A new mower

Well, I decided for the Husqvarna reel model. For one thing, the local Lowe's had it in stock and I could go and pick one up (literally: it only weighs about 35 pounds). And also, I like the idea of a mower that only runs out of juice when I do. (No idea if the electric model that I rejected was a rechargeable - though given the price, I bet it wasn't). And I really don't like the idea of a corded electric model because I kind of go into daydream-zone when I mow, and I'd probably forget and nearly run over the cord.

I also read some online reviews of the model I would up getting. They were generally positive, with a few complaints that "the lowest cutting setting scalps the lawn" (Well, don't use it on the lowest cutting setting then) and that the grass catcher is pants (and it kind of is, it fills up fast and dribbles grass out of it, but that's not a big deal for me because most of the summer, I mow frequently enough that I just let the clippings mulch).

Other than the grass catcher not being ideal, the model seems like a really good design. It cuts much, much better than my previous model (though that could partly be because I didn't keep up as well with blade-sharpening as I might, but then again, I think the blades on my new model are made of a better, harder alloy. The Husqvarna claims to never need sharpening but I'm going to look at it at the end of the season to be sure). The blades are also underneath a cover, which probably makes it a bit safer. And it's easy to adjust the cutting height: for example, if you have really tall rank grass (as my backyard did) and you can't push the mower through on the lower setting, you can set it up to the highest setting, knock down the tallest stuff, and then take a second pass on the lower setting.

This one is also easier to push, with a better ergonomic design to the handle, than my older model. And it was a lot easier to put together - about five minutes and no specialized tools required, everything kind of snaps into place and there are really no bolts and nuts (like on my old mower) to joggle loose as you mow. (I was always having to replace the nuts, they'd get loose and fall off in the grass and I wouldn't be able to find them.)

Another thing I like about push mowers: they're virtually silent so I can "ninja mow" first thing in the morning on Saturdays (before it gets hot) and not disturb my neighbors. And I don't wind up feeling bone-shaken* and having ringing in my ears like I do after a gas mower. (And yeah, there's the environmental cred for it, but that's less of a consideration to me, really, than the aesthetics of being able to use a push mower).

(*I don't know, maybe that's just the model my parents have, but it does seem to be very jarring to use. I can tell my muscles are stressed after using it - not the case after using a push mower.)