Saturday, May 29, 2010

Cordless Electric Lawn Mower

A cordless electric lawn mower is much like a gas powered lawn mower in that is utilizes horizontal blades to cut the grass. But unlike gas powered mowers, electric mowers are much quieter and are less expensive to use, around $5 per season. They also require less maintenance than a gas mower.

If you are like so many of us out there, you are trying to live a greener lifestyle. Electric mowers are also much better for air quality than gas mowers. The only drawback in this is that cordless electric mowers use a lead-acid battery and the production and disposal of these is an environmental issue. Avoiding the hassle of having to buy gas and oil is said to be a definite plus with many owners.

An advantage if you are choosing between a corded electric mower and a cordless one is that you are not restricted in your range and flexibility while mowing because you don't have to worry about being attached to a cord.

That being said, cordless electric lawn mowers are heavier because of the battery than corded mowers, but they are lighter than gas mowers.

Most do not have leaf bags to purchase or if they do, they don't work very efficiently; but they are usually very good at mulching. One nice feature they have is that the handles fold nicely to make storage easier.

Use time usually ranges from 30-60 minutes, around enough time to mow 1/4-1/3 of an acre. There are a few models that allow you to change out batteries while you are mowing, thus limiting the area you can mow only by the numbers of batteries you have.

If you are becoming more environmentally conscientious, tired of having your ears assaulted by gas mowers, and tired of the maintenance involved with a gas mower, a cordless electric lawn mower may be exactly what you are looking for!

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

The Banzai Double Drop Falls Water Slide - Buy an Inflatable Water Slide For Summer

If the weather is great and you really want the whole household to have fun in the sunshine outdoors in the garden you need to buy an excellent outdoor water slide. Among the best products now available to get is the Banzai Double Drop Falls Water Slide.

This is just one example of a great slide for children of all ages to enjoy on those hot summer filled days.

Choosing The Best Slide For Your Kids

The right type of slide should be larger than life and be a sturdy structure that infants are able to climb up the back of on their own and when they reach the top they need simply to take a seat and push off. They should then be able to slip straight down the slide and have a fantastic gentle landing where they fall into the water stuffed pool at the bottom.

The majority of water slides are remarkably vibrant and durable. This is important because you want to be sure that the product that you choose is long lasting and will keep your family entertained for summers to come.

The weight limit capacity for a slide needs to be substantial so that there is certainly no way that it can get damaged as a result of an excessive amount of weight or strain.

Putting Together An Inflatable Slide In Your Garden

When you are ready to use a slide in your backyard you should make sure to buy a product that is easy to use and will not take too long to inflate. The styles of slides that are available in the Banzai water slide collection take only a few minutes to inflate.

The majority of slides will come with a motorized blower which makes the task so much easier. At the flick of a switch the whole structure will be ready for use in no time at all.

So if you want to be sure that your young kids have a fun filled summer, start looking for the right inflatable slide for your garden today.

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Riding Lawn Mowers - What Are the Advantages?

Imagine that you just arrived home from work. You look out over the expanse of your lawn and realize they need to cut your grass. Now imagine that your only option was to start up a small lawn mower and literally push it back and forth over the grass. How would this make you feel? If you are like most people, you probably wouldn't like the idea of having to do this kind of work. Do you have any alternatives? Until recently, there were really no viable alternatives to simply pushing your lawnmower back and forth over the grass. But now you do have options.

In recent years riding lawn mowers have become extremely popular. These particular lawnmowers are different from the ones that we just described a moment ago in that you don't actually have to push them anywhere. In other words, you can literally sit on the seat and direct the mower to go in the direction that you want it to move in. Without knowing anything else about this type of lawn mower, can you already understand why it would be so incredibly popular? Of course you can.

Being able to sit and ride a lawnmower as it does most of the hard work is something that people a generation ago could only dream of. Now, you literally have the ability to utilize a riding mower to cut an entire lawn without ever having to do any pushing. Keep in mind, sometimes this has nothing to do with desire and everything to do with necessity. In other words, there are certain lawns that are simply too big to be mowed with anything other than a riding lawnmower.

This actually creates something of an opportunity for a person who owns a riding lawnmower and who doesn't mind using it. You can literally offer your lawn cutting services to individuals who have large lawns yet who lack the proper equipment to be able to cut their own grass. You may laugh and think that this doesn't make any sense, but there are a lot of people who are laughing all the way to the bank by utilizing this particular strategy.

You need to think about your health and wellness. Does it make any sense to jeopardize your health because you decided it was smart to spend all day long mowing your lawn manually? Of course not. This is yet another reason why it makes sense to use a riding lawnmower.

Here's the bottom line: not only are riding lawn mowers safe, but they are also easy and fun to operate. It makes sense to invest in a riding lawnmower if you are somebody who has a rather large lawn. Ignore this advice at your own peril!

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

How to Select a Teak Patio Set

A teak patio set can last a lifetime and beyond. Patios are a great way to expand your living environment. Grilling out with family and friends has become a national pastime. Many happy memories are created every year with this family diversion. Memories of these good times are shared from generation to generation. Like these family memories, the durability of a teak patio set can be passed down in the family for generations.

Teak is considered the strongest wood in the world. Originally from South East Asia, it has been used for for ages in various sculpting and construction projects. The tree contains a sebaceous resin that renders it water, bacteria and rot resistant. This same substance makes it easy to sculpt, making it ideal for designing home furnishings. Given its extraordinary tone, along with these unique attributes, it is easy to see why it has been chosen throughout the centuries for a wide range of woodworking projects.

Given all of these unique features, it is easy to comprehend why teak wood has been valued for so many generations. Amongst the many projects for which this wood has been successfully used are: big wooden vases, carved chess pieces, outdoor decor, building boats and decks, and decorating temples of the Far East.

It has been uttered that teak has no equal for its inherent beauty and form. The patina created during the aging changes from one year to the next, increasing its unique allure throughout the seasons. Premium quality teak will not have the knot holes as cheaper grades would. You should also expect your teak patio set to keep its smooth feel as time passes. Every year will be like having a brand new set in your backyard.

Look for the term "Tectona Grandis" when choosing your patio set. This signifies that you are getting true teak wood. As with other premium quality materials, teak wood has a number of lookalikes and "practically likes" that have come on the scene in recent years. In some cases, companies have developed other types of wood that they claim will function just like real teak. In other cases, they actually fabricate synthetic materials to mimic the properties of true teak. Clearly, these products carry a slightly lower price tag, but the end product is far from the real thing. You can only get the long-lasting benefits of teak wood by purchasing real teak wood.

Select your teak patio set carefully. Look for verification that you will be getting a set made from real teak wood. When this is done, you can be sure to enjoy a beautiful piece of outdoor furniture for life.

Saturday, May 15, 2010

The Emergence of the Snow Blower

The first snow blower was built in 1925 to clear snow-covered roads in rural Canada. Designed by farmer and road contractor Arthur Sicard, this first snow blower resembled a wheat combine, with two rotating blades on the front and a long chute that hurled the snow to one side. Variations on this first machine eventually proved it to be a vital implement for all road contractors, airports, and railroads around the world.

In 1951, Toro introduced the domestic push snow blower, cementing the machine's place as one of the most important back-saving devices ever created. Today, even the smallest, lightest, and least expensive domestic snow blowers can effortlessly clear 300 pounds of snow per minute and throw snow 20 feet away. A strong man with a good shovel would no doubt collapse under such competition. Even a top-of-the-line snow blower can eat snow at the rate of almost two tons per minute along a three-foot path and launch the snow a staggering 45 feet!

No job is too small or too big for a snow blower. From the humblest light powdering to the heaviest blizzards, there's a machine designed to clear the way. There are two types of gas-powered snow blowers: Single-stage and dual-stage.

Single-stage snow blowers are perfect for clearing flat surfaces such as walkways, paved driveways, and patios. Their rubber-faced augers reach ground level, clearing away every last bit of snow. They're usually smaller and lighter than dual-stage machines and easier to maneuver in tight spaces.

Single-stage snow blowers rely on one, high-speed auger to both scoop and throw snow. The auger's curved blades spin parallel to the ground, carving out a section of snow with every rotation and moving the snow towards the machine's centerline. Snow is then forced up and out through the discharge chute in one continuous motion. Single-stage snow blower technology can't clear as much snow or throw snow as far as dual-stage machines can. However, dual-stage units can't fit into confined spaces like single-stage units. Also, dual-stage snow blowers cannot clear snow from flat surfaces as well as a single-stage snow blower can.

Dual-stage snow blowers are best for medium to large jobs where snow is deeper and heavier, and where the terrain might be gravelly or uneven. They employ a slow-rolling auger for scooping up snow and a fast fan, called an impeller, for forcing snow out. The auger often has two types of blades: Serrated blades for breaking up hardened snow and ice, and smooth blades for scooping and lifting the snow into the machine. The auger can often be adjusted up and down, depending on how uneven the terrain is and how close you want to shave it. The auger casing can also come with skid shoes for adjusting total allowed ground clearance.

Separation of snow-handling tasks is what makes dual-stage snow blowers so effective for larger jobs. For the smallest jobs, however, you'll want something much more maneuverable such as an electric snow blower.

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Lawn Mower Troubleshooting Made Easy

Just about everyone that has lawn, owns a lawnmower. Most of us have no idea how our lawnmower works or even what parts are involved. Having some basic knowledge about your lawnmower can help you learn how to fix your lawnmower yourself. There are some simple checks that you can make and also some up keep that is a little beyond covering your mower and keeping it clean. If you do these things and look before you leap, then your mower will run more smoothly and last much longer. Anyone can perform some basic lawnmower repairs when their mower is out of commission.

One of the most basic problems that people have is that their lawnmower won't start. They are sure that they have followed the instructions exactly and nothing happens. The very first thing you want to do if your lawnmower doesn't start is to make sure that there is enough gas in the mower. A lot of mowers even have a primer button to get the gas to the engine. Also, if your mower has gas but it has been a while since you have used your mower, the gas may need to be replaced.

Another thing that is easy to check is the spark plugs. In many cases the spark plugs can become corroded, causing the mower not to start. Before you go out and buy spark plugs, you should know that spark plugs are easy to clean. All you need is an old rag and a wire brush. If you have checked the gas and the spark plugs and it still won't start, you may have to dig a little further. Another thing that people can do themselves is to change the filters on their lawnmowers. Most mowers have an air filter and an oil filter and if these are clogged, then your mower won't start.

Anyone can learn how to fix your lawnmower yourself, without tearing the entire mower to pieces. Before trying to attempt such a feat, do some simple checks. The easiest things to check on a lawnmower are the gas, filters, and spark plugs. Anyone can replace these things because it's easy and inexpensive. Before you hire a repair man or take your lawnmower into the shop, be sure to check the basics. If once you have done all these repairs and your lawnmower is still having problems, then you can call a repair man or ask for help.

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Commercial Lawn Mower For Private Use

It is common for homeowners to purchase a commercial lawn mower when they have a lot of property to cover. This type of lawn mower does not have to specifically be for commercial use. Having a large property, complicated landscape, or lots of hills are several good reasons to use a commercial grade mower.

There are a few different types to choose from. The most common is a riding lawn mower, but there are some walk behind and stand on mowers as well. Some people prefer the zero turn lawn mower because it can get in between trees and bushes much easier. But, all in all, the power of a commercial lawn mower makes it ideal for most homeowners with large plots.

Since they can be very expensive, it's advisable to search around for used riding mowers that are for sale. Sometimes you can buy used ones at a local shop. You can also check the newspaper listings and see if anyone in your area is selling one.

Before making a decision on which mower is right for you, you should do lots of research and read as many customer reviews as you can find. It's best to rely on information from consumers who have used the product than to buy in to all the sales pitches you'll get on any given product.

Reading reviews will also help you to think of issues that you may not have considered. For example, someone may be excited about how well their Snapper or John Deere mower handles hills, or how easy the parts are to attach. This could trigger you to think about how many hills your yard has and if hills are an issue for you. Reading reviews on attachments will also help you to think about situations you might need different attachments. If you think you will need them, you'll want to look into models that have affordable attachments that are easy to use.

Sunday, May 9, 2010

Different Types of Lawn Mowers

Let us first know what a mower is? A mower is one kind of machine which is commonly used to cut the crops or plants. They can be big which are used in the agriculture land or they can be small which are used for the gardens. The mower which is used for the garden purpose is called the lawn mower. It is sometimes also called the ground mower. It really eases out the effort and we have to apply very less effort to cut the grasses. This makes the mowers a very handy machine for the gardens.

There are many types of mowers. Some of them are as follows:

1. Sickle Mower
The sickle mower is also called the reciprocating mowers. Some people also call it the finger-bar mowers. If you will see the channel of the bar then you will find out that there is a sickle with very sharp edges. You can drive the sickle bar back and forth by the side of the channel. All the grasses as well as the plants are cut in between the three edges of the sickle. You will find that you have to just provide a little bit of effort and all the grass as well as the small plants will be cut from their roots within few seconds. This is the oldest type of mowers and the principle used in it is quite often used even today.

2. Rotary Mower
This is yet another kind of mowers. It is also called a drum mower. It is used to cut the crops. The sharp edges just take the crops out of the soil and all of them are then picked up by the farmers. There are some of the self power mowers of this type which are used to cut the grasses of the garden.

3. Reel Mower
These types of mowers are used for cutting tall grasses. The grass which is cut can be collected in the collection bin.

4. Flail Mower
It has number of small blades at the end of the chain which is attached to the horizontal axis. They are certainly quite useful. It can be used for trimming the side of the hedges. The axe like head strikes the grasses at very high speed and they are cut in one round only.

These are some of the mowers for you. They are quite good for your garden as a lawn mower.

Friday, May 7, 2010

Free Things To Do In Daylesford

With all the fabulous things for you to spend your money on in Daylesford, you can find yourself going a bit crazy and making a big dent in the bank balance! Sure, it is fun to be pampered in a day spa, go to a fabulous restaurant or pick up an original work of art, but all this costs. A one hour massage for a couple can cost you over $200 and lunch over $400! Why not take the time to check out some of the free things to do in Daylesford? You will have a ball and your wallet will thank you for it.

The number one free thing to do in Daylesford is simply to stop, look around and enjoy the view. Daylesford is gorgeous from pretty much every angle. There is always a stunning view, a quirky shop, an original piece of art or an interesting local to look at. Daylesford changes with each season, vibrant colours of Autumn, Spring the flowers bloom, Summer has the brilliant blue skies and winter offers an atmosphere which is reminiscent of Europe.

Next, take a walk around Lake Daylesford. It is lovely. There is a good walking trail, with mineral water pumps around the way, picnic spots and fantastic aspects of the water. A children's playground is located by the Boathouse Café, which is a nice spot to feed the ducks and swans. Jubilee Lake is another nice spot for a walk or to relax under a tree.

A unique spot is Cricket Willow near Daylesford, is well worth a visit, where you may see the production of the cricket bat right through the entire process. Entry is free and Cricket Willow features a museum, cricket bat workshop, a picturesque oval and a café. If you prefer something a little more artistic, the Daylesford Hot Glass Studio may be of interest. Don Wreford is a world class glass blower, and has produced works of art for the Lake House Restaurant and the Crown Prince and Princess of Denmark.

Daylesford is famous for it's mineral waters, deep Creek Spring is just a short drive and not far is the Trentham Falls, Victoria's tallest single drop waterfall, located in the Wombat Forest, offering excellent bushwalks and picnic spots, and their free.

Accommodation in Daylesford can be expensive, a great resource for finding the best deal is the Daylesford Accommodation Directory, which is a free service, designed for people looking for the best possible accommodation packages in the spa region.

The Wombat Hill Botanical Gardens are very well established, and are lovely for a stroll or drive. There are magnificent views of Daylesford, stately elms and curved avenues of giant conifers lead you past lovely garden beds, giving the gardens very old world character. An ideal spot for a picnic or to simply take a little time out and ' smell the roses '.

On Sundays, the famous Daylesford Market operates from, the Daylesford Railway Station. Trash and treasure, local produce, clothing and arts and crafts are all on display and entry is free.

Enjoying Daylesford doesn't have to cost you the earth. There is a lot of things to do which don't necessarily require you to spend money, but are worth their weight in gold.

Monday, May 3, 2010

Blowers

There are many types of Blowers -- leaf blowers, industrial blowers, snow blowers, etc, Each type has different subtypes such as backpack, handheld, corded and cordless, wheeled, electric-powered and gas-powered, and so on. Each type and subtype differs in function and purposes. For example, while some of them may be specifically manufactured for home maintenance, other more powerful units are aimed at commercial users.

Electric-powered blowers require an electrical power source provided from an electrical outlet, through an extension cord. Cordless blowers, on the other hand, use rechargeable batteries and are more suitable for smaller areas because of their limited operating time. Mixing oil and gasoline operates gas-powered leaf blowers. 2-stroke gasoline engines generally power backpack blowers, while wheeled units generally have 4-stroke gasoline engines.

Snow blowers can be single-stage and two-stage. The former is a light duty machine that uses a single high-speed impeller (a rotor inside a tube) to pull in snow and expel it from a discharge chute. Two-stage snow blowers on the other hand, are heavy duty and have more than one low-speed metal auger that pull the snow into an impeller, which then discharges the snow into a chute.

Leaf blowers can be handheld, backpack or wheeled. Handhelds are most suitable for simple, home maintenance works. Backpack blowers are swift, has quick throttle response and fuel efficient and generally preferred by professionals. Wheeled or walk-behind leaf blowers are the best for maintaining larger areas and are mostly gas-powered.

Industrial blowers are manufactured using a range of durable plastics and metals, or a combination of both materials. Function includes drying, reducing heat levels, reducing smoke and odors, processing and controlling gaseous fumes in industrial settings like factories.