The design and construction of the lawnmower has undergone several changes in the past century. The simple, hand operated device of the early years is poised to become a nuclear powered machine, if the present trend and tempo continue.
The modern gardener has many choices in the selection of a lawnmower. If it is a garden with a small lawn, hand operated machine will be sufficient and economical. Both the running costs and maintenance are negligible. But depending on the area a suitable lawnmower has to be selected. There are mainly two types of machines. One is electrically operated and the other is gas powered. Among the electrically operated lawnmowers there are battery operated types as well as those which work on direct supply line. The gas powered model is widely used in areas where power supply is inadequate or staggered.
In the case of large sized lawns, a hand operated machine is inadequate for the purpose. Only mechanized machines are suitable. Battery operated lawnmowers are preferred by the people as they are environment friendly. Both air and noise pollution are absent. But there should be facilities for charging the batteries periodically. Charging the batteries is a time consuming process. Additional or standby batteries are therefore necessary to avoid interruptions in the work. It is an expensive option but executes a clean job.
Lawnmowers working with external power supply are economical to a certain extent. Batteries are not necessary, but supply lines are to be drawn to reach the extensive areas to provide power. However power consumption charges will be an additional expense for the user. Preventive maintenance and repairs of the machines are also to be taken into consideration. The chances of breakdowns are more in the case of these machines than the battery operated ones. The electric lawnmowers are energy efficient than gas powered machine.
The gas based lawnmowers are the most widely used facility. The reason is that it can be used in rural areas where power supply may be staggered or inadequate. Notwithstanding the problems of pollution, people choose them as the initial costs of the machine will be lesser than electrical counterparts. The disadvantages are the periodical refueling and maintenance costs. The users should have accessibility to gas stations. Breakdowns will be more frequent than electrically operated machines. Most of these petrol lawnmowers will be equipped with two stroke engines which will cause both air and noise pollutions, much to the inconvenience of the people around.
The latest innovations are battery operated remote controlled machines. Robots are also getting introduced in certain developed countries. Computer controlled lawnmower is another innovative product. These latest technological innovations are preferred by those who are not concerned with the cost, but care only for the end results. Researches are being carried out to develop solar powered lawnmowers which will be cost effective as well as environment friendly. Many other innovations are in the pipeline as humanity is searching for alternate energy sources, as conventional energy sources are depleting. |