Efforts to conserve energy and cut utility bills have brought the woodpile into sharp focus; cutting fireplace and stove wood is much easier with log splitters. Manually operated log splitters drive a splitting wedge into logs after the wedge is hit with a sledge. Powered log splitters are much quicker. Engineering techniques may vary from
READ MOREMonth: March 2018
Another 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
READ MOREIf you tired of raking leaves and grass, a powered or hand-propelled lawn sweeper or a riding-mower attachment may be just what you are looking for. A rotating sweeping action picks up leaves, rocks, clippings, etc. Clippings are held in a container until they can be deposited in the trash or other area. When looking
READ MOREElectric and gasoline powered trimmers give homeowners an economical way to slice small trenches along sidewalks and driveways or trim close to trees, flower beds, lampposts, etc. One of the most popular types of trimmers whip-cuts grass and weeds with a monofilament nylon line. Unlike push-type trimmers with rubber wheels and wide reels, string trimmers
READ MOREPower Systems When choosing a hedge trimmer, you should consider blade length, cut capacity, blade action and power. Blade Length. A shorter blade is light and compact whereas a longer blade is for extended reach and even cutting. 16″ – For light to moderate trimming 18″ – For general purpose or large-scale trimming 20″ –
READ MOREHand mowers are available in four, five and seven-blade reel models. Some of these are designed to cut specific varieties of grass. Lower-end models have 14″ cutting widths with 8-1/2″ wheels; higher-end models have a cutting width of 16″ with 10″ radial tires. Steel fabrication and composite materials are used in all models to give
READ MOREAdvances in battery technology, especially in rechargeable nickel-cadmium and lead-acid batteries, add to the appeal of cordless tools. Units can be recharged more than 500 times. Low voltage and a plastic housing protect the user from electrical shock, and safety switches prevent accidental starting. You can choose from hand or long-handled models of cordless grass
READ MORELightweight, less-expensive chainsaws are a common homeowner purchase. Chain saws are gasoline or electric powered, but gas powered are most common. Power output is generally considered 1-hp-per-cu.-in. displacement; however, professional models have more horsepower-per-cubic-inch displacement. At the bottom end of the power-ratings chart would be a lightweight model with as little as 1.4 cu. in.
READ MOREPower Systems Electric blowers are often lighter and quieter than gas blowers. They also require no gas and oil and eliminate the need to pull-start, resulting in an instant start, every time. However, electric blowers are often less powerful than gas blowers. And electric blowers are recommended for those with smaller areas to clean up
READ MOREInstead of picking up leaves and debris, air blowers use a strong blast of air to clean sidewalks, driveways, patios and garage floors. The power unit is carried by the operator and a hose or tube directs the air. In addition to these uses, air blowers can clear trash and leaves from around shrubs, bushes,
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