Highlights of the 2008 Green Industry and Equipment Expo

From its roots in the former International Lawn, Garden & Power Equipment Expo trade show, the Green Industry and Equipment Expo has tended to be long on equipment and short on green. But at the 2008 event, held last week in Louisville, Kentucky, many companies, even heavy-gear manufacturers, got in on the green act.

Trumpeting one's claimed pro-environmental efforts is good public relations, of course, but some equipment makers have another motivation to market eco-friendly products: The latest U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulations for curtailing the emissions of small, nonroad engines allow for low- or no-emissions engines to generate credits to offset the emissions of relatively gas-guzzling products.

Here's some of what I saw at the expo:

The first zero-emissions zero-turn-radius emerges. Zero-turn-radius mowers and zero emissions might seem an unlikely couple, but with the electric Zeon (shown), you'll be able to get a no-emissions ZTR mower. Outfitted with a 48-volt, four-battery system and a 42-inch welded-steel deck, this prosumer model will run for 80 minutes on a full charge, claim manufacturer Hustler Turf Equipment and its partner, transmission maker Hydro-Gear. Zero emissions won't come cheap—the Zeon, due out next spring, will likely cost $6,500 to $7,000.

This robot can charge itself. Husqvarna introduced 80 products at the show, with a new version of its Automower robotic lawn mower among the most interesting. The Automower Solar Hybrid, $3,000, can recharge its battery even as it mows, claims Husqvarna. It's designed to handle lawns up to a half-acre, with the odds of its reaching that goal improving if the sun is shining. As with other robotic mowers we've tested, this Automower is supposed to mow within an area you set using wires laid along its perimeter. When it reaches a wire, it turns; when the battery gets low down, the mower returns to its base. In our past tests, robotic mowers have delivered unimpressive cutting performance.

A new oil is "suet-able" for small engines. Manufacturers of equipment such as mowers, snowmobiles, and generators have met the new federal emissions standards by redesigning engines and other components. Green Earth Technologies has introduced another way to run an engine more cleanly: G-OIL Garden & Recreational engine oil, made from beef tallow. One distributor, Dante Terzigni, told me the biodegradable two-cycle oil starts as fat harvested from slaughtered cows and is morphed into usable form through nanotechnology. Terzigni claimed the oil runs cleaner than petroleum-based oil, emits no smoke at its 262°F flash point, and meets industry certification specs. You'll find Green Earth Technologies products at Home Depot, Ace Hardware, and other retailers and on Amazon.com.—Ed Perratore

Tip of the Day: Take the work and injury out of fall cleanup

As I lay in bed last Sunday morning recovering from a day spent removing my air conditioners, my colleague Steven H. Saltzman had already started on his fall yard cleanup and wasted no time blogging about it.

Don't feel guilty if you've yet to start your own seasonal cleanup. In this case, procrastination is not a bad thing--use the time to review our best lawn-care products.

Plus, you'll be able to heed this expert advice from the Consumer Reports Health blog to avoid raking-related and other injuries. And follow these tips from Silvana Fix, D.P.T., a doctor of physical therapy with Spine and Sports Rehab in Fairfield, Connecticut.

• Before you start working, "a brisk walk for about 10 minutes is a good general warm-up," says Fix. To stretch your back, "Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and bend backward five to 10 times before returning to a full upright position," says Fix.

For your quadriceps, bend your right leg, grab the ankle with your right hand, and gently pull your leg toward your buttocks. Hold that for a count of 10 or 20. Repeat with your left leg. Be sure you're near a wall or tree and on flat ground so you can maintain your balance.

Fix also recommends this easy chest-and-shoulder stretch: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, clasp your hands behind your back and gently bring your hands away from your back. Hold for a count of 10 and repeat two or three times.

• When you rake, "Keep your wrists in a neutral position, with no bending. A rake that has a bent or side-mounted handle can help here," says Fix. She adds that good body mechanics are important: "Place one foot ahead of the other, keep your back straight, and rake the leaves while taking small steps backward and keeping your arms close to our body."

As you work, avoid stooping or bending forward, twisting your back, and overreaching with your arms, and keep your feet planted firmly in one place on the ground, according to Fix, who notes that you should stretch again when you're done and consult a medical professional if you pain lingers.—Gian Trotta

Essential information: Remember, it's important to get rid of leaves, especially under your deck. Piles of leaves are an open invitation to mice, which can carry Lyme disease and hantavirus, and other pests to set up warm winter homes. Our fall lawn-and-yard checklist will help your yard looks its best next spring. Autumn is an especially effective time to fertilize some lawns. Don't hesitate to fall back on mechanical help to get the job done, including the latest leaf-bagging lawn tractors, cordless and gas-powered leaf blowers, and string trimmers.

EPA sets lower emissions regulations for mowers

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently updated its regulations for emissions from "small spark-ignition engines"—that is, your lawn mower or tractor and other outdoor power equipment.

As with earlier phases of these regulations (see chart, below), the latest guidelines, Phase 3, further reduce levels of hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides, contributors to ground-level ozone and smog, from the exhaust of gas-powered mowers, tractors, and other handheld outdoor gear, including generators. (It also affects in- and outboard engines and other marine equipment.) For the first time since 1997, when the first phase of emissions regulations took effect, the new regulations also limit hydrocarbons that evaporate from the tank, hoses, and other components when the equipment is off.

The new regulations take effect in 2011 for tractors and other riding models and in 2012 for mowers. Eighty percent of Class I (walk-behind mowers) and nearly 70 percent of Class II (riding mowers) engine families from the leading manufacturers would have to be redesigned to be compliant, according to EPA documents. Engine manufacturers won't necessarily have to bring every engine down to the new levels, but the weighted averages of the company's line in a given year will need to comply.

"From an exhaust standpoint, these standards are the most stringent, and probably the most technically difficult, to deal with so far," says Tom Savage, senior vice president of engineering at Briggs & Stratton, which sells engines and also lawn equipment under Simplicity, Snapper, and other lines.

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) recently revamped its own emissions standards for walk-behind mowers built as of model-year 2007 and ride-on mowers starting in model-year 2008; the EPA's Phase 3 standards for Class I and II engines are similar to CARB's.

The EPA estimates that the price of a typical walk-behind mower could rise by $15 to $28 in the near term, though CARB's own estimates are roughly double. The price of riding models, says the EPA, could rise by $50 to nearly $100. The price hikes could be tied into catalytic converters, which the federal government has required on cars and light trucks since the 1970s. Some mower and tractor manufacturers might use catalytic converters to comply with the new regulations.

Mowers and tractors built under the new EPA regulations should use less gas, possibly offsetting the price increase, says Kris Kiser, senior vice president of public affairs for the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute, a manufacturer trade group. "There will be some gasoline cost savings over the life of the product," he says. You'll need to follow the recommended maintenance for your yard gear to maximize fuel savings.

Some have objected to the EPA ruling, noting that catalytic converters run hot enough to pose a threat of fire when the engine is used in dry, heavy growth or near lawn debris. The EPA, however, says that the new standards should not pose any additional threat of fire or injury and that compliance with the standards could even reduce the risk to consumers.—Ed Perratore

Essential information: Learn more about the different types of mowers, mowing safety, emissions, and robotic mowers and electric mowers. When you're ready to buy, read our latest mowers review, and refer to our ratings of push and self-propelled mowers and tractors (available to subscribers).
                                                    

		Effective model year	Hydrocarbons + nitrogen oxides (g/kW-hr)	Nonmethane hydrocarbons+ nitrogen oxides (g/kW-hr) [1]	Carbon monoxide (g/kW-hr)	Expected reduction in hydrocarbons (%)
Phase 1	Mowers	1997	16.1	--	519	32
	Tractors	1997	13.4	--
Phase 2	Mowers	2007	16.1	14.8	610	59
	Tractors	2001-2005	12.1	11.3
Phase 3	Mowers	2012	10	14.8	610	34
	Tractors	2011	8	11.3

[1] For products fueled by natural gas

		Effective model year	Hydrocarbons + nitrogen oxides (g/kW-hr)	Nonmethane hydrocarbons+ nitrogen oxides (g/kW-hr) [1]	Carbon monoxide (g/kW-hr)	Expected reduction in hydrocarbons (%)
Phase 1	Mowers	1997	16.1	--	519	32
	Tractors	1997	13.4	--
Phase 2	Mowers	2007	16.1	14.8	610	59
	Tractors	2001-2005	12.1	11.3
Phase 3	Mowers	2012	10	14.8	610	34
	Tractors	2011	8	11.3

		Effective model year	Hydrocarbons + nitrogen oxides (g/kW-hr)	Nonmethane hydrocarbons+ nitrogen oxides (g/kW-hr) [1]	Carbon monoxide (g/kW-hr)	Expected reduction in hydrocarbons (%)
Phase 1	Mowers	1997	16.1	--	519	32
	Tractors	1997	13.4	--
Phase 2	Mowers	2007	16.1	14.8	610	59
	Tractors	2001-2005	12.1	11.3
Phase 3	Mowers	2012	10	14.8	610	34
	Tractors	2011	8	11.3

Protect Your Investment: Lawn mower/tractor

Whether your mower, lawn tractor, or zero-turn-radius riding mower is new or old, some midseason maintenance can keep it cutting cleanly and reliably for years to come. Otherwise, you may face the same situation of one Keith Walendowski of Milwaukee, who shot his Lawn-Boy mower because it wouldn't start. (In all fairness, here is one opinion that insists the mower got what was coming to it.)

I asked Peter Sawchuk, our lead tester of outdoor power equipment, about the best ways to extend the life of a lawn mower or tractor, including zero-turn-radius mowers. They're a smarter, cheaper, and safer alternative to going postal in your backyard:

Clean the deck regularly. Make it part of your mowing routine to wash out the underside of the deck with a hose after each mowing. Clipping buildup reduces mulching performance and corrodes the metal over time, particularly when those clippings include fertilizer. Do it immediately after mowing, before clippings dry and harden.

Many tractors and zero-turn-radius mowers come with washout ports that accept a hose. Some models also accept retrofit ports. (Among walk-behind mowers, newer Toros are among the models that include washout ports.) If you have to wash out a riding mower manually, get a set of automotive ramps and simply drive the front of the tractor onto the ramps for easier access beneath.

An extra tip: After washing the underside of the deck, consider spraying it with an organic-based, non-toxic lubricant to help keep clippings from sticking next time around.

Keep blades sharp. Especially during the hotter, dryer part of the season, sharpen the blade(s) or have it done. Optimally, you'll do it at the start of the season and monthly thereafter—more often if you do lots of heavy cutting. Dull blades damage the grass as they cut, leaving unsightly brown-tipped grass in their wake. You'll also pay more in gas, since dull blades make your mower work harder and longer. Buying spare blades means your lawn won't overgrow while you get the first sharpened.

Check the oil. Walk-behind mower engines typically give out after 150 to 200 hours of use—or about eight to 10 years. But you can easily cut that lifespan if you let the oil level on four-stroke engines get too low on the dipstick or don't change the oil as often as the manufacturer recommends. Each time you mow, check the oil before you begin, and add more when the level drop to halfway point or lower. But filling above the "full" mark can also shorten engine life by causing the oil to foam and fail to lubricate critical parts.

Check the tires. For a tractors or riding mower, midseason is also the time of year to check tire pressure. As with car tires, those on mowers gradually lose air even without an actual leak, making the machine harder to steer and damaging the tires if air pressure gets too low. A rear tire that's low can also affect traction, making it easier to tear grass or slide on inclines.

Consider a new mower if your old one is tired. As with appliances and most products we test, it typically makes sense to replace rather than repair if the fix costs more than 50 percent of what you'll pay for a comparable new model. A timely benefit to newer gas mowers and tractors: They tend to run more efficiently and use less gas. If you're considering an electric mower for a smaller property, check with your local government for trade-in programs (like this recent one in Chicago) that let you swap a gas-powered mower for a less-polluting new battery-powered one.—Ed Perratore

Essential information: We tested more than 70 mowers and tractors (including zero-turn-radius mowers) in time for the early mowing season, but you can still find models in stores if you need to shop now. Here's advice on mower types, mowing safety, emissions, and robotic mowers. View Ratings of push and self-propelled mowers and tractors and our repair-or-replace charts (available to subscribers).

Buzzword: Alpha Geek

What it means. Alpha, the first letter in the Greek alphabet, has spawned a lot of power-hungry personality types, including alpha males and alpha moms. The latest members of the Order of Top Dogs, alpha geeks, are perhaps not as tough as those other alphas though they do typically have a strong interest in cutting-edge technology.

Alpha geek term first gained traction in office culture as a way to describe the person with the most technological know-how. (You know, the coworker you seek out when you can't figure out how to download pirated files through your company's ironclad firewall.)

Alpha geeks strut their stuff outside the corporate world, too. For example, your Apple-crazed friend who happily waited in line overnight to buy the new iPhone 3G is an alpha geek, as is your cousin who's been LinkedIn since early 2004 and sends out annoying invites to join LinkedIn to you and the rest of your family.

Why the buzz? Electronics aficionados are the most likely to be alpha geeks, but home and garden enthusiasts can be AGs, too. Consider cooking technology. An alpha geek will adore induction cooktops, which continue to impress our engineers and whose prices appliances are dropping.

Alpha geeks are surely joining the steam revolution, a technology that has found its way into many appliances, including dishwashers, washing machines, and even ranges. Steam modes are supposed to improve performance, although our engineers haven't found steam a noticeable improvement.

Outside the home, alpha geeks will probably know the pros and cons of zero-turn-radius mowers, or "ZTRs," as they no doubt call gear like the Cub Cadet shown above. They're also likely enamored of robotic lawn mowers, which are about as high tech as any outdoor power equipment can be. Note that one of the two models we tested was not acceptable.—Daniel DiClerico

Essential information: See our Kitchen-Planning Guide for the latest on cooking technologies and our Complete Lawn & Yard Guide for what's new for the outdoors.

Honda lawn mowers recalled

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission on July 9, 2008, announced the recall of abut 20,5000 Honda lawn mowers due to a laceration hazard. The rear shield on the affected mowers can break off, possibly allowing debris to be thrown toward the person mowing. As of the recall date, no injuries have been reported.

The mowers, made in the United States by American Honda Motor Corp. of Torrance, California, have the model number HRX217(K)2HXA or HRX217(K)2HMA with a serial number MAGA-1500001 through MAGA-1520532. You'll find the model and serial numbers on a label on the upper rear of the mower deck. The mowers, $900, were sold at Honda dealers and Home Depot stores nationwide from October 2007 to June 2008.

If you own a recalled mower, stop using it immediately and call your local Honda dealer to arrange for a free repair. For more information, call Honda (800-426-7701, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday) or go to Honda's recalls page.

Essential information: Get more information about electric and gas mowers and lawn tractors, read our latest mowers report, and use the expert advice in our Complete Lawn & Yard Guide to help your lawn look its best.

 

Tip of the Day: Should you hire a lawn-care service?

If you’re a desk jockey like me, the prospect of getting out in the sun and fresh air to do a few hours of yard work each week might be appealing. I often look forward to tending to my property and the work (and workout) it brings—even if the mowing, weeding, raking, debris blowing, fertilizing, watering, planting, edging, trimming, and sweeping sometimes elicit more exhaustion than exhilaration. I also don’t mind the hundreds of dollars in savings I’ve reaped each of the last eight years through my DIY yard care.

But if you’re tired of tending to your property—and apparently many of you are: Americans spent more than $44 billion in 2006 on professional lawn and landscape services—you might be considering hiring one of the national lawn-care companies.

Find out if companies like Lawn Doctor and Scotts are worth it in “Lawn-Care Services: How They Stack Up.” You’ll find more details on the companies in our companion comparison story (available to subscribers).—Steven H. Saltzman

Essential information: See our lawn and yard guide for more expert advice for your property as well as our mowers and tractors page for the latest reports on this and other outdoor power equipment. And learn what type of work other Americans do at their own home in our survey.

LawnBott LB3200 robotic mower recall

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission on April 25 announced the recall of the LawnBott LB2000, LB2100, LB3000, and LB3200 robotic lawn mowers, all made by Zucchetti Centro Sistemi S.p.A., of Italy.

Read more about the LB3200 Evolution mower in this story from the May 2008 issue of Consumer Reports, learn about the recall in this post from our Safety blog, and watch our video (right).

Q&A: Where does Consumer Reports test lawn mowers?

I noticed that Consumer Reports is based on Yonkers, New York, which means you can't review new lawn mowers and tractors over the winter. Where do you test this kind of equipment?

To test walk-behind mowers, lawn tractors, and zero-turn mowers each year, project leader Peter Sawchuk heads a team of experts in Fort Myers, Florida. We prepare our six acres of test fields in late fall so they are ready in midwinter for us to put dozens of models through their paces with enough time for us to prepare a test report for the May issue of Consumer Reports and for the kickoff of prime outdoor-power-equipment buying season. If you’re in the market for a new model, see our latest reviews of mowers, tractors, and string trimmers. (Get your lawn mower in shape for spring and see how we test mowers and tractors.)

But grass isn’t all that flourished in the meadows during our six weeks of testing in February and March. Frequent visitors to the test fields included two pairs of red-shouldered hawks and a comical flock of white ibises.

By far, though, the most ubiquitous and numerous visitors were cattle egrets, one of which (shown) chanced upon a Toro zero-turn-radius mower parked near our test shed. Trying to nab uprooted insects, cattle egrets follow behind horses and cattle—and our tractor. Our feathered friend stayed put for several minutes before alighting for apparently greener or other bug-filled pastures.

As fun as it was to see the birds, our 2008 testing featured these more-interesting highlights:

Tip of the day: Get your lawn mower or tractor in shape for spring

Spring’s a great time of year, especially for us cold-weather-climate inhabitants, who are now emerging from winter hibernation. Greeting us are early-flowering bulbs, budding trees, and chirping birds. Add to that inviting tableau a lawn that needs attention.

Before you pull the start cord on your walk-behind mower or turn the key on your tractor and get your yard in shape, follow these equipment-maintenance tips from Peter Sawchuk (shown below at our Florida testing facility), Consumer Reports’ resident mower expert and watch our video (right) on the features to look for in a lawn mower.

Fuel: Start the season with fresh gasoline. Gasoline can deteriorate in as little as one month, loosing firing power, clogging up the carburetor, and making starting difficult if not impossible. If you have not already drained the fuel from the tank or used gasoline stabilizer last fall, empty out the old fuel. It’s a messy but important job.
• Tip: Add stabilizer to your fuel whenever you buy gasoline for your mower or tractor, not just at the end of the mowing season. This simple step will keep the fuel fresh all the time. Note that environmental additives in gasoline in some parts of the country can cause it to break down and form a “varnish” even after a short time, resulting in hard starting and an expensive carburetor cleaning.

Battery: Fully charge the battery on your tractor. The charging system on most lawn tractors is not capable of fully recharging a low battery. Periodically recharge your battery over the off-season, if you don’t it could fail sooner that it otherwise would.

Oil: If you didn’t change the oil last fall before you put your machine to rest, do so now. A lack of lubrication is the fastest way to permanently damage your engine, so put in fresh oil and keep an eye on the oil level throughout the mowing season. Too little oil can damage or destroy the engine by leaving parts unlubricated in a hot environment. Too much oil can also cause problems by preventing proper lubrication.

Deck: Hose or scrape off old clippings from beneath the deck. Built-up clippings will significantly reduce mulching performance by blocking the recutting action necessary for good mulching.
    To easily clean a mower deck, turn the mower on up on its side with the carburetor and air filter facing upwards to eliminate lubrication oil from getting into the fuel system and use a hose and scraper. If the cap on your mower is vented, remove the cap, lay on two layers of plastic wrap, and then put the cap back on. (Remove the plastic wrap when you’re done cleaning.)
    To clean a tractor deck without having to remove it, use a set of ramps like those you’d use to change the oil in your car. Drive the front wheels up on the ramp for access to the underside of the deck and then use a hose and scraper.
• Tip: After cleaning, spray silicone lubricant on the inside of the deck to reduce clipping build up and for easier cleaning. During mowing season, remove clippings after each time you cut the grass, when they are moist and easy to remove. This simple move will save you time in the long run and give a better cut.

Blade(s): Get the blade(s) sharpened before you start cutting. A dull blade will damage the blades of grass, stressing the plants and keeping your lawn from looking its best and maybe even causing the grass tips to turn brown. A dull blade will cause your mower to burn more fuel and make you work harder and longer. Sharpen the blade(s) once a month or more frequently for heavy cutting conditions, especially in areas with small stones or sand.
• Tip: Buy a second blade or a second set of blades. This way you’ll always have sharp cutters on hand.

Spark plug and air cleaner: New spark plugs are cheap. Change it every year for best engine performance. On a gas engine, replace the carburetor air filter if it's paper. Wash a foam filter in soap and water, rinse and squeeze dry, then lubricate it with engine oil and squeeze it dry again before you reinstall it.

Moving parts: Lubricating moving parts, including cables and wheels. Check your owner’s manual for detailed information.

Essential information: Mow safely, and check out “How to fix the top 10 lawn problems” for expert advice on how to get a great-looking lawn. If you need to replace your mower or tractor, read "Faster and friendlier." Then use our Ratings of push mowers, self-propelled mowers, and lawn tractors (available to subscribers) to find the best model. You'll find more information on lawn gear and ways to keep your yard looking its best in our Complete Lawn & Yard Guide.

Struggling Sears mulls selling its brands at other retailers

Two thousand and eight is a leap year. For Sears, which on February 28, 2008, announced a 47 percent decline in 2007 fourth-quarter net earnings on a 6.8 percent sales drop, a different kind of leaping could be on the horizon.

The Hoffman Estates, Illinois-based Sears announced that it’s considering selling some of its biggest brands—Craftsman, DieHard, Kenmore, and Lands’ End—through retailers beyond its nearly 3,800 U.S. and Canadian stores. (Read the entire press release from Sears.)

“One of our most important resources is the great brands we own, in particular DieHard, Craftsman, Kenmore, and Lands’ End,” said Sears Chairman Edward S. Lampert in a letter to shareholders. “All four of these brands have significant equity with customers and provide tremendous opportunity for value creation.” Lampert went on to explain that DieHard “leads in customer recognition among car battery brands by a wide margin, but it lags dramatically in market share . . . due to fewer points of distribution.” The move to sell Sears brands through other retailers “is an opportunity for us to rethink our brand distribution strategy to create value,” said Lampert.

The announcement is yet another sign of the reeling U.S. economy and points to tougher times for Sears, whose shares were down almost 5 percent in trading on February 29. The good news: The presence of Sears brands at other retailers could be a boon for appliance and outdoor-power-equipment shoppers who don’t live near a Sears store, since Kenmore and Craftsman products consistently get high scores in our Ratings of major appliances and outdoor gear.

Should Sears cross that threshold, it will be some time before its Craftsman, DieHard, Kenmore, and Lands’ End products appear in other places.

For now, you might have to drive the extra distance to a Sears or even to a Kmart store, where some Sears products are sold. If you’re lucky, any deal you get won’t be guzzled up by the rising price of gasoline.

Below we’ve highlighted a few notable performers sold by Sears. You’ll find the latest reports and Ratings for all appliances and outdoor power equipment on our main Appliances and Tools & Power Equipment pages. Note that Kenmore appliances and Craftsman mowers and lawn tractors have tended to be reliable, based on responses to the Annual Product Reliability Survey conducted by the Consumer Reports National Research Center.

Laundry appliances:
The Kenmore Elite HE5t Steam 4778[1], $1,600 (shown), and Elite HE5t 4708[1], $1,300, front-loading washers were among the top-rated machines in our latest report. The Kenmore Elite Oasis 6706[2], $800, and Elite Oasis 6703[2], $700, dryers notched excellent scores in our latest tests. Ratings of washing machines and dryers are available to subscribers.

Kitchen appliances:
Four Kenmore dishwashers were among the top six scorers in our latest tests of dishwashers: Kenmore1374[2], $650; Elite 1378[2], $1,000; Elite UltraWash HE 1315[2], $1,100; and Elite UltraWash HE 1312[2], $900.

Two Kenmore 30-inch electric smoothtop ranges—9641[2], $750, and 9611[2], $580—are among the best performers in our latest report.

The Kenmore Elite 5896[2] side-by-side refrigerator scored highly in our Ratings.

Ratings of dishwashers, electric ranges, and side-by-side refrigerators are available to subscribers.

Outdoor power equipment:
Sears also rides high in lawn tractors. The 46-inch Craftsman 28724, $1,600, and the 54-inch Craftsman 27690, $2,000, are among our top-rated tractors and also among the lowest-priced tractors we've tested. Learn how to choose a lawn tractor and see our Ratings of tractors for more information.—Daniel DiClerico

News from the power-equipment frontlines

While the International Lawn, Garden & Power Equipment Expo got a name change in 2007, for those of us who write about yard and garden gear, the show remains a candy store of cool machines aimed at consumers and pros.

The event, which has been held every year since 1983 in Louisville, Kentucky, is now called the Green Industry and Equipment Expo. The moniker reflects a new partnership between the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute, the primary trade group for power-equipment manufacturers, and the Professional Landcare Network and Professional Grounds Maintenance Society, which cover landscape pros.

Over the show’s October 25-27 run, some 650 manufacturers presented the latest mowers, tractors, blowers, trimmers, and other homeowner-oriented lawn-care tools and heavy-duty mowing and earth-moving gear aimed at pros. Some of the highlights I saw while walking the aisles at the Kentucky Exposition Center:

Mower companies romance “prosumers”
This year, mower manufacturers have targeted “prosumers”—homeowners who enjoy mowing the lawn, have several acres to cut, and want pro-style features without a pro-style price.

• Several companies are introducing zero-turn-radius mowers, or ZTRs, priced between $4,000 and $6,000—higher priced than the typical consumer versions we test but less than true professional versions. The premise: Blend heavier-duty construction and wider decks with less-pricey, non-commercial-grade engines. Models touting those features include Ariens’ XL and HD models (about $3,000 to start), pro-brand Dixie Chopper’s new Iron Eagle line, and Husqvarna’s new M-Series versions, along with John Deere’s new Estate series, which features a rollover bar like the ones on larger, professional machines.

• Beefier tractors are also hitting stores as manufacturers and dealers chase “premium” customers and added profits. Husqvarna’s new LS-series lawn and garden tractors begin at about $1,800 for lawn versions ($2,800 for heavier-duty garden versions) and feature high-backed seats, reinforced mowing decks that promise added damage resistance, and a hose port on top of the deck for easier clean-out after mowing. Husqvarna also touts the locking differential on its $2,600 2346XLS lawn tractor (for added traction), while Simplicity talked up the full-time four-wheel drive on its $7,000-and-up 4 x4 Prestige tractors (no lawn-tearing when turning is the promise).—Bob Markovich

How to winterize your lawn mower

Every maintenance checklist has its tipping point, where the complexity of the task starts to outweigh the likelihood of your ever completing the work. So it is with winterizing a lawn mower. In researching this topic, I confronted myriad steps and conditions, things like gapping the spark plug and cleaning the air filter (unless the filter is made of paper, in which case you need to replace it). All in all, a lot to think about for a supposedly routine procedure.

Wanting to clarify and shorten the list, I turned to Peter Sawchuk, a program leader in our technical division. He designed outdoor power equipment for more than 20 years before joining Consumer Reports, so he’s a mower-maintenance maven.

Sawchuk had already developed a two-tiered, end-of-season checklist for lawn mower and tractor maintenance. The first tier covers steps you have to take to ensure that your machine will start up next spring. They’ll cost you a few bucks and maybe an hour of your time.

The second tier includes things you should do if time permits or if it’s been several years since you last tuned up your mower. “Take something like spark plugs,” explains Sawchuk. “On a good mower, they should last a few years, so you don’t need to worry about replacing them every winter.”

What I ended up with is this prioritized checklist that should make this winterizing task more manageable, freeing you up for other jobs, like raking leaves.

If you’re in the market for a new machine—take advantage of season-ending sales—read our latest report and use our Ratings of push and self-propelled mowers, and lawn tractors to find the right mower for your yard.—Daniel DiClerico