The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute, Inc.

Consumer Guide To Environmentally Helpful Outdoor Power Equipment

Walk-Behind Lawn Mowers

The walk-behind lawn mower is one of the most widely used lawn maintenance products in America, and it represents one of the largest segments of the outdoor power equipment industry. Today's new generation of clean-running walk-behind mowers provides all the power and performance necessary for achieving a well-manicured lawn. They are lightweight for easy handling, but tough enough to provide years of dependable operation.

Walk-behind lawn mowers are used primarily for maintaining small lots usually less than one acre. They are also used by larger property owners for trimming in spaces that are inaccessible to riding mowers.

Walk-behind mowers can be classified into three primary categories. These include side discharge mowers, rear discharge mowers, and mulching mowers. They are powered by either two or four-cycle gasoline engines. Walk-behind mowers are also powered by electric motors or by rechargeable battery power. Home- owners may also choose from push or self-propelled models for easier handling. Cutting deck widths range from 19 to 22 inches.

Recent engineering advances in four-cycle off-road gasoline engines have reduced smog-forming engine emissions by 70%, on average, compared to 1990 models, while delivering increased power, performance and fuel economy. In addition, certain engine components have been redesigned to prolong running life and offer quieter operation. Engine sizes vary from 3.5hp to 6.5hp.

Most walk-behind lawn mowers provide for optional features that add convenience and versatility to the standard mowing system. Examples of options available include: electric start for gas-powered mowers, rear/side discharge and bagging attachments, mulching kits, shredder/grinder models, lawn dethatchers and rear roller kits.

Safety Features

All walk-behind lawn mowers have an OPC -- Operator Presence Control -- that stops the rotating blade when the control bar (or bail) is released. Some controls stop the engine and blade simultaneously. Others have a blade brake clutch mechanism that stops the blade while the engine keeps running.

Other standard features include safety guards to protect the operator against thrown rocks or other foreign objects. These devices are also designed to keep hands and feet away from the blade, and are marked with bold-colored warning labels.

Side Discharge Lawn Mowers

Side discharge refers to placement of the discharge chute to the right-hand side of the cutting deck in order to throw grass clippings away from the mowing path. Most standard walk-behind gasoline-powered mowers are designed as side discharge machines. In addition to gas-powered, side discharge mowers, corded electric mowers and rechargeable battery-powered side discharge mowers are available and are ideal for condominiums, townhouses and smaller lawns.

Rear Discharge Lawn Mowers

Rear discharge, walk-behind mowers match the same basic specifications as gas and electric-powered side discharge models, except that grass clippings are thrown out the rear of the mower into an attached collection bag or container. Rear discharge mowers with grass collection attachments are convenient for close-trimming around trees, shrubs, walls, and fences on either side of the mower deck. When a rear bag is not being used, a swing-away door closes off the discharge cavity, returning clippings to the lawn from beneath the mower deck. Some rear discharge mowers offer attachments that allow for clippings to be discharged out through the rear door cavity and off to the side. Other side discharge models offer rear discharge conversion kits.

Self-Propelled Side/Rear Discharge Lawn Mowers

Self-propelled, walk-behind mowers offer all the built-in capabilities of side and rear discharge "push" mowers. The added benefit is a drive system that provides forward power to the rear or front wheels for ease in mowing larger size lots, hillsides and embankments. Self-propelled mowers also help to reduce fatigue.

Dedicated Mulching Mowers

Mulching mowers feature specially designed blades and cutting decks
that cut and re-cut grass clippings into fine particles that are returned and absorbed into the turf. These tiny clippings provide moisture and nutrients
to the soil to keep yards green and healthy without building up a layer of thatch. Mulching mowers are available in walk-behind "push" or self-propelled gasoline, electric and battery-powered models. Some walk-behind mowers can be converted from a side or rear discharge machine to a mulching mower with a low-cost conversion kit. A practical idea to follow in mulching is the "one-third rule." Do not cut more than one-third of the grass blade each time you mow ... usually before grass is 3 inches high. For warm- season grasses, cut when grass is 1 to 2 inches high. Cool-season grasses should be cut when grass is 2-1/2 to 3-1/2 inches high, and St. Augustine grass should be cut when it is 3 inches high.

Reminder

REMEMBER: Mow across a slope with a walk-behind mower to avoid slips and falls, and never attempt mowing on a steep hill. Plant ground cover instead.