YONKERS, NY — Grooming a trophy-worthy yard does not need to be an overwhelming and expensive task, according to the May issue of Consumer Reports.  According to CR, some of the latest mowers and tractors cut time and effort as well as the grass without breaking the bank.  And tests of trimmers and blowers show that top-rated models can be $70 or less and make for a trophy yard.

Consumer Reports also tested two robotic mowers.  One of them, the LawnBott LB3200 Evolution can pose a serious safety risk and Consumer Reports judged it “Not Acceptable.”

“Consumers can pay up to $800 for a top-scoring mower, but other less expensive mowers can provide nearly the same performance,” said Peter Sawchuk, program leader at Consumer Reports.  “It is important for consumers to know the size and type of terrain they have which will determine the features they need so that they can make the smartest buying decision and be able to maintain a pristine lawn and yard for a reasonable cost.”

Top-Rated Mowers and Lawn Tractors

The Toro Super Recycler 20092 at $500 has a rust-free aluminum deck and superb side-discharging, while the highly-rated Honda HRR216K3VXA at $580 has a blade-brake clutch that stops only the blade but not the engine when the safety lever is released. For lower-priced models, CR suggests Lawn Boy 10685 at $370 for its handling and ease of use, but the Toro Recycler 20066, named a CR Best Buy, at $350 is better for mulching. All of these Consumer Reports Quick Picks are self-propelled, rear-drive mowers.

For smaller lawns, CR found the self-propelled, gas-powered Cub Cadet 12AE18M with electric starting for $290 or the push Cub Cadet 11A-18MC, a CR Best Buy, for $230 can meet the needs of consumers who are fine with mostly bagging clippings. In the electric mower category, CR recommends the cordless Homelite UT13122 for $300 and the corded Black and Decker MM875 at $230 for their mowing versatility.

CR also tested lawn tractors. Consumer Reports notes that the John Deere LA115 at $1,650 has easy mode changes and a washout port, and the Craftsman 28828 at $1,650 and 28724 at $1,500 have relatively large yet smooth-cutting decks.  All of these models are CR Best Buys.

Consumers that have a flat lawn that presents several obstacles might want to consider a zero-turn radius model.  These types of mowers use levers to steer the rear wheels and can lose traction and be hard to control on hills.  For those with flatter lawns willing to live with those drawbacks, CR suggests the Toro TimeCutter Z4200 at $2,500 or John Deere Z225 at $2,900 for even mowing or the Toro TimeCutter Z5000 at $2,800 for its relatively wide, 50-inch deck.  CR also tested two mowers that provide tight turning but still use the familiar steering wheel.  The John Deere X304 at $3,500 is better at mulching. The Cub Cadet i 1042 at $2,700 is good for side-discharging.

Robotic Mowers – Emerging Technology

Robotic mowers promise to save time and effort as they rove within a perimeter wire that sets the mowing boundaries.  But Consumer Reports found that one of these robotic machines poses a serious risk to those it would serve.

Consumer Reports tested Friendly Robotics’ $2,000 RoboMower RL1000 and LawnBott’s $2,500 LB3200 Evolution.  Both crisscross randomly within their boundaries, reversing direction when they reach the perimeter wire or an obstacle and returning to their charging stations when needed.  And both use metal blades.  When Consumer Reports testers lifted the 78-pound RoboMower while mowing, its blades stopped roughly 1 second after its wheels left the ground.  But the 25-pound LawnBott’s blade kept spinning until it was lifted beyond roughly 45 degrees.  Even after that, its blade took nearly 4 seconds to stop.  Either situation could harm an adult or a curious child.

Consumer Reports contacted the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and asked it to investigate the LawnBott LB3200.  CR also contacted the U.S. distributor, which said that a downloadable software update stops the blade within 1 second after the mower is lifted beyond about 35 degrees.  Consumer Reports believes that even with this update, the LawnBott LB3200 Evolution poses a serious safety risk and has judged it “Not Acceptable.”

The full report on lawn care is available in the May 2008 issue of Consumer Reports and online at www.ConsumerReports.org.