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March 24, 2005 Time To Fire Up the Mowers!
With signs of spring slowly starting to appear, it is time to think about getting the mower in shape. Speaking of getting in shape: Have you accumulated a little more “winter fat” than you want to carry around this summer? You may want to consider trading in the gas-burning mower for an aerobic workout model, such as a hand-push model. If that is very unappealing, but the old gas-powered mower is less than inspiring, visit local retail outlets that carry a good selection of mowers for you to consider. If your lawn area is 10,000 square feet or less, you may want to give up on your gas-powered mower. Battery-powered mowers are quiet and don’t require an oil change. They are not self-propelled, but they weigh less. It makes the task of pushing the mower through the grass much easier. However, for a high-quality cut, nothing beats a gas-powered model. If your yard is big, with slopes that need mowing and the grass seems to grow quickly, consider purchasing a self-propelled mower. It will burn more gas, but the task of pushing it through thick grass or up and down slopes will not wear you out. When in doubt, opt for a higher horsepower model. It will be a blessing those few times the grass gets too tall between regular mowing. A model with a bagging option is a good idea. When the grass gets too tall, the autumn leaves fall or you want the turf to look particularly clean for a summer outdoor get-together, having the bagging option is handy. Brace yourself for “sticker shock” if it has been 10 or so years since you’ve invested in a mower. The more conveniences and power, the greater the price. Don’t waste money on an electric starter for a walk-behind mower. If you keep your mower tuned, it will start on the first or second pull. For a riding mower, an electric starter is a basic requirement. If you discover a new appreciation for the old mower after shopping and realizing that there are better ways to spend $500 to $700, then be one of the first to get it in for a complete tune-up and blade sharpening. Too often that thought occurs when the grass turns green and the old mower will not start, resulting in a wait of 10 to 14 days or more before you can cut the grass. In a perfect world, that tune-up would have been completed last fall before the first snowfall, but that is contrary to basic human nature! ### Source:
Ron Smith, (701) 231-8161, ronsmith@ndsuext.nodak.edu |
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North Dakota State University |
