<![CDATA[Green Garden Tools: Latest News]]> http://www.greengardentools.com Thu, 17 May 2012 07:22:58 +0000 <![CDATA[Reel Mowers – The Best Option to Cut Your Lawn]]> http://www.greengardentools.com/news/41/Reel-Mowers--%E2%80%93-The-Best-Option-to-Cut-Your-Lawn.html Sun, 27 Mar 2011 12:42:47 +0000 http://www.greengardentools.com/news/41/Reel-Mowers--%E2%80%93-The-Best-Option-to-Cut-Your-Lawn.html Most homeowners today are looking for a green solution for the yard maintenance. The mower role is not a new idea, but are becoming increasingly popular day by day. The main reason for their popularity is perhaps man will be "environmentally conscious". These "environmental consciousness" homeowners are now the hands from the engine oil self-propelled machinery for muscle-powered, old-fashioned in large organizations. 

Reel Machines differ from typical lawnmowers in several respects. Are attractive for eco-owners for various reasons. First of all, do not use oil and gasoline, and do not emit harmful substances into the environment. They are very safe for use. Accidents occur frequently. In contrast with the engine machines, which happens to millions of injuries each year. 

When you buy you must be aware of the various models. There several models exist, depending on the type of cut you want to have the lawn. It is possible manually operated or a battery. Most models are powered manually. There are some factors are taken into account when buying the right kind of a reel mower. First thing you need to cut the grass regularly. Most machines can not handle this type of mowing the lawn, which is larger than 2 inches. So, if you do not cut itself the grass too long, you have to cut another half who is looking for. Secondly, you can not litter, while the use of these machines. Third, save money, why not use any gas or electricity and are very inexpensive compared to other styles.

fiskars-reel-mower.jpgThey are very safe and easy to use. This is a good product for consumers, offering them a very reasonable service at a reasonable price. Give you cut a very high quality compared to other types. Not necessary Worry about how to start it, and it is very easy to use, just push! Are also very quiet. No matter if day or night, you can cut without cutting your neighbors. The other feature is the lovely and low maintenance. You still have hard work to keep the mower in good condition. Everything you need to do on a regular basis to oil and sharpen the blade frequently.

However, there are some drawbacks too with the mower part. We can expect that all cuts of grass or dandelions. In other words, they are not useful for cutting free a lot of grass, but still work well in the field. They just roll on dandelions or weeds. If your business requires an effort far more than the electric or gas-powered ones and it is easy to maneuver. Is not normally collected, cut and the cuttings can not sticks and twigs in the process. However, but jam the machine. Therefore, they are not considered the best choice for a lawn that measures more than 5 hectares. They are considered the best for lawns smaller. 

Therefore, the role mower works best for your needs, you need the leaves are cleaned after each use. This is to prevent the moisture from the rest of the blades and reduces the formation of rust on the blade. Often, the essential oil moving parts working smoothly for a long period. In addition, cleaning of debris may be found useful to get the sharpness of the blades. In addition, note in particular that you do. Hit the mower in the rock, pens and other damage to property on the leaves and on the machine. 

With its enormous advantages, the quality of the mower role even better. Are environmentally friendly devices in the case, do not emit harmful substances into the air or damage if you use it. Actually a lot of people enjoy as anexercise.

]]> Most homeowners today are looking for a green solution for the yard maintenance. The mower role is not a new idea, but are becoming increasingly popular day by day. The main reason for their popularity is perhaps man will be "environmentally conscious". These "environmental consciousness" homeowners are now the hands from the engine oil self-propelled machinery for muscle-powered, old-fashioned in large organizations. 

Reel Machines differ from typical lawnmowers in several respects. Are attractive for eco-owners for various reasons. First of all, do not use oil and gasoline, and do not emit harmful substances into the environment. They are very safe for use. Accidents occur frequently. In contrast with the engine machines, which happens to millions of injuries each year. 

When you buy you must be aware of the various models. There several models exist, depending on the type of cut you want to have the lawn. It is possible manually operated or a battery. Most models are powered manually. There are some factors are taken into account when buying the right kind of a reel mower. First thing you need to cut the grass regularly. Most machines can not handle this type of mowing the lawn, which is larger than 2 inches. So, if you do not cut itself the grass too long, you have to cut another half who is looking for. Secondly, you can not litter, while the use of these machines. Third, save money, why not use any gas or electricity and are very inexpensive compared to other styles.

fiskars-reel-mower.jpgThey are very safe and easy to use. This is a good product for consumers, offering them a very reasonable service at a reasonable price. Give you cut a very high quality compared to other types. Not necessary Worry about how to start it, and it is very easy to use, just push! Are also very quiet. No matter if day or night, you can cut without cutting your neighbors. The other feature is the lovely and low maintenance. You still have hard work to keep the mower in good condition. Everything you need to do on a regular basis to oil and sharpen the blade frequently.

However, there are some drawbacks too with the mower part. We can expect that all cuts of grass or dandelions. In other words, they are not useful for cutting free a lot of grass, but still work well in the field. They just roll on dandelions or weeds. If your business requires an effort far more than the electric or gas-powered ones and it is easy to maneuver. Is not normally collected, cut and the cuttings can not sticks and twigs in the process. However, but jam the machine. Therefore, they are not considered the best choice for a lawn that measures more than 5 hectares. They are considered the best for lawns smaller. 

Therefore, the role mower works best for your needs, you need the leaves are cleaned after each use. This is to prevent the moisture from the rest of the blades and reduces the formation of rust on the blade. Often, the essential oil moving parts working smoothly for a long period. In addition, cleaning of debris may be found useful to get the sharpness of the blades. In addition, note in particular that you do. Hit the mower in the rock, pens and other damage to property on the leaves and on the machine. 

With its enormous advantages, the quality of the mower role even better. Are environmentally friendly devices in the case, do not emit harmful substances into the air or damage if you use it. Actually a lot of people enjoy as anexercise.

]]> <![CDATA[Mulching vs Bagging: Which One Makes the Cut?]]> http://www.greengardentools.com/news/40/Mulching-vs-Bagging%3A-Which-One-Makes-the-Cut%3F.html Sun, 27 Mar 2011 12:37:35 +0000 http://www.greengardentools.com/news/40/Mulching-vs-Bagging%3A-Which-One-Makes-the-Cut%3F.html IMAGINE, IF ONLY FOR A MOMENT, A lawn so overpopulated with weeds and overgrown blades of grass you’d think you were knee deep in some faraway jungle. When it comes to turf, people want a nice, clean cut that’s not only easy on the eyes, but comfortable—where you can lounge about on lawn chairs, host a barbecue on a pleasant summer evening and play catch with the dog. If you’re a landscape contractor who does maintenance, it’s your responsibility to give your clients the nicest, trimmest turf possible.

But how do you get that perfect cut? How do you dispose of the grass clippings? And how do you make sure the grass is as healthy as possible?

Many contractors use a side-discharge system, where the clippings are tossed to one side of the mower. Installing a side-discharge system is easy and cost-efficient, but the problem you’ll often find is how messy the lawn gets after that first initial sweep.

Say you cut off a half-inch of grass—with most conventional side-discharge systems, the clippings left behind after mowing will be that long. Nobody wants those clippings messing up their lawns. They can form large clumps of grass thatch and prevent the flow of air and nutrients from reaching the lawn’s root system, as well as promote the growth of fungus.

Other clippings will wilt and dry to a husky yellow-brown color and tarnish the look of the lawn. Because of this, contractors who use side-discharge systems often find themselves going back over the turf one or more times to collect and dispose of the clippings, a process that can be extremely time consuming. However, there are more convenient options available.

One option is to add a mulching system to the mower to return the reduced grass clippings back to the turf as a fertilizer. The other option is bagging. Bagging uses a grass handling system to vacuum the grass clippings into a portable storage bag that you can dispose of later on. Both choices have their plusses and minuses, but when it comes to deciding which one you want to use, it’s best to first look at the circumstances in which you’ll be mowing.

“Some people will say they just want the one thing that works all the time,” says Bob Walker, president of Walker Mowers, Fort Collins, Colorado. “They want the magic bullet. But the reality is that there’s too many types of grass, climates and environments that all add up to an amazing configuration of possibilities.”

Mulching

A mulching system is made up of baffles, blades and a restriction plate for the side of the deck which can be installed on existing mowers. Think of the mulching process as a one-two-three punch—it first gives the grass its initial cut, then cuts it again with the blade’s cutting surface and finally discharges the clippings onto a separate deck on the front of the machine, so as the mower moves forward, the clippings are given one final cut. The shredded grass remains are then discharged onto the turf, returning the moisture and nutrients of the grass back into the soil. Mulching systems are an easy and effective way to fertilize lawns—a recycling system of sorts for the world of lawn care. “The clippings are so small you won’t even see them if your machine is effectively mulching. The whole idea is that you cut and immediately recycle what you’ve shredded. In addition to the immediacy factor mulching systems bring to the table, they’re also relatively inexpensive, especially when compared to bagging systems.

But not every situation is mulching-system-appropriate. As winter turns to spring and the temperature finally starts to rise, grasses will contain a high level of moisture. Mowing these grasses in the early spring can unlock large amounts of moisture from within their blades, spilling a wet, sticky substance all over the lawn and making a general mess of things. People don’t usually enjoy having grass juice all over their lawn,  plus, if you try to mow over juicy grass, all that green stuff will build up in the deck and you’ll have to do a lot of cleaning. In the cooler regions of the country, where the spring season often kicks off with chillier temperatures, it’s wise to wait a few weeks before using a mulching system. We’ll usually use the bagging system first in these kinds of situations. We’ll wait until it warms up a bit before mulching.

Another thing to keep in mind: if your client wants you to mow a lawn that hasn’t been tended to in some time, it’s best to opt for a bagging or side-discharge system. When it comes to especially lengthy blades of grass, mulching systems just aren’t up to the job. Trying to use a mulching system on a particularly unkempt lawn could be asking a bit too much of the mulching deck—after all, they’re only designed to remove a limited amount of grass at a time.

Bagging

Although using bagging attachments to clear and dispose of grass clippings and other debris can be more costly and time-consuming than that of a mulching system, they’re perfect for contractors who care about lawn care aesthetics. Bagging systems vacuum the grass the same way you might vacuum your carpets, removing and storing the clippings as it goes along. Some contractors feel that bagging systems provide a higher quality of cut than either side-discharge or mulching systems and are able to handle even the lengthiest of grass blades. The striping pattern you see on well manicured lawns—that’s usually the work of a bagging system.

In areas such as the Northeast, where autumn leaves have the potential to kill the grass if not attended to quickly enough, bagging systems are recommended. Some contractors will take a leaf plow and push the leaves up into big piles so the trucks can come along and haul them off to a disposal site. But with a bagging system, they’re able to go out to the property and pick up all those leaves in one pass. Bagging systems will also shred the leaves as they’re being sucked up, allowing you to fit more leaves into one bag.

The downside is that it takes longer to dispose of grass clippings. When mulching, disposal is instantaneous, as the shreds of grass are thrown back onto the turf as soon as they’re mowed. Bagging can be a bit trickier. After you’ve finished mowing, the bags must be taken to a disposal site. This requires extra labor, and oftentimes, disposal sites require a fee just to dump your bags onto the site.

In summary

Instead of simply diving right onto a property using the same mower attachments every time, it’s best to assess your environment. If the weather’s cold and the turf looks especially dewy, opt for the bagging attachments, and if the grass is looking particularly tall, this is all the more reason why you should go with bagging over mulching.

Those who live in regions of the country where it’s warm year round, however, might be better off using mulching systems regularly. After all, without those wintry seasons, you see a drier, more stabilized turf year round. Maintaining it regularly with a mulching system should keep it healthy and looking good. From the landscaping perspective, mulching is the most productive way to maintain properties. “The important thing is to stay aware of where you are and what state the grass is in.

 

]]> IMAGINE, IF ONLY FOR A MOMENT, A lawn so overpopulated with weeds and overgrown blades of grass you’d think you were knee deep in some faraway jungle. When it comes to turf, people want a nice, clean cut that’s not only easy on the eyes, but comfortable—where you can lounge about on lawn chairs, host a barbecue on a pleasant summer evening and play catch with the dog. If you’re a landscape contractor who does maintenance, it’s your responsibility to give your clients the nicest, trimmest turf possible.

But how do you get that perfect cut? How do you dispose of the grass clippings? And how do you make sure the grass is as healthy as possible?

Many contractors use a side-discharge system, where the clippings are tossed to one side of the mower. Installing a side-discharge system is easy and cost-efficient, but the problem you’ll often find is how messy the lawn gets after that first initial sweep.

Say you cut off a half-inch of grass—with most conventional side-discharge systems, the clippings left behind after mowing will be that long. Nobody wants those clippings messing up their lawns. They can form large clumps of grass thatch and prevent the flow of air and nutrients from reaching the lawn’s root system, as well as promote the growth of fungus.

Other clippings will wilt and dry to a husky yellow-brown color and tarnish the look of the lawn. Because of this, contractors who use side-discharge systems often find themselves going back over the turf one or more times to collect and dispose of the clippings, a process that can be extremely time consuming. However, there are more convenient options available.

One option is to add a mulching system to the mower to return the reduced grass clippings back to the turf as a fertilizer. The other option is bagging. Bagging uses a grass handling system to vacuum the grass clippings into a portable storage bag that you can dispose of later on. Both choices have their plusses and minuses, but when it comes to deciding which one you want to use, it’s best to first look at the circumstances in which you’ll be mowing.

“Some people will say they just want the one thing that works all the time,” says Bob Walker, president of Walker Mowers, Fort Collins, Colorado. “They want the magic bullet. But the reality is that there’s too many types of grass, climates and environments that all add up to an amazing configuration of possibilities.”

Mulching

A mulching system is made up of baffles, blades and a restriction plate for the side of the deck which can be installed on existing mowers. Think of the mulching process as a one-two-three punch—it first gives the grass its initial cut, then cuts it again with the blade’s cutting surface and finally discharges the clippings onto a separate deck on the front of the machine, so as the mower moves forward, the clippings are given one final cut. The shredded grass remains are then discharged onto the turf, returning the moisture and nutrients of the grass back into the soil. Mulching systems are an easy and effective way to fertilize lawns—a recycling system of sorts for the world of lawn care. “The clippings are so small you won’t even see them if your machine is effectively mulching. The whole idea is that you cut and immediately recycle what you’ve shredded. In addition to the immediacy factor mulching systems bring to the table, they’re also relatively inexpensive, especially when compared to bagging systems.

But not every situation is mulching-system-appropriate. As winter turns to spring and the temperature finally starts to rise, grasses will contain a high level of moisture. Mowing these grasses in the early spring can unlock large amounts of moisture from within their blades, spilling a wet, sticky substance all over the lawn and making a general mess of things. People don’t usually enjoy having grass juice all over their lawn,  plus, if you try to mow over juicy grass, all that green stuff will build up in the deck and you’ll have to do a lot of cleaning. In the cooler regions of the country, where the spring season often kicks off with chillier temperatures, it’s wise to wait a few weeks before using a mulching system. We’ll usually use the bagging system first in these kinds of situations. We’ll wait until it warms up a bit before mulching.

Another thing to keep in mind: if your client wants you to mow a lawn that hasn’t been tended to in some time, it’s best to opt for a bagging or side-discharge system. When it comes to especially lengthy blades of grass, mulching systems just aren’t up to the job. Trying to use a mulching system on a particularly unkempt lawn could be asking a bit too much of the mulching deck—after all, they’re only designed to remove a limited amount of grass at a time.

Bagging

Although using bagging attachments to clear and dispose of grass clippings and other debris can be more costly and time-consuming than that of a mulching system, they’re perfect for contractors who care about lawn care aesthetics. Bagging systems vacuum the grass the same way you might vacuum your carpets, removing and storing the clippings as it goes along. Some contractors feel that bagging systems provide a higher quality of cut than either side-discharge or mulching systems and are able to handle even the lengthiest of grass blades. The striping pattern you see on well manicured lawns—that’s usually the work of a bagging system.

In areas such as the Northeast, where autumn leaves have the potential to kill the grass if not attended to quickly enough, bagging systems are recommended. Some contractors will take a leaf plow and push the leaves up into big piles so the trucks can come along and haul them off to a disposal site. But with a bagging system, they’re able to go out to the property and pick up all those leaves in one pass. Bagging systems will also shred the leaves as they’re being sucked up, allowing you to fit more leaves into one bag.

The downside is that it takes longer to dispose of grass clippings. When mulching, disposal is instantaneous, as the shreds of grass are thrown back onto the turf as soon as they’re mowed. Bagging can be a bit trickier. After you’ve finished mowing, the bags must be taken to a disposal site. This requires extra labor, and oftentimes, disposal sites require a fee just to dump your bags onto the site.

In summary

Instead of simply diving right onto a property using the same mower attachments every time, it’s best to assess your environment. If the weather’s cold and the turf looks especially dewy, opt for the bagging attachments, and if the grass is looking particularly tall, this is all the more reason why you should go with bagging over mulching.

Those who live in regions of the country where it’s warm year round, however, might be better off using mulching systems regularly. After all, without those wintry seasons, you see a drier, more stabilized turf year round. Maintaining it regularly with a mulching system should keep it healthy and looking good. From the landscaping perspective, mulching is the most productive way to maintain properties. “The important thing is to stay aware of where you are and what state the grass is in.

 

]]> <![CDATA[Next Generation Mowers Go Green]]> http://www.greengardentools.com/news/39/Next-Generation-Mowers-Go-Green.html Sun, 27 Mar 2011 12:32:32 +0000 http://www.greengardentools.com/news/39/Next-Generation-Mowers-Go-Green.html Mowing has come a long way from the poor guy who had to use a scythe to smite the tall grass. And although President Woodrow Wilson thought it a great idea to use sheep to mow the White House lawn, most people are not as enthusiastic about having animals grazing in their front yard. 

The way things used to be . . .

An English engineer named Edwin Budding invented the first mechanical push mower in 1827. In 1870, Elwood McGuire of Richmond, Indiana, designed a push mower that was lighter, easier to push and had fewer moving parts than the old versions. Almost overnight, every ambitious teenage boy in the country began mowing their neighbor’s lawns for money, and an entirely new commercial industry was born. Mowing one or two lawns a day on the weekends wasn’t going to be nearly as profitable as mowing several lawns every day of the week. In order to accomplish this successfully, “man-power” muscle was soon replaced by gas-powered engines.

Motorized mowers first appeared in the United States in the late 1890s and were powered by lightweight gas engines or small steam powered units. These machines worked quite well but they had one major drawback: they were very difficult to turn. For certain jobs, walking behind a mower is standard; however, changes have been made since the early models of push mowers. As the engineers developed new technology, self propelled mowers appeared. This state of-the-art machine still works today; in fact, you can buy an attachment—a sulky—to stand on and have this self-propelled walk   behind mower pull you.

Nearly 80 years later, the zero turn mowers (ZTM) entered the scene and revolutionized the entire lawn mower market. Zero-turns have . . and now . . . what does the future hold? 

The demand for eco-friendly equipment and products is ushering in a new wave of power sources which are beginning to replace gasoline engines and gained in popularity among professional landscape contractors. All of these improvements in the design of the modern mowers were developed with one thought in mind: to ensure that your crew members will stay fit and healthy. Mowers that are more efficient and easy to operate will result in less stress on your workforce, more productivity for your company and an increase in your bottom line.

While creating a beautiful landscape will always be the number-one selling point for landscape contractors, sensitivity to environmental issues has become just as important in servicing your customers’ needs . With increased awareness of carbon emissions and pollution restrictions, legislation is on the rise. The demand for ecofriendly equipment and products is ushering in a new wave of power sources that are beginning to replace gasoline engines.

Thanks to the advances in technology over the last several years, lawn mower engines have become more fuel efficient and eco-friendly. This new technology meets the requirements of the industry by providing a broad choice of alternatives for both efficiency and environmentally-friendly performance.

Up until the early part of the 21st century, the three industry standard engines were gasoline, diesel and propane. Of the three, the most common was gasoline. However, gasoline engines are the least fuel efficient of the three. More importantly, gasoline engines have been reported to be a major contributor to global warming and air pollution because of their exhaust fumes.

The diesel is the engine workhorse. It is built to sustain heavy loads. Diesel engines have routinely produced a higher fuel-efficient performance than gasoline, and had very low maintenance characteristics. Diesel mowers have suffered a bad rap over the years due to their slow ignition and acceleration, especially during cold seasons. They were also very noisy and emitted tons of smelly carbon dioxide into the air.

However, with the innovation of clean technology, long-time mower manufacturers Grasshopper and John Deere have found a way to use ‘clean’ diesel engines, so performance has gone up and emission problems have decreased.

“A variety of factors point to clean diesel as the practical alternative fuel,” says Ray Garvey, Grasshopper communications coordinator. “Diesel has long made sense from power, productivity and fuel consumption perspectives. Recently, the near elimination of impurities in diesel fuel combined with improved e n g i n e technolog i e s h a s m a d e ‘ c l e a n ’ d i e s e l a reality. Saving 700 gallons of fuel over 1000 hours with diesel while reducing costs and emissions addresses the most fundamental needs of a growing number of clients who are motivated by a practical and cost-effective approach to carbon reduction and greater productivity.”

Propane-powered engines are considered to be the ‘purest’ among the other engine types, because they emit less toxic emissions. Compared to a diesel engine, the propane engine increases burning efficiency by 15 to 20%. Propane engines also generate 10 to 20% of torque at the reduction of fuel costs. Propane fuel is also less expensive than either gas or diesel fuel. According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), recent fuel prices—while fairly close in cost—when compared to performance and efficiency, can vary widely. Gasoline prices rose 98% in one year compared to 50% for diesel and only 22.6% for propane.

While conversion kits have been around for awhile, propane-dedicated mowers are just beginning to emerge onto environmentally-sensitive landscapes across the country. Many manufacturers are now offering a propane-powered commercial mower that will run for up to 10 hours on two tanks of propane.

“The low polluting propane-powered mower is better for the environment,” says Bill Shea, vice president of commercial sales for the Briggs & Stratton Yard Power Products Group. “Propane also produces 30% less smog-forming emissions when compared to gasoline and diesel.”

The ‘new kid on the block’ for lawn mower fuel alternatives is compressed natural gas (CNG).  

Compressed natural gas unit

cngm2.bmpintroduced a liquid propane mower three years ago. This mower was marketed to ease emissions concerns, then they took the eco-friendly trend one step further by introducing CNG. CNG is made by compressing natural gas, mainly composed of methane, to less than 1% of its volume at standard atmospheric pressure.

Although CNG produces a small amount of greenhouse gases during combustion, it is a more environmentally-clean alternative to gasoline, diesel or propane. It also is much safer than other fuels in case of a spill, because natural gas disperses quickly when released.

Another growing trend in ecofriendly fuels is biodiesel. Biodiesel is an alternative fuel made from new or used vegetable oil. The oil can originate from many plant sources, such as corn, soybeans, rapeseed, palm oil, and coconut oil. The main reaction used to produce biodiesel involves mixing oil, alcohol and a catalyst (usually lye) in approximate ratios of 80%, 20%, and 0.35% respectively. Essentially, it is taking a triglyceride (vegetable oil) and making it into a methyl/ethyl ester (biodiesel).

Electric mowers have zero emissions, no engine noise and low maintenance.

The Toro Company tested everything from soybean oils to French Fries grease as fuels, before they introduced a biodiesel-powered lawn mower a few years ago. “Toro has branded the equipment “Biodiesel Ready,” meaning they can run on 20% vegetable oil and 80% petroleum diesel, a blend known as B20,” said Steve Wood, Toro’s chief engineer. “These engines are very attractive to municipalities which are enacting environmentally-sensitive legislation.

Liquids and gas fuels won’t  be the only source of power in the future. Although not yet as popular as the traditional fuels, manufacturers are looking into an all-electric zero-turn lawn mower. Electric mowers have zero emissions, no engine noise and are low maintenance. Hustler by Excel has introduced a battery-powered zero-turn mower; however, it is limited by the short operating time (about one hour).

The downside is that the current batteries have a short use time before they have to be recharged. Industry experts predict that the technology will get better as time passes, allowing for more use-time between battery charges. Another problem is that, being a new technology, electric mowers are more expensive than other engines. But like computers or flat screen televisions, prices will begin to go down as battery manufacturers develop longer lasting, more versatile products.

Unlike hybrid automobiles, which run on gas and electricity, a hybrid lawn mower combines a DC battery with AC electric power. In some models, the operator can switch between DC or AC power in order to run the motor on either line voltage or battery. During times of battery run-out it can work on the cables, where it has the dual function of putting the equipment to work and automatically charges the battery.

Remote-controlled wireless mowers are the greatest human energysaving products on the market today. The unit is controlled by the operator, much like a toy airplane or truck. The commercial-grade units can handle very steep hills, rough terrains that might be too risky or uncomfortable for humans to go. While not meant as a replacement for the more traditional mowers, they do have a place in the commercial field. The little round units can mow on slopes in place of a bunch of men with weed eaters.

An electric lawn mower that utilizes solar power as an energy source may be the wave of the future. But for some manufacturers, the future is closer than you can imagine. Husqvarna introduced an automatic electric solarpowered hybrid robotic lawn mower in 2008. The residential model will mow for around 40 minutes, and then charge for 40 minutes in its charging station. By using the solar panels on a sunny day, the device will be able to stay out cutting for up to 50% longer. The unit isn’t quite “ready for prime time” for the commercial indust r y, but the technology is well on its way.

lawnbott-lb1200.jpgRobotic mowers have a long way to go before they’re a commercial staple. For one thing, they are rather slow moving. Some robotic mowers are narrower than others, so they take a longer time to cut a whole yard. This is problematic, since your business depends on quantity as well as quality, and no matter how exact a mechanical “man” is, manufacturers have yet to invent one that will completely replace a real human being.

Lasers may sound like something from Star Wars, but they serve a very valuable purpose right here on earth. Laser-guided mowers, although still in early development, hold much promise for the industry. Electric eyes or wires need to be installed around the property to be mowed. The mower can be programmed to mow the turf in what ever pattern is desired. The pattern can be changed according to the job. When the crew person arrives at the jobsite, he/she can take the mower off the trailer or truck, start it up and place it on the lawn. As the mower reaches the end of the lawn, it will break the beam of the electric eye, or come close to the wire, then make a turn as programmed.

“Sensors actually ‘sense’ when the mower is over grass to cut,” says Steve Jones of Probotics. “The Lawnbott robot mower doesn’t need wires because it senses obstacles and reverses direction when moving over walkways, curbs, patios and mulched areas.”

While the lawn is being mowed, the worker can be cleaning out the beds, checking on the sprinklers, or pruning the bushes.  

While the turf is being cut, the crew person is free to perform other maintenance tasks, basically working in two places at once. While the lawn is being mowed, the worker can be cleaning out the beds, checking on the sprinklers, or pruning the bushes. When the mower has finished its job, the crew person would be finished with his as well, then put the mower back on the trailer and move on to the next job. When this becomes reality, one-person crews could become the norm.

As you can see, lawn movers have come quite a long way since the early days of pushing rotating blades by hand. The future will be whatever the market demands and the imagination can create.

]]> Mowing has come a long way from the poor guy who had to use a scythe to smite the tall grass. And although President Woodrow Wilson thought it a great idea to use sheep to mow the White House lawn, most people are not as enthusiastic about having animals grazing in their front yard. 

The way things used to be . . .

An English engineer named Edwin Budding invented the first mechanical push mower in 1827. In 1870, Elwood McGuire of Richmond, Indiana, designed a push mower that was lighter, easier to push and had fewer moving parts than the old versions. Almost overnight, every ambitious teenage boy in the country began mowing their neighbor’s lawns for money, and an entirely new commercial industry was born. Mowing one or two lawns a day on the weekends wasn’t going to be nearly as profitable as mowing several lawns every day of the week. In order to accomplish this successfully, “man-power” muscle was soon replaced by gas-powered engines.

Motorized mowers first appeared in the United States in the late 1890s and were powered by lightweight gas engines or small steam powered units. These machines worked quite well but they had one major drawback: they were very difficult to turn. For certain jobs, walking behind a mower is standard; however, changes have been made since the early models of push mowers. As the engineers developed new technology, self propelled mowers appeared. This state of-the-art machine still works today; in fact, you can buy an attachment—a sulky—to stand on and have this self-propelled walk   behind mower pull you.

Nearly 80 years later, the zero turn mowers (ZTM) entered the scene and revolutionized the entire lawn mower market. Zero-turns have . . and now . . . what does the future hold? 

The demand for eco-friendly equipment and products is ushering in a new wave of power sources which are beginning to replace gasoline engines and gained in popularity among professional landscape contractors. All of these improvements in the design of the modern mowers were developed with one thought in mind: to ensure that your crew members will stay fit and healthy. Mowers that are more efficient and easy to operate will result in less stress on your workforce, more productivity for your company and an increase in your bottom line.

While creating a beautiful landscape will always be the number-one selling point for landscape contractors, sensitivity to environmental issues has become just as important in servicing your customers’ needs . With increased awareness of carbon emissions and pollution restrictions, legislation is on the rise. The demand for ecofriendly equipment and products is ushering in a new wave of power sources that are beginning to replace gasoline engines.

Thanks to the advances in technology over the last several years, lawn mower engines have become more fuel efficient and eco-friendly. This new technology meets the requirements of the industry by providing a broad choice of alternatives for both efficiency and environmentally-friendly performance.

Up until the early part of the 21st century, the three industry standard engines were gasoline, diesel and propane. Of the three, the most common was gasoline. However, gasoline engines are the least fuel efficient of the three. More importantly, gasoline engines have been reported to be a major contributor to global warming and air pollution because of their exhaust fumes.

The diesel is the engine workhorse. It is built to sustain heavy loads. Diesel engines have routinely produced a higher fuel-efficient performance than gasoline, and had very low maintenance characteristics. Diesel mowers have suffered a bad rap over the years due to their slow ignition and acceleration, especially during cold seasons. They were also very noisy and emitted tons of smelly carbon dioxide into the air.

However, with the innovation of clean technology, long-time mower manufacturers Grasshopper and John Deere have found a way to use ‘clean’ diesel engines, so performance has gone up and emission problems have decreased.

“A variety of factors point to clean diesel as the practical alternative fuel,” says Ray Garvey, Grasshopper communications coordinator. “Diesel has long made sense from power, productivity and fuel consumption perspectives. Recently, the near elimination of impurities in diesel fuel combined with improved e n g i n e technolog i e s h a s m a d e ‘ c l e a n ’ d i e s e l a reality. Saving 700 gallons of fuel over 1000 hours with diesel while reducing costs and emissions addresses the most fundamental needs of a growing number of clients who are motivated by a practical and cost-effective approach to carbon reduction and greater productivity.”

Propane-powered engines are considered to be the ‘purest’ among the other engine types, because they emit less toxic emissions. Compared to a diesel engine, the propane engine increases burning efficiency by 15 to 20%. Propane engines also generate 10 to 20% of torque at the reduction of fuel costs. Propane fuel is also less expensive than either gas or diesel fuel. According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), recent fuel prices—while fairly close in cost—when compared to performance and efficiency, can vary widely. Gasoline prices rose 98% in one year compared to 50% for diesel and only 22.6% for propane.

While conversion kits have been around for awhile, propane-dedicated mowers are just beginning to emerge onto environmentally-sensitive landscapes across the country. Many manufacturers are now offering a propane-powered commercial mower that will run for up to 10 hours on two tanks of propane.

“The low polluting propane-powered mower is better for the environment,” says Bill Shea, vice president of commercial sales for the Briggs & Stratton Yard Power Products Group. “Propane also produces 30% less smog-forming emissions when compared to gasoline and diesel.”

The ‘new kid on the block’ for lawn mower fuel alternatives is compressed natural gas (CNG).  

Compressed natural gas unit

cngm2.bmpintroduced a liquid propane mower three years ago. This mower was marketed to ease emissions concerns, then they took the eco-friendly trend one step further by introducing CNG. CNG is made by compressing natural gas, mainly composed of methane, to less than 1% of its volume at standard atmospheric pressure.

Although CNG produces a small amount of greenhouse gases during combustion, it is a more environmentally-clean alternative to gasoline, diesel or propane. It also is much safer than other fuels in case of a spill, because natural gas disperses quickly when released.

Another growing trend in ecofriendly fuels is biodiesel. Biodiesel is an alternative fuel made from new or used vegetable oil. The oil can originate from many plant sources, such as corn, soybeans, rapeseed, palm oil, and coconut oil. The main reaction used to produce biodiesel involves mixing oil, alcohol and a catalyst (usually lye) in approximate ratios of 80%, 20%, and 0.35% respectively. Essentially, it is taking a triglyceride (vegetable oil) and making it into a methyl/ethyl ester (biodiesel).

Electric mowers have zero emissions, no engine noise and low maintenance.

The Toro Company tested everything from soybean oils to French Fries grease as fuels, before they introduced a biodiesel-powered lawn mower a few years ago. “Toro has branded the equipment “Biodiesel Ready,” meaning they can run on 20% vegetable oil and 80% petroleum diesel, a blend known as B20,” said Steve Wood, Toro’s chief engineer. “These engines are very attractive to municipalities which are enacting environmentally-sensitive legislation.

Liquids and gas fuels won’t  be the only source of power in the future. Although not yet as popular as the traditional fuels, manufacturers are looking into an all-electric zero-turn lawn mower. Electric mowers have zero emissions, no engine noise and are low maintenance. Hustler by Excel has introduced a battery-powered zero-turn mower; however, it is limited by the short operating time (about one hour).

The downside is that the current batteries have a short use time before they have to be recharged. Industry experts predict that the technology will get better as time passes, allowing for more use-time between battery charges. Another problem is that, being a new technology, electric mowers are more expensive than other engines. But like computers or flat screen televisions, prices will begin to go down as battery manufacturers develop longer lasting, more versatile products.

Unlike hybrid automobiles, which run on gas and electricity, a hybrid lawn mower combines a DC battery with AC electric power. In some models, the operator can switch between DC or AC power in order to run the motor on either line voltage or battery. During times of battery run-out it can work on the cables, where it has the dual function of putting the equipment to work and automatically charges the battery.

Remote-controlled wireless mowers are the greatest human energysaving products on the market today. The unit is controlled by the operator, much like a toy airplane or truck. The commercial-grade units can handle very steep hills, rough terrains that might be too risky or uncomfortable for humans to go. While not meant as a replacement for the more traditional mowers, they do have a place in the commercial field. The little round units can mow on slopes in place of a bunch of men with weed eaters.

An electric lawn mower that utilizes solar power as an energy source may be the wave of the future. But for some manufacturers, the future is closer than you can imagine. Husqvarna introduced an automatic electric solarpowered hybrid robotic lawn mower in 2008. The residential model will mow for around 40 minutes, and then charge for 40 minutes in its charging station. By using the solar panels on a sunny day, the device will be able to stay out cutting for up to 50% longer. The unit isn’t quite “ready for prime time” for the commercial indust r y, but the technology is well on its way.

lawnbott-lb1200.jpgRobotic mowers have a long way to go before they’re a commercial staple. For one thing, they are rather slow moving. Some robotic mowers are narrower than others, so they take a longer time to cut a whole yard. This is problematic, since your business depends on quantity as well as quality, and no matter how exact a mechanical “man” is, manufacturers have yet to invent one that will completely replace a real human being.

Lasers may sound like something from Star Wars, but they serve a very valuable purpose right here on earth. Laser-guided mowers, although still in early development, hold much promise for the industry. Electric eyes or wires need to be installed around the property to be mowed. The mower can be programmed to mow the turf in what ever pattern is desired. The pattern can be changed according to the job. When the crew person arrives at the jobsite, he/she can take the mower off the trailer or truck, start it up and place it on the lawn. As the mower reaches the end of the lawn, it will break the beam of the electric eye, or come close to the wire, then make a turn as programmed.

“Sensors actually ‘sense’ when the mower is over grass to cut,” says Steve Jones of Probotics. “The Lawnbott robot mower doesn’t need wires because it senses obstacles and reverses direction when moving over walkways, curbs, patios and mulched areas.”

While the lawn is being mowed, the worker can be cleaning out the beds, checking on the sprinklers, or pruning the bushes.  

While the turf is being cut, the crew person is free to perform other maintenance tasks, basically working in two places at once. While the lawn is being mowed, the worker can be cleaning out the beds, checking on the sprinklers, or pruning the bushes. When the mower has finished its job, the crew person would be finished with his as well, then put the mower back on the trailer and move on to the next job. When this becomes reality, one-person crews could become the norm.

As you can see, lawn movers have come quite a long way since the early days of pushing rotating blades by hand. The future will be whatever the market demands and the imagination can create.

]]> <![CDATA[Going Cordless in Your Backyard]]> http://www.greengardentools.com/news/38/Going-Cordless-in-Your-Backyard.html Sun, 27 Mar 2011 12:17:19 +0000 http://www.greengardentools.com/news/38/Going-Cordless-in-Your-Backyard.html More Do-It-Yourself lawn care homeowners are experiencing the convenience of cordless battery powered lawn and garden tools. There is however potential an extra level of convenience often overlooked are the environmental advantages of: ease of starting, no gasoline, no emissions, less noise, less maintenance, with abundant power for the task. 

The range of tools powered by rechargeable batteries is growing all the time. Not only is it possible to purchase additional batteries but one can buy converters which allow the tools to run on 110 electric power sources to extend the operating time cordless or corded.  

The primary advantage of cordless tools is no longer having to locate a power socket and unwind an extension lead each time a tool is to be used. This enables greater freedom of movement to reach the corners of a yard. Safety is increased since cables no longer pose a tripping hazard and the risk of cutting through a wire is eliminated so the chances of electric shocks are greatly reduced.  

Potential purchasers will also be pleased to learn that previous concerns about cordless lawn and garden tools have now largely been overcome with recently developed products. Charging times have been greatly reduced, with tools using lithium ion batteries requiring as little as an hour to fully recharge and ready to use. Once fully-charged, most cordless tools enjoy a very generous period of operational life before needing to be charged again.  

If you would like to see how cordless lawn and garden tools have been enhanced, click onto our wide range of cordless brands at www.greengardentools.com.

]]> More Do-It-Yourself lawn care homeowners are experiencing the convenience of cordless battery powered lawn and garden tools. There is however potential an extra level of convenience often overlooked are the environmental advantages of: ease of starting, no gasoline, no emissions, less noise, less maintenance, with abundant power for the task. 

The range of tools powered by rechargeable batteries is growing all the time. Not only is it possible to purchase additional batteries but one can buy converters which allow the tools to run on 110 electric power sources to extend the operating time cordless or corded.  

The primary advantage of cordless tools is no longer having to locate a power socket and unwind an extension lead each time a tool is to be used. This enables greater freedom of movement to reach the corners of a yard. Safety is increased since cables no longer pose a tripping hazard and the risk of cutting through a wire is eliminated so the chances of electric shocks are greatly reduced.  

Potential purchasers will also be pleased to learn that previous concerns about cordless lawn and garden tools have now largely been overcome with recently developed products. Charging times have been greatly reduced, with tools using lithium ion batteries requiring as little as an hour to fully recharge and ready to use. Once fully-charged, most cordless tools enjoy a very generous period of operational life before needing to be charged again.  

If you would like to see how cordless lawn and garden tools have been enhanced, click onto our wide range of cordless brands at www.greengardentools.com.

]]> <![CDATA[Innovation: Run Silent, Run Deep - Black & Decker’s 19” Rechargeable Mulching Lawn Mower]]> http://www.greengardentools.com/news/37/Innovation%3A-Run-Silent%2C-Run-Deep-%252d-Black-%26-Decker%E2%80%99s-19%E2%80%9D-Rechargeable-Mulching-Lawn-Mower.html Sun, 27 Mar 2011 12:15:07 +0000 http://www.greengardentools.com/news/37/Innovation%3A-Run-Silent%2C-Run-Deep-%252d-Black-%26-Decker%E2%80%99s-19%E2%80%9D-Rechargeable-Mulching-Lawn-Mower.html Everybody loves a green lawn and tidy landscape; but at what cost to the environment? Electric mowers and lawn care tools have been around for a long time. Along with the limitation of an umbilical cord back to the outlet, there were more than a few extension cords cut in the process of trimming or cutting. Kind to the environment and gentle on the ears, in some ways they weren’t as practical as their gas-powered brethren. black-decker-st2036-battery.gif 

Black & Decker has embarked on ways to move toward a zero emissions and Energy Star rated product line for rechargeable lawn and garden tools. With a complete line of outdoor power equipment tools, based on their 18 volt single source (rechargeable) battery system, they can lay claim to environmentally-friendly and a lower cost of operation. Add the reduced noise levels compared to their gasoline counterparts and you now have the means to quietly run lawn care tools for extended periods of time. Trimmers, edgers, blowers, tillers, and power shears can all run from the same rechargeable battery system.  

black-decker-cm1936-v2.jpgEnter into the picture, the 19” Rechargeable Mulching Lawn Mower from Black & Decker. With half the noise level of a gas-powered lawn mower and a simple lever start – no swift yanks on a cord required – you can mow a 1/3 acre home site on a single charge. Need to mow more? Within four hours you can be at 70% power, and fully100% when left to charge overnight.  

The reduced cost of operation is quite apparent. No annual tune-ups and you eliminate the expense of both fuel and oil. Black & Decker estimates that it will cost less than $10 a year to operate!  

Along with being Energy Star rated, it is fully-featured in every way; the 19” Rechargeable Mulching Lawn Mower includes cutting options of mulch, rear bag, or the optional side discharge chute. And it has a one-touch (single lever), seven position height adjustment for all four wheels. There is also a removable key to prevent accidental startup.  

With the Black & Decker line of rechargeable outdoor tools and equipment, you can run silent, run deep - into the woods and all around the house, on a single charge.

]]> Everybody loves a green lawn and tidy landscape; but at what cost to the environment? Electric mowers and lawn care tools have been around for a long time. Along with the limitation of an umbilical cord back to the outlet, there were more than a few extension cords cut in the process of trimming or cutting. Kind to the environment and gentle on the ears, in some ways they weren’t as practical as their gas-powered brethren. black-decker-st2036-battery.gif 

Black & Decker has embarked on ways to move toward a zero emissions and Energy Star rated product line for rechargeable lawn and garden tools. With a complete line of outdoor power equipment tools, based on their 18 volt single source (rechargeable) battery system, they can lay claim to environmentally-friendly and a lower cost of operation. Add the reduced noise levels compared to their gasoline counterparts and you now have the means to quietly run lawn care tools for extended periods of time. Trimmers, edgers, blowers, tillers, and power shears can all run from the same rechargeable battery system.  

black-decker-cm1936-v2.jpgEnter into the picture, the 19” Rechargeable Mulching Lawn Mower from Black & Decker. With half the noise level of a gas-powered lawn mower and a simple lever start – no swift yanks on a cord required – you can mow a 1/3 acre home site on a single charge. Need to mow more? Within four hours you can be at 70% power, and fully100% when left to charge overnight.  

The reduced cost of operation is quite apparent. No annual tune-ups and you eliminate the expense of both fuel and oil. Black & Decker estimates that it will cost less than $10 a year to operate!  

Along with being Energy Star rated, it is fully-featured in every way; the 19” Rechargeable Mulching Lawn Mower includes cutting options of mulch, rear bag, or the optional side discharge chute. And it has a one-touch (single lever), seven position height adjustment for all four wheels. There is also a removable key to prevent accidental startup.  

With the Black & Decker line of rechargeable outdoor tools and equipment, you can run silent, run deep - into the woods and all around the house, on a single charge.

]]> <![CDATA[Cordless Electric Lawn mower Review ]]> http://www.greengardentools.com/news/36/Cordless-Electric-Lawn-mower-Review-.html Sun, 27 Mar 2011 12:06:12 +0000 http://www.greengardentools.com/news/36/Cordless-Electric-Lawn-mower-Review-.html Convenience 

This cordless lawn mower is extremely convenient. There is no need to purchase any gasoline or oil for the life of the mower. Because gasoline prices are currently so high, this is an extremely cost-effective mower. The B&D CMM1000 mower initially costs more than its gasoline-powered counterpart. However, the elimination of gas and oil purchases, oil changes, air filter changes, and all the maintenance normally associated with small gasoline engines offsets the initial price. Almost no maintenance is required, except for an occasional blade sharpening and removal of accumulated grass from beneath the cutting deck and discharge chute.  

Electric lawn mowers are much quieter than their gasoline-powered counterparts. The noise level drops even more during the cutting session as the battery gradually uses its charge. Say good-bye to back-breaking pull starting. Electric lawn mowers start via a simple switch or lever. Finally, the one-hand external cutting height adjustment lever requires no tools and only minimal hand strength. The height adjustment has a simple gauge  showing the best height for mulching. 

Safety  

The mower comes with a safety key that must be inserted before the cordless electric lawn mower will start. This key cannot be inserted until the recharging cord is detached from the back of the electric lawn mower. The mower is started by pulling the safety release lever up to the padded handle, and operating the convenient start lever. The safety release must be held to the handle during mower operation. If the operator releases his or her grip for any reason, the cordless electric lawn mower promptly stops.  

The cordless electric lawn mower must never be operated in wet grass because it is an electrical appliance. If there are several days of rain in a row, the owner must wait until the yard has dried sufficiently before using the electric mower. This drying often takes at least another full day after the end of the rain.  

Battery Life and Charging 

The B&D CMM1000 cordless electric lawn mower houses a sealed 24-volt battery inside the entirely plastic casing. No extension cord is required to operate this mower. Anyone who has carried a car or boat battery might assume that this unit would be difficult to push because of the large battery. On the contrary, the battery is well-balanced between the two back wheels and the mower is easy to maneuver. The battery trickle-charges via the external power supply and uses standard 110 Volt household outlets. The recharging plug can be difficult to plug into the mower in dim light or for those with limited manual dexterity. A red/green LED on the mower indicates that the mower is charging (red) or fully charged (green).  

The instructions for this cordless electric lawn mower indicate that the battery reaches about 70% of its full charge in 4 hours of charging. Experience has shown that it is better to allow the mower to fully charge overnight before using it again.  

Engine Horsepower 

The B&D CMM1000 cordless electric lawn mower has a 5 HP battery. This is 5 HP gas equivalent at peak torque. A gasoline lawn mower will operate at full horsepower until the last drop of gasoline is used. The electric lawn mower will operate at or near full horsepower for most of the cutting time, and then gradually loses horsepower until a recharge is required.   This mower is rated for a yard of approximately 1/3 acre. Experience has shown that the mower is much better suited for 0.25 acre or less, if the owner desires to cut the entire yard in a single session. Otherwise, the mower must recharge overnight, and the remainder of the lawn must be cut another day.  

Battery Operating Time  

This cordless electric lawn mower can operate for 40-45 minutes on a full charge at ideal grass conditions. Ideal grass conditions include dry grass only requiring 1-2 inches to be cut. High grass, damp grass, dried grass clumps from previous mowings, and thick grass will all decrease the cutting time, because these conditions require more power and drain the battery faster. Cutting the grass very low, a dull blade, and using the mulching  feature will also decrease the cutting time. 

Those wishing to purchase this cordless electric lawn mower should invest in the inexpensive external grass discharge chute. This chute is not included with the mower. The mulching feature cuts the grass clippings repeatedly, and drains the battery faster. With the external discharge chute, cut grass exits the mower quickly.  

Disadvantages 

As stated previously, this cordless electric lawn mower operates at the rated horsepower for most, but not all, of the cutting session. Factors such as thicker or higher grass can decrease the amount of cutting time available. The unit cannot be used while the grass is wet. The rating that the cordless lawn mower can cut 1/3 acre on a single charge is optimistic. This mower does best cutting 0.20-0.25 acres on a single charge.  

Recommendations  

The B&D CMM1000 5 HP 19-inch cordless electric lawn mower (or comparable model) is ideal for homeowners with yards of about 0.25 acres or less, who dislike dealing with gas and oil, and prefer a quieter lawn cutting experience. The mower is easy to operate and recharge, although a few owners might have difficulty plugging the recharging cord into the mower. Note that the model reviewed was purchased several years ago, and this issue may have been resolved.  

If you have a small lot, are tired of keeping flammable gasoline in the garage, and hate pull-starting a lawn mower (or are unable to), a cordless electric lawn mower is the perfect lawn mower for you.

]]> Convenience 

This cordless lawn mower is extremely convenient. There is no need to purchase any gasoline or oil for the life of the mower. Because gasoline prices are currently so high, this is an extremely cost-effective mower. The B&D CMM1000 mower initially costs more than its gasoline-powered counterpart. However, the elimination of gas and oil purchases, oil changes, air filter changes, and all the maintenance normally associated with small gasoline engines offsets the initial price. Almost no maintenance is required, except for an occasional blade sharpening and removal of accumulated grass from beneath the cutting deck and discharge chute.  

Electric lawn mowers are much quieter than their gasoline-powered counterparts. The noise level drops even more during the cutting session as the battery gradually uses its charge. Say good-bye to back-breaking pull starting. Electric lawn mowers start via a simple switch or lever. Finally, the one-hand external cutting height adjustment lever requires no tools and only minimal hand strength. The height adjustment has a simple gauge  showing the best height for mulching. 

Safety  

The mower comes with a safety key that must be inserted before the cordless electric lawn mower will start. This key cannot be inserted until the recharging cord is detached from the back of the electric lawn mower. The mower is started by pulling the safety release lever up to the padded handle, and operating the convenient start lever. The safety release must be held to the handle during mower operation. If the operator releases his or her grip for any reason, the cordless electric lawn mower promptly stops.  

The cordless electric lawn mower must never be operated in wet grass because it is an electrical appliance. If there are several days of rain in a row, the owner must wait until the yard has dried sufficiently before using the electric mower. This drying often takes at least another full day after the end of the rain.  

Battery Life and Charging 

The B&D CMM1000 cordless electric lawn mower houses a sealed 24-volt battery inside the entirely plastic casing. No extension cord is required to operate this mower. Anyone who has carried a car or boat battery might assume that this unit would be difficult to push because of the large battery. On the contrary, the battery is well-balanced between the two back wheels and the mower is easy to maneuver. The battery trickle-charges via the external power supply and uses standard 110 Volt household outlets. The recharging plug can be difficult to plug into the mower in dim light or for those with limited manual dexterity. A red/green LED on the mower indicates that the mower is charging (red) or fully charged (green).  

The instructions for this cordless electric lawn mower indicate that the battery reaches about 70% of its full charge in 4 hours of charging. Experience has shown that it is better to allow the mower to fully charge overnight before using it again.  

Engine Horsepower 

The B&D CMM1000 cordless electric lawn mower has a 5 HP battery. This is 5 HP gas equivalent at peak torque. A gasoline lawn mower will operate at full horsepower until the last drop of gasoline is used. The electric lawn mower will operate at or near full horsepower for most of the cutting time, and then gradually loses horsepower until a recharge is required.   This mower is rated for a yard of approximately 1/3 acre. Experience has shown that the mower is much better suited for 0.25 acre or less, if the owner desires to cut the entire yard in a single session. Otherwise, the mower must recharge overnight, and the remainder of the lawn must be cut another day.  

Battery Operating Time  

This cordless electric lawn mower can operate for 40-45 minutes on a full charge at ideal grass conditions. Ideal grass conditions include dry grass only requiring 1-2 inches to be cut. High grass, damp grass, dried grass clumps from previous mowings, and thick grass will all decrease the cutting time, because these conditions require more power and drain the battery faster. Cutting the grass very low, a dull blade, and using the mulching  feature will also decrease the cutting time. 

Those wishing to purchase this cordless electric lawn mower should invest in the inexpensive external grass discharge chute. This chute is not included with the mower. The mulching feature cuts the grass clippings repeatedly, and drains the battery faster. With the external discharge chute, cut grass exits the mower quickly.  

Disadvantages 

As stated previously, this cordless electric lawn mower operates at the rated horsepower for most, but not all, of the cutting session. Factors such as thicker or higher grass can decrease the amount of cutting time available. The unit cannot be used while the grass is wet. The rating that the cordless lawn mower can cut 1/3 acre on a single charge is optimistic. This mower does best cutting 0.20-0.25 acres on a single charge.  

Recommendations  

The B&D CMM1000 5 HP 19-inch cordless electric lawn mower (or comparable model) is ideal for homeowners with yards of about 0.25 acres or less, who dislike dealing with gas and oil, and prefer a quieter lawn cutting experience. The mower is easy to operate and recharge, although a few owners might have difficulty plugging the recharging cord into the mower. Note that the model reviewed was purchased several years ago, and this issue may have been resolved.  

If you have a small lot, are tired of keeping flammable gasoline in the garage, and hate pull-starting a lawn mower (or are unable to), a cordless electric lawn mower is the perfect lawn mower for you.

]]> <![CDATA[Benefits of Cordless Battery Lawn Mowers]]> http://www.greengardentools.com/news/35/Benefits-of-Cordless-Battery-Lawn-Mowers.html Sun, 27 Mar 2011 11:57:00 +0000 http://www.greengardentools.com/news/35/Benefits-of-Cordless-Battery-Lawn-Mowers.html Now that spring is here, it’s time to drag out the lawn mower for another season. If you’re tired of that noisy and smelly gas-powered mower, then maybe it’s time you discovered cordless, battery-powered mowers. Clean, quiet and easy to start, they require no gas, oil changes or spark plugs. The battery takes the extension cord out of the mower equation, and starting is gentler on your back than yanking a starter cord.

Cordless, battery-powered mowers vary in sizes and performance.  

No Noise

Electric mowers are much easier on your ears compared to their gas counterparts. The average electric mower makes no more noise than a washing machine (about 75 decibels), while a gas-powered lawn mower can make as much noise as a motorcycle (about 95 decibels). Noise pollution is a real problem with gas mowers, as any late sleeper on a Saturday morning knows. But they can be more than a nuisance for those who use them. Loud noise can contribute to hearing loss when it exceeds 85 decibels, according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. A gas-powered mower producing 95 decibels should be used no more than an hour a day, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Switching to an electric mower will ease the stress on your ears and your neighbors.   

Environmental Benefits  

Besides giving your eardrums a break, battery-powered mowers offer a compelling environmental benefit — they pollute much less than gas-powered mowers. Gas lawn mower manufacturers are designing more efficient engines to comply with the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) new emission standards for lawn-and-garden equipment, but many lawn mowers predate these new standards. Even new gas mowers that meet the EPA standards still spew a higher percentage of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) into the air than automobiles. According to a 2003 EPA report, lawn-and-garden equipment accounts for 5 percent of all ozone-forming emissions. The same report concludes that one hour of lawn mower usage produces as much air pollution as driving a car 20 miles.  

Emissions and spills from gas containers and tanks also contribute to soil and air pollution. According to the California Air Resources Board, portable gas containers account for about 87 tons per day of smog-forming reactive organic gasses in California alone, which are equal to the heat-trapping emissions from about 1 million cars. California already has standards governing the containers that release these emissions, but they remain unregulated at the federal level. For the largest online selection of push cylinder, battery powered and electrically powered lawn mowers, click on www.greengardentools.com.

]]> Now that spring is here, it’s time to drag out the lawn mower for another season. If you’re tired of that noisy and smelly gas-powered mower, then maybe it’s time you discovered cordless, battery-powered mowers. Clean, quiet and easy to start, they require no gas, oil changes or spark plugs. The battery takes the extension cord out of the mower equation, and starting is gentler on your back than yanking a starter cord.

Cordless, battery-powered mowers vary in sizes and performance.  

No Noise

Electric mowers are much easier on your ears compared to their gas counterparts. The average electric mower makes no more noise than a washing machine (about 75 decibels), while a gas-powered lawn mower can make as much noise as a motorcycle (about 95 decibels). Noise pollution is a real problem with gas mowers, as any late sleeper on a Saturday morning knows. But they can be more than a nuisance for those who use them. Loud noise can contribute to hearing loss when it exceeds 85 decibels, according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. A gas-powered mower producing 95 decibels should be used no more than an hour a day, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Switching to an electric mower will ease the stress on your ears and your neighbors.   

Environmental Benefits  

Besides giving your eardrums a break, battery-powered mowers offer a compelling environmental benefit — they pollute much less than gas-powered mowers. Gas lawn mower manufacturers are designing more efficient engines to comply with the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) new emission standards for lawn-and-garden equipment, but many lawn mowers predate these new standards. Even new gas mowers that meet the EPA standards still spew a higher percentage of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) into the air than automobiles. According to a 2003 EPA report, lawn-and-garden equipment accounts for 5 percent of all ozone-forming emissions. The same report concludes that one hour of lawn mower usage produces as much air pollution as driving a car 20 miles.  

Emissions and spills from gas containers and tanks also contribute to soil and air pollution. According to the California Air Resources Board, portable gas containers account for about 87 tons per day of smog-forming reactive organic gasses in California alone, which are equal to the heat-trapping emissions from about 1 million cars. California already has standards governing the containers that release these emissions, but they remain unregulated at the federal level. For the largest online selection of push cylinder, battery powered and electrically powered lawn mowers, click on www.greengardentools.com.

]]> <![CDATA[Differences between Gas, Electric, and Cordless Lawn Trimmer Equipment]]> http://www.greengardentools.com/news/34/Differences-between-Gas%2C-Electric%2C-and-Cordless-Lawn-Trimmer-Equipment.html Sun, 27 Mar 2011 11:53:34 +0000 http://www.greengardentools.com/news/34/Differences-between-Gas%2C-Electric%2C-and-Cordless-Lawn-Trimmer-Equipment.html Trimming and edging your grass helps keep it healthy and gives your lawn a well manicured look. If you keep up with good lawn maintenance, your grass will grow to become healthier and stronger each year.  

Trimming and edging is one of the most important parts of lawn maintenance. It helps reduce weeds and maintains the shape and structure of your lawn. Trimming and edging requires time and patience and could take a few hours for large landscapes. You don’t need to trim and edge your lawn each time you mow it. Edging around curbs and sidewalks can be done just a few times a year. However, you should trim about every 3-4 mows around hard to mow areas, such as around a swing set, mailbox or flowerbed.  

When you use the right type of equipment, trimming is a simple task. Small areas of grass can be trimmed with manual shears. If your lawn has more than a 1/4 acre of grass, you should use a larger trimming tool.  

The Three Types of Trimmers: Gas, Electric-Corded and Cordless 

Gasoline 

Gas trimmers are considered the most efficient and powerful trimmers. They weigh from 9-14 pounds. They are the best for large lawns since they do not have cords like electric trimmers. They can handle all types of landscape trimming, including thick brush or weeds better than electric edgers. Some disadvantages of gas trimmers are that they are noisy and cause air pollution. Ear protection, such as headphones, should be used when operating a gas trimmer. They also require the most maintenance, including emptying out and cleaning the gas tank each year. You can purchase a good quality gas trimmer for about $200.

There are two types of gas trimmers:

2 Cycle Gas Trimmers - They require that you mix the oil and gas before you start.

4 Cycle Gas Trimmers - These are the best trimmers. They are the easiest to use and the most durable and long-lasting. Trimmers that exceed EPA emission standards are the most eco-friendly as they emit the least amount of harmful pollutants into the air. 

Electric-Corded 

Electric-corded trimmers are a good choice if you can reach any corner of your yard within 100' - 150' of an electrical outlet. Many homeowners feel that electric-corded trimmers are inconvenient as they dislike dragging the cord from the trimmer around the yard.

On average, electric-corded trimmers weigh about 5 pounds. They cost less than gas trimmers, but are not as powerful. They are often preferred over gas powered trimmers as hey do not require maintenance. 

Cordless

Cordless trimmers are the least powerful type of trimmer. They are powered by a battery that lasts about 20 minutes. A cordless trimmer is a great option for those with a small area to trim. Black and Decker manufactures some of the best small, cordless trimmers.

Compare hundreds of gasoline and cordless lawn care tools at www.mowers-mowers.com

 

 

         

]]> Trimming and edging your grass helps keep it healthy and gives your lawn a well manicured look. If you keep up with good lawn maintenance, your grass will grow to become healthier and stronger each year.  

Trimming and edging is one of the most important parts of lawn maintenance. It helps reduce weeds and maintains the shape and structure of your lawn. Trimming and edging requires time and patience and could take a few hours for large landscapes. You don’t need to trim and edge your lawn each time you mow it. Edging around curbs and sidewalks can be done just a few times a year. However, you should trim about every 3-4 mows around hard to mow areas, such as around a swing set, mailbox or flowerbed.  

When you use the right type of equipment, trimming is a simple task. Small areas of grass can be trimmed with manual shears. If your lawn has more than a 1/4 acre of grass, you should use a larger trimming tool.  

The Three Types of Trimmers: Gas, Electric-Corded and Cordless 

Gasoline 

Gas trimmers are considered the most efficient and powerful trimmers. They weigh from 9-14 pounds. They are the best for large lawns since they do not have cords like electric trimmers. They can handle all types of landscape trimming, including thick brush or weeds better than electric edgers. Some disadvantages of gas trimmers are that they are noisy and cause air pollution. Ear protection, such as headphones, should be used when operating a gas trimmer. They also require the most maintenance, including emptying out and cleaning the gas tank each year. You can purchase a good quality gas trimmer for about $200.

There are two types of gas trimmers:

2 Cycle Gas Trimmers - They require that you mix the oil and gas before you start.

4 Cycle Gas Trimmers - These are the best trimmers. They are the easiest to use and the most durable and long-lasting. Trimmers that exceed EPA emission standards are the most eco-friendly as they emit the least amount of harmful pollutants into the air. 

Electric-Corded 

Electric-corded trimmers are a good choice if you can reach any corner of your yard within 100' - 150' of an electrical outlet. Many homeowners feel that electric-corded trimmers are inconvenient as they dislike dragging the cord from the trimmer around the yard.

On average, electric-corded trimmers weigh about 5 pounds. They cost less than gas trimmers, but are not as powerful. They are often preferred over gas powered trimmers as hey do not require maintenance. 

Cordless

Cordless trimmers are the least powerful type of trimmer. They are powered by a battery that lasts about 20 minutes. A cordless trimmer is a great option for those with a small area to trim. Black and Decker manufactures some of the best small, cordless trimmers.

Compare hundreds of gasoline and cordless lawn care tools at www.mowers-mowers.com

 

 

         

]]> <![CDATA[Benefits of Electric Mowers ]]> http://www.greengardentools.com/news/33/Benefits-of-Electric-Mowers-.html Sun, 27 Mar 2011 11:48:14 +0000 http://www.greengardentools.com/news/33/Benefits-of-Electric-Mowers-.html One of the reasons why many people for what they regulate, is that they did not know there are those far better than could have. The same goes for the mower you have at home. Back pain, stress, and most are just irritated some signs that you are using an old lawn mower. The next thing you know, nobody in your family would be to mow the lawn anymore. So you have to believe that cutting is not hard to do, and you may end up in no time.

With the rising price of oil is not necessary to use the border-old gasoline mower engine, but if you have a lawnmower that uses electric wires limit the area is able to cover the concerns mower, do not worry anymore. 

Apart from the fact that you can easily do without too much effort to maneuver, this is a cordless phone that is removed and is based on a battery andthe limitation that only certain areas of mowing the lawn, until the cable allows. Not very useful, right? But this picture, you have a mower that works extremely quiet, so that residents no longer have that look angry. Just as car enthusiasts love quiet operation and adjust the engine as a landscape painter, a hobby or just have to, to love an electric mower that works ideally be.  

If you're tired of how well your old lawnmowerleads (as) would begin to take forever, you can always replace it with a new one. If you expect nothing but the best of a replacement, make sure to prepare the money, because everyone knows that the quality is not without costs. A good lawn mower is about the performance and longevity. Acquisitions that have these two is always a good investment.  

Even the best electric mowers do not give you justice, money, if not properly stored or used. Ensure thatThe storage area of everything that your investment would be ruined in a free moment. Avoid using the mower when the grass is wet because the leaves would be easy to do, and the grass is to create a wet mess.  

With this type of mower you're close to hitting the jackpot – just think the less time it will take to complete the process and the money you spend less in future, because it is no longer under appeals to operate on gasoline for the mower. UnlikePetrol lawn mowers, electric album and do not smoke, and start with a single key. The electric mower eliminates found the oscillating motion in gas lawnmower. With their small size, the higher cutting speed, efficiency and significantly lower weight, you are definitely on the power again.

Compare hundreds of the latest mowers at www.mowers-mowers.com

 

]]> One of the reasons why many people for what they regulate, is that they did not know there are those far better than could have. The same goes for the mower you have at home. Back pain, stress, and most are just irritated some signs that you are using an old lawn mower. The next thing you know, nobody in your family would be to mow the lawn anymore. So you have to believe that cutting is not hard to do, and you may end up in no time.

With the rising price of oil is not necessary to use the border-old gasoline mower engine, but if you have a lawnmower that uses electric wires limit the area is able to cover the concerns mower, do not worry anymore. 

Apart from the fact that you can easily do without too much effort to maneuver, this is a cordless phone that is removed and is based on a battery andthe limitation that only certain areas of mowing the lawn, until the cable allows. Not very useful, right? But this picture, you have a mower that works extremely quiet, so that residents no longer have that look angry. Just as car enthusiasts love quiet operation and adjust the engine as a landscape painter, a hobby or just have to, to love an electric mower that works ideally be.  

If you're tired of how well your old lawnmowerleads (as) would begin to take forever, you can always replace it with a new one. If you expect nothing but the best of a replacement, make sure to prepare the money, because everyone knows that the quality is not without costs. A good lawn mower is about the performance and longevity. Acquisitions that have these two is always a good investment.  

Even the best electric mowers do not give you justice, money, if not properly stored or used. Ensure thatThe storage area of everything that your investment would be ruined in a free moment. Avoid using the mower when the grass is wet because the leaves would be easy to do, and the grass is to create a wet mess.  

With this type of mower you're close to hitting the jackpot – just think the less time it will take to complete the process and the money you spend less in future, because it is no longer under appeals to operate on gasoline for the mower. UnlikePetrol lawn mowers, electric album and do not smoke, and start with a single key. The electric mower eliminates found the oscillating motion in gas lawnmower. With their small size, the higher cutting speed, efficiency and significantly lower weight, you are definitely on the power again.

Compare hundreds of the latest mowers at www.mowers-mowers.com

 

]]> <![CDATA[Choosing the Rigth Lawnmower: Push, Eas, Electric Lawnmower Choices]]> http://www.greengardentools.com/news/32/Choosing-the-Rigth-Lawnmower%3A-Push%2C-Eas%2C-Electric-Lawnmower-Choices.html Sun, 27 Mar 2011 11:44:50 +0000 http://www.greengardentools.com/news/32/Choosing-the-Rigth-Lawnmower%3A-Push%2C-Eas%2C-Electric-Lawnmower-Choices.html Lawnmowers today are stylish as well as functional. How do you choose the right lawnmower? When it comes time to choose, consider the size and condition of your lawn in addition to your budget. Consider also who will be using the lawnmower. Models range from lightweight with few moving parts to heavy and motorized. Be sure you understand how to operate the lawnmower and can operate it before purchasing. Costs quoted here are general averages. Prices tend to vary according to retailer and area. 

Manual-reel Lawnmowers. Suitable for: flat, small lawns, one-quarter of an acre or less.  

Quiet, less costly than other models and non-polluting. They're simple machines. The act of pushing the lawnmower spins curved blades, cutting the grass. While these lawnmowers don't cost much to purchase or operate, they aren't good for cutting grass that is more than one and a half inches tall. Reel lawnmowers are not good for edging and tend to be narrow, meaning you'll have to make more trips around the lawn to cut all the grass. Occasional blade sharpening and blade adjustment are necessary. Reel lawnmowers will cut as long as you have the time and energy to push them. There's no stopping to fill the gas tank. They store easily and do not take up much space.  

Cost: From $100 to around $500.  

Push Style Electric Lawnmowers. Suitable for: flat, small lawns, one-quarter of an acre or less.  

Rotating, motorized blades are powered by a electric motor. Available in cordless and corded styles. Like reel lawnmowers, they produce no exhaust and don't require much maintenance other than occasional sharpening. Optional accessories include rear or side grass-catchers. Some electric lawnmowers have mulching capabilities. These lawnmowers lack the power of gasoline driven lawnmowers and therefore do not always cut tall or thick grass well. The cutting swath, or path, of electric lawnmowers tends to be narrow, 18 - 19 inches.  

Corded electric lawnmowers require close proximity to an electrical outlet and paying close attention so you do not accidentally run over the power cord with the lawnmower. Cordless electric lawnmowers are often heavy. Their batteries must be recharged regularly, often after mowing no more than one-quarter to one-third of an acre.

Cost:  Cordless, $500 and up. Corded, $175 and up.

Gasoline-powered Push Style Lawnmowers. Suitable for: lawns larger than a half-acre.

Available in push or self-propelled models. Gas models require regular maintenance and some are noisy enough that hearing protection is suggested when using them. Powerful engines and wider cutting paths allow you to cut more grass in less time. These lawnmowers will run as long as there's gas in the tank and you have the energy to operate them. Consider where you'll store the lawnmower when it's not in use.

Gas lawnmowers are available featuring different discharge modes. Some catch clippings in a catcher, some spew them out from the side of the cutter, and some mulch, cutting everything up into small enough pieces to leave on the lawn.

Push lawnmowers are suitable for flat lawns or for edging and trimming where larger riding lawnmowers can't go. Self-propelled lawnmowers are suitable for large lawns, including those that aren't flat. Before operating a self-propelled lawnmower, make sure the operator can control the lawnmower. Some self-propelled lawnmowers are quite powerful.

Cost: Push lawnmower, $200 and up. Self-propelled lawnmower, $400 an up.

Gasoline-powered Riding Lawnmowers

Suitable for large lawns. Riding lawnmowers require regular maintenance. They also require some driving skill. Those with physical or health problems that leave them unable to operate riding lawnmowers should not use them. When looking at riding lawnmowers, be sure to try them for size. Take a seat on the mower. Can you reach all the necessary controls? Can you operate the clutch? Move the various levers?

How do you plan to use the mower? Do you plan to catch clippings or mulch? Consider the size of the lawnmower itself. Is it too large to maneuver around your landscaping? If you do a lot of landscaping, consider purchasing the optional towing cart. 

Lawnmowers are available in many styles and sizes. From small get-the-job-done models to large zero-turn wide deck models, there's something for every lawn owner. Don't forget to consider where you'll store the mower. Riding mowers range in size from small to quite large. Storage options include covering the mower with a ready-made tarp style cover or parking the mower in an enclosed area. Optional attachments: grass catcher, towing cart, seed spreader, snow blade, and more. 

Cost: $1500 and up. 

Lawnmowers today are stylish as well as functional. From environmental friendly manual reel lawnmowers to large lawnmowers with a host of available attachments, there's a mower for every lawn and budget. When shopping for a lawnmower, take your time. Consider the size and layout of your lawn and the physical condition of the mower operator before producing cash or a credit card. Be sure to follow safety precautions when operating your new mower.

]]> Lawnmowers today are stylish as well as functional. How do you choose the right lawnmower? When it comes time to choose, consider the size and condition of your lawn in addition to your budget. Consider also who will be using the lawnmower. Models range from lightweight with few moving parts to heavy and motorized. Be sure you understand how to operate the lawnmower and can operate it before purchasing. Costs quoted here are general averages. Prices tend to vary according to retailer and area. 

Manual-reel Lawnmowers. Suitable for: flat, small lawns, one-quarter of an acre or less.  

Quiet, less costly than other models and non-polluting. They're simple machines. The act of pushing the lawnmower spins curved blades, cutting the grass. While these lawnmowers don't cost much to purchase or operate, they aren't good for cutting grass that is more than one and a half inches tall. Reel lawnmowers are not good for edging and tend to be narrow, meaning you'll have to make more trips around the lawn to cut all the grass. Occasional blade sharpening and blade adjustment are necessary. Reel lawnmowers will cut as long as you have the time and energy to push them. There's no stopping to fill the gas tank. They store easily and do not take up much space.  

Cost: From $100 to around $500.  

Push Style Electric Lawnmowers. Suitable for: flat, small lawns, one-quarter of an acre or less.  

Rotating, motorized blades are powered by a electric motor. Available in cordless and corded styles. Like reel lawnmowers, they produce no exhaust and don't require much maintenance other than occasional sharpening. Optional accessories include rear or side grass-catchers. Some electric lawnmowers have mulching capabilities. These lawnmowers lack the power of gasoline driven lawnmowers and therefore do not always cut tall or thick grass well. The cutting swath, or path, of electric lawnmowers tends to be narrow, 18 - 19 inches.  

Corded electric lawnmowers require close proximity to an electrical outlet and paying close attention so you do not accidentally run over the power cord with the lawnmower. Cordless electric lawnmowers are often heavy. Their batteries must be recharged regularly, often after mowing no more than one-quarter to one-third of an acre.

Cost:  Cordless, $500 and up. Corded, $175 and up.

Gasoline-powered Push Style Lawnmowers. Suitable for: lawns larger than a half-acre.

Available in push or self-propelled models. Gas models require regular maintenance and some are noisy enough that hearing protection is suggested when using them. Powerful engines and wider cutting paths allow you to cut more grass in less time. These lawnmowers will run as long as there's gas in the tank and you have the energy to operate them. Consider where you'll store the lawnmower when it's not in use.

Gas lawnmowers are available featuring different discharge modes. Some catch clippings in a catcher, some spew them out from the side of the cutter, and some mulch, cutting everything up into small enough pieces to leave on the lawn.

Push lawnmowers are suitable for flat lawns or for edging and trimming where larger riding lawnmowers can't go. Self-propelled lawnmowers are suitable for large lawns, including those that aren't flat. Before operating a self-propelled lawnmower, make sure the operator can control the lawnmower. Some self-propelled lawnmowers are quite powerful.

Cost: Push lawnmower, $200 and up. Self-propelled lawnmower, $400 an up.

Gasoline-powered Riding Lawnmowers

Suitable for large lawns. Riding lawnmowers require regular maintenance. They also require some driving skill. Those with physical or health problems that leave them unable to operate riding lawnmowers should not use them. When looking at riding lawnmowers, be sure to try them for size. Take a seat on the mower. Can you reach all the necessary controls? Can you operate the clutch? Move the various levers?

How do you plan to use the mower? Do you plan to catch clippings or mulch? Consider the size of the lawnmower itself. Is it too large to maneuver around your landscaping? If you do a lot of landscaping, consider purchasing the optional towing cart. 

Lawnmowers are available in many styles and sizes. From small get-the-job-done models to large zero-turn wide deck models, there's something for every lawn owner. Don't forget to consider where you'll store the mower. Riding mowers range in size from small to quite large. Storage options include covering the mower with a ready-made tarp style cover or parking the mower in an enclosed area. Optional attachments: grass catcher, towing cart, seed spreader, snow blade, and more. 

Cost: $1500 and up. 

Lawnmowers today are stylish as well as functional. From environmental friendly manual reel lawnmowers to large lawnmowers with a host of available attachments, there's a mower for every lawn and budget. When shopping for a lawnmower, take your time. Consider the size and layout of your lawn and the physical condition of the mower operator before producing cash or a credit card. Be sure to follow safety precautions when operating your new mower.

]]>