( use your browser's back arrow to return to Landscape Specialists Home Page or go to http:/www.GoodFolksToMow.com LANDSCAPE SPECIALISTS A FEW TIPS ON EQUIPMENT SELECTION ___________________________________ Mowers: Some low-cost homeowner models are very effective. Examples are MTD, Murray, and Lawn Chief Our Pick: Yardman, 4.5 HP with "2-in 1" bag/mulch option ($169 at home depot) The features listed below are recommended: 1) 19" to 21" (push type, not self propelled) Self propelled are much heavier and more problematic. The lighter mowers are easy to push and maneuver. They also won't sink into your wet or thatchy lawn. 2) "2-in-1" bag/mulch Option For some reason, this style is more reliable for mulching grass than specially designed mulching mowers. The bag itself is not needed. Models with optional side discharge often leave trails of clippings in their wake, even when mulching. It takes a little practice to mulch grass clippings. The secret is carefully adjusting the mowing height to the lowest possible setting that does not shred the lawn or leave clumps. 3) Rear Wheel Design The rear wheels should extend beyond the chassis to the rear if you plan on taking it up and down stairs or over rockeries or bulkheads. This enables you to pull or lower the mower over these obstacles using the rear wheels. ________________________________ Mid size mower: Murray 30" riding mower; 8 to 12 hp motor, with mulching kit installed Good for area's from 4000 sq. ft. to about an acre. This mower is compact but don't use in tight area's or more than a slight slope. It is easy to adjust the mowing height, fits through a 32" gate, and is a good mulcher. _________________________________ String Trimmer : Echo, Tanaka, (we like the echo srm2100, $220) The low-end straight shaft models are the choice for grass trimming. They are light weight, reliable, and function well upside down for edging. Tanaka makes a great manual feed alloy head, which also can adapt to Echo. The string is coiled around the core, and is manually fed out when needed. There are no springs, nuts, screws, or palls to malfunction. String Trimmers are inherently dangerous. Wear goggles and always look out for rocks. Redmax makes a reciprical weedeater. It has two circular blades that function like a hedgetrimmer. It is heavy and expensive, but is SAFE and has many other functions. It can be used to edge and cut sod; trim ivy; and weed beds, especially weed infested areas after they have been weedkilled. For trimming grass it will be slower and lack the crispness of a string trimmer. ________________________________ hedgetrimmer - Look for a sturdy double sided cutting bar. Echo makes a lightweight trimmer on an extended fixed length bar for added reach. It is reasonably priced and very versatile, but may not hold up well to heavy use. ___________________ Blower - The low-end, handheld blowers seem to work fine; Echo PB100 is quiet and reliable, well balanced. (about $150). Vacuum attachments seem useless. Look for a light compact unit and throw away the extra hose extension pieces. __________________ Hand Tools - The indispensible tools for pruning are the folding saw with double-cut blade (6" ARS, Felco, Corona - longer blades give less cutting leverage); and hand clippers (Corona or any other well made brand except anvil type). Try to get a sturdy pair that can cut a 1" branch. Shears will be needed if you are doing any hedge cutting. Shears can be tested before purchase by cutting some scrap paper or cardboard. Loppers are the next priority for a homeowner, but don't bother buying a cheap pair. Shears and loppers should have a "shock absorber" mechanism to prevent fatigue and usually they indicate a better quality tool. A hand mattock is a great all around weeding and gardening tool. A hula hoe or cultivator is a good tool for routine weeding of open bed area's.