3W Custom Cutting

05/30/2022

3W Custom Cutting will soon be folded into another page as times are changing and new projects begin. Stay tuned for info on the new page.

06/12/2018

The “hot as a dog” days of summer have started early. Keep cool fluids handy when working in the heat and take breaks to avoid overheating. Care for your tender vegetation by watering early or late in the day. Check with the local water district or aquifer authority for any restrictions and watering times for your area. Pests may be drawn to the areas you’re watering as they are thirsty too. Apply pesticides or poisons carefully with pets and children in mind. Also check on your counties website for burn ban restrictions in your area. Trash or brush burning and some fireworks will be restricted soon if not already. Keep your air cooled engines air and fuel filters clean in hot weather as this can cause those engines stress in dusty conditions and overheat. I recommend super unleaded fuel for air cooled engines due to the varying percentages of ethanol that could be added to your fuel. I know the pump may say “up to 10%”, but a local store owner informed me he had a gallon of regular unleaded tested from a station near his store and it was in the low 20% range. Ethanol will make your engine burn fuel at a hotter temperature. Ethanol attacks the rubber, plastic, and fiberglass components of your engine and could weaken those areas. When used in two cycle engines, ethanol can interfere with the fuel/oil mix lubrication process and cause damage. If you’re equipment is under warranty, the factory may not honor its repair/replace terms because YOU introduced inappropriate fuel to the engine. Ethanol is added to fuel to raise the octane level to satisfy rules in the Renewable Fuels Act of 2007. It is debatable by more knowledgeable persons than I as to whether or not super unleaded fuel is blended with a high enough octane so that any ethanol added is minimal, and at or less than 10%. I have used super unleaded fuel in my equipment for decades and have not had an engine failure related to fuel as of yet. Happy reading and best of luck with fuel mixtures for your air cooled engine.

04/21/2018

Spring time is in full swing. Fruit and nut bearing trees should be showing or about to show some buds. Be careful with spraying Roundup or like substances near your greenery. Don’t want to overspray and cause damage. As I write this, I’m waiting on my order for 2 belts and 2 pulley assemblies for my mowers. If you didn’t do so this winter, perform your maintenance on your equipment; change oil and filter, replace fuel filter, change air filter or blow dirt out of current one if usable. Grease zert fittings if on your equipment. Check/sharpen/replace blades. Most lawn stores will sell tune up kit with spark plug, fuel filter, air element, and that little clear plastic primer bubble cover to help you prime the engine on your small handheld tools. Sharpen or replace your chain saw chains. Check your feeders and refill. I like to watch the deer feed in evening. Good luck with the feral hogs if you’ve got them. They are having a grand time in my pasture.

03/20/2018

Today is the first day of spring. Lots of new planting occurring now in the good weather. Container trees are ready to be planted just about year round. If you’re planting a tree that’s been grafted, make sure the graft is above ground. Dig a hole slightly larger than the tree container keeping the top of the ball at or slightly above ground. Fill hole with good soil or a mixed soil covering the top of the root ball. Water new trees regularly to encourage root growth. Feed tree according to instructions. Generally a standard mix fertilizer of 13-13-13 will work on most items. Some like to make a well area around the tree to hold water from running off. Follow the instructions provided with the new tree or items planted. Watch trees for signs of insects or fungus and spray or dust as needed. If you haven’t done so, now is a good time to mow the grass/pasture to encourage new grass growth for cutting/baling or livestock feeding. Plant flowering plants around your house to encourage the bees to appear. Bees are an important part of agriculture. You might get a hummingbird to show up too. Then sit back on the patio with a beverage and listen and watch your new friends work their magic.

12/13/2017

Now that we’ve survived the first snow storm, it’s a reminder to complete winter preparations if you’ve not yet done so. Wrap/insulate your water bibs. If you have animals, they’d love a windbreak when those cold fronts come through. Extra feed when a storm comes through, in case you can’t get there to check on them when you’d like to. Batteries don’t like cold weather; a battery tender for your tractor along with an oil warmer, or maybe a lower weight oil as it thickens in the cold. Layer your clothing while working outside in the cold. Get a cab or designate a driver if you’re going to drink your share of punch and live to party another day. But you know most or all of this already, so have a Merry Christmas, and all the best in the New Year.

11/13/2017

This time of year, when the growing season slows, is a good opportunity to clean your equipment and prep it for winter storage. You could also clean and paint any areas needing attention due to wear or rust. If repairs are needed, contact your local lawn repair shop to schedule an appointment, if you are unable to make the repairs yourself. Make a list of equipment purchases you may need for spring like oil, filters, tires, tubes of grease for your grease gun, fuel mixer, sharpen/replace blades, check/replace any drive belts, safety glasses and hearing protection if needed.

11/01/2017

Fall is here and our first freeze is not far off. Keep your grassy areas mowed after the freeze does it’s thing. It will reduce the potential for a fire hazard if you mow around your house, out buildings, water well, storage tanks, wooden fencing, equipment, and kids play scapes. If you burn your trash be aware of your counties burn ban restrictions. Be a good neighbor and keep the fire in your fireplace or your bbq pit.

10/19/2017

Blade tip speed is the key to cutting grass. Run your equipment at the correct rpm to ensure a clean cut. Keep your blades sharpened and your equipment lubricated with the appropriate product.

07/13/2017

Low on firewood. Will reply back when restocked. May take some time. Thanks for looking.

06/16/2016