Non-Gas Lawn Mowers

[eyeguy13]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(JackDodge @ May 8 2006, 08:24 PM) [snapback]251860[/snapback]</div>

See how we Americans are? Never even think about going back to the manual reel mower, just figuring out how we can switch to a different kind of nonhuman power. By the way, that catalytic converter thing probably wouldn't be much use because they'd give the mower manufacturers 20 years to phase them in and we'd have every mower still polluting by then. They'd exempt professional lawn care companies so every doofus out there who didn't want one of the new ones declaring himself a professional. By the time all is said and done, there'd be like 10 people out there with the ones with catalytic converters on them.
[/b]

Then Toyota will come out with a 'Hybrid' lawn mower with a MFD on it and a smart key start system that will put the American lawn mower companies to shame. There will be reports of Toyota trying to lease the technology to Briggs and Stratton but B&S decided to skip on the technology because they were making more money off their 5.5 hp gas powered hogs. This will of course lead to massive layoffs at Briggs and Stratton with stocks pummelting. There will be Federal Tax Credits for Hybrid lawn mowers and a long waiting list to get one at Lowes and Home Depot. Before you know it, CNN and the other mainstream media will have reports of 'Hybrid Lawn Mower Haters' in our suburban enclaves.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(darelldd @ May 8 2006, 10:26 AM) [snapback]251450[/snapback]</div>

[/b]

Thanks darelldd and all of the other forum members for your input!!!! I think I will go with the B&D cordless electric mower. I don't have a big yard, but it is on a slope with some drainage ditches so even though a reel mower is what I wanted at first, I think electric is the way to go. Once you start on this green path, there is no going back (I actually have been on this green quest my whole life)...this weekend we changed out all our lightbulbs for CFL's and bought cloth shopping bags a few months ago. I hope we all can make a difference. Earth Rules!

Thanks!

[MtnTraveler]

My reel push mower does leave clippings. It's best to mow a bit more often if that bothers you. I don't let it bother me. If you let it get too tall, the clippings are longer. Definitely a mulching mower works better if that is a major factor. I never pick up the clippings. However, I do use a broom to tidy up the sidewalk.

I often get comments "that looks like a lot of work", etc. But I can't see driving my car to the gym, taking the elevator up, and running on a treadmill when I can just mow my lawn. Also I can mow a lot faster with a push mower. By the time my neighbor has gas poured in his, I'm halfway through the lawn. No maintenance except an occasional adjustment of blade distance. Brill recommends you do not sharpen. Hmmm. That always seemed strange. The Brill is only 20 lbs. That's sweet. I broke a wheel, called them and they sent a new wheel. Never had any other problems. It's very quiet too. Nothing like the drooooooone of power mowers (yuck!).

[tripp]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(eyeguy13 @ May 8 2006, 11:02 PM) [snapback]251987[/snapback]</div>

Then Toyota will come out with a 'Hybrid' lawn mower with a MFD on it and a smart key start system that will put the American lawn mower companies to shame. There will be reports of Toyota trying to lease the technology to Briggs and Stratton but B&S decided to skip on the technology because they were making more money off their 5.5 hp gas powered hogs. This will of course lead to massive layoffs at Briggs and Stratton with stocks pummelting. There will be Federal Tax Credits for Hybrid lawn mowers and a long waiting list to get one at Lowes and Home Depot. Before you know it, CNN and the other mainstream media will have reports of 'Hybrid Lawn Mower Haters' in our suburban enclaves.
Thanks darelldd and all of the other forum members for your input!!!! I think I will go with the B&D cordless electric mower. I don't have a big yard, but it is on a slope with some drainage ditches so even though a reel mower is what I wanted at first, I think electric is the way to go. Once you start on this green path, there is no going back (I actually have been on this green quest my whole life)...this weekend we changed out all our lightbulbs for CFL's and bought cloth shopping bags a few months ago. I hope we all can make a difference. Earth Rules!

Thanks!
[/b]

Hah, Honda's beaten Toyo to the punch on this one...

http://www.greencarcongress.com/2005..._new_hybr.html

eyeguy, did you mention that you were military? Is so, do you share your green thoughts with the folks that you work with? I was Army for 7 years and found most folks in my units (actually, they were all dudes) paid little attention (at best) to these sorts of issues. Getting people to recycle was a serious bitch, and of course, the vast majority of new vehicle purchases were large trucks and SUVs. My fellow NCOs were the most on that count. It was like an arms race with each E7 out doing the last. All I could do was shake my head.

[eyeguy13]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(tripp @ May 9 2006, 12:42 AM) [snapback]252011[/snapback]</div>

eyeguy, did you mention that you were military? Is so, do you share your green thoughts with the folks that you work with? I was Army for 7 years and found most folks in my units (actually, they were all dudes) paid little attention (at best) to these sorts of issues. Getting people to recycle was a serious bitch, and of course, the vast majority of new vehicle purchases were large trucks and SUVs. My fellow NCOs were the most on that count. It was like an arms race with each E7 out doing the last. All I could do was shake my head.
[/b]

Thanks...I'll look at the URL you sent right after this....

Yes, I am in the military-Air Force-and yes, it's not easy being green. What you said above is exactly how it it. No different. I shake my head on a daily basis. Active duty military like me are the minority. At my current base, and in my current unit, out of 200 people, there may be 5-10 people like us. Really sad. Most people at this base want to blow up the world, mock me (all in jest, but I know there is truth behind it) for being an environmentalist, and scoff at my political and religious views. It's tough but I hold my ground. My NCOIC was constantly ragging on me for recycling but then she read how the Air Force has a recycling policy and she fell in line reluctantly. She doesn't recycle at home and barely does it in the office. But.....after I got my Prius last week, she and others in my unit are really impressed with the gas mileage and the high tech gizmo's on it. I told them how it has a high EPA rating for low greenhouse gas emissions but they really don't care about that. What got them was the gas mileage and the smart key, etc... Oh well, I only have 2.5 years until retirement and I can get out of this insanity-the US military. It seemed like a good idea 17 years ago.......but things were different back then.

(I started in the Army but after three years, switched into the Air Force)

[tripp]

Yeah, it's really too bad. The Air Farce should be commended for being the country's largest buyer of green energy. You guys are doing a lot, whether joe snuffy (do they use that term in the USAF?) knows it or not. So, there is hope.

[Ed Vatza]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(eyeguy13 @ May 8 2006, 12:09 AM) [snapback]251301[/snapback]</div>

Anybody use a push reel mower or electric lawn mower. I just can't stand using my gas mower anymore knowing how much crap I'm putting into the air. I need an alternative. Since cattle won't fit on my 1/4 acre surburban oasis, I'm thinking push reel mower first, then electric.

Any thoughts????
[/b]

Well this topic got me to thinking. The net result is that I ordered a Brill Luxus 38 yesterday from peoplepoweredmachines.com. We have a relatively small, flat yard so it should be fairly easy with a push mower. And the Brill sounds superb - just 16 pounds, quiet, etc. The gas mower is going into retirement.

[floydenheimer]

I've been using a Toro Cordless Recycler for about 5+ years. It lasts a reasonable amount of time (I think around 45 mins to an hour) on 1 charge and it's much quieter than a gas mower. Plus, you don't reek from the gasoline after mowing.

Highly recommended!

[livelychick]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(eyeguy13 @ May 8 2006, 12:09 AM) [snapback]251301[/snapback]</div>

Anybody use a push reel mower or electric lawn mower. I just can't stand using my gas mower anymore knowing how much crap I'm putting into the air. I need an alternative. Since cattle won't fit on my 1/4 acre surburban oasis, I'm thinking push reel mower first, then electric.

Any thoughts????
[/b]

I got a little cheapie, American something, for half price on clearance at Lowe's. It works great! The only complaint I have is that it gets caught on small twigs very easily. Otherwise, it works well, and believe it or not, is no more of a workout than a regular push mower (with no self propelling motor).

Totally worth the money. As a bonus, I can listen to my iPod at a decent decibel level while mowing AND I don't have to worry about it waking up my toddler from his nap...

[furkidsnprius]

[attachmentid=3478]<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(eyeguy13 @ May 8 2006, 12:09 AM) [snapback]251301[/snapback]</div>

Anybody use a push reel mower or electric lawn mower. I just can't stand using my gas mower anymore knowing how much crap I'm putting into the air. I need an alternative. Since cattle won't fit on my 1/4 acre surburban oasis, I'm thinking push reel mower first, then electric.

Any thoughts????
[/b]

Have you considered rabbits? Quiet, good little grass trimmers. Require water, some shelter from elements, and protection from free roaming dogs, cats, and other predators. When overpopulation becomes a problem they are pretty nice tasting.... But if you want something that can defend itself quite nicely a goat comes to mind, 1/4 acre is all it would need for food, if it were bred then you could have the added bonus of goat's milk, goat's butter, goat cheese.
Seriously I prefer an electric mower over a hand push mower any day. I don't care for self-propelled gas mowers. I use my lawn mower pictured and a cheap gas mower for the stuff he doesn't get.

[eyeguy13]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Marie @ May 16 2006, 08:11 PM) [snapback]256582[/snapback]</div>

Have you considered rabbits?

[/b]

Rabbits would be cute! Except the one in Monty Python and the Holy Grail. That killer rabbit would be brutal to the neigborhood kids...on the other hand, hmmmmmmm....

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