Tuesday, March 28, 2006

Manual Reel Mowers Recommendation

Manual Reel Mowers
These are the lightest and least expensive. Besides being much lighter and easier to use than the old push mowers, they are the most environmentally friendly. If you have a small lawn, a reel-type push mower might be ideal for you. For more information on push-type reel mowers, check the Reel Mower Recommendation.

Tuesday, March 21, 2006

ConsumerReports.org - Power blowers 9/03: Gas leaf blower, lawn blower, electric leaf blower.

ConsumerReports.org - Power blowers 9/03: Gas leaf blower, lawn blower, electric leaf blower.: "Power blowers: Plug-ins prevail


Gasoline reigns supreme when it comes to mowers and other large yard equipment. But among the handheld blowers most people buy, electrics rule. Besides outperforming the best gas-powered models, electrics cost and weigh less while freeing you from fueling, pull-starting, and periodic tune-ups.
Our 37-model Ratings bear that out. Three handheld electrics--the Toro Super Blower Vac 51591 and Ultra Blower Vac 51598, and the Weed Eater 2595 Barracuda--swept knee-high leaf piles as well as the best gas handheld blowers while beating them at loosening embedded leaf fragments and twigs.
Fast-spinning, sharply angled fan vanes with less wasted space around them help provide that added oomph, according to the manufacturers. Electric blowers also tend to do well overall at vacuuming debris into a bag, a task only some handheld gas blowers and no backpack or wheeled models can handle.
Gasoline-powered blowers remain your only choice for large cleanup jobs far from a power outlet, however. What�s more, even the best of the electrics we tested are still relatively noisy. Here�s how some of the latest models have improved, along with some areas where there�s room for improvement:
Less pollution. All of the gas-powered blowers we tested now meet the stricter federal exhaust emission standards that began phasing in last year. Some meet even tougher California standards, as noted in the Ratings.
Just as much noise. The latest blowers are no quieter overall than those we tested two years ago, despite dozens of blower-noise ordinances in and around Los Angeles, New York, and other cities nationwide. While many of those rules apply only to gas-powered"

Monday, March 13, 2006

Lawn Mower Expert - Reel Mowers

Lawn Mower Expert - Reel Mowers: "Reel Mowers

The benefits of using a Reel Mower:

You never have to struggle with a noisy engine that won't start
You enjoy cleaner air while mowing
You don't have to sharpen the blades for years
You never have to change engine oil
You don't have to spend money on gas or spark plugs
You will get a better looking lawn as the mower cut the grass better
The mower is environmental friendly
The mower is much easier to push than a motorized one

Reel mowers have made a comeback because they are perfect for today's landscape. It's not your grandfather's 50 lbs lawn mower. The reel mowers today still have quality steel blades but the wheels and frame is aluminium
Reel lawnmowers are environmental friendly, not contributing to pollution and are easy to use.
I have been reading reviews and searching the web and I am happy to tell you about my #1 Recommendation:
The Brill Luxus 38 Reel Mower
This is an example of what consumers say about this model:
Consumers testimonuals:

'I bought my Brill at the beginning of the 2003 mowing season, and after one use I parked my power mower permanently. Whereas using the power mower was always a punishing assault on the senses, the Brill is a quiet walk in nature.'
Michael Edelman
'After a careful research, I purchased the Brill reel mower. It took me about 5 min. to set it up. The only thing you have to assemble is the handle.
The cutting mechanism is quite unique. Rather than relying on a fast spinning blade, the reels cut the grass like paper cutters with multiple blades, therefore much more effective and power efficient. It does not need a heavy body to do the job. The machine is well made and very easy to handle.'
Barry Zhang"

Tuesday, March 07, 2006

Mower Maintenance for a Perfect Lawn

Mower Maintenance for a Perfect Lawn: "Growing and maintaining a lush green lawn takes care and the right equipment. The right lawn mover for your landscape and proper maintenance of your equipment will ensure a nice even lawn. A good lawn mower should cut the grass and not tear or rip it out.
The first thing to consider when purchasing a lawn mover is your landscape. Is your lawn on a slope or flat ground? What type of mower can get the job done with the least amount of effort? Another factor is how easy the mower is to maintain for peak performance.
If you have to cut grass on a slope, the best type of lawn mower is one with high wheels. This will make it easier to push up a hill, or to move back down the hill with. The second type of lawn mower is a cordless or electric mulching lawn mower. The mulching mower is less messy and mulches your lawn. The third type of lawn mower is a reel lawn mower. Reel lawnmowers are environmental friendly, not contributing to pollution and are easy to use.
After deciding on the type of lawn mower to purchase, review the maintenance schedule. A good maintenance program will allow your mower to last for years to come and give your grass a better cut. Every spring, the different parts of the lawnmower should be cleaned or repaired. Spark plugs should be cleaned or replaced for good firing and nuts and bolts should be checked and tightened where necessary.
The underside decking should be cleaned throughout the season to remove build up of grass and dirt. Cleaning the grass and dirt will also help in preventing the spread of diseases in grass. In order to clean the deck of the lawnmower, you should first empty the gas tank and make sure that the spark plug is not connected. You can then stand the mower up on its side and spray the mower with water. You can then scrub off the rest of the dirt and grass that is stuck on "

Thursday, March 02, 2006

American Water Offers Nine Tips to Protect the Environment and Save Water; Warmer Weather Shouldn't Mean Wasted Water

American Water Offers Nine Tips to Protect the Environment and Save Water; Warmer Weather Shouldn't Mean Wasted Water: "American Water Offers Nine Tips to Protect the Environment and Save Water; Warmer Weather Shouldn't Mean Wasted Water
Earth Day & Environment
VOORHEES, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 2, 2006--From washing the car, watering the lawn or splashing in the pool, American families will use lots of water this summer. In fact, the average American household uses more than 94,000 gallons of fresh water each year, enough to fill two and one half Olympic sized swimming pools! And, every day, the average American uses approximately 168 gallons of water a day -- only a gallon of which is used for drinking and cooking.


Like many natural resources, water supplies are limited. According to American Water, the largest water services provider in North America, there are simple ways to reduce excess water use, lower water bills and protect the environment in the spring and summer months.
'Cutting down on water use doesn't mean cutting down on outdoor activities or neglecting your lawn,' said John Young, American Water's Chief Operating Officer. 'These are simple steps that keep water use low when it matters the most.'
American Water recommends:
-- Water your lawn only when it needs it. An easy way to tell if your lawn needs water is to simply walk across the grass. If you leave footprints, it's time to water. Make the most of your watering by:
-- Watering in the early morning. As much of 30% of water can be lost to evaporation if you water during midday.
-- Planning for a few deep-soaking waterings rather than frequent sprinklings, which can evaporate quickly.
-- Setting your lawn mower one notch higher t"

How to Reduce Pollution Using a Robotic Lawn Mower

How to Reduce Pollution Using a Robotic Lawn Mower: "How to Reduce Pollution Using a Robotic Lawn Mower

February 06, 2006

by Kerry Clabaugh






Even if you are not an environmentalist, the price of gas will definitely make you a conservationist. Gas prices continue to climb. Personally, going to the gas station with my little red gas can is not a trip of leisure, it has always been a chore.
It is common knowledge that gas powered lawn mowers are serious environmental polluters. It is estimated that 1 hour of lawn mower use equals driving an SUV 100 miles. I have read that lawnmowers contribute up to 5% of the nation�s pollution. Even more alarming comparisons and statistics can be found on the internet.
Fertilizers and weed killers are contaminating our rivers and streams. Herbicides that run off yards in Minnesota affect the Mississippi Delta just as much as those used in Arkansas. We worry about terrorists attacking our water supply as we cumulatively lay down the spring and fall weed-and-feed.
Even as more cities are putting on water restrictions, lawn sprinkler companies are hard pressed to keep up with demand. During the driest times one only has to drive a few blocks in the early morning to get a free car wash. Even in a pouring rain sprinklers systems are going full tilt.
So what can we do to keep our yards looking nice without doing harm to the environment? Robotic lawn mowers are one answer.
Robotic lawn mowers can mow on a schedule and return to the charging base by them selves all season long without human intervention. This has two benefits, the most obvious is more time to do other things. The second is the less time people spend doing yard work the less money they are going to spend on their yards. Translation: fewer herbicides and pesticides equals less underground water contaminates.
By allo"