image description

The Right Mower Can Make Lawn Care a Pushover

Presented by Pittsfield Lawn & TractorSPONSORED CONTENT
Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Mowing a lawn isn't always something people look forward to. But there are many ways to make the job easier and more effective to provide a lush look that will make your neighbors green with envy.

Kevin Stengl, marketing manager at Pittsfield Lawn & Tractor, said one of his best tips for a more efficient cut is to mow the outline of your yard first. Going around the perimeter one time, then backtracking halfway creating a "U" shaped border before going up and down making rows, will alleviate the need to back up on every swipe and will save you time while giving you a professional-looking finish.

"It actually does save time when you do it," Stengl said.

He said homeowners should also avoid cutting the grass too short and should strive to remove only one-third of the grass height at a time, except for the first mowing of the season when it's OK to remove more.

"Otherwise it won't degrade into the lawn, and will cause a buildup of thatch over time," he said.

In addition, people should strive to have their mowers serviced by having the blade sharpened a few times during the cutting season as well as having the mower's oil changed at least once a season.

And one last tip that you might not think about when pulling out the mower for the first time this spring: Avoid using gas that you stored away last fall.

"Don't use that unless you had put stabilizer in it," Stengl said. "Gas will go bad."

This time of year many may realize it's time to buy a new lawn mower. Maybe you just purchased a new residence and are looking to purchase your first lawn mower, or you need to upgrade or replace your existing mower.

Of course, before you mow the lawn you have to have the right mower.

When choosing a new mower, you might be surprised to know the amount of acreage is not the only factor in determining if you need a riding mower. If you have hills or a large lawn, a riding mower might be the right way to go. If the hills are large, Stengl recommends choosing a riding lawn mower with a larger engine and possibly one that offers four-wheel drive.

Honda and Husqvarna mowers both offer a "personal pace" style mower. This is a self-propelled mower that offers variable drive speeds to the operator. This style allows you to cut grass more comfortably and adjust the mowing speed to your pace.

Riding mower versus push mower often comes down to personal preference. Walk or sit, mowing time, and the size and number of hills to be mowed are some of the most common factors used to decide which equipment is best for you.

When choosing a new mower, inquire about the warranties offered on each brand. The John Deere D10 is one of Pittsfield Lawn & Tractor's two most popular models and comes with a two-year warranty. If you prefer a longer warranty, the John Deere X series offers a four-year bumper-to-bumper deal.

For more information, interested homeowners can contact Pittsfield Lawn & Tractor, 1548 West Housatonic St., Pittsfield, at 413-443-2623 or www.plt.com for more information on different models.





Tags: lawn care,   sponsored content,   


Letter: Dalton Finance Committee — Thank you

Letter to the Editor

To the Editor:

This fiscal budget season has been a very difficult one for the Finance Committee and chairs. These professional individuals put their time and talent into doing what is best for the town and its people.

This year they have been harassed not once but twice by requests from individuals through the Request for Information. People who are trying to prove Open Meeting violations which have not occurred. They have been belittled and chastised on social media and in public for doing their job in which they are elected. People who took the words "surplus," "excess," "money not used" and made it into a defunding rampage.

At no time was defunding ever mentioned in meetings. By making such false statements brings into question, "should the committee be looking further into these budgets rather than just surplus."

Putting this aside, what makes this Finance Committee unique is that they are professionals who come from different business backgrounds. A group that comes together during their meetings and works together to make a difference no matter how big or small, agree or disagree all on behalf of the town. The respect they show to each other and the people who attend, no matter what their differences, is an example of their integrity and leadership.

When opposition comes to them, they stay focused with the task at hand and do what is best during the budget process. I am truly proud to be part of such a committee. To the past and present members, to our chair and co-chair I would just like to say thank you so very much for being who you are and for the inspiration, perspective and leadership you have shown throughout this year’s budget season.

Karen Schmidt
Dalton, Mass. 

Schmidt is a member of the Dalton Finance Committee. 

 

 

View Full Story

More Pittsfield Stories