Time to book those annual check-ups

Keep your big-ticket outdoor power tools in tip-top shape 

Time to book those annual check-ups

In the same way that an annual check-up at your doctor is essential to keep your body in good running order, your outdoor power equipment (chainsaws, brush cutters, pressure washers and lawnmowers) also benefit from annual check-ups. So, spring into action and take advantage of the warmer weather by getting stuck into your shed, factory, or garage, and haul out that dusty machinery that is begging for attention.

Johan Kruger, National Sales Manager for Husqvarna South Africa says that after investing in superior quality tools, it is vital that you maintain them properly by having them inspected, cleaned, and serviced regularly by a certified dealer. “Buying outdoor power equipment is not a cheap exercise and should be viewed as a long-term investment. Ensuring that an expert regularly services it should guarantee excellent performance and results, for years to come.”

As important as a regular check-up, Johan insists that you should only use genuine parts as replacements, when required. “If you expect your equipment to go the distance, then you should always choose genuine parts. Never compromise on quality and price, as you will inevitably be disappointed in the long run.”

It is tempting to opt for an aftermarket part based on price alone, but these non-genuine parts rarely do the same job – and you may end up spending a lot more when those parts fail to deliver to the standards and longevity of genuine parts. Johan advises, “If you expect your equipment to function at 100%, then stick to 100% genuine parts, as these will maximise product life, meet original equipment specifications, and ensure adherence to the highest safety and performance standards.”

Johan offers 5 more reasons to always “Go Genuine” when it comes to replacing parts:

1. Quality counts: When it comes to performance and safety, genuine parts are mostly better quality than aftermarket parts. If the brand you bought prides itself on superior materials and durability, then genuine replacement parts will reflect that. Research shows that original spare parts offer value for money as they tend to last twice as long as non-genuine spare parts (or even longer).

2. The perfect fit: Genuine parts are made specially for certain brands and models of machinery. That means they are perfectly-factory fitted and will help the machinery function optimally.

3. Less downtime: Because genuine parts are made to fit perfectly, they tend to be easier to mount and they last longer, saving precious operational down time.

4. The right kind of repair: If your machinery requires repair, genuine parts will not damage the machinery further, and will help to ensure it functions well after the repair. Aftermarket parts generally do not come with warranties, so there is no recall if things go wrong. A one-year limited warranty applies to all Husqvarna genuine parts.

5. Longevity promise: Using genuine parts means less wear and tear on your machinery, and less repair and servicing time overall. The result will be a longer product life and machinery that runs at its best, even with repeated use.

“We advise our customers to always use genuine parts, especially when servicing professional equipment. When it comes to replacement blades for our lawnmowers, for example, only Husqvarna spare parts will do. Other replacement blades simply do not live up to international lawnmower safety standards, as they have not been certified together with the machine. Husqvarna blades have been tested for hundreds of hours, meaning we can ensure 100% quality and fit, strict adherence to safety, noise and vibration regulations, and superior performance. Buying a product from our wide range of parts and accessories means that our customers can count on the best possible durability and protection while enjoying the power and efficiency they have come to associate with the Husqvarna name,” Johan concludes.