Push Lawnmowers
ECBA supplies and recommends push mowers (without an engine) for its community backgreen sites.
A push lawn mower is lighter, more maneuverable, and easier to push than a non-self propelled power mower. Since it cuts like scissors, it does not bruise or damage the blades of grass, which enables you to maintain a greener, healthier lawn. These mowers is designed to provide years of dependable service and give optimum performance in lawn care. The push mower not only benefits you and your lawn, but the environment as well.
How To Use A Push/Reel MowerA push mower works on different principles than a standard rotary mower. It only cuts what gets between the reel and the cutter bar. Therefore, it is important to cut your lawn regularly and not allow the grass to reach a height of much over 3-4 inches in order to insure a proper cut.
Mow no more than one-third of the grass blade, so that a deeper root system is encouraged. A lawn with an extensive network of roots needs less help finding food and water and can better crowd out weeds.
If the lawn gets exceptionally tall, 4 inches or over, it may be necessary to increase the amount of overlap between passes, mow the same path once up and once back, or actually mow in a checkerboard pattern to obtain the desired results.
If you mow regularly and maintain your lawn at your desired height, the push lawn mower should do an excellent job. The scissor action helps your grass maintain moisture and keeps your lawn healthier than conventional rotary mowers. You may have to change your mowing technique as conditions change in your lawn. In the spring grass is growing vigorously and is full of moisture, each blade is thick and full. You should set your mower at a higher cutting height and mow as often as necessary to prevent grass from getting over 4 inches tall.
As summer gets longer, the grass will become thinner and have less moisture content. It tends to droop instead of standing straight, particularly when it grows over 4 inches tall. It may be necessary to reduce your mowing height to get the desired appearance. Every lawn is different and may vary greatly according to the varieties of grasses present. You need to experiment to determine the results for your lawn and conditions.
A push lawn mower has an extremely difficult time with tall willowy weeds such as dandelions or buckthorn. If these weeds are present in your lawn, don't be surprised if you have difficulty mowing them. The only real solution for tall weeds is a dig them out or mowing before they reach their full growth.
Setting Cutting HeightYou might want to change the cutting height of your mower, each brand of mower has its own method. If you Google or Youtube the make of mower you'll more than likely find the right advice.
MaintenanceThe maintenance of the mowers are the responsibility of the group. If your mower isn't working so well, you probably need to give it a good clean up and lubricate it and make sure and continue to do so on a regular basis.
To mow properly it is essential that you take proper care of your mower.
1. Keep the cutter bar properly adjusted (do not over tighten). Check with paper as outlined in your owner's guide.
2. Regularly lube the bearings and the cutting edges with WD-40 or a similar product.
3. If sharpening is required instructions are in your owner's guide or a sharpening kit is available.
Here's a good clip from you tube which should be relevant for most mowers.