Re: wouldn't it be wonderful (Electric Lawn Mowers)

[webmaster@ccdemo.org (Leonard G. Barton, Webmaster)]

Commentary on a missive from Bob (Bob Rice <bobrice@snet.net>)

<SNIP>

Even corded electrics, when folks find out how inconvenient THEY
>are, with the @#$%^ cord in the way!
<SNIP>

Realy!  I ran over my cord ONCE!.  Patched it up and never did it again.

I'v got a Toro electric (120VAC 60hz, no longer manufactured).  The only
problems with this have been that once the brushes are totaly worn, the
brush holder overheats and melts down (thermoplastic - yech!)  This has
happened only once. Anyhow, this is a good reminder that I should check the
brushes today.

This is a fantastic mower, as I never have to go down to get gasoline in a
container (an incovienent, dangerous and highly poluting operation), it
always is ready to go, never runs out of oil or needs a change, is nice and
quiet, and shuts off when you let go.

Agreed, battery systems will be the way to go in the future, but here I am
with a close to ten year old mower that still runs great and does not need
battery relacement.

Admitedly I am more biased than I ever was as I now make on-grid
photovoltaic electricity.

Now for the catch - you have to PLAN your mowing pattern.  The cord isn't a
problem (I have 50 feet of 12AWG), if you lay it out so you can mow with
the cord in the area you have already mown (duh!?). (This is harder than it
sounds if you have fruit trees or irregular mowing regions, which I do, but
than it is a good idea to use the brain once in a while, so it doesn't go
stale.)

Corded electic lawn mowers - the thinking person's machine.

Leonard