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Prepping Your Garden for Winter with a Chipper Shredder

October 15, 2024

Autumn is a vibrant season, bringing with it illustrious reds, yellows, browns, and oranges coloring the many trees. It’s also a preferred change to the hot days of summer. The cool, crisp weather calls for warm drinks, sweaters and jackets, and overall serene landscapes. But such picturesque views can be disrupted by the countless leaves and branches blanketing your lawns, gardens, and pathways. Use a chipper shredder to turn this kind of debris into decorative accents to help you prep your garden for winter.

a yellow machine sitting on top of a lush green field.

Why Prepping for Winter is Important

Not all plants are tolerant of the cold, so they can die during freezing temperatures. The density of snow and ice can break branches, stems, and leaves while winds  can easily dry out the leaves of plants. An essential component to plant survival is sunlight, and in wintertime there can be limited sunlight leading to plant death. Additionally, it’s important to note that some plants will require more winter insulation than others to withstand harsh conditions.

The winter moisture can also have an impact on plant life because it can steepen the soil leading to root rot. Winter temperatures vary globally, with some areas experiencing warmer winters. In such cases, important nutrients in the soil can be dissolved and moved away from plants. Furthermore, winter also means storms that can cause erosion by washing away soil and exposing sensitive parts of a plant.

Effective Use of Shredded Material

Mulch is very effective in protecting your garden’s soil. Not only does it combat extreme temperatures, it also acts as an insulator, shielding the soil from freezing and any thawing that can harm a plant’s roots. Other benefits include, but are not limited to:

    • Helping the prevention of weeds.
    • Retaining moisture during dry winters.
    • Decreasing surface runoff for erosion control.
    • Adding nutrients to soil as it decomposes.

Once mulch has been laid, it should not be replaced but only added to existing mulch at least once a year to replenish what has withered away.

What Chipper Shredders Can Do for You

Chipper shredders are best known for making yard work quicker and easier. They are designed to turn leaves, branches, and other materials into mulch or for ornamental touches to your yard or garden.

These machines are invaluable tools for breaking down twigs and branches into smaller chips, making disposal much easier. They are particularly helpful during fall cleanups, effectively reducing leaf volume and managing other yard debris like tree limbs, shrubs, and more. The wood chips produced not only aid in tidying up your space but can also serve as natural barriers, deterring unwanted plant growth around your property. Additionally, they offer an eco-friendly way to beautify your yard and garden by turning yard waste into nutrient-rich mulch, repurposing debris into a resource that enhances your outdoor areas.

Champion Chipper Shredders

Imagine 20 bags of leaves and debris reduced down to one. That’s what our line of chipper shredders do.

    1. Versatile: These chipper shredders are designed to handle both chipping and shredding tasks, making them versatile tools for managing a wide range of yard debris.
    2. Engine Performance: Equipped with 224cc or 338cc gasoline engines, these machines deliver powerful performance, easily processing substantial amounts of debris.
    3. Heavy-Duty Build: Designed to last, Champion’s chipper shredders contain steel blades in the chipper that can handle branches up to three inches in diameter while the shredder blade and six shredder hammers are perfect for shrubbery, leaves, and or yard debris of ½ inch or less in diameter.
    4. Easy Transportation: The design includes sturdy wheels that facilitate easy mobility around the yard or property. This mobility enables users to bring the machine directly to the debris site, saving time and effort in cleanup efforts.
    5. Eco-Friendly: By turning yard waste into useful mulch or compost, these machines promote environmentally friendly practices. Users can recycle debris back into their garden, reducing waste and enhancing the soil’s quality.

Customer Support

Here at Champion, our passionate customer support team is ready to assist you around the clock. Waiting extended periods of time to receive help can be frustrating, so our team of highly skilled and certified professionals are available 24/7 through phone or live chat to provide immediate assistance. If you are a solve-it-on-your-own kind of person, our Help Center offers an extensive collection of articles and additional resources, making it easy to acquire self-service support. Additionally, our YouTube channel features a variety of technical videos covering a wide range of topics, from maintenance to troubleshooting

Leaf Blowers 101: Your Fall Cleanup Companion

September 6, 2024

As the vibrant hues of fall begin to fade, homeowners often find their lawns blanketed with leaves. While picturesque, these leaves need to be cleared, and a leaf blower is an indispensable tool for efficiently managing this seasonal task. This guide offers tips for using a leaf blower effectively, highlights key features to consider before purchasing, provides maintenance advice to keep your equipment in top condition, and offers insights into Champion leaf blowers. 

Tips for Using a Leaf Blower During Fall: 

  1. Clothing and Safety Gear: Wear appropriate clothing, including eye and ear protection, and gloves. If you’re sensitive to dust or pollen, consider wearing a dust mask. 
  2. Choose the Right Time: Operate your leaf blower when leaves are dry, as wet leaves are heavier and more challenging to move. Use the blower during daylight hours to minimize disturbance to neighbors. 
  3. Use the Right Technique: For handheld and backpack blowers, hold at a low angle and use a back-and-forth motion. With walk-behind blowers, push in straight lines, overlapping each pass slightly. Maintain a steady, consistent pace for all types to ensure thorough coverage. 
  4. Work with the Wind: Blow leaves in the direction of the wind to enhance efficiency and ease of work. 
  5. Tidy Sections at a Time: Divide your yard into manageable sections, clearing one area at a time, starting from the edges and working toward the center. 
  6. Clear Paths and Driveways First: Begin by clearing leaves from driveways, sidewalks, and pathways. These surfaces are easier to clean and can serve as collection points for leaves from the lawn. 
  7. Pile Leaves on Tarps: Once you’ve gathered a substantial amount of leaves, use a tarp to transport them to a compost pile or disposal area, saving time and effort. 
  8. Maintain Your Blower: Regularly check and maintain your blower to ensure optimal performance. This includes checking fuel levels, cleaning air filters, and inspecting for damage. 
  9. Be Environmentally Friendly: Consider mulching leaves instead of blowing them to disposal sites, as this can enrich the soil. 

By following these tips, you’ll be able to use your leaf blower more efficiently and effectively throughout the fall season. 

Features to Consider When Selecting a Leaf Blower: 

  1. Airflow and Power:
    – CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute): Measures the volume of air the blower can move. A higher CFM is beneficial for handling large piles of leaves.
    – MPH (Miles per Hour): Indicates the speed at which air exits the blower. Higher MPH provides more force to move leaves, especially if they are wet or embedded in grass.
  2. Noise Level: Leaf blowers can be noisy, particularly gas-powered models. Check the decibel (dB) rating to ensure compliance with neighborhood noise regulations. Some electric models are designed to be quieter. 
  3. Weight and Ergonomics: The weight of the leaf blower is crucial, especially for prolonged use. Lighter models are easier to handle but may offer less power. Look for ergonomic designs with comfortable handles and balanced weight distribution to reduce fatigue. 
  4. Variable Speed Settings: Blowers with variable speed controls allow you to adjust airflow intensity based on your needs, offering more control for different tasks. 
  5. Durability and Warranty: Consider the build quality and materials to ensure your leaf blower withstands regular use. A good warranty provides peace of mind regarding future repairs or replacements. 

Maintenance Tips: 

  1. Regular Cleaning: After each use, clear debris from the air intake to prevent blockages. 
  2. Fuel and Oil Checks: For gas models, maintain the correct fuel mixture and levels. 

Champion Leaf Blowers 

We at Champion specialize in producing robust outdoor power equipment, including leaf blowers. Our lineup typically includes: 

Walk-Behind Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers: These models offer adjustable throttle control to customize clearing power. They feature large never-flat rear wheels and a front wheel that can lock or swivel, providing easy navigation across various terrains. For comfort, they have an ergonomic handle with a soft grip and adjustable height. They also include a multi-position adjustable wind vane and a forward flow air attachment to direct airflow as needed.  

Backpack Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers: These hassle-free blowers feature an easy-start engine with powerful performance, ideal for tough clearing jobs. They have a variable speed trigger for quick adjustments and are designed for comfort with a vented backrest and adjustable padded straps.  

To explore the most current lineup of Champion leaf blowers, including specifications for new models or additional types, it’s advisable to visit Champion’s official website or contact a Champion dealer, as specific models and availability can vary based on product development and regional markets. 

At Champion, our dedicated customer support team is always ready to assist you. We understand that waiting for help can be frustrating, so our team of highly skilled and certified experts is available 24/7 through phone or live chat to provide immediate assistance. 

If you prefer resolving issues on your own, our Help Center offers an extensive collection of articles and additional resources, making it easy for you to find the solutions you need promptly. Additionally, our YouTube channel features a variety of technical videos covering a wide range of topics, from maintenance to troubleshooting. 

Powering a Remote Life: Why Generators are a Must-Have

August 14, 2024

In an increasingly connected world, there are still many places where utility power isn’t readily available. Whether living remotely by choice or necessity or working remotely in locations without access to a reliable power grid, having a dependable power source is critical. Generators are an essential asset in these situations, providing the electricity needed to maintain modern conveniences and perform vital tasks. Here’s a closer look at how generators support remote living and work environments.

Before delving into the benefits of using generators in remote environments, it’s crucial to emphasize that portable generators are designed to be used as a backup or supplemental power source rather than as a replacement for the utility grid. While they provide essential power during outages and in locations lacking infrastructure, they are not meant to serve as the primary power source for extended periods. Relying on a generator as prime power can lead to excessive wear, higher fuel consumption, and potential safety hazards. Portable generators should supplement power needs during emergencies, peak usage times, or in remote locations where temporary power is needed. When operating beyond its intended design, the generator might fail to function during critical moments, such as emergencies.

Benefits

  1. Power Independence – Living remotely, whether in a cabin in the woods, a remote homestead, or a tiny home off the grid, requires a dependable power source to maintain your quality of life. Generators provide an additional source of electricity needed to run essential appliances, lighting, and heating systems, giving you the freedom to live remotely.
  2. Sustaining Essential Appliances – Many essential household appliances require steady and reliable power. Portable generators can provide peace of mind by acting as a backup source for appliances including:
  • Refrigeration: Keeps food fresh and prevents spoilage.
  • Heating and Cooling Systems: Maintains comfortable living conditions in varying climates.
  • Water Pumps: Ensures access to clean water for drinking, cooking, and hygiene.
  • Communication Devices: Keeps you connected to the outside world through phones, internet routers, and radios.
  1. Support for Renewable Energy Systems – Generators can complement renewable energy sources like solar panels and wind turbines, providing backup when weather conditions are unfavorable.
  2. Emergency Preparedness – In remote locations, power outages due to natural disasters or severe weather can be more frequent and prolonged. Having a generator on hand ensures that you have backup power during emergencies, keeping you safe and your critical systems running.
  3. Cost-Effective – Over time, it can be a cost-effective solution for power needs, especially when compared to the costs of installing extensive grid infrastructure in remote locations.

Choosing the Right Generator for Remote Living and Work

  1. Power Output and Capacity – Select a generator with the appropriate wattage to meet your power needs. This includes considering both peak (starting) and running watts to ensure all your equipment and appliances can operate simultaneously without overloading the generator.
  2. Fuel Type Options – Generators come in various fuel types, including gasoline, propane, and dual or Tri Fuel options:
  • Gasoline: Easily available but requires safe storage and has a shorter shelf life.
  • Propane: Cleaner burning and can be stored longer without degradation.
  • Dual or Tri Fuel: Offers the flexibility to switch between different fuels depending on availability and cost.
  1. Durability and Weather Resistance – For remote living and work environments, a generator must be built to withstand harsh conditions. Look for generators with rugged construction. Also consider adding all-weather protection, such as the Champion Storm Shield, to ensure reliable performance in extreme weather.
  2. Noise Levels – Quiet operation is critical in maintaining a peaceful remote living environment and not disturbing wildlife or local communities during remote work. Inverter generators are known for their quieter performance compared to traditional models.

Champion Remote Living Portable Generators 

Champion Power Equipment offers a range of generators that are perfect for remote living. These generators are designed to provide reliable power, whether you’re in a distant cabin or doing work in a remote location that requires electricity to power your tools. Here are some Champion generators ideal for remote living:

  • Versatility: This can run on either gasoline or propane, offering flexibility in fuel choices.
  • Power Output: Available in various wattage options to suit different power needs.
  • Lower Maintenance: Designed for long-lasting performance with minimal upkeep when only operating on propane.
  • Fuel Options: Can run on gasoline, propane, or natural gas right out of the box, providing unmatched fuel flexibility.
  • Consistency: Reliable power output for remote work scenarios.
  • Lowest Maintenance: Designed for long-lasting performance with minimal upkeep when only operating on propane or natural gas.
  • Clean Power: Produces stable and clean electricity, perfect for sensitive electronics like smartphones, laptops, and tablets.
  • Quiet Operation: Notably quieter than traditional generators, ideal for maintaining a peaceful environment.
  • Fuel Efficiency: Inverter technology offers improved fuel efficiency, making them cost-effective for long-term use.

At Champion, our committed customer support team is always on standby to assist you. We recognize that delays in getting help can be aggravating, so our team of highly trained and certified experts is available around the clock via phone or live chat to provide instant support. For those who prefer a DIY approach, our Help Center boasts a comprehensive array of articles and resources, enabling you to quickly find the solutions you need. Additionally, our YouTube channel offers a variety of technical videos that cover a broad spectrum of topics, including maintenance and troubleshooting.