Our homes are our biggest investments and our gardens should be a reflection of that. Your garden should be a peaceful oasis where you can relax, enjoy time with your family and entertain guests.
Maximize your enjoyment of your outdoor space this spring and summer by creating an outdoor area that the entire family will love. Why wait until you can squeeze a vacation into your schedule to escape to Mauritius or Bali? If you can just walk outdoors and dive into your pool or climb into a hammock and fall asleep listening to the rustle of palm fronds, you're there. Mentally, anyway.
The process of maintaining and beautifying your garden must be part of the enjoyment, and the correct choice of gardening equipment can save you hassles, time and money.
What size mower?
The type of lawnmower you use depends on the size of your lawn. You will also have to decide between an electric or petrol driven, rotary or cylinder, and a push, self-propelled, or hover type machine. Many people walk into a store and buy the first machine that catches the eye. The wrong choice of machines could lead to premature failure or endless problems if not designed for the task of your particular lawn area. Keep in mind that the wider a machine cuts, the quicker you will finish the job at hand, saving time, and usage of the machine.
For plots or larger gardens the perfect solution will be to use a ride-on mower, three wheeler mower, push type or self propelled machine, tractor drawn slasher, or an ATV mower. Different sizes engines and cutting widths are available and it is best to arrange for a demonstration on your property before you decide on a machine.
A trimmer will be necessary for those edges around the flowerbeds, against walls and next to the paved areas. You will have a choice between electric, with either bottom or top mount motor, or petrol. Remember always to use eye protection when trimming.
Brushcutters are also an option when the terrain is uneven. A brushcutter has a straight shaft and differs from an edge trimmer in that it has a solid blade, rather than a nylon line. However, many brushcutters are available with both kinds of cutting head, for different kinds of application.
What to consider when making the purchase?
“You pay for what you get”. The more expensive a lawnmower or trimmer, the better it is. But the most important factor is to select the correct product for your specific application. Here a specialist dealer can assist you with your decision. The wrong product may cost you more in the long run, due to quicker replacement, and more maintenance and repairs.
Imagine using a small motor car on a 4x4 trail, or a racing bicycle in a mountain bike race.
A ride-on mower is of no use in a garden where you can’t even turn with it.
It is also important to purchase a brand of lawnmower that is well supported with after sales service, and comply with SABS regulations. Electric driven lawnmowers must be fitted with a single blade and a brake on the motor as per SABS regulations. The selection of electric cable is also important. Length and thickness must be suitable for the size of the motor. Your warranty coverage is influenced by incorrect cable usage.
Important considerations when selecting a new edge trimmer or brushcutter:
-What do you want to do with the product
-If purchasing a trimmer, decide between electric or petrol driven
-Is it a well known brand with adequate back-up and spare parts availability?
-Select the type of cutting tool for your brushcutter
-Always “test drive” the product – ergonomics is important. Consider the length, weight distribution, and ease of use
What about after sale service?
Lawnmower Specialist dealers sell new products at excellent value for money, as well as replacement parts on most recognized brands of mowers and trimmers.
They all have workshops on their premises, and offer warranty repairs where appointed as agents, general repair work as well as servicing. Specialist dealers all service what they sell! You will find the best advice on the correct machinery for your specific application from these specialists. Most mass merchants offer lower end products with no after sales service.
Taking care of your products
Lawnmowers, trimmers and other outdoor power equipment need to be serviced regularly, at least once a year for longevity. Regular maintenance at home in between these services will also avoid premature or unexpected breakage. Unlike other household appliances, they work under severe conditions. Unevenly worn blades cause vibration. Grass clippings penetrate areas and block ventilation. Dust could penetrate engines, especially when air filters are dirty.
Unfortunately most people do not maintain their products, and only take it for a “service” to a lawnmower specialist dealer when it does not want to operate anymore! In case of a motor vehicle, you don’t wait to take it for a service when it does not want to start anymore.
- Service your machine regularly.
- Always use genuine replacement parts
- Always mix the fuel according to manufacturers specifications when using two-stroke mixtures.
- Use your machine with the deflector or nylon head guard on trimmers/brushcutters
- The head guard has the dual purpose of protecting the operator, those around you as well as windows and cars, and also keeps the nylon line at the correct length, as longer line will damage the unit through excessive stress on the head, gearbox, shaft and engine.
Living expenses are constantly on the rise, and the option of adding value to your home is best. Create an oasis where you can relax and have fun.
Submitted to SA Gardening (September 2008 LMA Supplement)
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