Lawn mowers: buying guide

Features to consider

Ignition system
A major consideration when buying a mower is how easy it is to start. Electric mowers are relatively hassle free - a simple switch - however petrol mowers have a variety of mechanisms with different claims to ease of use.

The most common and traditional type is a ripcord which pulls the motor into life. This can be back-breakingly frustrating on some models, however moving the cord up the handlebar can be even more awkward.

Always test the ignition yourself before you buy to make sure you’ll have no problems starting the motor yourself.

Blades
Look for blades made from a strong material such as hardened steel. They will cut cleaner and last longer. Also, look for a mower with a four-blade system, to ensure it can cut through thicker grass.

The width of the cutting area is important. A good petrol mower will be able to cut right to the edge of the unit, but electric mowers generally have a smaller ‘cutting deck’ – the circle within which the blades spin. This means it takes longer to mow the lawn, and there’s more twisting and turning involved.

Catcher
A catcher is often not standard equipment on a mower, but if you want to avoid having to rake up the grass, you’ll want one. Look for one with properly located handles that make it easy to detach, hoist up, and empty into a bin.

Mulcher
Some mowers are able to process cut grass into a mulch that is then spread over your lawn. This is a great option that lets you nourish your grass while you mow it.

Cutting height
The more height settings, the more freedom you’ll have to work with rough terrain and patchy or regenerating grass. Electric mowers generally have less flexibility and are harder to raise and lower than petrol models. Test out the adjustment for yourself, and see if it’s easy to do before you buy.

Handles
Handles should not be underestimated. Height-adjustable handles allow for better comfort, but at a minimum your handles should be able to fold over for more compact storage. Upswept handles have a curve in them to allow for better ergonomics and easier pushing.

Types of lawn mowers

Lawn mowers can be grouped into categories based on the type of motor.

Petrol – four-stroke
This is the most common new lawn mower you’ll find. Its engine runs on standard unleaded petrol.

Pros

  • No need to make two-stroke mixture, simply use normal petrol
  • Much less pollution than two-stroke engine
  • Wider cutting area than most electric mowers – quicker mowing time

Cons

  • Need to fill and refill petrol can at station and store at home
  • Heavy and unwieldy
  • Noisy
  • Engine’s oil sump needs maintaining
  • Oil sump can be unsuitable for mowing steep terrain, especially on older models

Petrol – two-stroke
This mower has an older style of engine that runs on a fuel-oil mixture.

Pros

  • Simple engine with no oil sump needs less maintenance
  • Can be used on steep slopes

Cons

  • Fuel-oil mixture needs to be made
  • High pollution

Electric – mains-powered
This lawn mower plugs straight into a normal wall socket and trails a cord behind it while you mow.

Pros

  • No need to keep buying and storing petrol
  • Light
  • Less cumbersome than a petrol model
  • More reliable
  • Many mowers have as much power as petrol models
  • Much better for then environment than petrol models

Cons

  • Electric cord can be unsafe – you must install a safety switch
  • Extension cord may be needed to mow whole garden
  • Narrower cutting area than petrol models – longer mowing time
  • Height adjustment may be cumbersome, or have less settings

Electric - battery
This lawn mower has all the advantages of electric power but is charged before use.

Pros

  • Doesn’t have the safety problem of power cords
  • Unrestricted movement

Cons

  • Need to remember to charge before use, anywhere from half to one day.

Electric – hover
This entry-level electric mower creates a cushion as the motor spins, allowing it to over the ground.

Pros

  • Cheap
  • Very light

Cons

  • Ineffective height adjustment
  • Difficult to cut long grass properly

Push mowers
This is lawn mowing the old-fashioned way, with blades attached to wheels cutting the grass as you push the mower over it

Lawn mower maintenance

Most homeowners have a rotary-type lawn mower that requires periodic maintenance to keep it working efficiently and safely. Use the operating and service instruction manual provided with your mower, and consistently perform the suggested maintenance.

Basic engine maintenance is essential. Use the gasoline and oil recommended by the manufacturer. When working on the mower, be sure the blade and all moving parts have stopped. When accessing the underside of the mower for inspection or cleaning, always turn it so that the air-filter side of the mower is up. Otherwise, oil will drain out into the air filter and the engine won't start. Also detach the spark-plug wire so the engine won't start accidentally. Keep spark plugs clean; and have an expert adjust the carburetor. Check air filters regularly, and clean or replace them when dirty.

Be sure to regularly sharpen rotary mower blades, which operate on the principle of a sickle. It's advisable to have an extra blade on hand so a replacement is available when you detect poor cutting. Shredded or brown tips of grass blades is an indication of a dull or damaged mower blade. You can sharpen rotary mower blades with a grinding wheel and file, but be careful not to destroy the balance. To determine which end of the mower blade is out of balance, put a nail in the wall and hang the blade from the hole in the center of the blade. File more off the blade on the heavy end.

Excess vibration is an indication of a damaged blade, mounting, or crankshaft. Frequently tighten the blade and engine mounting bolts, as well as any other nuts, bolts and screws. Check mower wheels, bearings and axles for wear and lubrication. If there are grease fittings, check them every couple of months. Replace loose, wobbly wheels. Be sure to keep the drive mechanism on self-propelled mowers in good working order. Check belts and gears for wear and fit.

After each use, clean the underside of the mower with a strong stream of water. The metal deck can rust out if residue builds up. To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine free of grass, leaves and excessive grease. Check the grass-catcher bag for wear or deterioration, and replace when necessary. At the end of the mowing season, be sure to drain the gas and follow the winterizing instructions in your owner's manual.

To keep your mower in tip-top running condition, have a competent service person thoroughly inspect your mower at least once a year.

Friday, 22 January 2010

How to Start a Push Lawn Mower

Steps

  1. 1
    Make sure you have enough motor oil in your mower. Usually there is a cap on top of the mower body, smaller than the gas cap, that says "oil" or something similar. The cap will probably have an oil gauge attached, so check the oil as you would in a car, that is, judge the level of oil on the gauge against the depth of the reservoir (the length of the gauge).

    Ads by Google

    AutoTrader.com®

    Find Your Car Online Today! View New & Used Local Listings.
    AutoTrader.com

    Rope Tension Gauge

    Elevator Safety. Prevent Sheave and Rope Wear. Save Time and Money!
    drucegrove.com
  2. 2
    Make sure you have enough gasoline. There should be a clearly labeled cap on the gas tank. If you open it, you should be able to look down into the tank and see the approximate level. Add more (preferably using a funnel) if needed.
  3. 3
    Locate the prime button, usually red or black, a squishy button somewhere on the mower's body. Push it between 3 and 4 times in order to force the gasoline into the lines.
  4. 4
    You may need to pull and hold a starting lever (a safety feature), or the lawnmower will not start no matter what you do.
  5. 5
    Brace your arm holding the starting lever, and pull upward on the pull cord, which you should find on top of the mower body. You may have to do this several times before the motor starts up.
  6. 6
    If you are still unable to get your mower started, try the lawnmower inspection and troubleshooting steps at How to Repair a Lawnmower.
Posted by ases id at 17:02

0 comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)