Information About Lawn Mowers

History

• Edwin Beard Budding invented the first lawn mower in 1830. Prior to Budding's invention, grass was cut with a long blade called a scythe. According to The English Garden: A Social History, Budding, a British engineer, got the lawn mower idea while watching a blade smooth cloth after weaving. Budding placed two rotating blades in a wheeled frame. The operator simply had to push the mower to make the blades cut the grass. Clippings were thrown into a tray attached to the front of the mower. Budding perfected his invention and made it publicly available in 1832. The first motor-powered lawn motors began appearing in the early 1920s as more companies entered the lawn mower manufacturing business. Gas-powered motors made their appearance in the 1960s.

Types

• Five types of lawn mowers are available. A manual-reel mower requires the user to push it, which causes the attached blades to turn and cut the grass. Electric push-type mowers use an electric motor, but the user must still provide the push. Some electric push-type mowers are cordless but require charging time for the motor. Other models aren't cordless and require access to an electrical outlet. A gas-powered lawn mower is available in self-propelled and push models. A self-propelled model moves on its own, but you must guide it. A push model doesn't move unless you push it. A zero-turn-radius mower is the type users drive. According to Consumer Reports, a zero-turn-radius mower is sometimes unstable on hills and requires practice for first-time users. As of 2011, the newest type of mower is the robotic electric mower, which is a small unit that cuts the grass on its own; however, it requires constant supervision because it's a potential threat to children and pets.

Warnings

• Cutting grass is a rite of passage for some American children. In fact, it's not uncommon to see kids earning summer money by cutting grass in the neighborhood. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) reports that children younger than 12 years of age should never operate a lawn mower. The age rises to 16 for a ride-on lawn mower. The AAP recommends removing children from the area whenever a lawn mower is in operation. General safety tips include fueling a gas mower outside with the engine turned off and cool. Removing debris from the path of the mower before cutting the lawn is also a good idea.

Care Tips

• A lawn mower lasts longer with the proper maintenance. For example, a lawn mower with dull blades isn't effective. According to Florida Gardener, a file or a grinder wheel will sharpen the mower blade; remove the blade from the mower before sharpening. A gas-model lawn mower also needs fresh gas. If lawn mower gas is more than 30 days old, it might cause gum deposits in the carburetor or fuel line. Keep track of when you add fresh gas to your lawn mower, and change it within 30 days.