2012 - Volume #36, Issue #2, Page #39
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Online School Teaches Small Engine Maintenance
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If you’re not an expert at that kind of small engine work, you might want to check out a new “service school” online that walks members step-by-step through preventative maintenance and small engine diagnostics.
“We film professional mechanics who work on chainsaws and other small engine tools every day,” says Roger Simons, founder, ATTN (Advanced Technical Training Network). “They will walk through a repair scenario on all the things likely to be repaired through the life cycle of a product.” The maintenance section of the website – which costs members $9.95 a month – covers trimmers, edgers, commercial mowers, trailers and chainsaws. Chainsaw maintenance is broken into 13 segments, including Chainsaw Bar, Fuel Line, Oiler, Air Filter, Sprocket and Recoil. Overviews included “Clean, Inspect and Torque,” covering basic tips such as not using excessive air pressure, especially on seals and gaskets.
Individual segments are easy to understand. Illustrations clearly define worn sprockets and other problems, using well-worn and damaged components. Even for an experienced chainsaw owner, the sessions offer a worthwhile refresher.
The diagnostics section covers identifying problems with both two-stroke and four-stroke engines. It uses “first glance” evaluations to identify generally what a problem might be. Related documents offer specific diagnostic steps for problems such as no spark, compression or fuel delivery.
“Our goal is to show people who want to do their own maintenance or diagnostics how to do it,” says Simons. “If repairs are needed, they may well decide to take it to the repair shop. However, now they’ll understand the problem or its complexity and feel better about paying for the repair.”
Knowing what the problem is will help when talking with a mechanic. It can also help when considering a new product for purchase, he adds.
Simons understands how important the simple things are when it comes to maintenance. His background includes starting a technical training program for Stihl chainsaws in the U.S. He then did the same for Husqvarna and also supervised their call center.
Simons says the site is continuing to grow. He encourages members to suggest other new training segments.
Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Advanced Technical Training Network (roger@advancedttn.com; www.advancedttn.com).
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