Repair Guides
Practical troubleshooting and maintenance guides for petrol and diesel garden machinery — written from Paul's workshop in Hyde, with over 20 years of hands-on experience.
Strimmers & 2-stroke
Won't start, weak power, line jamming, carburettor and fuel mix problems on petrol strimmers, brushcutters, hedge trimmers and blowers.
Strimmer Cutting Poorly, Jamming or Throwing Line? 6 Causes and Fixes
Petrol strimmer not cutting properly, line keeps jamming or flying off? Paul explains the six most common trimmer head faults on Stihl, Husqvarna and Honda machines — with DIY fixes and when to book a workshop repair.
Stihl FS-Series Strimmer Won't Start or Loses Power: A Mechanic's Guide
Stihl FS 38, FS 55, FS 91 or FS 111 won't start or cuts out under load? Paul covers 2-MIX carb, air filter seals, clutch and throttle faults on the strimmers he repairs daily in Hyde.
Hedge Trimmer and Leaf Blower Won't Start or Has Weak Power: Two-Stroke Fixes
Petrol hedge trimmer or leaf blower won't start, bogs down or has no blowing power? Paul explains fuel, carb, air filter and exhaust faults on Stihl, Husqvarna and Echo 2-stroke machines.
Husqvarna and Honda Brushcutter Problems: Fuel, Clutch and Gearbox Fixes
Husqvarna 525LST or Honda UMK 435 won't start, loses power or the gearbox feels rough? Paul explains fuel system, clutch drum and gearbox faults on the brushcutters he repairs across Greater Manchester.
Carburettor Problems on Petrol Garden Tools: When to Clean vs Rebuild
Varnished carb on your mower, strimmer or chainsaw? Paul explains when a carb clean is enough, when you need a full rebuild, and what it costs in time and money at a professional workshop.
Stihl MS-Series Chainsaw Common Repairs: MS 180, MS 211 and Professional Models
Stihl MS 180, MS 211 or MS 250 won't start, brake failing or decomp stuck? Paul covers the repairs he does most on Stihl 2-MIX chainsaws from the Hyde workshop.
Garden Machinery Hire Fleet Servicing: Keep Strimmers, Saws and Mowers Rentable
Tool hire yards across Greater Manchester need petrol kit that starts every time. Paul services hire fleets on-site — Stihl saws, strimmers, ride-ons and more between hires.
Landscaper Peak Season Checklist: What to Service Before the Busy Months
Grounds maintenance crews across Greater Manchester lose money when kit fails mid-contract. Paul's pre-season checklist for strimmers, mowers, blowers and ride-ons.
Strimmer or Brushcutter Keeps Cutting Out or Loses Power: 2-Stroke Troubleshooting
Petrol strimmer or brushcutter cuts out after minutes or loses power under load? Paul details carb tuning, clutch, overheating & gearbox fixes for Stihl, Husqvarna & Honda models in Greater Manchester.
Petrol Strimmer Won't Start: Troubleshooting Common Causes
Paul's guide to why your petrol strimmer or brushcutter won't start after storage or in season. Real fixes for fuel, carb, spark, and 2-stroke issues from the Hyde workshop.
2-Stroke Strimmer Not Starting After Winter Storage: Fixes That Work
Why your strimmer won't fire up after sitting all winter and the exact steps Paul uses to get 2-stroke engines running again — fuel, carb, plug, and safety checks.
Choosing the Right 2-Stroke Oil for Your Garden Machinery
Wrong oil wrecks two-stroke engines. Paul explains which oil to use, the correct mixing ratios, and the mistakes he sees that cause expensive damage.
Strimmer Won't Start? 5 Causes (And How to Fix Them Yourself)
Petrol strimmer won't fire up? Paul reveals the 5 most common causes he sees daily — with step-by-step fixes you can do at home in minutes.
Lawnmowers
Starting faults, surging, blade and deck problems, winter storage and seasonal servicing on petrol walk-behind mowers.
Farm & Smallholding Petrol Machinery Maintenance: What to Service and When
Compact tractors, flail mowers, paddock toppers and handheld saws on farms and smallholdings around Glossop and Greater Manchester — Paul's seasonal maintenance guide.
Mountfield & Hayter Mower Starting and Cutting Problems: UK Brand Guide
Mountfield SP or Hayter Harrier won't start, loses drive or cuts poorly? Paul covers the real faults on UK favourite mowers — fuel, variator belts, roller drive and carb quirks.
Briggs & Stratton Engine Won't Start, Surges or Overheats: Diagnosis Guide
Briggs & Stratton won't start, hunts at idle or overheats on your Hayter or Mountfield? Paul covers fuel, governor, valves, primer bulbs and common 450/500/625 Series faults.
Mower Vibrates Excessively or Cuts Unevenly: Blade, Balance and Deck Problems
Lawnmower vibrating badly or leaving stripes and scalps? Paul explains unbalanced blades, worn spindles, deck damage and when sharpening is enough — from the Hyde workshop.
Why Your Petrol Lawnmower Won't Start: 7-Step Diagnosis by a 20-Year Mechanic
Petrol lawnmower won't start? Paul walks through the exact 7-step diagnosis order used in the Hyde workshop — fuel, spark, air, carb, safety switches, compression and when to book a pro.
Lawnmower Surging, Stalling or Cutting Out Mid-Mow: 6 Root Causes & Fixes
Petrol lawnmower surging, stalling or dying mid-cut? Paul (20+ years, Hyde workshop) diagnoses carb mixture, blade drag, governor & fuel issues with step-by-step DIY fixes and when to book same-day repair across Greater Manchester.
Honda Lawnmower Won't Start After Winter: HRX, IZY & GCV/GXV Fixes
Honda HRX 476, HRX 537 or IZY won't start after winter? Paul explains varnish, valve clearances, throttle cables & carb on GCV170/GXV160 engines — exact DIY steps from the Hyde workshop.
How Much Does Mobile Lawnmower Repair Cost?
A clear breakdown of what mobile lawnmower repair costs in Greater Manchester — callout fees, labour rates, and what affects the price.
Mobile Lawnmower Repair: What to Expect When Paul Visits
What happens during a mobile garden machinery repair visit? From booking to on-site diagnosis and first-fix repair, here's exactly what to expect.
Spring Lawnmower Service Checklist: Get Your Mower Ready for the Season
Paul's step-by-step checklist for preparing your petrol lawnmower for spring. 20+ years of experience distilled into the essential checks every mower owner should do.
How Often Should You Sharpen Your Mower Blades?
Blunt blades damage your lawn and strain your engine. Paul explains how often to sharpen, how to spot a dull blade, and why it matters more than you think.
Petrol vs Electric Lawnmowers: An Honest Mechanic's View
After 20+ years repairing petrol mowers, Paul gives his honest take on petrol vs electric — including when he'd actually recommend going electric.
How to Store Your Petrol Lawnmower Over Winter
Proper winter storage prevents 90% of spring start-up problems. Paul explains exactly how to put your petrol mower away so it fires up first pull next year.
Ride-ons & garden tractors
No start, no drive, hydrostatic faults and mid-season breakdowns on Countax, Westwood, John Deere and other garden tractors.
Ride-On Mower Won't Start, Move or Cuts Unevenly: Full Troubleshooting Guide
Ride-on mower won't start, lost drive or cutting unevenly? Paul walks through battery, fuel, hydrostatic transmission, belts and deck faults on Countax, Westwood, John Deere and Honda tractors in Greater Manchester.
Countax and Westwood Garden Tractor Faults: Collector, Drive and PTO Fixes
Countax or Westwood garden tractor losing drive, collector not picking up, or blades won't engage? Paul explains the faults he fixes daily on UK ride-ons across Greater Manchester and the High Peak.
John Deere Ride-On Mower Common Repairs: Deck, Drive and Starting Faults
John Deere X350, X584 or garden tractor won't start, lost drive or the deck won't cut? Paul covers the repairs he does most on Deere ride-ons in Greater Manchester.
Kubota Compact Tractor Common Repairs: BX, B Series and Ride-On Faults
Kubota BX and B-series compact tractors, GR ride-ons and flail PTO problems — the repairs Paul sees most on farms and estates across Greater Manchester and the High Peak.
Why On-Site Repair Makes Sense for Ride-On Mowers
Ride-on mowers are heavy, awkward, and expensive to transport. Mobile repair at your home saves time, money, and hassle. Here's why it works.
Ride-On Mower Servicing: What's Actually Included?
Wondering what a proper ride-on mower service covers? Paul breaks down every check and task included in a full service at PGT Repairs.
Chainsaws
Starting problems, stalling under load, bar and chain maintenance, oiling and sharpening on Stihl and Husqvarna saws.
Chainsaw Stalls Under Load or Won't Cut Straight? 6 Causes and Fixes
Petrol chainsaw starts but dies when cutting, pulls to one side, or produces sawdust not chips? Paul explains bar oil, chain brake, carb and bar wear faults on Stihl and Husqvarna saws.
Husqvarna Chainsaw Common Faults: Primer Bulb, Carb, Bar Oil and Chain Brake
Husqvarna 135, 455 Rancher or X-Torq saw won't start, stalls or won't oil the bar? Paul covers the faults he fixes most on Husqvarna petrol chainsaws in Greater Manchester.
Chainsaw Bar, Chain and Oil Maintenance: Sharpening, Tension and When to Replace
How often should you sharpen a chainsaw chain? Paul explains bar oil checks, correct tension, rail wear and when to replace the bar or chain — not just sharpen it.
Chainsaw Won't Start: Stihl & Husqvarna Petrol Troubleshooting Guide
Stihl or Husqvarna chainsaw won't start or stalls under load? Paul covers safety systems, 2-MIX/X-Torq carb, primer bulbs & chain brake issues with step-by-step fixes + professional repair in Hyde.
Signs Your Chainsaw Chain Needs Replacing (Not Just Sharpening)
A dull chain can be sharpened, but a worn-out chain is dangerous. Paul explains the warning signs that mean it's time for a new chainsaw chain.
Cricket & sports grounds
Cylinder mower cutting quality, outfield ride-ons, season prep and mid-season repair for clubs and grounds teams.
Cricket Club Cylinder Mower Not Cutting Cleanly? Atco and Dennis Adjustment Guide
Cricket square mower leaving ridges, lines or a rough cut? Paul explains cylinder and bottom blade adjustment on Atco, Dennis and fine-turf mowers used by clubs across Greater Manchester.
Cricket Club Outfield Mower Broken Mid-Season? Ride-On Repair When Fixtures Can't Wait
Outfield ride-on failed before a fixture? Paul explains the fast fixes for cricket club ride-ons — belts, hydrostatic drive, batteries and carbs — with priority turnaround across Greater Manchester.
Sports Club Grounds Equipment: When to Call a Mobile Mechanic
Cricket, bowling, football, and golf clubs rely on grounds equipment. Mobile repair keeps your machines at the ground and fixed fast.
Cricket Club Grounds: Preparing Your Machinery for the 2026 Season
Cricket season is approaching fast. Paul's guide to getting your outfield mower, roller, scarifier, and wicket equipment ready for first match day.
Mobile, hire & commercial repair
Fleet contracts, tool hire servicing, landscaper pre-season checks, mobile callouts and on-site depot repair.
Pre-Autumn Fleet Storage Checklist: Winterise Your Commercial Garden Machinery
Landscapers, hire yards and grounds crews — Paul's autumn checklist to drain fuel, service kit and avoid the March no-start rush on strimmers, mowers and ride-ons.
Mobile Repair vs Workshop Repair: Which Is Right for You?
Should you book a mobile callout or bring your machine to the workshop? A practical guide to choosing the right option.
Preparing Your Site for a Mobile Repair Visit
Getting ready for a mobile repair visit? Here's how to prepare your equipment and site so Paul can get started quickly.
5 Signs Your Business Needs a Mobile Repair Contract
Is your grounds equipment costing more in downtime than it should? Five signs it's time to arrange regular on-site maintenance.
Keeping Your Grounds Crew Running: Mobile Repair for Commercial Fleets
Commercial grounds equipment breaks down at the worst time. Mobile fleet repair minimises downtime and keeps your crew productive.
More guides
Buying advice, general maintenance and seasonal tips for keeping petrol garden machinery running well.
When to Repair vs Replace Your Garden Machinery: A Practical Guide
Is it worth fixing or should you buy new? Paul's honest decision framework based on 20+ years of repairing garden machinery of every age and condition.
5 Things That Ruin Petrol Engines (And How to Avoid Them)
Paul has rebuilt hundreds of small engines. These are the five most common causes of engine failure he sees — and every single one is preventable.