Keep Garden Tools Safe Outside
A canvas tarpaulin is ideal for keeping irrigation equipment safe from rain, dust, sun and dirt during the workweek. Protecting your equipment can take seconds with a tarp, even if a backyard shed or garage doesn’t have enough space for storage. Put a tarp over your lawn mower, weed trimmer, spade, wheelbarrow and garden hand tools and reduce the amount of cleaning and maintenance needed!
Keep Equipment Safe in the Rain
Rain is not a friend for a metal tool. Water causes metal blad
es, handles, screws, and fittings to rust. A canvas cover will protect your tools from rain when they are left outside. It will also keep rain from collecting on the surface of your tools and any loose dirt or dead leaves from falling on them.
Select An Appropriate Canvas Size
The cover will snugly fit the machine, with no large gaps. Calculate the size of the item before purchasing a sheet. Allow for some excess to be able to cover the sides of the object and tuck into the fixing points – otherwise, the machine will be exposed to the elements.
Verify Fabric Weight and Quality
It is also available in various thickness and finishes. Some is more suitable for small garden tools, while the heaviest duty types will be much better for large machines and greater use. Tarpaulin sheets with reinforced stitching, good finishing to the edges are likely to last longer if used often than badly made covers. Ensure you read the specifications of the product carefully.
Cover Lawnmowers And Trimmers
Lawnmowers and grass trimmers can gather grass, dust, and moisture while they are in use. Be sure to clean them before storing, and fit a cover over the dry machine. This prevents debris from falling onto the machine and limits exposure to rain. Don’t place a cover on a hot engine.
Leave Room Around Machines
Do not stretch fabric over pointed edges or moving parts. Tight fitting material may rub against the cover and eventually split. Leave clearance around controls, wheels and protruding parts. If your machine has a fuel or electric part, store it according to the manufacturer’s instructions and keep the cover away from heat.
Secure Hand Tools And Keep Them Dry
Spades, forks, rakes, shears and other smaller tools can be a nuisance in a work space. Keep them stored as a group in a rack, box or safe spot and cover them before putting away. This way you can save time and prevent them from falling into wet grass or mud. Use one sheet to cover several tools.
Stop Rust On Metal Tools
Remove soil and water from the metal blades after each use. A quality cover will not prevent rust formation on tools stored while wet. Also dry handles of wood tools. This not only prevents the accumulation of water in the handle, but the wood can change over time with continued exposure to moisture.
Protect Equipment At Worksites
Landscaping crews frequently set equipment and supplies on jobsites between shifts. You can cover them with a canvas tarp to keep them free from dust, leaves, and drizzle. It will also make the storage site appear more organized. Use a heavy-duty tarp for big equipment, and store expensive gear in a locked outbuilding if you can.
Secure The Cover Against Wind
Wind can lift a loose sheet and drag it along the ground. Use the eyelets if there are any and secure them with the right ties or straps. Secure the ties to sturdy anchors and distribute the force along the edges. After a windy spell, inspect your cover. Do not secure it to fragile branches, loose fencing, or other insecure objects.
Store Wheelbarrows And Garden Carts
Garden carts and wheelbarrows are often stored outdoors, especially if they are large. Their trays can fill with rainwater, mud, or leaves. Before covering with a canvas sheet, dump out the contents of the tray and brush off any dirt. Covering the handles and wheels can help prevent getting them dirty when not in use.
Keep The Ground Beneath Dry
Location, location, location Equipment location is as important as the cover. Don’t store your equipment in areas where water may pond, such as low spots. Store it on good hard ground, cement, a dry platform, or at least keep the sheet off the wet ground. A little clearance under the cover allows air to circulate.
Use Covers During Equipment Transport
Landscaping businesses may use this cover to transport equipment from gardens, parks, and work sites. Protect equipment from road dust and loose dirt on the way to and from job sites. Select a size that will cover your load and will not hang close to the tires and road. Tie downs using these straps.
Examine The Load Before The Drive
Never use a cover instead of safe load restraints. Before covering the load, strap down heavy machines and other equipment with appropriate straps. Fasten the sheet at every corner and clear loose fabric away that can flap in the wind. Ensure the driver is able to see lights and number plates of the vehicle and other required parts of the vehicle.
Clean Canvas Covers After Use
They can get muddy, covered with grass, dust and tree sap. Brush off loose mud and dirt, then wash the sheet following the care instructions provided by your supplier. Use a soft brush to remove stubborn marks. Do not use abrasive cleaning agents unless recommended safe by the manufacturer, and allow plenty of time for the sheet to dry before putting away.
Test For Tears And Weak Seams
Check the corners, seams, and eyelets periodically. Winds tugging at the fabric can cause small tears to grow. Fix small tears and holes with a canvas patch product or glue, following the instructions. If the cover is too frayed to prevent the wind from wearing away at what is underneath, consider a new cover. Keep the sheet away from sharp tools.
Choose A Cover That Lasts
What is the best for your needs will depend on the equipment, where it is stored, and how frequently it is used. A smaller sheet may be more appropriate for hand tools, a slightly bigger and more robust cover for lawnmowers, carts, and garden machinery. Consider the fabric, size, the finishing of the edge, and care instructions before purchase.
Canvas covers can provide property owners and landscaping companies with a convenient solution to keep equipment and tools clean and out of the elements. Clean the equipment before storing it, select an appropriate sheet, and secure it firmly. Make sure the cover stays dry and inspect it regularly for damage.