Doing things yourself is supposed to save money. So starting a job by spending money on rental equipment might seem like a step in the wrong direction. But before you bypass your local rental center, consider how much time and strain you can save with the right tools. You might find that spending $50 to avoid 10 hours of backbreaking labor is a bargain. The right equipment also lets you tackle jobs that you would otherwise have to pay a pro for. And don’t forget the fun factor.
A typical electric leaf blower throws out about 70 cu. ft. of air per minute (cfm). A commercial-grade Optimax unit throws out an enormous amount more force. With all that extra power, you can clear leaves faster, of course. But a LW Optimax blower will also do things a smaller blower can’t: It will peel wet leaves off the ground, blast out debris that’s stuck in cracks and move a mountain of leaves in one pass. And with the gas engine, you can do it all more comfortably than with pulling along an electrical cord.
Make sure to check out all of our Rental Equipment at: Imperial Services
Get What You Pay For
You can rent most power equipment for 4- hour, 8- hour or by 5- Day Periods.
Here are some tips to help you make the most of the rental period:
*Remember that the rental period includes your drive time to and from your project. If the machine requires a trailer, also factor in time to unload the machine and reload it when the job is done. That can eat up 30 minutes or more of your rental time.
*Ask about delivery services. Having the rental center deliver and pick up the machine may cost $85 or more. But since the rental period won’t include drive time, loading or unloading, you have more time to actually use the equipment. Delivery service may save you money in the long run.
*Make sure the rental center staffers show you how to start and use the equipment. Then try it yourself before you drive away. That way, you avoid learning and making mistakes during the rental period.
*Be ready to use the machine the minute you get home. You can waste a lot of money letting the rental equipment sit idle.
Imperial Services a distributor of outdoor power equipment, warns everyone that excessive heat doesn’t only affect cars, but it also causes havoc to expensive lawn equipment as well. In fact, lawn mowers, tractors, and small engines sometimes need more routine maintenance performed than automobiles. Performing a few simple actions will safeguard your engine and power equipment from irreversible damage.
Reduce prolong heat exposure to equipment. Most engines generate enormous amount of heat. When coupled with the hot sun, the equipment can deteriorate more quickly. Turning off the engine when possible, rather than idling, will help reduce exposure to excessive heat.
Use ethanol-free gasoline. Ethanol runs hotter in most small engines. This type of fuel blend tends to break down rubber gaskets and other engine parts faster than regular gasoline. According to the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), “Improperly filling your lawn equipment with E15 could result in irreversible engine damage, in addition to exposing operators to a variety of safety risks.”
Check the tires. Low pressure in a tire will make a engine work harder. Sometimes the tires to riding lawnmowers may need to be adjusted to the hotter operating conditions associated with summertime temperatures. Likewise, a loose plastic wheel on a lawnmower or similar device will cause unnecessary strain and wear on the motor.
Inspect the belts and hoses. Check the belts and hoses and have them replaced according to the manufacturer’s directions. Make sure the belts and hoses have no cracks or irregularities.
Check the battery. Examine the battery and cable connections, extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, are not good for a battery’s health …and it’s important that batteries are constantly well maintained.” Moreover, over-charging a battery can produce excessive heat and reduce life of the battery as well. Bring it in to have Imperial Services change the oil and filter. Oil keeps the engine lubricated and cool during operation. In other words, it reduces friction around machine parts and transfers heat to the cylinder block, then finally to the outside air. As oil heats up, it deteriorates and can no longer perform its primary function. In effect, changing the oil according to the manufacturers’ guidelines is essential.
Check your coolant. Most new tractors do not have air-cooled engines. Therefore, the engine must be cooled with a mixture of anti-freeze and water. The purpose of the coolant is to take the heat away from the engine, carry it to the radiator which then dispenses the heat to the environment and get it out of the engine. Rusty colored coolant typically means rust in the system and a “milky” color indicates oil is getting into the cooling system. In either case, the coolant needs to be changed with a procedure called "flush and fill" and should be done periodically according to manufacturer’s recommendations.
A good rule of thumb to follow: Power equipment has about the same heat tolerance as human. When you get too hot to work, just remember to bring your equipment inside as well. To gain more information regarding outdoor power equipment, call or stop by Imperial Services.
Make sure to visit our website for a total list of our Inventory and Rental Equipment. Imperialservicesinc.com
Waterlily and Lotus
Waterlilies (Nymphaea) and lotus (Nelumbo) are jewels of the aquatic world. They are celebrated for their beauty and immortalized in art and religion. Many of them are easy to grow and reward the gardener with fragrant and sumptuous blossoms from June until October
Types of Waterlilies
There are two main divisions of waterlilies: hardy and tropical. Hardy waterlilies will survive our winters if planted below the freezing line in a water feature, while tropical waterlilies need to be stored over the winter or treated as annuals.
Planting Tips
Plant waterlilies in large plastic containers or baskets specifically designed for aquatic plants. Line the baskets with burlap, landscape fabric, or newspaper (so that the soil does not fall through the cracks).
The containers should be large enough to allow the rhizome room to spread. Because the rhizomes creep across the surface of the soil, a wider pot is preferable to a deeper one.
Pond Alternatives
Don't have a pond? A whiskey barrel or planter is a great alternative. In fact, this planter (at 13 inches high and 23 inches in diameter) is a striking ornament for your outdoor garden.
Make sure to research the ultimate size of your waterlily. A waterlily with a 6-foot spread will not thrive in a whiskey barrel or a small tub; but there are plenty of options available on the market.
Color Your Garden
If you do have a pond, add more color to your garden with these beautiful new watering accessories. Dramm offers durable, high-performance options in a variety of colors. How about a purple hose to go with your pink waterlilies?
Guaranteed Blooms
Each flower on the waterlily lasts 3 to 5 days. They open during the day and close at night (unless they are nocturnal). Once the flower is finished, it will slowly sink into the water.
To ensure many blooms, cut the dying flowers as they sink below the surface. Follow the stem down as far as it goes; also clean off dead or dying leaves.
Love Your Lotus
Lotus will be hardy if the tuberous rhizomes do not freeze. Plant the containers so that the soil line is below the freezing mark in your pool. This can be 6 to 18 inches deep, depending on the size of your water feature. Lotus, like waterlilies, prefer 6 or more hours of sunlight.
Lotus Care Tips
Lotus die back at the end of the year. Cut them down to a few inches above the rhizome. Be patient with them in the spring as they are late to emerge. They prefer warm weather and will start to grow once the water temperature has risen above 70 degrees.
Don't forget TAX FREE Weekend August 11th and 12th. We at Imperial have all the proper tools for you to clear an area for your new water feature!
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Subaru Generators Now at Imperial Services Inc.
Subaru has over 40 years of experience in industry-leading generator technology and state-of-the-art engines to ensure the ultimate level of performance and reliability. With a complete line of portable generators from 1100 watts to 13,000 watts, Subaru offer a model tailored to suit any application in gasoline, diesel, single or three phase operation.
Subaru portable generators include features the professionals demand and the discerning customers require. If your application requires clean power or quiet operation, Subaru offers a series of inverter generators to choose from. All Subaru portable generators are EPA and CARB compliant and are backed by a 3-year limited warranty regardless of application.
From home to the jobsite - and everywhere in between - Subaru SGX generators are the best value in durable and dependable power. The SGX generators are paired with Subaru's industry-leading technologically advanced engines, ensuring reliable power for the most demanding jobsites.
Maintenance:
From roadwork and landscaping to new home building and dozens of other projects, construction activities are typically busiest in the summer. And it’s not just the laborers who feel the effects of more jobs and extended hours. Tools and equipment run longer hours and are pushed to their limits during the summer months. Between longer days, busier schedules and hours of overtime, routine maintenance often falls by the wayside.
While construction certainly doesn’t come to a halt when summer ends, the fall presents an ideal time to give equipment some much-needed TLC. Beyond the likelihood that it hasn’t seen a new air filter or oil change in months, some equipment may require minor adjustments to prepare for the colder temperatures and wet conditions that are coming with the fall and winter seasons.
Considering how much it is counted on to provide power to other jobsite tools, the portable jobsite generator is one piece of equipment that deserves a seasonal tune-up. Bring it to us @ IMPERIALSERVICESINC.COM
Continuous, uninterrupted operation from a portable generator is necessary in keeping the workday productive, so it must be reliable and able to handle whatever Mother Nature throws its way. Fortunately, generators don’t require complicated, time-intensive maintenance, and most are designed to operate quite well in various weather conditions. However, they do need regular attention year-round, and a little extra care to prepare for seasonal changes.
Before The Storm
First and foremost, the number one rule of portable generator operation must be observed year-round: Never operate indoors or even a partially enclosed space. When the temperature drops, it may be tempting to move the generator to a warmer area such as a shed, garage or partially finished building – but this is a dangerous mistake, as it can lead to deadly carbon monoxide poisoning. The best way to prevent accidental poisoning is to only operate the unit outside in a completely open area. Remember, a generator is designed to run outdoors and built tough to handle the elements.
It’s a common component of daily preventative generator maintenance to check the oil before every use and a seasonal tune-up takes this one step further. When colder temperatures are on the horizon, the oil must be changed to the appropriate viscosity. If the temperature drops unexpectedly, before the oil has been changed to the ideal viscosity, no need to panic. Simply turn off and move the machine to a warm space, and then change the oil. To save time and eliminate potential issues from having the incorrect oil, many manufacturers recommend using multi-viscosity oil, which is designed to recognize the outdoor temperature and adjust viscosity accordingly. Regardless of what type of oil is used, regular oil changes will keep the engine going and the power flowing. Bring it to Imperial Services for that all important oil change.
Checking the fuel level is also a daily, pre-operation practice, and especially important during cold weather operation. Condensation can occur inside the fuel tank and cause engine problems – especially in colder temperatures – so top off the tank and make it a habit to do so before daily operation. Be sure the generator is shut off before refueling and use caution to prevent spills.
If the air filter hasn’t been cleaned or changed all summer, take the time to bring it to Imperial Services. Ideally, filters should be cleaned about every 100 hours or so and changed on a monthly basis. Finally, conduct a seasonal inspection of the spark plugs. There aren’t special spark plugs designed for colder weather, so just check that they’re clean and free of dirt, carbon build-up or damage. A wire brush or spark plug cleaner may be used to remove any excess dirt or carbon, and be sure to replace any damaged or cracked plugs immediately.
Even with adequate pre-season preparation, normal generator operation can be interrupted due to sudden weather conditions. Knowing how to react and troubleshoot problems will prevent excessive downtime.
Cool Running
As stated previously, generators actually run very well in cooler weather. However, the damp conditions that often come with rain and early snowfall can cause problems for the carburetor, crankcase and breather system. If cold or freezing rain, or snow begins to fall, place a protective awning or tarp a few feet above the unit. This will protect it from snow and ice intrusion and potential damage to the engine – while still allowing adequate ventilation and eliminating the risk for carbon monoxide poisoning.
If the generator’s operation slows or stops completely, or it begins to smoke, it’s likely moisture has built up and created icing around the carburetor. This is a fairly common problem during severe weather operation, especially in cases where the generator is being used as back-up power during a snow or ice storm. If this happens, shut down the generator and move to a warm, dry place until the ice has melted. Be sure to wipe off any excess moisture to prevent electrical shock hazards.
A quick seasonal tune-up can be the difference between worry-free generator operation and a lot of frustration and downtime in the coming months. Taking the time to bring your generator to Imperial Services for maintenance and to prepare the unit for the upcoming season will pay off and ensure the generator is able to handle continued heavy workloads – and even the most extreme weather conditions.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL: 978-670-6016
EBZ8500 RedMax Blower is Performance Packed
The RedMax EBZ8500 blower is packed with power, due to its rugged engine and superior design.
The EBZ8500 features the Strato-Charged® 2-stroke engine with a 75.6 cc displacement and 4.4 horsepower. It produces a maximum air speed of 206 MPH with tube airflow approaching 908 CFM. The Max Cooled back pad uses air from the fan housing to cool operators and keep them comfortable during hot days. Super wide straps and contoured back pad are oversized for greater comfort.
RedMax is the original inventor of the world's first stratified-charged 2-stroke engine. These state-of-the-art Strato-Charged® engines are designed with advanced technology that reduces impact on the environment through efficient engine design, increased fuel economy and reduced emissions.
This proven technology has delivered maximum performance in a light, rugged design with outstanding features that set it apart from the competition. The Strato-Charged 2-stroke engine:
• Achieves up to 20 percent more fuel efficiency than standard 2-stroke engines
• Produces low emissions that meet regulations without the need for a heated, heavy catalytic converter
• Requires no valve adjustments, oil changes or daily oil reservoir level checks
The unit is equipped with RedMax's Fresh Flow Air Net, which reduces air intake blockage, providing maximum blowing performance. It is covered by a two-year warranty and has right-hand throttle options available. All backpack units are equipped with variable-speed cruise control throttles, extra-wide shoulder straps and wide-sweep elbow rotation for full operator mobility and maneuverability, even in cold weather.
For additional information please contact; IMPERIAL SERVICES INC. 978-670-6016
IMPERIALSERVICESINC.COM
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The lawn weed, crabgrass (Digitaria spp) is a warm-season annual weed, which means it reproduces by seed. People often ask how do you kill crabgrass? The short answer: applying preemergent herbicides at the right time is the best way to kill crabgrass.
Preemergent Herbicides for Killing Crabgrass:
When to Apply
To get rid of crabgrass, it helps to know its life cycle. When spring soil temps (at a depth of 2"-3") reach 55-60 degrees Fahrenheit, the first crabgrass seed will germinate. From mid-summer to fall, crabgrass produces seed. The crabgrass plants (but not the seeds) are killed by frosts in autumn.
Preemergent herbicides come in either granular or liquid form and kill crabgrass seedlings as they germinate. Think of preemergent herbicides as forming an invisible shield across the soil surface that stops emerging crabgrass dead in its tracks. This shield image will serve as a reminder not to practice core aeration on lawns after applying preemergent herbicides, since doing so would only "puncture" the shield. Aerate lawns beforehand, instead.
As their name suggests, preemergent herbicides kill crabgrass at a specific time: before its seedlings emerge. For success in getting rid of crabgrass in this manner, timing is of the essence. Apply preemergent herbicides before germination, but not too far ahead. Crabgrass germination coincides approximately with the blooming of the lilac bushes. Thus the old saying that preemergent herbicides should be applied sometime between the time the forsythia bushes (which precede the lilacs by a few weeks) stop blooming and the lilac bushes begin blooming.
Types of Preemergent Herbicides for Killing Crabgrass
There are many different types of preemergent herbicides for killing crabgrass. "Weed and feed" products often contain preemergent herbicides, although some question whether their concentration is strong enough to be effective. 2 types of preemergent herbicides: Dimension and Tupersan.
Dimension (active ingredient, dithiopyr) is safe to use on most lawn grasses (check label first) and provides long-lasting coverage -- an important consideration, since not all crabgrass seed germinates at once. Thus Dimension will kill later-germinating crabgrass, too. Dimension also displays some effectiveness as a postemergent herbicide.
Tupersan (active ingredient, siduron) is worth mentioning because, unlike other preemergent herbicides, it will not damage germinating lawn grass seed. In fact, its active ingredient is often combined with starter fertilizers. Alternatively, for newly-seeded lawns, wait until after 3 mowings (or 3 months, to be on the safe side) before applying preemergent herbicides.
Using Preemergent Herbicides for Killing Crabgrass:
DOs and DON'Ts
Do:
Irrigate afterwards: water activates preemergent herbicides.
Re-apply preemergent herbicides, if you question your product's coverage. Because crabgrass seedlings do not all germinate at once, re-application can kill some of the later-germinating crabgrass.
Follow label directions and apply the proper rate. Measure the lawn area and calibrate your spreader carefully.
Don't:
Dethatch or aerate the lawn after applying preemergent herbicides.
Apply preemergent herbicides on new sod.
There are also postemergent herbicides for killing crabgrass well after it has germinated (e.g., Acclaim Extra), but they are effective only at killing young crabgrass plants. Because these young crabgrass plants are small, they are very difficult to detect in a lawn -- rendering postemergent herbicides far less useful than preemergent herbicides for killing crabgrass.
Crabgrass Control: Organically
"But do I really need chemicals for crabgrass control?" you ask. The answer is, No. While the best way to kill crabgrass is with preemergent herbicides, the best way to control it is by having a healthy lawn.
Here are some ways to promote lawn health -- at the expense of crabgrass:
Fertilize (compost is fine) more heavily in autumn than spring. By autumn, frosts will have already killed any crabgrass.
Don't let bare spots remain uncovered for long, else opportunistic crabgrass will take root. In the fall, fill in those bare spots by overseeding.
When irrigating the lawn, water more deeply and less frequently.
Crabgrass is a notoriously shallow weed.
Mow "high", leaving the lawn grass at a height of 2 1/2"-3". This will allow the lawn grass to "protect its own turf" better, depriving crabgrass seeds of the light they need to germinate.
Final Notes on Crabgrass Control
A great organic "weed and feed" product is corn gluten. An organic preemergent herbicide, corn gluten will suppress crabgrass germination, while fertilizing your lawn.
Don't forget good old weeding as a method of crabgrass control. Hand-pulling small patches of crabgrass before it goes to seed makes eminent sense. To facilitate weeding, water the lawn first (weeds are more easily extricated from wet soil).
