How to package your garden machine for collection
Packing your lawnmower, trimmer or other garden power tool properly means it reaches our repair centre safely and we can start work straight away. Here is everything you need to do before our carrier arrives.
Please note: our carrier collects your machine ready packed and cannot package it on the doorstep, so please have it boxed and sealed before your collection date.
Packing your machine in six steps
Clean and dry it
Brush off grass, soil and debris, clear the underside and cutting area, and let the machine dry fully before packing.
Make it compact
Fold or remove handles, empty and detach the grass box, and secure any loose parts so nothing can move in transit.
Cover sharp edges
Fit blade guards or covers, or wrap blades and cutting edges in thick cardboard secured with tape.
Choose a strong box
Use the original box if you still have it. Otherwise choose a sturdy double walled box with a little space on every side.
Fill the gaps
Pad around the machine with bubble wrap, packing paper or folded cardboard so it cannot shift when the box is moved.
Seal and label
Tape every seam securely, then put your order number and contact details inside the box and on the outside.
Advice for each type of machine
Lawnmowers
- Fold the handle down and secure it with tape or cable ties
- Empty the grass box and pack it alongside the mower
- Wrap the power cable neatly and tape it to the handle
- Pack the mower upright on its wheels
Grass trimmers and strimmers
- Detach the guard and any removable handles
- Protect the cutting head with cardboard or bubble wrap
- Coil the cable and secure it with a tie
Hedge trimmers
- Fit the blade cover supplied with your trimmer
- If you no longer have it, wrap the full blade length in thick cardboard
- Pack in a long box so the blade is fully protected
Chainsaws
- Fit the chain guard over the bar and chain
- Empty the chain oil reservoir to prevent leaks
- Pad around the bar so it cannot pierce the box
Leaf blowers and vacuums
- Remove and empty the collection bag
- Detach the blower tubes and pack them beside the machine
- Coil and secure the power cable
Cordless machines
- Remove the battery before you start packing
- Only include the battery and charger if they relate to the fault you have booked
- Pack any battery separately with its terminals taped over
Sending a petrol machine?
The fuel tank must be completely empty before collection. Run the engine until it stops on its own so no fuel remains in the carburettor, then leave it to cool fully before packing.
See how our petrol repair service works for the full preparation steps.
Before our carrier arrives
- Machine clean, dry and free from grass and debris
- Handles folded and loose parts secured
- Blades and cutting edges covered
- Petrol machines fully drained of fuel
- Gaps filled so nothing moves inside the box
- Box taped securely on every seam
- Order number and contact details inside and outside the box
- Package ready and accessible on your collection date
Frequently asked questions
I no longer have the original box. What should I use?
Any sturdy double walled cardboard box large enough to hold your machine with room for padding will work well. Local shops and removal suppliers are a good source of strong boxes.
Should I include accessories?
Only send the parts needed for the repair, such as the grass box for a lawnmower. Please keep spare blades, manuals and other extras at home.
Do I need to be home for the collection?
Someone should be available on your chosen collection date to hand the package to our carrier.
How will my machine come back to me?
Once your repair is complete, we carefully repack your machine and return it to you.
What if I am unsure how to pack my machine?
Give our team a call and we will talk you through the best way to package it safely.
Ready to book your repair?
Find your model, choose your repair and arrange collection in a few minutes.
Find your modelQuestions? Call 01977 367323 or email repairs@apelson-service.co.uk