The Low-Tech Times

The Low-Tech Times previously recommended push reel lawn mowers in its lawnmower buying guide. Now, according to WHSV.com ABC Channel 3, local retailers are reporting an increase in push reel lawn mower sales:

With gas prices on the rise, many people are looking for cheaper ways to save money at the pump, including how they mow the lawn.

Ace Hardware stores, Lowe’s and Home Depot have noticed a change in how people are reacting to higher gas prices. Managers’ at all three stores say sales of Push Reel mowers have steadily increased over the past month.

The Low-Tech Times continues to recommend manual push reel mowers, but keep these factors in mind before deciding one is right to you:

1. Push reel lawn mowers are best for small yards (e.g. townhomes).
2. Pushing a push reel lawn mower through very tall grass is more difficult; keep up with cutting the grass if you choose one.
3. If you want to cut your grass leaving it fairly long (more than three inches), you may not be able to find a push reel model to meet your needs.

The Low-Tech Times, via Gizmodo, has learned that a new big-budget motion picture is in the works:

While few specifics were mentioned, and no formal announcement has been made, it’s extremely promising that the man with the power to make the film is getting the ball rolling.

The announcement is noteworthy because, although MacGyver was certainly not afraid of technology, he often employed low-tech ingredients (e.g. duct tape and a swiss-army knife) in coming up with creative solutions. I have fond memories of watching the hit show on free tv when I was younger.

Amazon.com sells MacGyver tv episodes on DVD if interested:

Here are some things to consider when purchasing a new lawnmower:

1. If you live on a lot less than half an acre, do not even consider a riding lawnmower. Sure, maybe your neighbor has one, but you don’t want to look as foolish as he does. Additionally, even with a riding lawnmower, you’ll still need a regular push mower to get along the edges and corners.
2. If you live in a townhouse, an old-fashioned push reel mower will do the job quietly and effectively. Plus, you’ll get some exercise.
3. Self-propelled lawnmowers (those where you pull a lever and walk behind the mower as it goes by itself) are a waste of money and time. Besides being more expensive than regular lawnmowers, you waste time turning around each pass across the lawn. With a regular lawnmower, you can push it one direction and tow it the other direction to save time by eliminating the need to turn around. You’ll also get more exercise.
4. I’m not a fan of electric mowers. While some think it may be a greener choice, you still have to plug it in and that power from your house isn’t magically produced without any pollution. Secondly, the cord will get in your way. Therefore, I recommend a gasoline combustion engine lawnmower over electrics. Personally, I like mowers with Briggs and Stratton engines.
5. For a gasoline engine push mower, look for a side discharge model. You’ll save time not having to stop and bag the grass. While you should still occasionally dethatch your lawn, you’ll still be helping the environment by not sending plastic bags full of cut grass to the landfill each week.

Here are links to a couple of mowers meeting my criteria: