Technology, New vs. Old

I just got an old-fashioned push mower, the kind with the little "wheel of blades" on the end of a handle. I thought it was pretty sweet. I'll get some exercise outside, not wasting any gas or electricity, and it won't ever break down (if I keep it sharpened, lubed, aligned). My neighbor saw me mowing, and said, "Hey, do you wanna borrow my lawn mower?" . . .

That's awesome. That's the only kind our family had. There's something very theraputic about mowing grass with one of those. They make one (British?) that is self-sharpening. It costs a ton, however.

The best is when these push mowers jam because the grass has gotten too tall, and/or the blades have become too dull. Or when you run over a twig. Yeah, that's the best. [/sarcasm]

Gasoline powered mowers really are terrible for the air, since they have no emission controls. I've read various "facts" like mowing your lawn pollutes more than driving 100 miles in a car. I think the best compromise of power versus environmental impact is to get a corded electric. The cord is a pain, but if your lot is small enough, you can learn to deal with it. Kind of like vacuuming a rug. If our lot was a little smaller, I'd consider getting one.

I use a gasoline powered mulching mower by Toro, and love it.

I admire you, Flint, for getting one of these. I'm not knocking you at all. But I've used them enough as a kid to know I don't care for them. I'd plant ground cover before getting one.

Gasoline powered mowers really are terrible for the air, since they have no emission controls.

But how can you make a go-cart or mini-bike without that trusty Briggs & Stratton gasoline engine? And while loud up close, there's nothing like the distant drone of a lawnmower to send you off to a glorious Summer day-time nap where you dream of beautiful women:rolleyes: ...until you spill your ice tea on your crotch and suddenly wake up.:neutral:

I love my riding mower, man. I feel like King Shit riding that thing around my expansive new back yard. It was so incredibly beautiful this weekend here in KC that I couldn't get the Steve Martin line from "My Blue Heaven" out of my mind:

"Hey. What a day for a mow, eh?"

Tell ya what ,
you can Keep that spindle mower ,
I like my 16 hp diesel Kubota ,
hydro-static tranny ,
4wd ,
with the 4' finish mower on the back !!

And YES I have been known to whear Overalls and a straw hat when I cut grass !

Good for you, Flint. Keep the blade sharp and your grandkids can use it.

That is actually the best blade there is for grass because it shears off the blade in much the same way scissors cut paper. There is no pull exerted on the grass. This is the type of lawn mower used to maintain some of the finest putting greens in the world (although electric).

Oil it often.

Thanks, pan, glatt, beet...
Somehow my neighbor didn't take as sophisticated a view of this as y'all did.

I was puzzled (fooled) for years having been told that kind of mower is called the "Armstrong Mower". Only later did I learn why, and it has nothing to do with trademarks.

I will perpetuate the myth/truth with SonofV.




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BigV wrote:

I was puzzled (fooled) for years having been told that kind of mower is called the "Armstong Mower".

Ham radio has an equivalant "Armstrong Rotor" for beam antennas. It can take a while before the noob discovers that this is not the "Armstrong" in question.

Any thread about lawnmowing requires a mention of the Killer Baby Carriage.

Wow. Your friends dad is my hero !!! That sounds dangerous as hell... (which means totally sweet)