
  • Handheld
  • Walk Behind
  • Electric/Battery
  • Gasoline

Components:

  • Housing
  • Tubes
  • Engine
  • Fan

How It Works:

  • The engine is fired up
  • The engine provides power to the fan
  • The fan can be controlled by the throttle trigger
  • The fan pulls air in through the side of the housing and directs it out the front to the blower through the tubes

 Maintenance Tips:

  • Keep up with regular maintenance
  • Keep the air filter clean, as blowers tend to accumulate dirt much faster than other types of equipment due to their nature.
  • General Maintenance
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