Gateway Power Equipment

Gateway on Foursquare!!!!

2012-02-23T11:40:00.002-08:00

WE ARE NOW ON FOURSQUARE!!! Check in everytime you visit us and earn your way to savings!!!

Two-Cycle Fuel Mix Information...

2011-12-19T13:17:00.000-08:00

There have been many questions and misconceptions regarding the mixing of 2-Cycle Fuel that is used in most chain saws, trimmers, and other small handheld equipment. I am hoping that I can clarify some of these issues. Two-cycle engines require the mixing of oil with fuel. This oil is needed for internal lubrication of the engine. Unfortunately this oil is not good for the combustion process. This is one of the inherent issues with two-cycle engines is the poor emission quality. The EPA has been strong in its regulation on how much emissions these units can produce. These regulations have been causing manufacturers to create leaner and leaner running engines. Lean engines have less oil in the fuel mixture that what there were in the past. I remember seeing fuel ratios of 16:1 and 24:1 years ago. A 16:1 ratio translates to 8oz of oil to every gallon of fuel. Now, most manufacturers are running 40:1 or even 50:1. This is 2.6oz of oil to every gallon of fuel.

Where some of the problems are now arising is having to retrain the users of the older equipment. It was no issue to add a little extra oil to the fuel in the older models. This would just help in increased lubrication. The engines at that time had larger orifaces in the carburetors, larger exhaust ports, and the manufacturers tolerances inside the engine were not at tight.

Now, these newer engines are running ALOT leaner, the orifaces in the carburetor are smaller, and exhaust ports are smaller. The addition of extra oil causes many problems. This oil does not burn properly, causing the unit to smoke. Continued use of a rich mixture will cause carbon buildup within the exhaust port. As the piston moves up & down past the port, this buildup can break off & fall back into the combustion chamber. If this carbon gets between the cylinder wall & piston, it will score the cylinder walls & exhaust face of the piston. After continued use, compression is lost and the engine will no longer operate. This damage can occur very quickly if not caught.

Ok, after hearing all this, one might think to use a little less oil. NO NO NO. Now, there is not enough adequate lubrication, the engine heats up more that normal, metal expands more than it should & you begin to cause damage throughout the cylinder.

The best advise I can give is to follow the manufactures recommendations that are listed in the owners manual & mix the proper ratio that your unit requires. There are some companies that have actually gone and done the work for you and you can purchase pre-mixed fuel. This is great, because you will be using the correct ratio fuel, and these fuels are usually ETHANOL-FREE!!! Ethanol is a whole other problem that we will try to address in another post.

Unsettled Weather...

2011-08-18T04:56:00.000-07:00

Well, its late summer in the Northern Neck & the weather is performing as usual. Hot humid days & strong pop-up thunder storms. These storms come out of nowhere sometimes & pack strong winds, lightning, hail, & heavy rains.

As soon as you are aware of these storms, begin to take action. Secure anything outside that can become airborne in the winds. Disconnect any expensive electronics. Make sure you have your flashlights ready. Listen to the radio to keep updated on the storms progress.

Do you have a generator in case the power goes out??? The power in King George is notorious for going out if a toothpick falls onto a power line. Gateway Power carries a wide variety of generators in stock to keep your lights on!!!

How about that tree that fell down across the driveway? Do you have a chain saw to cut the tree into manageable pieces to get it out of the way?? Stihl has the saw for every need, & Gateway Power is a Stihl Elite Dealer!!!

Do you remember September 18, 2003??? That is the day that Hurricane Isabel came thru Virginia & decimated the state. Here in King George, power was out for some for over 6 days.

Let us assist you in beinig prepared for that next storm.

Big Box vs. Independent Retailers

2011-07-05T07:41:00.000-07:00

We have often been asked why should we buy from you and not from Lowes, Home Depot, or Wal-Mart. Here is some information that I compiled to help you in answering this question.

========================================================================================

Have you ever really heard the answer to these controversial advertisements? The rise of the Big Box Stores has had a major impact on the outdoor power equipment business. The retailer is often the focus when companies like Lowe's and Home Depot setup shop right down the road for your local mower shop. However now that the dust has settled it appears as if these stores maybe sending many new customers back to local mom and pop shops. Box stores have an admitted problem when it comes to providing knowledgeable sales and service. There is also a disturbing trend concerning the quality of the heavily cost reduced products that they sell.

     Recommending the right product for the customer is no easy chore. When it comes to something as simple as a chainsaw there are literally dozens of models to choose from. It's hard enough to get Joe in isle 4 to come get you an air filter from the top shelf. Try getting his attention for all the time needed to explain the proper sizing, use and safety features of a very dangerous tool. All too often all you have is a 3x5 product card filled with marketing lingo and a price to help you make a decision. This self serve business model is part of the way that box stores try to keep costs to a minimum. Lowe's and Home Depot both print in their quarterly stock reports that one of their biggest threats is the lack of service provided by their own personal.

      Service after the sale is also a big struggle. It’s safe to assume that even the best product will need serviced and maintained at some point. Box stores simply do not have a service department. When establishing a new product line vendors usually link each box store to a local full service vender to handle their service issues. These vendors send personnel, not only to the manufacturers for official training, but they are required to go to annual updates to keep abreast of changes and service issues.    When something breaks you’re referred to the vendor that is actually knowledgeable about the product.   A recent Home Depot model was the subject of some uproar when owners where sent notifications that there was a safety issue with the chainsaw that they had purchased and they should discontinue using it. The saw was made in China and had no local parts or service support to correct the issue. The customer was left with the option to either dispose of the product, or keep using it under unsafe conditions.

    Big Box stores have broad appeal because of convenience and an image of a lower price. The drive to keep prices down and profit margins high has a direct impact on product quality. As a vendor committing to sell at a super store you also commit to their mantra of a lower cost every year. These companies become slaves to the box stores because they either have to meet their low cost demands or risk losing their business and having major production capacity go unused. The end result is that product quality is chipped away at every year until a quality product is reduced to cheap junk. The best example of this trend is Homelite chainsaws. In their prime Homelite controlled near 60% of the U.S. chainsaw market. Wal-mart took on the product line and pressed Homelite to deliver a cheaper product or face being replaced by a competitor. Just recently Homelite was sold to a Chinese company for a fraction of the market value that they had 30 years ago.

    Vendors do recognize the cost reduction problem that I've described. To avoid alienating existing dealers and please the wants of the box stores many lines have created specific low-cost product for the box stores. John Deere and Cub Cadet are both prime examples. Both companies offer a line of value tractors that are specifically engineered to meet the required price points of mass merchants. These models are of far lesser quality than the core product that these companies built their reputation on. Independent dealers still sell the better, longer lasting product in addition to the price point tractors.

One common myth is that because of their size the box stores are selling at lower prices. In most cases this is not true. Independent dealers sell both the quality models, and the inexpensive tractors at the same price points as the super stores. In fact you’re more likely to get a deal at an independent dealer because many do not charge any setup or delivery fees which are levied by all box stores.

Below is a chart showing the main differences between a big box & independent retailer.

	BIG BOX STORES	INDEPENDENT RETAILERS
Pricing	Assumed cheaper pricing	Usually same price
Set-up	Either in box or partially set-up	Completely Set-up & most of time fuel & tested at time of purchase
Model Line-up	Select models of basic units	Full Line Dealers of most or all models
Service	None or sent out from store	On site ( Some even are the ones that are the repair centers for the big box stores)
Parts	Basic Availability, you have to read packaging or shelf labels to find correct part	More variety & availability will also help in making sure you get the CORRECT part the first time.
Training	None or limited	Factory Trained & updated annually.

· This chart assumes identical brands & models

So when deciding on where make your purchase, please consider your local independent retailer. These businesses are usually right around the corner and will give you the best bang for your buck.

Thank You Trooper Bowen

2011-07-05T07:35:00.000-07:00

On June 24, 2011, Virginia State Trooper Adam Bowen was killed in a violent automobile accident while responding to assist a VSP Special Agent. Trooper Bowen was well known & respected here in King George & around the area. He will be missed.

Happy New Year!!!

2011-01-02T14:18:00.000-08:00

Well, 2010 has come and gone, and what a year!!! For our first full year here at Gateway Power we have seen many changes. We became an authorized dealer for both Toro and Honda Power Equipment.

We said goodbye to one of our part-time staff, Mat Giles, as he went off to Parris Island to become a Marine. He completed his training in December and graduated. He will be leaving again this week for further training. Good Luck Mat!

Another one of our staff, Wayland Carter, who is also a firefighter with Port Royal Volunteer Fire Department, took time along with another firefighter, to drive 800+ miles one way to Nicol, AL to deliver an ambulance that PRVFD donated to a very needy department.

What will 2011 bring???

Well, in the first quarter, we will be renovating & moving into our very own building!!! We have purchased the building that was formerly occupied by Rankins True Value. This facility will give us another 4000 sq. ft. under roof, along with a secured outside storage yard. This will allow us to keep more of our inventory inside in the showroom to better assist you.

We are also looking into a line of go-karts and possible ATV's to expand our offerings. Rental equipment is another department that we are considering for 2011. Let us know what you may be looking for so we can see if would fit our rental plans.

Hope to hear from you.

We will be trying to use more forms of communication to get the word out on sales, new products, and more. Friend us on Facebook, Follow us on Twitter, and send us your email to keep up to date with us. We hope for 2011 to be a great year for everyone.

Nicol VFD outside Tuscaloosa, AL receives donated ambulance...

2010-12-06T13:56:00.000-08:00

Wayland Carter, an employee of Gateway Power Equipment, and Billy Sullivan, both volunteers with Port Royal Vol. Fire Department, drove the 800+ miles from Port Royal, VA to Nicol, AL to deliver an ambulance that was donated by Port Royal. The ambulance, a 1990 Econoline Ford Van, had been taken out of service, pending the delivery of a new unit. Port Royal had the unit stripped & remarked for Nicol Vol. Fire Department.

The men arrived to great fanfare in Nicol around 6pm last night. After being escorted to their destination and tv interviews, they spent the night in a neighboring fire station. Today they were given a tour of the Alabama State Fire College this morning and a tour of the football stadium of the University of Alabama. Then this evening they were going to be in their annual Christmas Parade. They will be making their long trek home tomorrow.

Here is a link to the news report from last night.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VCdFNKMuBMo&feature=player_embedded

Everyone here at Gateway Power Equipment are proud of these volunteers for their hard work at home & away. Have a safe trip home.

Excel Industries installs new mower testing grounds.

2010-12-04T08:30:00.000-08:00

Excel Industries, Inc. installs new mower testing grounds

Excel Industries, Inc., manufacturer of Hustler Turf Equipment, has developed a new 20-acre mowing test facility near its production plant in Hesston, Kan. The area, which includes trees and slopes, was installed as an expansion of Excel’s current testing grounds.

The mowing facility will be the centerpiece of Hustler Days 2012. Hustler Days is a three-day dealer event held every two years and involves almost 700 dealer, distributor, vendor, and employee

EPA has authorized the use of E15 fuel...coming soon.

2010-12-04T07:57:00.000-08:00

Upfront: EPA ethanol ruling sends shockwaves through OPE industry

By Steve Noe November OPE Magazine 2010

If you believe that 13 is an unlucky number, then chances are the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) didn’t do anything to help you get over that superstition on Oct. 13, 2010.

On that historic day, the EPA announced that it is waiving a limitation on selling fuel that contains more than 10-percent ethanol (E10) and up to 15-percent ethanol (E15) for model year 2007 and newer cars and light trucks.

“Thorough testing has now shown that E15 does not harm emissions control equipment in newer cars and light trucks,” said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson, who made the decision after a review of the Department of Energy’s (DOE) extensive testing and other available data on E15’s impact on engine durability and emissions. “Wherever sound science and the law support steps to allow more home-grown fuels in America’s vehicles, this administration takes those steps.”

Although Jackson’s statement may be true when it comes to E15’s impact on model year 2007 and newer cars and light trucks, the same cannot necessarily be said about the effects of E15 on more than 200 million pieces of outdoor power equipment without the use of fuel additives.

“The Department of Energy’s own testing has shown that putting anything other than E10 in non-road, small engines can cause performance irregularities and equipment failure,” said Kris Kiser, executive vice president of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI). “Consumers need to understand this or they could encounter performance irregularities, increased heat and exhaust temperatures, failure or unintentional clutch engagement when using outdoor lawn and garden equipment.

“Consumers should understand that current outdoor power equipment may be permanently damaged and could pose a safety risk if E15 fuel is used,” added Kiser. “Almost without exception, current equipment is not designed, built, or warranted for mid-level blends.”

EPA is not granting a waiver this year for E15 use in outdoor power equipment because current testing data does not support such a waiver. However, the concern with the Oct. 13 waiver is that the drivers of those E15-approved vehicles are likely to pump E15 into both their vehicles and their gas cans for their outdoor power equipment. They will then pour E15 from the gas can into their E10-approved outdoor power equipment -- without using an ethanol fuel stabilizer -- which could lead to product failure, void the warranty, and pose a safety risk.

EPA is proposing a regulatory program to help mitigate potential misfueling of certain engines, vehicles and equipment with gasoline containing greater than E10 and no more than E15. This proposed rule would require all E15 fuel dispensers to have a label if a retail station chooses to sell E15.

However, you and I both know this it is highly unlikely that most people will notice or even bother to read these labels before fueling their vehicles and gas cans or switch from an E15 pump to fuel their vehicle to an E10 pump to fill the gas can for their outdoor power equipment. Or, they may not know, or forget, to use an ethanol fuel stabilizer.

For more information, visit www.epa.gov/otaq/regs/fuels/additive/e15/.

Diesel Zero-Turn Sale Final Days!!!

2010-12-02T08:51:00.000-08:00

You can get into a Diesel Zero Turn before the end of the year for under 10K. Come in today & order a Hustler Z 60" with a 25HP Shibaura Diesel for $9999. Prices only good unitl Dec. 24.

Come in today and save!!!

Still have time for GREAT SAVINGS!!!

2010-12-02T07:41:00.000-08:00

You still have time to save $1000's. We are extending the prices from the Black Friday Sale until December 10. Come in now to purchase your mower for next year.

Don't worry about losing out on your warranty. We will store your new unit until you are ready to pick up in spring and register your warranty on the day of pickup.

So come in today for big savings!!!

Special 2010 Tax Credit Available for Landscape Contractors!

2010-12-02T05:55:00.000-08:00

If you are a Landscape Contractor, you may be able to take advantage of SIGNIFICANT tax savings on new equipment purchased and put in use by December 31, 2010 through H.R. 5297 (Small Business Jobs and Credit Act of 2010). This is an enhanced property expense depreciation allowed under section 179. Contractors can use this savings calculator from Western Finance & Lease to estimate their benefit, or they may consult their tax advisor or visit http://www.irs.gov/.

Come in before December 24th to make sure you receive these savings!!!

STIHL Inc. Produces 40 Millionth Unit at Virginia Beach Facility

2010-11-26T14:18:00.000-08:00

STIHL Inc. Produces 40 Millionth Unit at Virginia Beach Facility

Leader in outdoor power equipment industry marks major achievement

Release Date: October 2010

Press Inquiries:
Anita Gambill
757-486-9151

anita.gambill@stihl.us

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va.)- Today, STIHL Inc. celebrated a milestone in its history as the 40 millionth powerhead manufactured in the U.S. rolled off the line. President Fred Whyte accepted an MS 290 STIHL FARM BOSS^® chain saw, from Executive Vice President of Operations Peter Mueller in front of a gathering of STIHL employees.
“This unit is symbolic of years of hard work and dedication by all of our STIHL employees, from the men and women in product assembly and manufacturing to our territory managers across the country,” said Whyte. “We are the number one selling brand of gasoline-powered handheld outdoor equipment in the country for a reason, and today I salute each and every person responsible for this success.”
STIHL Inc., one of several manufacturing facilities in the STIHL Group worldwide, has been headquartered in Virginia Beach, Va., since 1974. The company began its U.S. operations with 50 employees and manufacturing a single model of chain saw. Since then, production has grown and the company now employs more than 2,000 people nationwide, 1,800 in Virginia Beach, and produces a full line of high-quality, handheld outdoor power equipment including blowers, trimmers, brushcutters, and multi-task tools, as well as the number one selling brand of chain saws worldwide. In addition to serving the U.S. market, the company exports to over 90 countries.

About STIHL Inc.STIHL Inc. manufactures the number one selling brand of gasoline-powered handheld outdoor power equipment in America for homeowners and professional landscapers*, as well as the number one selling brand of chain saws in the world. STIHL products are sold through servicing power equipment retailers from coast to coast- not mass merchants. STIHL products sold through U.S. STIHL dealers are for distribution in the United States only. For more information or for the name a local STIHL retailer, call toll free 1-800-GO STIHL (1-800-467-8445) or visit the dealer locator on the STIHL website at www.stihlusa.com.

*"Number one selling brand" is based on syndicated Irwin Broh Research (commercial landscapers) as well as independent consumer research of 2009 U.S. sales and market share data for the gasoline-powered handheld outdoor power equipment category combined sales to consumers and commercial landscapers.

STIHL is pleased to support the work of the Tree Research and Education Endowment Fund (TREE Fund), International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA), National FFA, Professional Landcare Network (PLANET), the American Tree Farm System (ATFS), and the National Association of State Park Directors.
http://www.stihlusa.com/pressrelease/october10_40millionth_corporate.aspx

Warranty worries...

2010-11-26T12:16:00.000-08:00

Do you want to take advantage of these fantastic savings, but worried about wasting several months of your warranty? Make your purchase today, and we will store your mower for you through spring. Then we will register your warranty effective the day you take delivery in spring.

Come in and see us today!!!

2010-11-26T11:22:00.001-08:00

We will be continuing the Black Friday promotions thru tomorrow. Come visit us. We will be here until 1pm. How to see you.

Black Friday Savings!!!!!

2010-11-26T10:53:00.000-08:00

Come by and see us. We have big savings going on now!!! Come in ad tell us you saw this post and get something extra.

KGYAA Youth Football

2010-11-18T10:02:00.000-08:00

Saturday, November 20, the King George Youth Athletic Association is having their Frost Bowl at Hunters Field (The Pit). Admission is $2 per person, or a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots. Children under 12 are admitted for free.

President of Gateway Power Equipment, Jason Hollowell, has been named their new Safety Director. Come out and support the youth of King George.

Welcome...

2010-11-18T06:25:00.000-08:00

We have created this blog to keep you informed on what is happening at Gateway Power Equipment. We will also post industry information and much more here.