Pressure Washers Blow Away Tough Cleaning Jobs

Written by Darren on June 18, 2011 · Leave a Comment

pressure washer e1308592525612A pressure washer is the only way to get some things clean around your house. If you have ever been confused by the range of models and choices available, then you are not alone. Deciding which pressure washer to purchase is not easy. In fact, you have to decide if you should even buy one at all. Maybe renting is the better option. Let’s look at the facts and take some of the pressure off of your pressure washer decisions.

The biggest question to answer is how many things do you need to clean, and how often do they need cleaning? The most common uses for a pressure washer include things like cleaning driveways, siding on your home, windows, vehicles, engines and more. But each of these items is really quite different. Too much pressure can damage the item you are cleaning. You need to match the power of the washer to the job.

Like most outdoor power tools, pressure washers are available in electric and gas-powered models. Electric pressure washers are more environmentally friendly, at least in terms of local noise and air pollution. Plugging into an outlet is also quite convenient. Electric-powered tools often don’t need as much maintenance as gas=powered tools. However, gas power provides more mobility. You won’t be tied to an electrical outlet. Again, depending on what needs to be washed, this could be a very necessary benefit.

Another question to ask yourself is whether or not you need hot water for cleaning. Using pressurized hot water is a good choice if you need to clean up grease and oil. Other cleaning jobs can be done just as well with cold water. Some pressure washers have a built-in heating unit. This gives you the option of choosing hot or cold water depending on the job at hand.

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Choose a Hedge Trimmer to Match your Landscape

Written by Darren on June 7, 2011 · Leave a Comment

hedge trimmerIf you are looking for a way to keep your shrubs and hedges neatly trimmed, you need to get a hedge trimmer. A manual trimmer may be fine for individual landscape plants; they won’t really do the job for hedges. To keep hedges looking professionally groomed, you really need a powered hedge trimmer. You have a few different options when it comes to trimmers. Electric trimmers that plug in, cordless trimmers that give you more freedom and gas powered trimmers for big landscaping jobs.

Electric hedge trimmers are probably your lowest cost option for keeping hedges professionally manicured. They are lightweight and easy to handle. They usually have plenty of power for most types of ornamental shrubs. The electric motor is quiet and there are no emissions that could harm the environment. The only real disadvantage is the requirement that you be plugged into an electrical outlet. Depending on the size of your yard, this could require a really long extension cord. Although extension cords can certainly be purchased, keeping it untangled and organized is an extra chore.

Cordless electric hedge trimmers eliminate the need for a cumbersome cord. Without the requirement of constant connection, these trimmers can be used wherever your hedges grow. However, the rechargeable batteries on board the trimmer will make it heavier. That’s something to think about if you have tall hedges that require holding the trimmer up for long periods of time. Also, even if the batteries are fully charged, there’s a limit to how long you can trim before needing to plug in again.

If you are responsible for keeping large landscapes looking neat, then you probably need to opt for a gas-powered hedge trimmer. The gas motor is self-contained and doesn’t require any charging beforehand. Assuming you have the fuel, you can trim hedges all day long if needed. With this power and convenience also comes noise and pollution. But today’s trimmers run cleaner than ever before. And for some landscapes, nothing else will get the job done.

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Your Landscape Needs Should Determine Gas versus Electric Lawn Edger Decision

Written by Darren on May 23, 2011 · Leave a Comment

lawn edger iStock 000015092189XSmallIf you are looking for a way to give your lawn that perfectly manicured look, a lawn edger is the perfect tool for you. It can be used to trim up any areas where your grass comes up against manmade features like curbs, sidewalks and driveways. They are available in gas-powered and electric models. Each type has its own benefits and disadvantages. Which lawn edger is the right one for you?

Electric lawn edgers are available in corded AC versions or battery-powered cordless models. The AC models tend to have a more powerful motor. They can be used as long as needed without running out of power. There is no need to make sure they are charged up ahead of time. However, you can only edge to the end of your longest extension cord. If your sidewalks and driveways aren’t very long, this shouldn’t be a problem.

Cordless electric lawn edgers provide more freedom to move away from an electrical outlet. They are perfect when you have long stretches of landscape that need edging. If you don’t have conveniently located outside electrical outlets, the cordless version is a good solution. But you will need to prepare ahead of time by charging the battery. Hopefully, the edging will be complete before the battery runs down. Also, cordless edgers will likely be less powerful.

Gas-powered lawn edgers are much more powerful than their electric cousins. They are perfect for bigger yards. They give you complete freedom and mobility without the need for a nearby power source. You can find them in two-cycle and four-cycle versions. The nice thing about four-cycle engines is that they can run on regular fuel. There’s no need for mixing fuel and oil any more. A gas lawn edger is also more likely to have professional features like interchangeable blades. However, gas edgers often require more regular maintenance.

To sum up, the best lawn edger is the one that is most suitable for your landscaping needs. If you need more power and range, go with gas power. Smaller yards will be well served by an electric edger.

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Tips for Choosing and Using Your String Trimmer

Written by Darren on May 8, 2011 · Leave a Comment

string trimmer iStock 000013190459XSmallWhen it comes to landscape maintenance, a good string trimmer is no longer considered an option. These outdoor power tools are essential for maintaining your yard and shrubbery areas. And string trimmers are not just for manicuring your lawn. Garden owners have also found that string trimmers are perfect for keeping weeds away from their tomato plants and other garden vegetables.

Like almost all other home and garden power tools, you have the choice of AC electric, cordless electric and gas-powered. The usual benefits and drawbacks apply. When using AC electric power, you are tethered to an electrical outlet. If you have a small property to care for and plenty of extension cords, this isn’t necessarily a problem. AC-powered string trimmers are powerful, quiet and require little maintenance.

Cordless string trimmers free you from the power outlet. But they will have less power. You also have to contend with a discharging battery. Will you finish the job before you run out of power? It depends on how much trimming you have to do.

Gas-powered string trimmers have the edge in terms of power and mobility. They are the most powerful models you can buy and you can trim unlimited areas as long as you have fuel for the tank. However, they are noisy and heavy. They expel fumes and pollution. And they require additional maintenance throughout the season. If you choose gas power, you should at least go with the four-cycle engine to avoid having to mix gas and oil.

Whichever kind of string trimmer you buy, take time to read the manual. Some models are more complicated than others. You will save a lot of frustration if you understand how your trimmer works and the best way to take care of it.

Some lawn care pros advise you to use smaller string than the manual recommends. They say that by going with string that is one size smaller, you can wrap more string on the spool and go longer between string refills without losing trimming effectiveness.

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Three Great Benefits to Using an Electric Lawn Mower

Written by Darren on April 24, 2011 · Leave a Comment

electric lawn mowerIf you have ever wondered if switching to an electric lawn mower is worth it, here are three great advantages electric mowers have over your old gas mower. Electric lawn mowers can significantly reduce your carbon footprint. They will help you save gas money. Finally, they are easier for you to operate and maintain. Let’s look at each of these advantages in a little more detail.

First, an electric lawnmower will reduce your carbon footprint. It’s no secret that our planet is in peril. Regardless of your personal convictions on global warming, it stands to reason that things can only get better if we each reduce the negative effect we are having on the environment. Using an electric lawn mower is a great way to start. You will be putting fewer emissions into the atmosphere. You will be reducing your dependence on fossil fuels. And you’ll be accessing power that was generated using cleaner methods.

A great personal benefit is that electric lawn mowers will help you save gas money. Since oil is in limited supply, it will only continue to go up in price. Every time the price of gas increases, that increases your cost of landscape maintenance as well. Plus, you constantly have to go to the gas station to keep your gas can filled. And that gas can must be stored somewhere that’s safe and well-ventilated. With an electric mower, all you need is an electrical wall outlet.

Finally, electric lawn mowers are easier for you to operate and maintain. There’s no pulling a cord to get the mower started. You don’t have to clean and replace spark plugs. There’s no engine filter to clean. Just flip a switch to start mowing and then clean the grass clippings off the mower when you’re done.

To sum up, there are three great reasons to switch from a gas lawn mower to an electric one. You can reduce your personal carbon footprint, you will save money on gasoline purchases, and mowing will become a much less bothersome task.

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