By Steve Holdgren

For people with smaller yards that cut their yards frequently this can be a great little mower. The side discharge is perfect for worry free cutting. Grass clippings are actually good for your yard and re-introduce fertilizer. As long as the clippings are short I let them recycle back into the yard. This light mower has a 20 inch cut path so it gets the job done fast and is especially suited to flatter yards. The engine in this mower runs great and the cut is more powerful than I would have thought for the price. The starting can be a pain. Make sure it’s full of gas and oil and prime it plenty before starting.

Quick Specs

• 450E 125cc Briggs & Stratton primer engine
• 20-Inch deck push mower
• Side discharge only
• 4-Quick height adjusters with 5 positions
• 7-Inch Front and Rear Wheels
• 42 Pds

Prices

Steve Holdgren is an engineer by trade and has worked for some of the largest energy related engineering firms in the world with his latest stint in Switzerland. He holds a degree is mechanical engineering… See more about Steve

By Steve Holdgren

The only difference in the 10732 is that it’s a self propelled or walk behind mower. But if you prefer you can push it as well. If you’re like me I use push faster than the mower’s self propelled speed, so I like that option. Then on hills I use the self propelled function. This mower is rear wheel self propelled and I like that option much better than front wheel propelled as that causes slipping. Mower is lightweight at 66pds and maneuverable. The Kohler 6.5 gross torque over head valve engine provides plenty of power to cut through tough grass. I’ve always liked Lawn Boy mowers since I cut grass as a kid with them. As all of us know who have used them extensively, the only problem you normally had with these durable little mowers is cranking them when you got the gas/oil mixture wrong, or when they got overheated. This new system starts right up on the first pull as advertised. I had no problems getting it started. The front wheel placements seemed a bit soft to me, as the housing is built from plastic. I thought the cut was smooth, and I like the purring sound from the engine on this mower. The wheels are soft on your yard and designed that way on purpose. Another thing I really like is that the height adjustments are easy and fast to change.

Quick Specs

• Kohler 6.5 ft. lb. cross torque 149cc OHV engine
• Auto Choke
• 21” Cutting Path
• 11” Rear Wheel (7” front)
• $279
• 66 pds

Prices

Steve Holdgren is an engineer by trade and has worked for some of the largest energy related engineering firms in the world with his latest stint in Switzerland. He holds a degree is mechanical engineering… See more about Steve

By Steve Holdgren

With durable 12-inch rear wheels, this Husqvarna gas-powered push mower, available for $249.95, is easy to maneuver over all kinds of terrain. It’s durable and that’s the main trait we are looking for. The engine runs smooth and the extra wheel height makes a big difference on rougher terrain. Fairly lightweight at 60 pounds, it conveniently folds up for easy storage in the garage. The 3-in-1 cutting system mulches your grass and either collects it in the rear bag or discharges it to the side. The adjustable height lets you handle short or long grass. The cutting path is today’s standard 21-inches.

Quick Specs

• 140cc Briggs and Stratton Engine
• CARB Compliant
• 21” Cutting Path
• 60 Pounds

Prices

Steve Holdgren is an engineer by trade and has worked for some of the largest energy related engineering firms in the world with his latest stint in Switzerland. He holds a degree is mechanical engineering… See more about Steve

By Steve Holdgren

Lawn-Boy’s 21 in. high wheel push mower is lightweight at 61pds and maneuverable. The Kohler 6.5 gross torque over head valve engine provides plenty of power to cut through tough grass. I’ve always liked Lawn Boy mowers since I cut grass as a kid with them. As all of us know who have used them extensively, the only problem you normally had with these durable little mowers is cranking them when you got the gas/oil mixture wrong, or when they got overheated. This new system starts right up on the first pull as advertised. I had no problems getting it started. The front wheel placements seemed a bit soft to me, as the housing is built from plastic. I thought the cut was smooth, and I like the purring sound from the engine on this mower. The wheels are soft on your yard and designed that way on purpose. Another thing I really like is that the height adjustments are easy and fast to change.

Quick Specs

• Kohler 6.5 ft. lb. cross torque 149cc OHV engine
• Auto Choke
• 21” Cutting Path
• 11” Rear Wheel (7” front)
• $239

Prices

Steve Holdgren is an engineer by trade and has worked for some of the largest energy related engineering firms in the world with his latest stint in Switzerland. He holds a degree is mechanical engineering… See more about Steve

By Jon Bannister

The 54” blade cutting width on this John Deere model will help you get through large lawns quicker. It has excellent cutting capability from the edge cutting system. A 25 HP V-twin engine has some nice extended life features. A high back seat with lumbar support should make your time on the mower more comfortable. The mower is easy to control with two foot controls to help with tighter turns. It even has cruise control if you are so inclined on those larger lawns.

Quick Specs

• 2 Year Bumper to Bumper Warranty
• Cut Width 54 inches
• Rear Wheel Drive
• Transmission: Hydrostatic
• $2700

Prices

Jon Bannister has always had an interest in the latest technology and gadgetry. A graduate of the Georgia Tech computer science program, Jon has a very technical and working knowledge on how computers interact with and improve… See more about Jon

By Jon Bannister

This little rear engine 30” riding mower is one of the best sellers in the country and one of the only rear engine mowers. The little 420cc Powermore has a cast iron cylinder sleeve, pressure oiler and a screw on automotive type oil filter. You get around 15 HP on this solid little engine. It fortunately has a forged steel crankshaft making it stronger and more durable than cast iron. It has an adjustable seat even for tall people. When it comes to cutting this mower performs well above its price point. One added benefit many would overlook is that this little mower can fit through small spaces.

Quick Specs

• 5 Height Adjustable Blade
• 15 HP
• 2 Year Limited Warranty
• 420cc Single Troy-Bilt Engine
• 30 Cutting Deck
• $1100

Prices

Jon Bannister has always had an interest in the latest technology and gadgetry. A graduate of the Georgia Tech computer science program, Jon has a very technical and working knowledge on how computers interact with and improve… See more about Jon

By Jon Bannister

If you have a 0.25 acre lot or smaller, and you want a durable electric string trimmer with no fuss, no muss, than the Dewalt DCST920P1 is just right. Its design is simple but efficient, with a variable speed trigger that goes between high and low, maximizing power or runtime. We liked the simplicity of the bump feed that requires just a tap on the ground to advance the line while the trimmer is running. Another advantage is the easy maintenance; the only thing we saw that this trimmer needed was keeping the line cutter sharpened and keeping the extra line in a moist bag to preserve it. For long-term storage, the battery has to be kept in a temperature-controlled environment so as not to wear it out. We would have preferred the stronger 0.095″ line for its extra strength, but this trimmer still works as advertised and handles small to mid-size lots well.

Quick Specs

• $199
• 13-inch cutting path
• Dual 0.080″ line

Prices

Jon Bannister has always had an interest in the latest technology and gadgetry. A graduate of the Georgia Tech computer science program, Jon has a very technical and working knowledge on how computers interact with and improve… See more about Jon

By Jon Bannister

For those who swear by the incredible power and durability of gas trimmers, the Toro 51978 definitely won’t disappoint. This model, with its 2-cycle 25.4cc engine, makes mincemeat of weeds and brush in short order. Additionally, the straight shaft allows users to reach around obstacles like porches and fences. We saw no issues with the 0.095″ dual line, which seems to be made to deal with abuse and not wear out quickly. If there are any issues with this model, it’s that at 12.5 pounds, it’s heavier than some other models and wears out your arm over long periods of use. Also, the debris guard is on the flimsier side and doesn’t keep debris from shooting all over the place, so be prepared with heavy-duty clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty.

Quick Specs

• $179
• Straight shaft
• 2 cycles
• 25.4cc
• 12.5 pounds

Prices

Jon Bannister has always had an interest in the latest technology and gadgetry. A graduate of the Georgia Tech computer science program, Jon has a very technical and working knowledge on how computers interact with and improve… See more about Jon

By Jon Bannister

The Ryobi RY40220 is a cordless weed eater that, like the Black & Decker LST136W, avoids the hassle of maintaining a gas trimmer and still provides great cutting power in a lightweight body. We were impressed with the strength of the 0.080″ dual line, which handles even the toughest weeds, brush, and grass fairly easily. Another plus that we noticed quickly was the noise—or lack thereof. If you’re the kind who likes to do yardwork early in the morning before the heat of the day, then you can do so guilt-free knowing that you won’t disturb the neighbors. We would have liked to see more thought put into the ergonomics of this model; having length adjustment would prevent users from having to lift the trimmer and putting stress on their arms. However, the long runtime and the ability to switch between different attachments will make tending the lawn much more convenient.

Quick Specs

• $149
• 40V battery
• 13 inches
• Cordless
• 13–15 inch cutting width
• 3-year warranty

Prices

Jon Bannister has always had an interest in the latest technology and gadgetry. A graduate of the Georgia Tech computer science program, Jon has a very technical and working knowledge on how computers interact with and improve… See more about Jon

By Jon Bannister

We were pleasantly surprised by many of the EGO Power+ 56V string trimmer’s features, which include a fast-charging battery that provides up to an hour of powerful, efficient trimming. As soon as we held it, we were pleased with the lightweight, well-balanced design of this model, as we could tell that it would take a lot of the hassle out of yardwork. Indeed, the 0.095″ line can handle a lot of tough jobs, and we saw no problems with the bump feed head as the trimmer ran at maximum speed. Another convenient feature is the variable speed, because it allows you to work most efficiently, for instance, switching from a low setting for trimming grass to a high setting for the tough weeds. A possible downside to the incredible power, however, is that debris flies in all directions, making it essential for users to wear long sleeves and pants, closed-toe shoes, and protective goggles.

Quick Specs

• $179
• 56V battery
• 15 inches
• Cordless
• Bump feed head
• 5-year limited warranty

Prices

Jon Bannister has always had an interest in the latest technology and gadgetry. A graduate of the Georgia Tech computer science program, Jon has a very technical and working knowledge on how computers interact with and improve… See more about Jon

By Jon Bannister

If you’ve had enough of maintaining a gas-powered weed eater and are looking for something user friendly, the Black and Decker LST136W is a great cordless, battery-powered edger that doesn’t sacrifice on power. Its 40V lithium battery charges in under an hour and will last at least an hour on a low to medium power level. We liked having the option to turn the dial between maximum power and maximum runtime. On maximum power, the weed eater lasts about 15 minutes but can handle tougher brush. For regular lawn trimming and taking care of weeds, the lower power setting is more than adequate. On the negative side, the trimmer line can dry out and become brittle, and its thin diameter of 0.065 inches puts it at risk of breaking should it hit solid surfaces like the pavement. Overall, however, this weed eater’s precision, convenience, and power make it a solid purchase.

Quick Specs

• 40V battery
• 13 inches
• Cordless
• 2-year warranty

Prices

Jon Bannister has always had an interest in the latest technology and gadgetry. A graduate of the Georgia Tech computer science program, Jon has a very technical and working knowledge on how computers interact with and improve… See more about Jon

By Jon Bannister

Another cordless string trimmer ideally suited for small to mid-size yards, the ECHO CST-58V4AH runs efficiently by letting you switch between the high and low power setting. We found that the bump feed head worked great at reloading the line, which is quite durable as a 0.095 and 0.080 inch twist line. Another convenient feature was the fairly long battery runtime, which can easily top an hour if used on the lower power setting. One thing we would have liked to see addressed is the balance; the trimmer feels heavier in the back than in the front, giving it a slightly awkward feel over long periods. However, the fact that this trimmer takes out the hassle of storing and mixing gas and complicated maintenance makes this a worthy purchase.

Quick Specs

• 4 Ah battery
• $229
• 14 – 16 inch cutting swath
• 5-year consumer warranty

Prices

Jon Bannister has always had an interest in the latest technology and gadgetry. A graduate of the Georgia Tech computer science program, Jon has a very technical and working knowledge on how computers interact with and improve… See more about Jon

By Jon Bannister

For a behemoth gas trimmer that’s definitely a step up from the standard 25cc trimmer, the Honda HHT35SLTAT demonstrates its incredible power from the moment it starts up. Although it’s on the heavy side, this model has a shoulder strap and is designed to not vibrate so much, so it’s not exhausting to use for long periods of time. One of the advertised perks of this model is the fact that it doesn’t make you mix gas and oil but takes regular gas, which certainly takes a lot of the hassle out of operating a gas trimmer. Another nice feature is the collection of blades and add-ons to increase the utility of this trimmer. If we have complaints, it’s that it takes more than one or two pulls to start up, and its fuel efficiency is not as great as 25cc models. Still, we can’t fault the design or the quality of this Honda trimmer.

Quick Specs

• $359
• 35cc 4-stroke engine
• 17-inch cutting path
• Bump line system
• 2-year warranty

Prices

Jon Bannister has always had an interest in the latest technology and gadgetry. A graduate of the Georgia Tech computer science program, Jon has a very technical and working knowledge on how computers interact with and improve… See more about Jon

A cordless leaf blower with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, the WORX WG545 is well suited to light yard tasks like blowing off the patio, pool deck, or sidewalk. The blower’s nozzle has a narrow range, but it’s still pretty powerful for such a lightweight device. We found that the flexible nozzle can reach narrow spaces like underneath bushes and furniture. It also has an automatic shut-off feature for when the battery is low or discharges. For a compact model, this $99 blower has good power and runs fairly quietly.

Prices

For the professional landscaper or the average homeowner with very large property, this Husqvarna 150BT leaf blower has incredible power, reaching air speeds up to 251 mph with its 50.2 cc motor. The backpack is surprisingly comfortable to wear for extended periods, distributing the weight evenly on your back. We were also impressed with how easy it was to start the blower after reading the instructions. It typically takes no more than one or two pulls of the cord to get it started. For those tremendous lawns with lots of debris, this Husqvarna leaf blower, at $299, gets the job done quickly.

Prices

A lightweight, easy-to-maneuver device from Black & Decker, this cordless electric leaf blower does efficiently what a push broom would do: sweep hard surfaces of leaves and debris. It’s best used on patios, walkways, and garage floors; it won’t be able to handle grassy surfaces well. Relatively quiet and creating no emissions, this surface sweeper is a handy tool to have when you need to freshen up the outside of the house quickly. The $149 price is nice, too. The included rechargeable battery doesn’t last too long per charge, but if you have other cordless Black & Decker tools you can swap out the batteries easily.

Prices