Will That Be Gasoline, Battery, Hand or Electrically Powered Tools

According to the Union of Concerned Scientists (WCS), electric mowers can be 50 percent cheaper to maintain over a 10-year period than their gas-powered counterparts.

In addition to maintenance costs, some environmentalists cite earth-friendly reasons for eliminating gasoline from home lawn care. Statistics on their web site show the average running gas mower emits as much pollution in 60 minutes as eight new cars traveling 55 mph for the same amount of time.

Electric mowers run cleaner than gas versions, because it's easier to control pollution from a single power plant than from thousands of gasoline-powered yard tools. Push reel, or motorless mowers emit no smog-producing pollution at all.

As a general rule, non-gas models produce less noise and require little or no maintenance whereas "Gas-powered mowers have to be maintained every season." You have to run the gas dry before winter sets in, change the oil, get a new spark plug, change the air filter and sharpen the blade.

For electric lawn mowers, maintenance is nil, outside of sharpening the blade every season. And there's no spark plug and no oil. Another nice thing about electric mowers is that they're not loud. You can cut the grass at midnight and not bother your neighbor.

Electric lawn trimmers never prompt a trip to the gas station, but most require a lengthy extension cord. Homeowners who find the cord cumbersome can opt for a cordless battery-operated mower.

Battery versions can run for up to 90 minutes, and then need to be recharged for 24 hours. You can usually cut one-third of an acre per charge. Modern reel lawn mowers need a lot more muscle to operate, but the only maintenance is sharpening the blade.

If you want a workout when mowing the grass, the push mower is the way to go. Most electric and battery-operated mowers have mulching options, but reel mowers do not. When it comes to purchasing costs, non-gas mowers are comparable to their gas-powered cousins. The perfect application for a non-gas mower is a suburban homeowner whose lawn is a half-acre or less.

The lawn and garden tools industry is moving more in that direction because people are more economy-efficient and more green, or because of rising gas prices, or a combination of the three.

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What to Consider When Buying Your Next Lawn Mower

What you should look for when buying a lawn mower for your backyard and the pros and cons of different types of mowers. Lawn mowers are available in an ever expanding selection, but there are a few things that will determine what mower you should buy. The size of your garden, ongoing costs, ease of use, and environmental and safety concerns are all things to consider when you're looking at lawn mowers.

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-breaking and 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.

Collection Bag- 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.

Mulch Mower- Some mowers are able to process cut grass into 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.

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Why Choose Battery Powered Lawn Mowers

If there is one aspect of the home that one can ill afford not to pay close attention it is the lawns. This is not just about keeping the lawns well kempt but the manner in which the mowing is done. This is where, battery powered lawn mowers come in for a variety of reasons. In comparison with those that operate on gasoline engines or electricity, this option is beneficial in many ways.

Pollution remains one of the greatest downsides to gasoline powered lawn mowers hence the preference for the battery power models. Although manufacturers have made significant efforts to rid the latter of its polluting effect, such engines are still emitting harmful aerial residue and their vulnerability increases with age. As such, battery powered mowers present a fresh, environmentally friendly alternative.

Another alternative to gasoline powered engines running lawn mowers has been that of corded electric engines. However, this option has had its fair share of problems. For starters, the cord's length could always stands out as an impediment more so where the field is extremely big yet the cord is short and inadequate.

This means that some areas are to be left unattended to. Similarly using these cords expose both the mower and other persons, pet or equipment in the vicinity at great risk should the cords get cut accidentally. The repercussions could be worse than initially thought.

The answer to these low points has come in the form of battery powered lawn mowers. These do not need the cords hanging around and exposing one to potential electric shock danger.

Neither do they have to pollute the environment through emissions from the engine as well as regular crashes as they grow older. Furthermore, they are not only cheap to buy but also cheap to maintain.

A lawn mower using battery power costs only three or four dollars in maintenance costs for the whole year to maintain while its gasoline powered counter part will cost you a minimum of twenty dollars every year in maintenance costs alone. The cost of gasoline will drive the costs even higher as will the need for a replacement engine.

Even so battery powered lawn mowers do have their own inconveniences. Not only are they are only effective on lawns that are flat, they are also susceptible to fast run outs. The span for which the battery power will last is determined by the size of the battery although they can hardly complete lawns more than eight thousand square feet.

Weight is another impediment to successful mowing as many of these lawn mowers courtesy of the battery could be too heavy to move around since they are not self propelling.

Furthermore, they are more effective on lawns containing only certain types of grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrasses and fine, tall fescues all of which are dominant during cool seasons.

Even with these disadvantages battery powered lawn mowers remain the best bet in the face of pollution posed by gasoline powered options or the danger of corded electric lawn mowers.

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Regulations To Consider Before Purchasing Gasoline Powered Garden Tools

Regulations now being developed by the EPA in the US and EC in Canada will bring cleaner lawn and garden equipment to market within a few years.

The Off-Road Small Spark-Ignition Engine Emission Regulations establish emission standards for small spark-ignition engines rated up to 19 kW (25 hp) typically found in gasoline-fuelled lawn and garden machines, hedge trimmers, brush cutters, lawnmowers, garden tractors, snow blowers, etc. and in light-duty machines such as chainsaws, log splitters, shredders, etc.

EPA has finalized a new emission control program to reduce hydrocarbon emissions from small spark-ignition engines by about 35 percent. The new exhaust emissions standards will take effect in 2011 or 2012, depending on the size of the engine. The final rule also includes new standards to reduce evaporative emissions from these fuel systems. These standards will reduce the harmful health effects of ozone and carbon monoxide from these engines.

It is estimated that by 2030, the new standards will result in significant annual reductions of pollutant emissions from regulated engine and equipment sources nationwide, including approximately 600,000 tons of volatile organic hydrocarbon emissions, 130,000 tons of NOx emissions, and 5,500 tons of direct particulate matter (PM2.5) emissions.

These reductions correspond to significant reductions in the formation of ground-level ozone and ambient PM2.5. It is also expected that there will result annual reductions of 1.5 million tons of carbon monoxide emissions, with the greatest reductions in situations where there have been problems with individual exposures.

This rule will result in substantial benefits to public health and welfare and the environment. It is further estimated that by 2030, on an annual basis, these emission reductions will prevent 230 PM-related premature deaths, between 77 and 350 ozone-related premature deaths, approximately 1,700 hospitalizations and emergency room visits, 23,000 work days lost, 180,000 lost school days, 590,000 acute respiratory symptoms, and other quantifiable benefits every year.

The total estimated annual benefits of this rule in 2030 are approximately between $1.6 and $4.4 billion. Estimated costs in 2030 are many times less, at approximately $190 million.

For more information, simply search the Small Spark Engine Regulations online for consumer information, regulations, guidance, and compliance and certification data for ten categories of nonroad spark-ignition engines, ranging from lawn and garden equipment through airport service equipment. Meanwhile, consumers can make a difference by adopting practices that will help protect the environment now and in the future.

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High Pollution Levels May Make People More Susceptible To Stroke

Studies have shown associations between air pollution and daily death rates for respiratory and heart disease. "This study provides new evidence that higher levels of ambient pollutants increase the risk of hospital admissions for stroke, especially on warm days,"

Many experts suspect that air pollution may affect blood volume and resistance of the blood vessels and heart structures, known collectively as the hemodynamic system. High temperatures may also affect blood viscosity. "In hot weather, it is recommended that people avoid pollution, stay inside and use an air conditioner if needed. As stroke is associated with air pollution, lowering the level of exposure could considerably reduce the associated health burden.

From lawn mowers and weed trimmers, to personal watercraft and speedboats, gas-powered engines will soon contribute to healthier and cleaner air for Americans. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set strict new standards for gas-powered lawn equipment and marine engines, enhancing public health by substantially reducing the amount of gas fumes, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and smog-forming pollutants emitted from a wide range of engines. The regulations will take effect in 2010 and 2011.

"EPA's new small engine standards will allow Americans to cut air pollution as well as grass," said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson. "These standards help fight smog in our neighborhoods and waterways as we continue to improve the environmental landscape."

When fully implemented, the rule will yield annual emission reductions of 600,000 tons of hydrocarbons, 130,000 tons of nitrogen oxide (NOx), 5,500 tons of direct particulate matter, and 1.5 million tons of carbon monoxide (CO). EPA expects the new standards to save approximately 190 million gallons of gasoline each year. The rule kicks into gear in 2011 for lawn and garden equipment of 25 horsepower or less. For a full range of gas-powered personal watercraft and inboard and outboard engines, the rule powers up in 2010.

Each year, Americans spend more than 3 billion hours using lawn and garden equipment and more than 500 million hours in recreational boating. As a result, the total estimated public health benefits range between $1.6 and $4.4 billion by 2030. These benefits outweigh estimated costs by at least eight to one, while preventing over 300 premature deaths, 1,700 hospitalizations, and 23,000 lost workdays annually.

To meet the new exhaust emission standards, manufacturers will likely employ catalytic converters for the first time in small lawn and garden equipment. Improvements to battery technology makes the cordless battery lawn and garden tools as feasible alternatives to gasoline powered tools.

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