I’ve been without a lawn mower going on two years now and in the land of green grass, that’s proving to be a bit of a challenge. I’ve been borrowing mowers from my neighbors but have decided I just need to get me own. I’m tired of having to work the lawn around other people’s schedules and prefer to be as independent as possible.
I’ve known for a long time that my new mower was not going to be gas powered. I get tired of listening to the almost constant hum of gas powered lawn equipment here in southwestern Indiana. To top that off, the air quality here is already poor since we’re surrounded by several very dirty coal-fired power plants. Just this last week we had two ozone warnings with local officials urging people to avoid fast food drive-thrus and trimming their lawns. The warnings certainly didn’t stop most people around here from doing what they wanted to do and spewing even more pollution into the air.
Originally I thought about just getting a push-reel mower. We have a fairly small front and back yard to begin with so there wouldn’t be a ton of effort required to push-reel mow my grass. Secondly, we live in a small home with a one car garage and don’t really have the room for a big clunky mower to sit around. A push-reel mower could hang up on the wall though and take up no floor space. Then there’s the idea of actually getting some exercise while you’re doing lawn work, something most people seem to try and avoid.
The last couple of weeks though, I changed my mind, thinking I would rather have an electric rechargeable mower. There’s several different versions available right now but T has been questioning just how long the batteries really last and how long it is before they won’t take a charge anymore. The prices aren’t easy on the pocketbook either, ranging from about $250 to $450.
So now I’m back to the beginning again, thinking about getting a push-reel. I’m looking for something that’s going to hold up well over time and has some decent features. The hunt is on! If you have any suggestions or a brand and model you’ve tried out, let me know. I’d like some feedback here!
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At some point, Nate, I believe it’s important to consider all factors and make an intelligent, albeit “ungreen” on the face. The bottom line is the bottom line for the planet and for us. Consider that electrics’ batteries (like the so-called green Hybrids) are for the most part lithium, and devastating when disposed. All your huffing and puffing out there will consume oxygen and add carbon dioxide load for your grass and trees to deal with. If you have a small lawn, and use a newer Honda mower you’ll find the carbon load is totally minimal, the engine is quiet, and you’ll conserve your energy, calorie intake requirements and time which could be better devoted to helping others reduce their footprint. Consider community sharing of a super-efficient mower (can run on high-ethanol, but again, ethanol takes more oil to produce per gallon than gasoline does), or a corded electric. Be aware there again that increased electric demand can bring on higher coal, natural gas or other product consumption to generate the electricity. When wind, solar or other systems are shared by neighbors, they can eliminate this problem as well, making corded electric a good choice. Messing with the cord can increase time to the point that you’re back to square one… buy a high-efficiency Honda powered quite gas mower, keep the (washable foam) air filter clean, the muffler dry and intact, and use a bio mix gasoline. You’ll be doing everyone a favor.
Alternative: Forget grass, and plant a high-oxygen producing carbon dioxide consuming low, dense ground cover that requires no fertilizer, insecticide, weed control, or other attention and take your family on an organic picnic by a creek somewhere.