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What types of walk-behind mowers are there?
There are four basic choices: push reel, electric, cordless, and gas. All have strengths and weaknesses.
What do all the power measurements mean?
All that matters to you is whether the lawn mowers blade will spin fast enough to cut your grass. Unfortunately, mowers are rated in far more technical terms.
For gas mowers, there are three power measurements you may see:
There also are two types of engines: two-stroke (also referred to as two-cycle) and four-stroke (or four-cycle). Conventional wisdom is that two-stroke engines offer more power but also more pollution.
For electric and cordless mowers, power often is measured in volts, amps, or watts. To satisfy your inner techie, heres how to calculate the horsepower: 27. Multiply the volts by the amps to get the wattage.
28. Divide the wattage by 746 to get the horsepower.
More horsepower doesnt always mean more cutting power. Thats why, starting in 2007, most lawnmower manufacturers began rating walk-behind lawn mowers in torque power or ccs--not horsepower. If torque isnt available for a gas mower, higher cc figures usually mean higher torque (and more fuel used per stroke, incidentally).
However, you dont want to buy a mower based on the power measurement alone. Make sure it has the features, warranty, and quality of reviews youre seeking.
What features should I look for?
What servicing and maintenance is necessary?
Always buy a mower that comes with a manufacturers warranty and follow the manufacturers routine maintenance instructions for
While Amazon.com does not accept returns on gas-powered mowers, the manufacturers Website or product manual will list the nearest service center.
What does CARB-compliant mean?
CARB is an acronym for California Air Resource Board, whose stringent air-quality standards have been adopted by many states. If your state requires compliance for gas mowers, confirm that your model is CARB-certified before you buy. While CARB-compliant mowers run cleaner than noncompliant models, they still emit pollutants. If you want to go green, an electric or push reel mower is the way to go.
If you have large trees in your yard, you may want to consider the effects of the fallen leaves or twigs-this mower will not handle them as a power mower does. A small twig can stop it in its tracks...
There are several ways in which this item compares very favorably with a power mower. For instance, the maintenance is much less demanding-no tune-ups, refueling, oil changes, or fouled spark plugs, etc. Also it is considerably lighter and smaller than most gasoline mowers, and therefore much more easily stored. The operation is not silent, but is certainly much quieter than a gasoline engine. I find it easier to persuade myself to get out and mow-it seems less of a chore. And while the environmental consequences may be marginal, I'm sure there are those that find satisfaction in the fact that they may be making a difference in that arena, no matter how small...
The cost is not outrageous, but I might expect to pay a little less for what I got. The construction is sturdy enough, and the assembly was not much trouble (although my mower contained a defective part, I contacted the manufacturer and they shipped a replacement part very quickly). The grip on the handle does not take prolonged stress well, but otherwise I have had no problems.
Ultimately, I am satisfied with the mower. It does a pretty good job for what I need, but I can certainly see how its limitations might make it the wrong choice for some. Weigh the pros and cons carefully...
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