Lightweight snow throwers or “powered snow shovels” are very popular, especially in regions that experience frequent, but moderate snowfall. The basic components of a snow thrower are the engine, blades to break up snow, auger or paddles to pull snow in, impellers to eject snow and chutes to direct thrown snow. The combination of these […]
READ MOREMonth: March 2018
Depending upon the model, these machines shred, grind, tear and pulverize a wide assortment of materials such as leaves, twigs, hedge clippings, brush, branches and even thin metal. The basic design usually includes two wheels, handle, intake hopper where the debris is funneled into the cutting area, blades and engine. Some shredders utilize high-speed rotating […]
READ MOREThe performance characteristics of rotary mowers depend a great deal on the design of the mower’s deck. Usually steel or aluminum is used in deck construction. Steel decks cost less, but can rust. Fourteen gauge is the most common thickness. If the steel is thinner, regardless of the grade, the mower deck will flex easier, […]
READ MORERiding mowers, which cut a swath 2′ to 4′ wide, are for homeowners with more than half an acre of lawn. Riding mowers and tractors fall into several basic categories-ride-on mowers, lawn tractors, garden tractors and small acreage tractors. You will need to look at the engine power when comparing models. You don’t want a […]
READ MOREPower sources for lawn and garden equipment fall into three categories: gasoline engines, electric motors and battery-powered electric motors. For smaller equipment, the convenience of cordless operation is a major feature. Not only has extended battery life contributed to the popularity of cordless tools, but lightweight gasoline engines on products such as string trimmers allow […]
READ MOREWhereas rotary mowers use a single blade to slice off the grass, reel mowers utilize multiple blades to shear off grass blades (similar to a hand mower). The most efficient cutting results when the cutting blade contacts the grass at an angle. Reels cost more than rotaries and are heavier. They are not well suited […]
READ MOREThe power rake or thatcher brings up the thatch so it can be gathered by a vacuum or brush-type sweeper. Thatch is matted dead grass imbedded in the turf lying just atop the soil, and the material must be removed if fertilizer, air and moisture are to penetrate into the grass root system. A tinetype […]
READ MOREThe most frequently sold hedge trimmers and shears are electrically and battery-powered units, although gasoline models are manufactured. Usually these tools have 14″ or longer steel blades and protective housings to guard against shocks to the user. Consumers should consider some of the quality features in these tools when making a purchase. Double-edge blades allow […]
READ MOREPortable or small stationary generators in the 5-kilowatt-and-under category are primarily bought for standby or emergency power to the home, for recreational use, for construction work and by farmers. Standby units come in 1,200 to 5,000 watts, with the 2,000- to 3,500-watt models the most popular. Some gasoline-powered units are compact with low noise level, […]
READ MOREAnother type of lawn cleaner uses the vacuum principle to handle debris. In addition to lawn applications and picking up grass and twigs, lawn vacuums can pick up paper, wood shavings and other trash from parking lots, factory or warehouse floors. Two types of lawn vacuums exist. One is a wheel-driven unit that is either […]
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