Lawn Mowers: Environmental Hazard?
I recently moved from a condominium in California to a home in northern Texas, requiring me to consider the lunacy of the suburban lawn. Whose idea was this? I don’t think the animals would have voted for it, because it diminishes a home for the bugs that feed the birds and requires a ridiculous amount of time and energy (and water!) to maintain. My prior residences had been a mountain cabin on the river, with all natural terrain; then a beach condo surrounded by asphalt and cement, with shrubbery maintained by the condo association. Because I am now tied into an HOA, mow I must – at least for now.
I researched lawn mowers and was horrified to learn that they are one of the largest contributors to pollution – both noise (oy!) and carbon. They smell like gasoline and make garages potential fire hazards. They are tempermental and awkward to move about and turn. They require continual trips to procure gasoline and they pierce the peacefulness of a lazy afternoon. I do not tolerate heat well, so that would mean either mowing in semi-darkness or waking up the entire neighborhood. Rather hard on ones own eardrums, to boot.
The solution for me was a great Neuton battery mower. They are one of the quietest machines on the market and have a built-in edger, too. The machine itself is very lightweight, but the inclusion of the battery makes it a solid machine to push about the yard. There is a basket grass catcher, mulch plug, or side discharge chute. The edger snaps into the front of the machine and can trim or edge, depending on your setting. The batteries recharge with an electric cord and the cost is very low. Each battery will last about an hour of normal usage. I maintain an extra battery, just in case I run out of power, although I have never needed it.
Being on a budget, I selected a reconditioned model. I had some problem with the starter, so 
the company promptly (express mail) sent out a new one and I easily installed it. Once I got it running, it was worth the extra effort. (The problem was not in the machine but in the shipping. The company has now improved their shipping through dialogue with the shippers, so you should not have the problem I did.) There is a safety key so the machine will not start without the key being engaged. There are four height settings for the grass, and I can adjust the handlebars to fit my diminutive size quite easily. The machine itself is quite light, but the battery weight gives it enough substance to handle on the erratic slope of my yard.
Now I look at mowing the lawn as a good form of exercise. It is quiet enough that I do not need earplugs and can use it during any daylight hours. The machine comes in different sizes, so you can select the one that is appropriate for the size of your lawn. This mower not only helps the environment, it helps many senior citizens continue to be independent when it comes to mowing. I am still thinking of a way to xeroscape the lawn so mowing will be unnecessary, but I have made peace with the process until I can convince the HOA. Check out the mower here and get your free DVD to learn about this great product. It even comes with a 6-months free trial and a two-year warranty. Reduce your carbon footprint while you participate in the folly that is the suburban lawn.
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I was just curious how long you have owned this mower? I’m curious how well the charge holds over time.
I have only had it a few months, but so far, so good. The batteries are guaranteed so that helps.
Wow, I am not a home owner & haven’t had a 2nd thought of how I would care for a lawn. Thanks for the info, not only is it all of the great things you listed, it looks great too.