Interest in power lawn mowers continues to increase each year. As people take more pride in good lawns, they seek quicker and easier ways of mowing.
To meet this need, manufacturers have perfected power lawn mowers to the point where there is a reliable machine to fit the lawn and pocketbook of most people.
Two Kinds Of Power Lawn Mowers
Power lawn mowers are basically of two kinds:
- Reel type
- Rotary type
Reel Type Lawn Mower
The reel type is the conventional machine, in which a reel of five or more curved blades revolves against a straight-edged bed knife, which governs the height at which the grass is cut. The action of the reel blades against the bed knife is like that of a pair of shears or scissors.
In the rotary type, the blades are similar to those of an electric fan and revolve at high speed parallel to the ground. Their cutting action is like that of a scythe or sickle.
The blades of reel-type mowers should usually be sharpened- by an expert, but the owner can sharpen those of rotary mowers with a file or grindstone.
It is generally agreed that the reel-type mower does a finer, smoother job than the rotary and that for the best lawns, where the finest possible appearance is desired, a high-grade reel-type mower is the first choice.
It’s necessary to mow rather often with these machines because they don’t perform well on long grass. Some of the “bargain” models have only four-bladed reels and do not give such a fine finish to the grass as do the better-grade machines.
Rotary Type Lawn Mower
The rotary-type mower has the advantage of versatility. It can be used on any length of grass and even on coarse weeds.
People with places in the country where the mowing can be done only on weekends, irrespective of how tall the grass grows during the week, find this type especially satisfactory.
It is also excellent for mowing paths, play areas, and other parts of the home grounds where the grass is more or less rough.
Another advantage of the rotary is that the vacuum created by the whirling blades tends to pick up the flat crabgrass and tear it, though this feature is sometimes a little overrated.
The rotary mower does leave the grass more or less in windrows. However, even in the hands of a careful operator, it does not give such a smooth finish as the reel type – although, after a day or two’s growth, the difference may be negligible.
Third Kind of Mower
The third kind of mower, the sickle bar or oscillating knife mower, never was intended for fine lawns, but it does have its place in maintaining country places where tall grass, weeds, and even small brush have to be cut.
Hand Mowers Still Are Widely Used
Don’t think that by buying a power mower, you can throw away the old “arm-strong variety.” Instead, hang onto it, for most lawns still have a few places more easily mowed by hand.
When manufacturers put five blades on the reel of the hand mower, they made it a better machine, and rubber-covered wheels have made it quieter. Some mowers are streamlined, boasting light metal handles, to say nothing of fancy paint jobs.
Choosing The Right Size Power Mower Often is a Problem
In general, a 21-inch machine with a 1 horsepower engine is ample for a 100- by 100-foot lawn. However, a 24-inch mower with a 1 1/2, or 2 horsepower engine will do a quicker job or care for a larger area.
The 30-inch machine with a 3 or 4-horsepower engine is the best size for an acre of lawn. Most hand machines have an 18-inch cut, but 16 inches is enough if women or children push.
Ordinary Operation Costs Are Low For Most Power Mowers
Those with a 1 horsepower engine operate approximately four hours on a quart of gasoline. Three-horsepower engines operate about five hours on a gallon of gas. Most of these engines use very little crankcase oil, but this oil should be changed occasionally.
Also, very little grease and nil are needed to service a mower. Most machines need sharpening once a year, usually during the winter. The approximate cost to sharpen a 21-inch machine is $10.00, for a 24-inch mower, about $12.00, and for a 30-inch, about 313.00 or $14.00.
Some owners have their machines checked over each year by the dealer. This is excellent practice for people who are not mechanically inclined.
Importance of Taking Good Care of Mower
The importance of taking good care of your mower cannot be overemphasized. Neglect will sooner or later lead to trouble. So the first thing a power mower owner should do is thoroughly study the instructions that come with the machine.
Should the Owner’s Manual become lost, ask your dealer for another or write the manufacturer. The most important way to give a mower good care is to be sure it cuts only grass.
Keep cinders, stones, sand, bones, twigs, broken glass, wire, chips, tin cans, and toys off the lawn. And, of course, don’t run the mower up against obstructions. In brief, keep a clean lawn for the good of your mower.
Operate Mower Properly
All engines must have clean air to operate properly, and your power mower engine is no exception. So examine the air cleaner regularly and service it as recommended by the manufacturer. And don’t guess at it; do it right!
This small engine is air-cooled, so check it carefully each time it is used and remove all grass and other material that may prevent proper cooling. Clean the whole machine each time it is put away. Check nuts and bolts frequently to see that they are tight.
It is good to fill the gas tank with clean gasoline after each use to prevent condensation in the fuel tank. Lubricate according to directions, and the mower is all set for the next job.
Techniques For Mowing Lawn
Each operator will develop his techniques for mowing his particular lawn, but a few general points are worthy of consideration. First, give the grass a chance by not cutting it too short, especially in hot, dry weather.
One may have special reasons for wanting a close-cropped lawn, but if the grass is left approximately 1 ½” inches long, it will provide sonic shade for tile soil below and thus give the roots a better chance.
Such a lawn also will withstand the heating of many small feet better than a short-cut lawn. Lowering the roller increases the height at which the grass is cut.
The Lawn Will Look Better if it is Cut Often
Moreover, when the pieces of cut grass are short, they fall among the blades of grass, adding a little protection and organic matter; those that remain on top are less conspicuous titan longer pieces would be.
While it may be easier to follow the same mowing pattern—around the parcel or back and forth – it is helpful to alternate the direction of travel, even going on the diagonal occasionally.
If you want to do an especially high-class job, mow the lawn twice, the second time at right angles to the first.
Skilled Power Mower
It may take some little practice to become skilled with a power mower. By all means, let the machine do the work, and don’t fight it. Keep the handles up so the weight will be on the wheels for better traction.
On turns, hear down on the handles, rotate the machine on the roller with a gliding motion, and let the wheels down gradually at the same time with a little forward push.
This should prevent any digging or marking of the lawn, even if it is young and tender. Take care in setting the throttle so as not to go too fast, and don’t try to take an overly wide cut.
Purchasing Power Mower
When purchasing a power mower, choose a popular brand with a well-known engine. Then, buy from an experienced dealer who has been in business for a long time and will continue to be for some time to come.
This kind of dealer is equipped to give good service, and surely sonic service will be needed in time. Before purchasing, it may be best to check on the cost of sharpening and another service. Much can be learned by studying the literature on various makes and inquiring about neighbor owners.
You may wish to check the attachments that can be added, such as the snow plow or Leaf mill. Of course, if you already have a garden tractor, it is easy to get a mower attachment for most makes. At any rate, don’t push that old hand mower too long!
44659 by Norman H. Foote