Lawnmower suggestions needed

Actually, no. Goats will not eat grass, unless they are starving and there is nothing else to eat. They are great for weeds, though - thistles, dandelions, and every ornamental/garden plant you might have.

 

I've not had grass (no need for lawnmower) for 4 years and loving it! My lawn is natural pinestraw landscaped with drought resistant trees/shrubs native to NC. In addition, I have three 50 gal rain barrels for use during extended drought conditions. It takes 1/10 inch of rain off my roof to fill the barrels. Since I live on a golf course, I get my grass fix from that. I just don't have to water, fertilize, cut, rake, etc.

No lawn mower recommendations from me, but when I did use mowers, I used Toro series mulchers. Always mulch, never bag.

 

I don't have any experience with eco lawn mowers because I have 3 acres to cut and have two eco-unfriendly tractors, a gas push-mower and a gas trimmer; however, I do have experience with trying to get teenagers to cut grass. Anticipate that when your sons get to be 16 and get their drivers licenses that you will have a difficult time getting them to cut the grass. Think about it before you buy that reel mower, because it may be YOU pushing it, not your boys, sooner than you think. Enjoy them while they are young. They grow-up fast.

 

IMO...

Assuming you keep the reel blades sharp, reel mowers are the best way to cut grass. The reel makes a clean, sharp, crisp blade cut doing minimal damage to the grass tips. With that said, the draw backs are clippings disposal which is a waste of resource since clippings have some organic value for the lawn, but not as efficient as mulching. The other issue, is grass that is too long. A reel mower is just very difficult to push through long grass, especially if slightly moist.

I think a better approach is a battery operated mulch mower. which puts chopped up clippings back into your lawn to help shelter the grass, retain moisture and restore some nutrients to the lawn. Buy an extra battery if you have a large lawn. I can see the kids running over a corded electric, shorting out the fuse box.

However, if you're not concerned about a deep green, thick, weed free, visually appealing lawn, then none of this matters.

 

Get a honda and set it up for mulching. I got one last year. Starts on first pull everytime

 

My reel mower 'mulches' just fine. That is, it produces a nice fine cuttings that disappear into the grass in no time. 'Clipping disposal' should mean composting, which is no loss of resources, just work. The only time I 'rake grass clippings' is when I am haying or gathering barley.

True that.

If running over a cord shorts out your fuse box, hire an electrician NOW. That is a seriously dangerous condition, and should never happen.

What's a weed? If it is green, its good enough for me.

 

Or when they discover girls, whichever comes first