On the back burner...
..is this Simplicity Wonderboy, from about 1965.
..is this Simplicity Wonderboy, from about 1965.
Worst chore! MOWING.
- Thread starter norgeway
- Start date
laundromat
Well-known member
I miss mowing the lawn---
I had a LawnBoy gas mower with the bag and it was self propelled. I found it at a yard sale and got it for $25.I had and used that mower for about 10 years!There was a local family owned (Potts) repair shop where I had it maintaned. Great mower great features and it wasn't that noisy.
I had a LawnBoy gas mower with the bag and it was self propelled. I found it at a yard sale and got it for $25.I had and used that mower for about 10 years!There was a local family owned (Potts) repair shop where I had it maintaned. Great mower great features and it wasn't that noisy.
If you mulch, I highly recommend getting a Gator blade. As compared to the factory blade on my new Troy-Bilt (MTD) push-mower, the Gator blade did a better job of pulling the grass blades up to be cut, and the cuttings were finer. With the Gator blade, it is much less likely that I have to double-cut when the grass is taller.
I have used a Crafstman 6 1/4 HP self propelled mower for 13 years. Starts on the first pull every time after 4 or so primer bulb pumps. In my opinion, starting problems stem directly from lack of maintenance, if the gas is fresh. Oil and air filter are changed every May and the spark plug is changed every 2 years. Maintenance only takes a few minutes so there's no excuse! While the oil is draining, the air filter and spark plug are changed. The whole process takes less than 15 minutes. Don't be a lazy bum!!!
Since this trash they call gas these days goes sour in about a month, I throw in a few ounces of Seafoam in the gas can. It stabilizes the fuel and keeps the carbs and fuel systems clean in the mower and 4 stroke Ryobi weed eater.
Back in the early 90's, I was visiting my grandparents and noticed the lawn needed some serious mowing. Dug out the old 70's John Deer and spent about 15 minutes yanking the cord and spraying starting fluid down the carb. Amazingly, I was able to get it running and finished the job. I asked my grandfather when was the last time he changed out the plug. He said never in 20+ years. After replacing the air filter and installing a new spark plug, it would start on the first pull. It also got an oil change. Talk about pitch black oil!
Since this trash they call gas these days goes sour in about a month, I throw in a few ounces of Seafoam in the gas can. It stabilizes the fuel and keeps the carbs and fuel systems clean in the mower and 4 stroke Ryobi weed eater.
Back in the early 90's, I was visiting my grandparents and noticed the lawn needed some serious mowing. Dug out the old 70's John Deer and spent about 15 minutes yanking the cord and spraying starting fluid down the carb. Amazingly, I was able to get it running and finished the job. I asked my grandfather when was the last time he changed out the plug. He said never in 20+ years. After replacing the air filter and installing a new spark plug, it would start on the first pull. It also got an oil change. Talk about pitch black oil!
Cute house. I like the awning, very quaint. I want the pink flamingos.
As for electric lawn mowing, I had the Robomower robotic mower, when i had a house. It was awesome. You could set it at the beginning of the season and basically forget it. It could be programmed to start mowing when ever you want, and return to its charging station afterwards. So quiet. no gas or oil. mulched. ...and is protected from rain.
http://www.robomowerusa.com/
As for electric lawn mowing, I had the Robomower robotic mower, when i had a house. It was awesome. You could set it at the beginning of the season and basically forget it. It could be programmed to start mowing when ever you want, and return to its charging station afterwards. So quiet. no gas or oil. mulched. ...and is protected from rain.
http://www.robomowerusa.com/
iheartmaytag
Well-known member
Duet83
I love the robomower. I want one so badly. Only problem is it would prob be stolen the first time I sat it out.
How do you keep them out of the garden, or the neighbor's yard? Do you set up an electronic fence, or barriers?
I love the robomower. I want one so badly. Only problem is it would prob be stolen the first time I sat it out.
How do you keep them out of the garden, or the neighbor's yard? Do you set up an electronic fence, or barriers?
whirlcool
Well-known member
And the Robomower is NOT cheap either! $1200.00 to start...
stolen
I was always concerned about that too.
rather unfounded, I think. you can also get lo-jack.
I think that people might think that if you are suff-iss-ick-aet-it enough to make a robot mow your grass, you can also afford surveilance cameras that would catch their cheesy ass nicking your valuables.
As for mowing boundaries. One sets up an electric fence, similar to that of an invisible fence for pets. As long as one follows the simple directions in setting this up, the robot will not cross the line, and even if it were to, it tries to get back into the boundary. It won't go any further than about 10 feet past the boundary.
http://www.robomowerusa.com/about.php
I was always concerned about that too.
rather unfounded, I think. you can also get lo-jack.
I think that people might think that if you are suff-iss-ick-aet-it enough to make a robot mow your grass, you can also afford surveilance cameras that would catch their cheesy ass nicking your valuables.
As for mowing boundaries. One sets up an electric fence, similar to that of an invisible fence for pets. As long as one follows the simple directions in setting this up, the robot will not cross the line, and even if it were to, it tries to get back into the boundary. It won't go any further than about 10 feet past the boundary.
http://www.robomowerusa.com/about.php
Good Greif--for $1200 I could start at buying a good tractor or riding mower-would be more useful then the Robo Mower.And according to CU there were safety issues with this type of mower-if you pick the mower up-the blade is supposed to stop-It didn't according to CU's test.Don't remember is this test applied to the Robo Mower.For that price I will ride the tractor or walk behind the mower.
Human Power
I'm surprised no one has mentioned the human powered reel mower. We had a vintage one, but it was heavy and needed work. Now I use the Scotts mower linked below if I get to the yard before my husband does. He uses a gasoline powered push mower.
I like using a mower that doesn't burn gas or coal, and I like the exercise, but most of all, I like the peaceful sound of the reels as I mow. I can mow the lawn about as fast with the reel mower as my husband can with the gas mower.
Sarah
http://www.target.com/gp/detail.htm...04RA3E&CPNG=patio garden&ref=tgt_adv_XSG10001
I'm surprised no one has mentioned the human powered reel mower. We had a vintage one, but it was heavy and needed work. Now I use the Scotts mower linked below if I get to the yard before my husband does. He uses a gasoline powered push mower.
I like using a mower that doesn't burn gas or coal, and I like the exercise, but most of all, I like the peaceful sound of the reels as I mow. I can mow the lawn about as fast with the reel mower as my husband can with the gas mower.
Sarah
http://www.target.com/gp/detail.htm...04RA3E&CPNG=patio garden&ref=tgt_adv_XSG10001
Well this year I have given up on mowing both of my lawns. I hired a high school guy up the street to do them for me. He just got his license so he always needs gas money. With a lot of travel for me this year have not had time to do it regularly. Plus my knees are getting any better so the less toll on them the better for me. I must say this guy goes to a christian school and has all his school years. He is not afraid to do any type of work, is so polite and I have never heard him swear. He plays soccer and is always on the honor roll. It's nice to see a 16 year old so polite and has a good work ethic. He will go far in this world.
Jon
Jon
syndets2000
Well-known member
...if you aint ...
...Yazooin....you aint mowing! I was using one of those things, a self propelled thing with a belt driven blade- it was a really neat mower- wish I kept it, I am not sure if they are still made- We have an old Economy garden tractor, but it needs some work- so we keep the Deer going, it is about 25 years old- & a 25 year old Hechinger push mower- I hate mowing in general, but also consider it a necessary evil chore-maybe I will borrow some sheep from the farm down the road!
...Yazooin....you aint mowing! I was using one of those things, a self propelled thing with a belt driven blade- it was a really neat mower- wish I kept it, I am not sure if they are still made- We have an old Economy garden tractor, but it needs some work- so we keep the Deer going, it is about 25 years old- & a 25 year old Hechinger push mower- I hate mowing in general, but also consider it a necessary evil chore-maybe I will borrow some sheep from the farm down the road!
I love mowing. I even took up doing the neighbor's yard since they are older, and they have this heavy craftmen mower that almost killed them mowing the hill!
I have my Cub Cadet and my iPod, and I'm a happy camper for 2 hours. That's my down time there..
I miss my old Lawn Boy, but it was repaired too many time to ap oint it was not worth fixing.
I have my Cub Cadet and my iPod, and I'm a happy camper for 2 hours. That's my down time there..
I miss my old Lawn Boy, but it was repaired too many time to ap oint it was not worth fixing.
Cost varies.
I bought the top model in 2005 and paid $1600, at the time. Now that same mower is going for around $1200 I quess, new.
You can also buy used for less.
also, you don't have to have the top of the line. The other models, which don't come with the AUTOmatic charging station, mow the same, but cost less. Just set it in the yard and let it do its thing. When they are done or battery runs low, it returns to where you set him down.
I've seen these on Ebay and the like, going for a couple hundred.
They are really cool. So quiet, no gas, no air pollution, no uneven cut, no clippings to deal with. .
Get rid of that outdated fossil fuel burning engine. Its over a century old, and we are all paying the price in compromised health and quality of life issues.
And these mowers are so safe. They have a bumper all the way around the mower that has a safety switch in it that instantly turns off the blades. I doubt any push or riding mower has that. I laugh when I see people sitting on these rediculous, noisey, riding mowers. Some people are smart enough to wear hearing protection, but then there is the gas fumes and heat that comes off the engine. And if you are sitting behind that, yuck. When I had a lawnboy mower, I always counted on taking a shower right after to get the fumes and dust off me.
That is no problem with a robotic mower.
Another option is to have a herd of sheep. That is the ultimate in natural grass length control.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Friendly-Roboti...tem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item45f3a24136
I bought the top model in 2005 and paid $1600, at the time. Now that same mower is going for around $1200 I quess, new.
You can also buy used for less.
also, you don't have to have the top of the line. The other models, which don't come with the AUTOmatic charging station, mow the same, but cost less. Just set it in the yard and let it do its thing. When they are done or battery runs low, it returns to where you set him down.
I've seen these on Ebay and the like, going for a couple hundred.
They are really cool. So quiet, no gas, no air pollution, no uneven cut, no clippings to deal with. .
Get rid of that outdated fossil fuel burning engine. Its over a century old, and we are all paying the price in compromised health and quality of life issues.
And these mowers are so safe. They have a bumper all the way around the mower that has a safety switch in it that instantly turns off the blades. I doubt any push or riding mower has that. I laugh when I see people sitting on these rediculous, noisey, riding mowers. Some people are smart enough to wear hearing protection, but then there is the gas fumes and heat that comes off the engine. And if you are sitting behind that, yuck. When I had a lawnboy mower, I always counted on taking a shower right after to get the fumes and dust off me.
That is no problem with a robotic mower.
Another option is to have a herd of sheep. That is the ultimate in natural grass length control.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Friendly-Roboti...tem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item45f3a24136
Yazoo Mowers!Yes-their belt drive walk behinds are like Kee mowers.Their front deck riders are GREAT-and POWERFUL!Remember auditioning one of their riders for possible purchase buy a radio station I worked at for towerfeild mowing.It had an 18Hp long stroke Wisconsin motor-this thing chopped thru sections of the towerfeild that haden't been cut in years-it was like a bushhog.Unfortunately the station didn't buy the Yazoo.I had to settle for a Jacobson tractor.
sudsmaster
Well-known member
The best mower I've had, so far, is a Yard Machines with a Honda OHC motor. Very easy to start. You just pull back on a little choke lever on the top of the motor, and then pull the cord. The choke lever automatically and slowly returns to its original position as the motor fires up. The choke lever might also prime the carb, not sure. Anyway, no little bulbs to push etc. The motor is also quieter than the B&S flathead, and more efficient (burns less gas).
That said, my lawn is relatively small. Probably less than 1000 sq ft, with a tree and three rose bushes planted here and there. So a corded electric didn't work too well (I tried one). And a push mower was too difficult to navigate around the plantings and still mow the lawn. I tried a couple of those, as well.
Anyway, I'd recommend the Honda-powered mowers. Mine is push only, but on a small, flat grass patch, self-propelled would be overkill.
That said, my lawn is relatively small. Probably less than 1000 sq ft, with a tree and three rose bushes planted here and there. So a corded electric didn't work too well (I tried one). And a push mower was too difficult to navigate around the plantings and still mow the lawn. I tried a couple of those, as well.
Anyway, I'd recommend the Honda-powered mowers. Mine is push only, but on a small, flat grass patch, self-propelled would be overkill.
Yes wholeheartdly agree-the Honda is a fine motor.When I worked at a construction tool sales and repair place-they sold many tools and appliances with Honda motors-the Honda motor has a low oil interlock-you can't start the engine unless it has the proper amount of oil in it.Many "non-functional" Honda motored devices(mostly job site air compressors)the Honda motor was simply low on oil.Topped it up-motor started just fine.also from that tool place they sold lots of jobsite generators that had Honda motors.
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