The Benefits of Electric Lawn Mowers
When considering lawn mowers, the prevalent model in most homes these days is the gas driven variety. And this has proven its usefulness through the years, especially with significant lawns. On the other hand, with all the present worries of our modern day society, electric lawn mowers are slowly gaining ground in their bid to take the place of their gas-powered forerunners. And there are good reasons for you to take part in doing so. Here are some of them:
First, electric lawn mowers are easy to work with. Just about all they actually demand is an overnight charging and a quick push of a button. This stands in stark contrast to a gasoline lawn mower, in which a pull cord, and a continuous supply of gasoline is a requirement. A person in addition has to know about carburetors, chokes, engine starters and various other items, particularly when the engine won’t start up, which occurs much more regularly with this type as compared to with the electric version.
Second, electric lawn mowers are neighbor-friendly. That is mainly because they are quiet, plus they emit absolutely no smoke or fumes. This again is in contrast to the deafening roar of the gas model, which can be noticed from many houses away, and awakens the neighbors up from their sleep. The gas-driven versions in addition emit foul-smelling fumes, which often can travel for several yards along a home or two, and even further spoil the neighborhood atmosphere.
Thirdly, there’s of course the environmental consequence. We all know about global warming, and how fossil fuels give rise to it from the engine’s carbon-containing emissions. By utilizing the identical technology on our yard, we are only adding to the damage. True, the batteries of electric versions will also be causing some environmental harm, but at this point it is far less than what non-renewable fuels have already done.
Then there’s the maintenance. With a gasoline engine, you need to commit quite a bit more money to keep it working. There’s the gas itself, the oil, the tune ups, and also the blade sharpening, all of which might total about $700 a year. In contrast, an electric engine will need electricity (which is at present cheaper than gas), some blade sharpening, and little else. Apart from saving yourself some effort, you could in addition save plenty of cash with this engine type.
Finally, there’s the effectiveness. Some individuals do not want to go electric because the engines aren’t as powerful, but exactly how large is the average lawn anyway? If you will have the self-discipline to mow whenever the grass is dry, and well before the grass gets too high, then the effectiveness is practically the same for the average sized lawn. Unless of course, you have a mansion, which may be the only instance where the gasoline-powered machines are going to be superior.
Are you looking at electric mulching lawn mowers and considering a Black and Decker lawn mower? Be sure to visit my site for a review of the Black Decker cmm1200.
The Zero Turn Lawn Mowers Are Growing In Popularity
Zero turn lawn mowers are the popular choice for people for residential or commercial lawn cutting. You will need to find the model with a ride smooth enough and comfortable enough for your particular job.
If you are going to be on it for an extended period of time you want to make sure you do not grow tired from sitting on it. Some models have a hydraulic system with a versatile cutting deck that will provide a smoother cut and handle well at the same time.
The better the suspension the more comfortable your ride will be. So make sure to ask about the suspension features on any model you are looking to purchase. The size of the engine depends on the job you are looking at doing. Some find that the 24 hp engine is adequate for their work.
You want as few jerks or pulls as possible when you are cutting lawns so pick one with a transmission that smoothly engages. This is crucial when you speed up or slow down in making a sharp turn angle.
Make sure to buy a model with anti scalp wheels. This is to prevent the divots in case you turn awkwardly which is easy to do on a low angle hill. If you want to collect your cut grass, some like to sell it for mulch, you will want to invest in a triple bag grass collector. You can also buy a mulching attachment for that matter.
If you are buying a mower for residential cutting then you can get away with a 6.5 gallon gasoline tank. This will be adequate for most jobs. If you have never used a lawn mower like this before you will be able to find training. This is important because this is still a cutting machine and you have to make sure you know how to operate the machine safely.
If you’re shopping to buy a used or new mower then head on over to the used lawn mower site. They offer some great deals and you can pick from a massive selection of stock at very cut-throat prices. If you have a larger yard, be sure to take a look at our zero turn mowers
Warm Season Grass: What’s New?
As you probably know there’s not a lot to growing grass. Or so it would seem. But that’s not so say it’s super simple either. Or that you justy need to pick up a bag of grass seed, scatter it about and then sit back as a well manicured lawn sprouts up.
No, if you want a lawn that matches the time and level of commitment you can devote to maintaining it, you’ll have to do a bit of research. To learn which strains thrive under the regional conditions you face. And any more that means thriving with few water demands during periods when little rain is expected to fall.
To help with that here’s a brief rundown on the five warm season grasses felt to be worthy of consideration. That list would include Zoysia, St. Augustine, Bahia, Centipede, and Bermuda – in no particular order. Each has it’s own pluses and minuses.
One fast growing variety that grows thick enough to ward off weeds is St Augustine. But the list of drawbacks with this one is rather lengthy. Not good for high traffic. Not all that drought resistant. Doesn’t like being cold. Can only be started from plugs or sod. Requires lots of water to maintain it’s good looks. All of which would make it rather high maintenance. But a good choice if that’s not a problem.
If you want a medium turf grass which can be easily planted from seed then you can choose Bahia grass. Once established, Bahia will generally need only rainwater to stay green. Plus it can survive almost indefinitely in a dormant state and greens up fast after droughts. This coarse textured grass can grow in variety of soils and due to its extensive root system it is drought tolerant. It is less prone to diseases and insect problems. Drawbacks? This grass requires frequent mowing and some compare mowing it to cutting wire. Plus it doesn’t do well in high shade areas or high pH soils.
Gray-green Centipede grass is a slow growing turf variety that is naturally drought tolerant. Grown best in full sun it has about average tolerance for shade and acidic soil. Centipede can be started from seed or put down as sod. It withstands cold temps and need less mowing than others on the list. A drawback to keep in mind is it doesn’t do well in heavy traffic situations.
Now given its poor tolerance of shade Bermuda grass needs full sun to shine. Still it’s a widely grown warm-season turf-grass. Being an aggressive and invasive by nature you’ll also find common Bermuda can easily take over nearby flower beds. But it is drought and cold tolerant and free of most major disease issues.
One of the most cold hardy in the group is Zoysia. It’s a thick growing strain that makes it hard on weeds. A slow grower compared to Bermuda it’s got average tolerance for shady growing conditions. Typically you establish a Zoysia lawn with sprigs or plugs. If you go that route you’ll need to be patient. The biggest draw back here is the need for frequent mowing. Plus Zoysia should be regularly de-thatched as well.
Growing grass is easy if you pick the right variety for your local climate, know your budget, understand what traits your need, and take your commitment level to maintenance into consideration. These five varieties are the most common ones planted and offer you your best bets when it comes to warm season grasses.
Admitted lawnologist Dewey J Capasso is passionate about yard care. Whether it’s taking care of lawn grubs using biological controls, or explaining the care and feeding of zoysia grass, you’ll find the help you need at MowerMania.com.
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