These risks include:

• Moving the generator off-site to power non-business related activities – A generator that isn’t currently in use at the business can be put into use for a variety of offsite uses that don’t pose direct risks. The risk aspect of off-site use can occur either when a power outage occurs while the portable generator is being used elsewhere or with a blackout that shuts down the business while the generator sits in the garage in the time between the off-site event and transporting it back to the business. Either way, the generator isn’t being used for its primary purpose.
• Off-site use burns up all the fuel – The timely return of the generator is great but if the fuel hasn’t been replaced, the generator isn’t going to be able to do much for the business during a power outage until the tanks are refilled.

One of the issues that leads to situations such as these is the mindset that the generator is sitting idle and the odds are that the business isn’t going to need it. The problem in these cases is that forgetting the primary purpose of the generator can make it unavailable when it’s needed most.

The post The Risks of Multitasking with a Business’ Portable Generator appeared first on Harbor Power House.

These steps include:

• Removing the residue of the last season – Remove all the accumulated residue that has attached to your snow blower, especially in areas surrounding moving parts. This built up residue can hold lots of moisture which can result in rusting and a lock up of moveable parts over the summer.
• After removing accumulated residues, lubricate the drive, the chassis and the auger. Lubricating these components is another step toward ensuring that the moving parts of your machine don’t lock up while it is in storage.
• Store your snow blower in a place that doesn’t receive direct sunlight – The angles of sunlight during winter and summer can be very different, meaning that the shaded area for your lawn mower in the winter might bask in the hot summer sun in the summer. Direct heat and sunlight can wreak all kinds of havoc on idle machinery.

Adding fuel stabilizer is another step to take now. The choice is yours; you can take a few steps this spring to make sure your snowblower starts flawlessly next season or switch places with your lawnmower and hope for the best.

The post What to Do with Your Snowblower when it’s Time to Trade Places with the Lawnmower appeared first on Harbor Power House.

Here are a handful of tips regarding the best practices for handling your excess fuel as well as how to make sure your snow blower is ready to go after its long summer rest:

• Try to empty the tank – If you’re able to empty the tank, do so. You can then transfer the gas to your lawnmower if it’s coming out of storage or to your car, boat, etc.
• Refill your snowblower tank with fresh gas or top off the existing gas if the tank could not be emptied – While there are people with the opinion that the tank should remain empty in the off season, a dry fuel system can result in o-rings and gaskets that dry out and crack due to the lack of moisture. With a full tank, the gas vapors will prevent rubber components in the fuel system from drying out.
• Add a fuel stabilizer – Once you have filled the tank, add a fuel stabilizer. This will prevent the gas in the system from thickening and gumming up the fuel lines and the carburetor. The normal ratio is one ounce of stabilizer for a 3 to 5 gallon tank but be sure to read the stabilizer manufacturer’s recommendations on the label to make sure that you’re adding the right amount. If you’re uncertain about the size of your tank, check your operator’s manual.
• Run the engine for a few minutes to circulate the stabilized fuel through the system – Adding fuel stabilizer without running the engine will leave the stabilized fuel in the tank, which runs the risk that thickened fuel can still affect the rest of the fuel system, especially the carburetor. Running the engine will push freshly stabilized fuel through the system to eliminate the potential for a plugged fuel system.

Putting motorized equipment into storage takes a small amount of preparation to make sure that it runs at same efficiency level when it gets pulled out for the next season. Follow these steps and the combination of fresh gas and a stabilizer will have your fuel system and your snowblower ready to go the first time out.

The post Preparing the Fuel System of Your Snowblower for Hibernation appeared first on Harbor Power House.

• Before putting your Honda snowblower into storage, inspect it for maintenance items to determine what, if anything needs to be replaced. Commonly replaced maintenance items can be found in your owner’s manual. Two of these items are the shave plate and skid shoes, which are designed to prevent damage to the snowblower housing. Replacing these items if they’re worn out can prevent major damage to the machinery later.
• Check the belts for cracking and wear. Being out of use can make frayed belts even more brittle and increase the chance of snapping on the first use of the next season. Replacing them now will prevent a belt related breakdown next season.
• Check the integrity of the rubber paddles on the auger. If these paddles are thin or worn to the point where you can see the metal of the auger, replace them now.
• Add a fuel stabilizer to the tank. While there are many that say the fuel tank should be emptied, it’s often difficult to get every last drop of fuel out. Besides, a fuel system that has been emptied leaves rubberized materials like gaskets and o-rings in a dry environment that can result in cracking and deterioration. Adding a fuel stabilizer will prevent fuel from thickening while preserving the integrity of the fuel system.
• Before putting the snowblower into storage, wipe away moisture, dirt, and accumulated salt to prevent rust. Placing a cover over the snowblower can protect it from dust and dirt but leave the bottom of the cover open so as not to trap any remaining moisture.
• To preserve the tires, make sure that they are not exposed to sunlight. Also, blocking the snowblower so that the tires are off of the ground can prevent flat spots on the tires that make for a bumpy first run when it gets pulled out for use.

Taking the time now to do some light maintenance will have your Honda snowblower ready to go when the snow starts falling next season. Additionally, following these storage tips can keep snowblowers running like new, even after sitting idle over the warm summer months.

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Tips for Storing Your Honda Snowblower

In many ways, using a snowblower in these heavy snow conditions isn’t much different than removing lighter snow loads but there are a few differences that can make the job more difficult to manage, put the operator at risk, and potentially cause harm to other people and property. To make sure that your heavy snow removal project gets done without risk, drama and danger, follow these three tips before and during the job:

• Maximize traction – Removing snow on an icy surface can be tough work, especially if the snowblower tires and the operator don’t have sufficient traction. Removing snow on an incline or rolling terrain can add even more risk of losing control so make sure your tires have plenty of tread and that you’re wearing boots that provide steady footing on slippery surfaces. If you’re finding that ice is making your snow removal jobs completely unmanageable, you may want to consider switching to a snowblower that runs on tracks instead of tires.
• Do not remove clogs in the discharge chute while to snowblower is running or idling – Heavier snow tends to clog the discharge chute more frequently than light snow, which can be frustrating if the chute gets clogged repeatedly on a single project. While it may be tempting to try to save time by removing the clog with the motor running or in idle, do not reach in to the chute to remove jammed snow or debris. This is highly dangerous and is the cause of a high percentage of snowblower-related injuries. Instead, turn the snowblower off, wait for all moving parts to stop, and then remove the clog with long wooden handle or a breaker bar if the snowblower is equipped with one.
• Be care to discharge snow away from buildings and people – This rule should be followed for all snow removal jobs but heavier snow can do more damage to people, buildings, cars, etc.

Removing heavy snow requires more care and work than lighter snow loads. With maximized traction and safe snowblower operating practices, however, your snow removal job can get done without risk drama, and danger.

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Snowblower Safety Tips for Removing Heavy Snow

Before:

* Before a storm, take a look at the areas that will need to be cleared and remove the items that can get pulled into the machinery of your snowblower. Clearing these areas is particularly important in areas where children can leave toys and other items behind. Removing these items can save them from being torn up and protect your snowblower’s machinery from being damaged.
* Take wooden stakes and mark plants and other items that might be shredded by a snowblower.
* Spray the chute with silicone spray or furniture polish to minimize friction on snow being blown through the chute. This will reduce clogging.
* Determine where you’ll be discharging snow and set your pattern on the area where snow is being removed so that you’re not throwing snow into a place where it has to be removed a second time. Working with the wind will give you maximum throwing distance as will keep discharged snow from being blown back on to the area being cleared.
* Gas up – Running out of gas in the middle of a job can cost a lot of time in shutting down, letting the engine cool off, walking back to get fuel, etc. Instead, take a couple of minutes to top off your fuel before you start.

After:

* Let the snowblower run for a short time after the job is finished to melt snow in the auger and impeller.
* Shut the snowblower down, wait until all parts have stopped moving, and use a whisk broom to remove as much snow and water as possible from the snowblower. This will prevent melted snow from turning to ice in the impeller assembly, which will prevent it from turning the next time you need to use it.
* At the end of the season, either empty the fuel tank or add a stabilizer to prevent thickening while the snowblower is not in use.
* When storing your snowblower, use a block to lift the tires off of the floor. This will help to preserve the tires and prevent them from getting out of round.

Taking the time before and after your snowblowing projects is well worth the time. In fact, your investment in preparation and care can make your snowblowing tasks easier and have your snowblower performing at its best for years to come.

The post Things to do Before and After a Snowblowing Job appeared first on Harbor Power House.

These factors include:

• The consequences of a sudden loss of power – Power outages never happen at the right time and often occur at the worst time possible. If a sudden loss of power is going bring some serious trouble in terms of medical issues, loss of computerized work, or stoppage of home-based business operations, a standby generator will be the best choice because of the automatic transfer of power generation to the backup unit.
• The duration of power outages – Big storms have knocked out power for durations of up to two weeks in multiple regions around the country over the last several years. If you live in an area that is prone to major storms and extended blackouts, a standby generator that draws fuel from a natural gas line can deliver power until electricity from the grid returns.
• Whether putting a portable generator in place during an outage is feasible – Some portable generators are stored in shelters so that they’re ready to go if the power goes down but in most cases need to be rolled into place, hooked up, and then started before they can power up appliances and light the house. If some manual labor prior to starting backup power is feasible, a portable generator may suffice.
• Intended recreational uses – If you are planning to use your generator for recreational uses and don’t need to be concerned with emergency situations, a portable generator will be the best choice. The versatility of portable generators makes them suitable for a wide variety of activities ranging from camping to powering an outdoor birthday party.
• The household budget – Standby generators, due to higher power output, are typically more expensive than portable generators.

If the household budget can’t cover the cost of a standby generator, a portable generator can be housed in a shelter so that it only needs to be connected to appliances and lighting if there is a power failure. The portable can then be pulled out for recreational activities as well.

Making sure a generator meets your needs just requires a little bit of advanced planning. Run through the factors listed above and you’ll be able to make the right decision for the specifics of your lifestyle.

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Recreation & Emergencies with Portable and Standby Generators

These risks include:

• Online and paperless business models which are based on maintaining data files electronically also require in many cases that those files be accessible at any given time. Many small businesses simply cannot operate when access to these files is denied due to a power outage.
• A power outage can wipe out an online project in a second. Even if power is restored quickly, the cost and time spent rebuilding the lost data can be prohibitive.
• An extended outage can be a life or death situation for a small business struggling to make it. Extended down time will hurt even the strongest businesses due to lost revenues that may or may not be able to be recovered once power is restored.

For these reasons and many more, small business owners are relying on standby Honda generators to provide protection against losses that could be incurred by even a short power interruption. These generators also offer price flexibility in that power output levels can be gauged to power only the most critical equipment and components of the small business.

For more information on getting the right standby Honda generator for your small business needs, visit http://www.HarborPowerHouse.com/ or call (877) 837 2648.

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The Benefits of Standby Honda Generators for Small Businesses

Necessities for a first time homeowner include:

1. Tool kit – It cannot be emphasized enough how many times you’ll bring this bad boy out, especially on your first move in day. They usually come in a handheld box and run about $20 in most superstores.
2. Appliances – Of course you have the standard refrigerator, washer and dryer, but people tend to forget some very important smaller appliances. Things such as: clocks, lamps, a stereo, a microwave oven, a vacuum cleaner and coffee maker are usually staples in most homes.
3. Garden supplies – These are essentials for every home. Even if you don’t plan on using your green thumb, you will need to cut the grass and maintain your yard often. A lawnmower is a definite must along with a sturdy shovel for those pesky weeds and shrubs. Don’t forget a rake, hose and shears either. Be sure to cover your outdoor equipment to prevent weather damage if you don’t have a dry area to store them.
4. Furniture – Although this one is obvious, people tend to forget the little things. Make sure you’ve created a list for every room before you go shopping or you’ll end up making several trips.
5. Bathroom essentials – Of course you’ll get all the supplies for the bathroom eventually, but please save yourself the time and embarrassment by buying toilet paper and hand soap before you even start to unpack.
6. Smoke alarms – One of the first things you should install in your new house. These are absolutely necessary, lifesaving and relatively cheap, about $5-$10 each.
7. Winter equipment – In warmer climates a snow shovel should suffice, but other areas of consistent winter snow should invest in a Honda snowblower. A snowblower is a great investment that will pay for itself with the many hours you save from back-breaking labor.
8. Generator – This purchase can save you time and money. Many people don’t see a Honda generator as a necessity during a blackout, but when the food in the refrigerator is on the fast track to expiration and your cellphone is about to die, you’ll wish you had a back-up power system.
9. First aid kit – Unfortunately, we don’t think about this item until it’s too late. So when you move into your new house make sure you get a standard first aid kit including gauze, bandages,antibiotic ointment, shears and all the necessities if an accident were to happen.
10. Miscellaneous – A few other things that should be in your home, but you would never think of are a quality ladder, outdoor grill, and trash bins. Some homes may also need a submersible pump for drainage or sewage.

Honda builds all of its power equipment to the highest of standards resulting in top of the line, high quality products that professionals and consumers all around the world can rely on. For more information on Honda’s line of power equipment visit www.HarborPowerHouse.com or call (877) 837-2648.

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Top Ten Things a New Homeowner Needs

• The shape of the area where snow removal will occur – One of the advantages that Honda’s two stage wheel snow blowers have over the track models is that turning them at sharp angles is much easier. One example where a wheel snowblower will provide a better user experience is on tight, square areas that require frequent turns for full coverage. A track snowblower would be the better choice for long narrow driveways or walkways where turns would not be much of an issue.
• The topography of the area – Flat areas make for relatively simple snow removal jobs that can be accomplished with a wheel-drive snowblower. Landscapes that are hilly or have steep inclines can prove challenging for wheel snowblowers due to low traction that reduces control and performance while increasing danger for the operator. Areas that require higher traction are better served by track snowblowers that provide solid footing and easier maneuverability.
• Snow conditions – Light snow over solid ground can easily be removed by wheel snowblowers. As snow loads get heavier, more packed, and icier a track snowblower can drive a steadier path than a wheel-drive. Removing snow that rests on an icy surface would also call for a track-drive snowblower to prevent slippage on a slick surface.

For wheel-drive snowblowers then, the combination of a relatively tight area where more turns would be required, a flat surface, and lightly packed snow would present ideal conditions for snow removal. A track snowblower will most likely deliver the best performance in areas that do not require much turning, uneven or pitched terrains, and in conditions that include a heavy snowpack and an icy surface. Regardless of conditions, Honda has the snowblower that can get the job done. For more information on getting the best  Honda snowblower for your snow removal areas, visit: http://www.harborpowerhouse.com/

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Deciding Between Track and Wheel Honda Snowblowers