New Walk-Behind Lawnowers: Abusive Lab Test
The growth of exurbs means that more guys have more grass to cut. The question is: What kind of mower to buy? Not which brand or model, but which style? For 2 acres, a ride-on seems like a no-brainer. For a quarter-acre, the same model would be ... [... more]
Popular Mechanics |
Best Lawnmowers of the Year: Comparison Test
Mowers have come a long way. At least, that was our take after three days spent trotting behind six high-end, self-propelled mowers at our test grounds in upstate New York. What prompted this leap in mower improvement? Well, approximately 6 ... [... more]
Popular Mechanics |
Cub Cadet i1050 Zero-Turn Tractor: Not Just for Lebron James
You don't need Cub Cadet's i1050 Zero-Turn Tractor ($3900). Then again, you don't need a Porsche. The i1050 lets you make zero-point turns, rotating in place to get in and out of tight spaces. Like other zero-turn mowing machines, it uses dual ... [... more]
Popular Mechanics |
Honda's Thumb Operated Lawnmower Controls
Honda's HRR216K3VXA mower arrived too late to be tested against the other products, but we did squeeze in some late-season cutting and leaf mulching. Its most notable feature is the thumb-operated drive. We liked it, but found that our thumbs ... [... more]
Popular Mechanics |
Latest Technology for Lawn Irrigation
New controls reduce wasted water, make plants healthier and save money. New irrigation controls are a better way to water. They adjust themselves or allow you to make changes to their schedule from a home computer. Although manufacturers have ... [... more]
Popular Mechanics |
Install Your Own Underground Sprinkler System
If you're tired of dragging that old lawn sprinkler around every few days, you may want to consider installing your own underground sprinkler system. By doing the job yourself, you can save 30 to 40 percent of the cost of a professional ... [... more]
Popular Mechanics |
Build Your Own Natural Stone Patio
A traditional flagstone patio can be a great addition to just about anybody's yard. The material is attractive and durable, and nicely complements a wide range of other landscaping features. Many varieties of stone are available at landscape and ... [... more]
Popular Mechanics |
Build Your Own Pond
But before you can start stocking aquatic plants and animals, such as fish, frogs, tadpoles and snails, you need the pond itself-and a source for supplies and equipment. For help on our project, we turned to James S. Hosking Nursery, Watertown, ... [... more]
Popular Mechanics |
The Fastest (and Toughest) String Trimmers on the Market
A lawn isn't finished until it's trimmed. The right machines can transform a shaggy, unattractive mess into a crisp summer landscape. And as any suburbanite who has had a peaceful barbecue interrupted by the whine of a small engine can tell you, ... [... more]
Popular Mechanics |
It's easy--and your trees and shrubs will thank you.
Taking care of small trees and shrubs by pruning is pretty simple if you follow a few time-tested rules and take advantage of new tools that cut quickly and cleanly. If only all home improvement projects were as straightforward. Pruning doesn't ... [... more]
Popular Mechanics |
Extreme Treehouses
Peter Lewis's treehouse, built in a 105-ft. pine tree in southern Maine, rests on a steel hexagon base suspended by cables. Joists made of 5 x 5 hemlock timbers form more hexagons that support the structure. The massive trusses below were built ... [... more]
Popular Mechanics |
Comparison Test - 5 Garden Tractors
Garden tractors, like Kubota's diesel-powered GR2100, do double duty: grasscutting all summer, then property management in the fall. Things cool off in the fall, and that's when the fun starts, at least as far as yardwork is concerned. It's just ... [... more]
Popular Mechanics |
