Reel lawn mowers have been around for well over a century. The first one was invented by Edwin Budding, an Englishman in 1830. Much later inventors added power to these mean cutting machines beyond the power provided by people and animals. Gasoline powered reel lawn mowers work like most push reel lawn mowers only they are powered by gasoline engines for easier use. Gasoline powered reel lawn mowers use the traditional twisted metal blades arranged as a reel between the wheel assemblies.
Gasoline powered reel lawn mowers cut like scissors. They are most effective on grass that is long enough to get caught by the sharp blades, but not so long that the real flattens instead of shears the grass, a common problem with all reel mowers.
Push-type reel mowers are generally considered environmentally friendly and fairly economical. Lightweight alloys and plastics have helped reduce the overall weight of what used to be a heavy and hard to manipulate lawnmower model. Unfortunately, gasoline powered reel lawn mowers are not so environmentally friendly.
There are two types of gasoline powered reel lawn mowers. One type sends clippings shooting out the front of the mower, this is the type most professionals prefer for the finest cut possible on large areas such as parks and golf courses. Short-growing grasses look best if they are cut with a power reel motor.
Gasoline powered reel mowers that send clippings shooting out the back are more widely used by lawn mower and lawn care homeowners. Reel mowers are preferred by many yard caretakers because they shear the grass instead of violently tearing it like a rotary mower does. When grass is torn instead of cut, tips tend to brown and tarnish the overall look of the lawn.
Any gasoline powered lawn mower is known to emit pollution and those who use them should be conscious of that fact. When using gasoline powered reel lawn motors it is crucial that you keep the blade sharp if you want to keep your lawn looking sharp. Always use the fuel type that is recommended by the manufacturer and keep the mower clean and dry when its not in use. Never put your mower away wet. Replace the gas and oil in your gasoline powered reel lawn mower at least every six months and replace the spark plugs at the beginning of each season. Be sure to check your spark plugs and keep the deck free of build-up and yard debris.
Damion is an independant writer for lawnmowerpower.com - http://www.lawnmowerpower.com