BALTIMORE (Map, News) - Shove that lawn mower in the corner of the garage when the season ends, and you may regret it when spring blossoms.

Dean Long, Ready to Mow Technician for the national John Deere program, said he and his colleagues are now preparing lawn mowers for storage and readying snow blowers and plows for the winter. He offers this advice to make sure your tractor, mower or blower are ready to handle the elements:

Q Tell us about the service.

A We started it back in 2000 to bring good customer service to people right at their homes. We take care of every major brand of lawn mower, tractor and other equipment. Our trucks are set up so the mower goes right inside. It is all self-contained so it’s clean; there are no possible oil spills on the property. We also take care of flat tires, check belts, change spark plugs, whatever is needed.

Q Why do people like this service?

A Most people have problems getting maintenance done because the equipment has to be hauled in and back. Lots of shops are also backed up [with appointments]. All they have to do is call us, schedule a time, and we’ll go to them.

Q Is your service expensive?

A No, it’s not. Shops have an expensive fee for pick-up and delivery. I charge a straight service call fee depending on mileage (There are various service plans, but the fee averages about $45 to $75. See the Web site for details).

Q What are the majority of calls you're handling now?

A Now a lot of people want fall maintenance so [equipment is] fresh and ready to go in the spring. We also service snow plows and snow blowers. Most of the people use those two or three times a year and then put them in the corner and forget about them. A lot of times they end up with problems with the carburetors. We clean it out, change the spark plugs, check the tire pressure — do what is needed to get it ready.

Q How far in advance should people schedule service?

A Right now if you call, you have about a two-week wait. For spring service, you had better call in February. By the end of February we’re generally booked into April. As soon as you think you’re at the end of the season, give me a call.

Finch Services Inc.

1127 Littlestown Pike

Westminster

410-848-7211

Go to www.readytomow.com for a list of dealers and to schedule an appointment online

Comments from Examiner Readers

12:41 AM MST on Tue., May. 6, 2008 re: "Vintage Triumphs roll on"

Examiner Reader said:
It is refreshing to see that their are motorcyclist out there that are as passionate about their bikes as the Harley Davidson nation. And heck, I think it is great that they are passionate about their bikes too! I am a motorcyclist and I love to ride. I do ride a Honda VTX1300R. It is my second Honda and I also have owned a Kawasaki (KLR250). I have always loved the styling of the old Triumph's and from what I have seen of the new bikes, the Tiger, Bonneville, Speed Tiples and others they are really incredible looking and performing bikes. Much like Harley, from what I understand, they have worked out a lot of the old bugaboos that came with the bikes in the past. Again, I think it is great that everybody has their own personal prefernce but when it comes down to it I love to ride. I can't fathom the comments that I have heard like, "If I can't ride a (blank) I won't ride anything." Hondas, Triumphs, Victory, Harley, Ducati, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Norton... I love 'em all! John Mozuk

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10:15 PM MST on Tue., Mar. 25, 2008 re: "Tidewater Yacht Service: A port in the storm"

IN THE KNOW said:
This place is going to be sold to Marine-Max or so it goes around the Harbor

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3:41 PM MST on Sun., Mar. 2, 2008 re: "Tidewater Yacht Service: A port in the storm"

Examiner Reader said:
The new location looks very nice....The service is still luke warm at best, and the charges are out of line for the east coast

43 agree | 31 disagree
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3:35 PM MST on Sun., Mar. 2, 2008 re: "Tidewater Yacht Service: A port in the storm"

Examiner Reader said:
You should check with yacht owners that have gone to other yards due to poor service and overpriced labor! I tell every one up and down the ICW to avoid this place at all cost. You do your readership a great diservice when you write such crap!

28 agree | 31 disagree
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10:36 PM MST on Fri., Feb. 22, 2008 re: "Tidewater Yacht Service: A port in the storm"

Never Again said:
This fluff piece is a buncha hooey. They have a really bad reputation.....have had it for years.... They are arrogant from the top down..... Tidewater Yacht Service Tidewater Yacht Service.....

38 agree | 39 disagree
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7:03 PM MST on Fri., Feb. 22, 2008 re: "Tidewater Yacht Service: A port in the storm"

Examiner Reader said:
This yard is a rip off. You store your boat there for the winter and then they remeasure it after you have paid them and charge you more a coupla months later.

54 agree | 29 disagree
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9:16 PM MST on Tue., Nov. 27, 2007 re: "Dealer ensures cycles 'fit' the customers"

Examiner Reader said:
I was fortunate enough to meet these guys last weekend and let me tell you one thing, Jon and Shawn are a class act in both customer service and up front honesty. Very few business men who can fit this mold. Keep up the great work guys. Looking forward in building my dream bike soon. Thanks for all your advice! Big Daddy Dog Route 40 Bikers' Paradise USA

88 agree | 90 disagree
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