Mowing back to the future

By ALVIN REINER
Staff Writer

August 11, 2008 04:00 am

— ELIZABETHTOWN -- Cutting the grass is a taken-for-granted chore.
The implements used to trim lawns range from the non-motorized to rotary push, to self-propelled gas-powered, to electric and riding mowers.
Lately -- whether because of high gas prices or a concern for the environment -- more people are opting for the old-fashioned non-motorized method.
MOWER'S HISTORY
The first lawn mower is credited to the inventiveness of British engineer Edwin Beard Budding, who, in 1830, aimed to provide "a new combination and application of machinery for the purpose of cropping or shearing the vegetable surfaces of lawns, grass-plats and pleasure grounds."
A decade after that, a machine powered by a donkey or horse was patented, and a steam-powered contrivance was later put on the market.
In the 1860s, mower manufacturing increased, with a company owned by John Ferrabee offering eight models. Improvements continued in chain- and gear-driven machines.
The rotary gas-powered mower common today had its birth in the 1930s.
SAVING GAS COSTS
Though they have a riding mower, Eric Teed and Megan Murphy of New Russia purchased a non-motorized John Deere mower.
"It's an alternative to spending a ridiculous amount for gas for our rider," Eric said. "Those (gas) engines put out an extreme amount of pollutants and noise."
It's a little harder to use, of course. Eric and Megan confess to mowing less of their two acres than in the past and letting some of the yard go to wildflowers.
"I'm excited that I can make a path to our vegetable garden and keep the bugs down," Megan said. "It's a lot of effort, but I'm impressed by how it cuts the weeds and grass."
Jamie Phillips of Essex feels using a non-motorized mower on his approximately 1,000-square-foot lawn is good exercise.
"I think it sets a good example, and there's no noise and air pollution."
He also has a Neuton rechargeable electric mower for when the grass gets too high for his push mower.
NATIONWIDE TREND
Lowe's Home Improvement Center corporate spokeswoman Abby Buford said they are seeing "considerably more interest" in non-motorized mowers.
"They seem to be very popular, especially with lawns less than 8,000 square feet."
The company doesn't release sales figures, she said, so numbers weren't available.
"People seem to be more environmentally conscious. They (push mowers) also seem to do a better job, as they don't damage blades of grass like rotary mowers."
SHARPENING
Push mowers need some maintenance, such as sharpening of the blades. A sharp and properly adjusted mower can cut a piece of paper as easily as a pair of scissors.
There are two main methods for sharpening the blades. One is with a file, with a variety of kits available. Another suggested method is using a thin, even coat of automotive valve-grinding compound, available at automotive supply stores.
ADVANTAGES
One of the advantages to using a non-motorized mower is the cost. Purchase prices, for example, range from $80 to $150. And there's no gas, oil, spark plugs, filters, tune-ups and blade replacement.
Push mowers are lighter in weight and easier to store.
Environmental concern is the primary motivation for many to purchase a push mower. Studies show the minimum amount of air pollution from operating a gas mower for an hour is the equivalent to driving an automobile 100 miles.
And the Environmental Protection Agency says an estimated 17 million gallons of fuel, mostly gasoline, is spilled each year nationwide by people refueling lawn equipment.
DRAWBACKS
But, if one has a large lawn -- a half acre or larger -- using a non-motorized push mower may take too long. The width of most non-motorized mowers is less than that of a rotary.
It is also more difficult to avoid missed spots, as the blade doesn't extend to the outer edge of the wheels.
Mowing heavier, longer or thicker grass is difficult. And many motorized mowers have mulching capabilities, thus negating the need to rake -- that doesn't happen with a push mower.
COLLECTOR
Lined up in his driveway is part of Essex resident Wayne Bailey's collection of non-motorized grass cutters.
"I've always liked to mow the lawn. When I was young, I used to earn money doing it," said Wayne, a retired state trooper.
"Wayne doesn't just mow"¦ he manicures the lawn," his wife, Donna, interjected.
Though there isn't great monetary value to the collection, memories are priceless.
"One of the greatest pleasures of having the collection is people stop by, and they often have a story about mowing with their own push mower," Wayne said.
Most of the mowers were given to the Baileys.
"Folks would see one and then donate it to Wayne," Donna said. "We have become inundated."
Most of the mowers are refurbished by Wayne with wood roller stock he obtained from the birch mill in Lewis.
After attempting to remove the rust, he sands and adds coats of polyurethane or spar varnish, which often brings out the colors and manufacturers' names.
Some mowers that are beyond repair have been transformed into lawn ornaments -- their daughter-in-law even created a lamp from one.
The oldest in the collection is a 1924 edger.
"It was used only when they wanted to mow half the lawn," Wayne joked.

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