Summer is coming,
Green grass is growing fast. There is time to stars your motors, gentlemen.
Or there is another way?
1. If there is any ecological advantage of using electric mower over petrol powered? I need to buy new one.
2. I have some idea that possibly will be ridiculed by you but let me ask.
Since I am considering purchasing bigger urban property in Queensland 5 to 10.000 sqm can I purchase a pet animal to keep the grass trimmed? If grass eater is able to keep my lawns in reasonable shape? Lame. Rabbit, Goat? Cow, small kangaroo? What is your recommendation?
3. If natural grass control is feasible than could be implemented as business model?
I.e dedicated farmers will hire as animal for a day or two, charge $40 and bring four legged mower for a couple days (deliver to your property) and collect when job is done?
(Just please don’t tell me that animal will produce more methane that petrol mower, because this planet is eventually for all of us animals not just humans)
Eco Mower
(36 posts) (22 voices)-
Posted Tuesday 20 Oct 2009 @ 3:27:09 am from IP #
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rsigmund
Member1. Depends where the oil was obtained and where you get your electricity. But for sure you will be exposed to more exhuast nasties with the fossil mower.
2. Rabbit, hard to keep from getting out by burrowing
Goat, (not sure) but easier and cheaper to handle than a cow?
Cow, some sale value but other issues like drench?
kangaroo, good luck with fences high enough
3. Maybe but for some reason your comment made me think of this article http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2008/jun/10/food.globaleconomy
Posted Tuesday 20 Oct 2009 @ 5:01:39 am from IP # -
Sunshine
MemberGreenozi,
With option 1, an electric mower is really only useable on a small yard, long power cords are difficult to move and easy to run over if the grass is a bit on the long side.
Problem with option 3 is that the truck which moves the animals around from property to property uses more fossil fuels than a mower itself.Posted Tuesday 20 Oct 2009 @ 5:38:11 am from IP # -
Eco
MemberI measured my electric mower - a Flymo Multimo 360.
I used about 0.86 kWh/h, that is an average of 0.86 kW or 3.1 MJ/h. Power varied from 900 W when under no load (0 when on lever not held) up to 2600 Watts peak load. Based on this cost is approx 17 cents per hour (but this would vary depending on how hard you worked and the length of the grass). I don’t know how much a petrol mower uses. (A litre of petrol has an energy content of approximately 32 MJ/litre (but I am sure varies depending on octane rating) so how many litres per hour does a petrol mower use.)
1 kWh electricity (coal fired) = 1 to 1.3 kg CO2 (0.28 - 0.36 kg CO2 per MJ), 1 litre petrol = 2.8 kg CO2 (.09 kg CO2 per MJ which is interesting in itself because it means that there is significantly less CO2 per MJ in petrol than coal based electricity. Is this due to production and distribution losses of coal based electricity?? And petrol may not include its production and distribution energy input?)
The disadvantages of an electric mower is firstly the power cord – you have to plan the way you tackle the grass so that the cord doesn’t wrap around trees and you don’t run over it. (I have run over the cord but if it is laying flat it is not a problem but it is still not advisable. Run with an earth leakage protector in the circuit.) It does slow the mowing process compared to a “free range” mower. Length of cord limits the area that can be mowed. The second issue is the relative width of cutting. The Flymo is 36 centimetre. I think petrol mowers are usually wider than this so the mowing would be quicker. Not an issue with a small block but if it is a large block could add quite a bit to the time of mowing (and should also be considered when comparing relative energy usage).
I bought it because I had heard petrol mowers and two stroke were more energy hungry and polluting. A battery mower would over come the problem of the power cord but more expensive and heavier.
Posted Wednesday 21 Oct 2009 @ 3:41:44 am from IP # -
rhills
MemberHi GreenOzi,
Not one of the options you mentioned, but a few years ago, we had a pet sheep that did a spectacular job of keeping our large suburban lawn well mown. We picked her up as a lamb during a drought and paid nothing, the lamb had been abandoned by its mother and the farmer was happy to see it go to a good home.
They actually make quite good pets - not very clever, but quite affectionate and very low-maintenance (provided you just have one or two). We also got several fleeces from ours, my wife learned to spin and I have a couple of jumpers from her.
Probably the only downside to it was all the "ball bearings" (sheep poo) around the place, but it was quite good fertiliser and we got used to it.
Posted Wednesday 21 Oct 2009 @ 2:11:20 pm from IP # -
Hi rhills, excellent news and worth to try. What is the lawn size that one ship can take care off? My property will be about 8.000 sqm and at least half will be just grass.
On another hand we don't want to starve this animal but I can not get any more land in the city I am afraid. If city council allow me to keep pet ship? I have a dog that should be fine with other pet, since didn't eat our Guinea pig either.Posted Thursday 22 Oct 2009 @ 4:06:25 am from IP # -
TomC
MemberAs a owner of a small (5 acre) lot in the Otways, we have a cow to eat the grass and produce a calf every year. She is pretty efficient at this task and is generally fairly low maintenance but the problem comes when she gets into the garden ( if the electric fence fails for example)
Grass eating animals tend to be fond of most things green and just munch away regardless of your prize vegetables flowers etc...........Posted Thursday 22 Oct 2009 @ 11:26:34 am from IP # -
CunningPlansDept
MemberHas anyone been able to find a retailer for the new Bosch cordless elecric mower listed in the last ReNew? I can't seem to find it on the bosch-do-it.com.au website listed in the article.
Posted Thursday 29 Oct 2009 @ 8:45:51 am from IP # -
My bet is that either mechanical mowing option is not nice for the environment. A burpy/farty farm animal may also be not so good for the atmosphere.
Nothings perfect! If you use a goat or for that matter any of the animals you suggest they will eat more than just the grass. In the middle of winter they will need supplementary feed and will not be able to keep up with it in spring.....
Maybe a push mower.... just your energy and global warming outputs to condend with?
Posted Sunday 8 Nov 2009 @ 1:15:51 pm from IP # -
Bobthe...
MemberGoats are usually very hard to control.... think of a sheep on steroids !
Probably equal to a kangaroo for ability to penetrate fences, and will eat everything.If you want to maintain any sort of ornamental or edible garden, then I think it precludes any sort of animal. Either the fences are ugly, or the animal rampages through everthing..... not good for ones peace of mind.
I would still consider an electric mower.
I have a house yard of about 0.7ha and use a petrol mower for half because its in and out of trees, beds, rocks etc.
A large part of the yard is open lawn, on which I use an electric cylinder mower.
It produces a very fine lawn, and is faster than the petrol mower over the same area.
I have buried 6mm electric cable to place weatherproof outlets around the area, used for both mowing and lighting, and if the kids have a party they can use their sound equipment without running leads under everyones feet. Luckily the neighbours are away in the distance.Bob >>
Posted Sunday 8 Nov 2009 @ 9:23:27 pm from IP # -
LanceTurner
Key MasterRechargeable electric mowers are the way to go for any urban block. I have a husqvarna rechargeable I picked up for around $100 on ebay, it has the original batteries from 2001 and still goes like a new one, cuts my whole lawn and road verges (the council are slack and don't do it) on one charge, and I'm on a reasonably large corner block.
It's not as powerful as my old black and decker stealth though, but sold that many years back, but they were great mowers, even if the charging system was crap (mine was made solar).
That's the great thing about rechargeables, just add a solar panel and regulator and you're done. On the stealth, I fitted the reg inside the mower and had an external plug and just plugged the panel into it after mowing. By the time I needed it again it was ready to go.
Not sure where you can get the new bosch unit, but this article (http://www.greentimes.com.au/lifestyle/even-greener-lawns.html) implies they are available from larger stores (I assume like bunnings etc).
Also, this mob on ebay have a direct import unit, has a 36 volt motor and looks like a bargain, though can't vouch for quality. They are supposedly in Wantirna, VIC, but I would verify that as many mobs say they are in Oz but instead ship from China: http://stores.shop.ebay.com.au/PuiChinCo
Posted Monday 9 Nov 2009 @ 5:12:01 am from IP # -
jaydigger
MemberBought a 24 volt enviromower a couple of months ago, and overall i love it,no messy handling of fuel,no smoke ,no exhaust in my face ,lighter than the petrol mower and a lot quieter. Catcher is a bit fiddly especially if you had poor eyesight or just unco,but has a bung plug to attach for mulching which works well for me mowing 250 sq metres of kikyu/couch lawns.
10000sq/m you would have to be dedicated as cut is 14 inch(good exercise).Doesnt cut to wheel track so need edger.Am looking for battery powered whipper snipper too !!
Have seen the bosch in B----ngs ,have better battery (lithium ion)than mine and looks like it might cut a little closer to one edge,but hated the handle operation(that and the extra $200 put me off) .
I do the lawn regularly so it is perfect for me,got 6 mows out of 1st charge.
Thats my 2 cents worthPosted Monday 9 Nov 2009 @ 8:25:05 am from IP # -
tullera182
MemberWhat about filling your block up with orchard trees - fruits and nuts. Eventually they will grow big and you'll have to mow only the area which are just grass for playing cricket or whatever AND you'll have all that wonderful produce AND all the spare time you might otherwise have used mowing vast expanses of grass which does nothing much for anyone.
Posted Saturday 14 Nov 2009 @ 8:52:39 pm from IP # -
KarenS
MemberCouple of things - I have a fabulous electric mower, although it is getting a bit heavy for me now (I'm over 60, with a few health problems), - it's a Tandem, made in South Africa, and recommended by Choice when I got it a few years back. Unfortunately, I think they're not available in Aus any more. It has a REALLY long lead, and we also have a really long serious industrial extension lead, so don't have too many problems. What people who are used to petrol mowers forget when they get an electric, is that you can just stop and start whenever you like, such as when you have to get the cord back around the other side of the Hills Hoist... It also has a large catcher, a huge range of cutting heights, and 'close edge cutting' on one side. Thoroughly recommend it, if you can lay your hands on one.
Animals - whether you own, borrow or lease. First thing you need is acceptable fencing, either fixed or electric (which can be relocatable). Fencing is NOT CHEAP!! and it must be kept in good order etc. You can tether sheep and some goats, with a long tether, but you have to check on them often to make sure they haven't tied themselves in a knot, and you also have to move them lots. If you don't have enough suitable tether points, there will be parts of your land which they can't reach.
You could also consider alpacas or llamas. They are both social animals, and you need AT LEAST 2 of them, preferably 3 or 4, and alpacas are smaller, so need less land, fencing etc. Benefits are that you can get fleece from them, which is spinnable; you could breed them, and there are alpaca societies all over the place which could provide advice and assistance. They are also VERY good guard animals - many Victorian farmers use them to look after sheep, as they keep foxes away at lambing time etc. And they are less destructive than goats, less smelly than billy goats (ANYTHING is less smelly than a billy goat, LOL), and a lot brighter than your average sheep. They would probably be dearer to buy than sheep, but you might be able to get some lawnmower ones much cheaper than pedigree or good breeding ones.
Posted Sunday 15 Nov 2009 @ 3:56:34 am from IP # -
I have just bought my second Ozito in 5 years - $120 at Bunnings - small and light weight - I can pick it up and "mow" the sides of the earth banks, quite powerful and this latest model has a great flow though to the catcher - no problem with long or wet grass. Much nicer than petrol - no fumes and better on the back - handles about 400 square metres of grass in a morning - just plan the runs to allow for the cord.
Posted Wednesday 2 Dec 2009 @ 4:46:01 am from IP # -
opmaced
MemberIn response to Cordless Electric Mowers (for the record):
I purchased a PC1000 in October 2008 cost of $250 + ph (same as one here)
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/NEW-Cordless-Electric-Rechargeable-Lawn-Mower-PC1000-/270643152564It just stopped a couple of days ago. I took it to a friend (electrical engineer), said the electric motor has burnt out. I estimated that I used it 40 hours (maximum) based on small lawns (40 minutes per lawn cut x per month use, and I live in Katoomba so no mowing from end of May to beginning of September).
I have sent seller 2 emails asking for parts (specifically replacement motor, they advertised parts as being available), no response.
It has worked fine (struggles with long grass). But hey, a 40 hour life on a battery run electric dc motor is not a good recommendation. All China built, what did I expect? Well maybe 200+ hours at the least!
Looking at getting the Victa Enviromower from Bunnings (priced currently at $449)
http://www.bunnings.com.au/products_product_victa-enviromower_399.aspx versus the Bosch Rotak 37 Li-ion (also at Bunnings for $699). Looked at replacement battery costs, Victa 24v about $85+, Bosch 36v li-ion about $360+. Li-ion batteries last longer, easier to charge etc. but drop it once or twice and you're up for an expensive replacement. Maybe in a couple of years Li-ion batteries will cost less, and maybe in a couple of years lead acid batteries won't exist?Any advice on which new cordless mower to choose?
cheers
Posted Friday 28 Jan 2011 @ 1:04:29 am from IP # -
dymonite69
MemberWe have agisted sheep. Usual rate is 20c/sheep/week to the pasture owner. Owners look after the vet issues. We just give water.
Other alternatives:
Goat - eats everything include blackberries, but need a good fence
Geese - noisy
Cow - need a really good fence
Roo - might kill the pasture
Alpacas - very expensive but you can sell the wool, need a good fence.Shearing and/or slaughtering will incur higher than average costs if you have low numbers.
Posted Friday 28 Jan 2011 @ 1:11:57 am from IP # -
ghostgum
MemberWhy do you want cordless? I've used two corded electic mowers. The flymo was lousy. The old Sunbeam was excellent, until the motor died after 20+ years of service. The best bit about the Sunbeam was the way the cord lay on the ground in out of the way for the next pass down the lawn. The sunbeam looked like one of these:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mk_YbYMdjcsPosted Friday 28 Jan 2011 @ 1:15:03 am from IP # -
opmaced
MemberHave lots of edges around garden such as around trees, vege patch x 2, irregular levels, narrow garden arch separating back lawn, plus front is verge with garden and long way to front. Plus last time I used an electric pruner I cut the bloody cord and blew the thing up!
And I like cordless for ease of use and safety factor versus cords on ground (sometimes moist/wet). And have solar panels, so can claim I cut the lawns using power from the sun (thanks Sun). Also, have some lung problems, just can't take petrol mower's fumes and dust anymore (have used petrol mowers for over 40 years).
Sheep are a good idea though!
Posted Friday 28 Jan 2011 @ 1:24:49 am from IP # -
Buzzman
MemberThe idea in this one is sound, een if the execution leaves something to be desired:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVXVHBdE5pk&feature=related
Probably should email this to DeWalt so they can make a version as an "attachment" for their big 24V cordless power drill.
LOL!!
Posted Friday 28 Jan 2011 @ 2:31:42 am from IP # -
Lumbuck Thornton
Member-----oooooOOOOOO Ginnea Pigs! 000000ooooo-----
But just on battery mowers first....
I have a battery lawn mower and it is great provided the grass does not get too long or wet. I have start doing balance mows occasionally to take the top of the grass that has grown thicker and faster than the rest of the yard. It looks a bit funny but it helps balance out the growth and prevent it getting too long and wet without taking up too much time mowing grass that does not need mowing.
Battery mower is a bit safer and easier to handle by the teenagers wanting pocket money.
On Ginnea Pigs - I thought of a scheme where I would become a ginnea pig farmer and mowing service. Provided the dog was tied up, the cats were away and escape roots were blocked the pigs could be let out. Might lose a few to eagles. Strategically spaced shelters across the yard might help the pigs feel safer and make for easy collection. Portable GP fencing needed to protect some garden. Transport could be by multideck bike trailer or then there was the idea that a neigbourhood could have a network of 90mm PVC tunnels to occasionally visit by rotation. They are good fertilisers and good eating according to Central and South Americans. Prolific breeders. They might be vulnerable to some deseases in large groups. Might be RSPCA considerations. The peak grass growing times would need an army of GP's and so when the grass slowed there would have to be significant culling or agistment elsewhere beyond the lawns being maintained. Might be a bit far fetched but I reckon it is only a matter of time before cities have to become more productive, resource and energy efficent. It would make for a good movie...
Posted Friday 28 Jan 2011 @ 11:04:26 pm from IP # -
dymonite69
MemberThe focus has been on energy consumed to keep the grass short but nothing on removing the nutrients from the system. A good eco mower will mulch and return as much nitrogen back to the soil.
Posted Saturday 29 Jan 2011 @ 3:25:38 am from IP # -
Lumbuck Thornton
MemberWhat I don't like is the time expended as well. Ginnea Pigs return pellets and urine to the soils and also leave enough plant for it to regrow. I am not sure but they might avoid some weeds that might required. I guess there are greenhouse emissions from the GP's too but they would be offset !
Posted Sunday 30 Jan 2011 @ 11:35:09 am from IP # -
dymonite69
Member"I guess there are greenhouse emissions from the GP's"
I think one should not trivialise the concept of GH emissions. The one that is being argued is that generated in vast amounts from combusting fossil fuels.
A fallen tree is GH emitter. GH gases are constantly cycled by all living organisms in the course of their life and death.
Posted Sunday 30 Jan 2011 @ 12:29:24 pm from IP # -
Lumbuck Thornton
MemberIts all so complicated, maybe a few random throws of the dice and needed to get to the next level and work out the full picture. We can only try.
Posted Monday 31 Jan 2011 @ 12:02:29 pm from IP # -
Short update from my first paragraph on this thread.
Indeed, I bought almost 2 acres in the middle of Gold Cost, but only a quarter is grass, the rest is bush and pond.
Big enough grass.
I bought on eBay expensive, powerful self propelled mower/mulcher with Briggs and Stratton engine with 2 years warranty. I killed the poor mower on the second day. Lost warranty instantly. My fault. I hit a stump hidden in 1.5 m high grass and the engine block disintegrated.
Then I bought the cheapest yellow mower in Bunnings that works perfectly till now.
Same stumps and rocks and nothing wrong happen due to smart swinging blade design - not hard mounted straight blade the self propelled had.
Next I bought american made line trimmer, weeder that need line replacement every five minutes.
The most wasteful device I ever saw in my life !
After I attach 30 cm piece of line and work for a few minutes line is shorter then optimal length and you work mower at extreme RPM, with shorter and shorter piece.
Then after 5 minutes stop the motor , throw 15 cm of line to rubbish bin and replace with new 30 cm piece.
After this terrific rain and heat wave grass is growing like crazy here in Queensland. There must be a better way and I think I found one. I will convert at least half of my lawns into vegetable garden and the half of my bush into orchard with all sorts of tasty succulent fruits! ( if I find free time
Posted Monday 31 Jan 2011 @ 1:32:56 pm from IP # -
dymonite69
MemberLearn to use a scythe
Posted Monday 31 Jan 2011 @ 2:06:53 pm from IP #
