Lawn Mower Brands and Links

Updated May 2011

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Page: 6 of 7

In this report

Introduction
Self-Propelled Gas Mowers{1 mention}{1 mention}{4 mentions}{1 mention}{1 mention}{1 mention}
Gas Push Mowers{2 mentions}{1 mention}{2 mentions}{1 mention}
Electric Lawn Mowers{1 mention}{1 mention}{3 mentions}{1 mention}
Reel Lawn Mowers{1 mention}{1 mention}{1 mention}{1 mention}{1 mention}
Useful Links
Our Sources

Start with the lawn

Experts agree on the importance of choosing a mower and cutting height that's right for your specific lawn. It's also crucial, of course, to choose grass that does well in your climate and soil. "Lawn Care by Region" provides a detailed guide to lawn selection and maintenance for each state, which will help you choose a mower with the right cutting height.

Keep in mind that grass isn't the only option for a yard, unless you live in a neighborhood that requires it. Ground covers, paving and natural plantings such as meadows can reduce your mowing task while keeping your views attractive. You can even attract more birds; the Audubon Society publishes an article on this: "Reducing the Lawn -- Meadows and Other Lawn Alternatives."

"Groundcovers for Slopes" provides a list of planting ideas to make mowing safer to avoiding having to mow on too steep a slope.

Alternatives to a big grass lawn can be especially important when water conservation is an issue. Sunset magazine, published in California, discusses "Should You Fake the Lawn?"

Lawn mower alternatives

Riding mowers and garden tractors are more expensive, but they can make mowing much easier. If you have a big yard or physical limitations, a riding mower may be right for you. See our separate report on lawn tractors. Bear in mind that even the best lawn mower leaves some trimming to be done. You'll still need a string trimmer.

Robotic mowers need barely any human intervention once you've gone through a somewhat tedious setup process. They also have an excellent safety record. We cover these automatic mowers in our separate report on robotic lawn mowers.

Solar lawn mowers

There has also been a lot of interest in using solar power for lawn mowers. Neuton is reportedly developing a solar charger for its cordless mowers, but it's also possible to adapt a gas mower to solar. The article "Converting a Gas Lawn Mower to a Solar-Charged Electric Power" gives specific instructions.

It's even easier to convert a cordless electric mower to solar power. The Ann Arbor, Mich., "Mow with Less" program provides directions for converting a 24-volt cordless electric mower to solar power in its "Solar Charged Battery Operated Yard Equipment Manual."

Solar conversion kits are available from SolarConverters.com.

Lawn mower safety and health issues

About.com's landscaping guide provides useful safety tips for walk-behind mowers. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)

It's no surprise that air pollution from gas lawn mowers can contribute to health problems, not only for the user but also for family members. It's not as well known that noise from lawn mowers can cause not only hearing loss but other health problems, too. The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation profiles research by environmental psychologist Arline Bronzaft, who has done studies that show how noise can contribute to a variety of health problems in children.

Safety is paramount in selecting and using a lawn mower. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that in 2007, nearly 210,000 people were treated for lawn-mower-related injuries.

Lawn mower recalls

Both electric and gasoline lawn mowers have been recalled in recent years, though walk-behind mowers have had fewer problems than riding mowers and lawn tractors.

It's important to register your lawn mower purchase with the manufacturer, so you'll be notified promptly of any safety recall. For full information on these and earlier lawn mower recalls, check the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission site.

Lawn mower environmental issues

A brief April 28, 2010 article in USA Today titled "Gas Mowers Don't Cut It" summarizes environmental concerns about gas lawn mowers.

"Cleaner Air: Gas Mower Pollution Facts" goes into more detail about specific pollutants emitted by gas mowers.

Lawn mower maintenance

Experts say keeping a gas lawn mower tuned up can cut emissions by up to 50 percent. Jeff Ball's Yardener website has a good article on lawn mower maintenance.

Popular Mechanics offers "Lawnmower Tuneup 101" on its site.

The article "Getting Started With Sharpening a Reel Mower" is available on the ReelMowers site.