Growing up push mowers were a'plenty. They were heavy things with a little cap to open for the oil. I don't recall having to sharpen the blades very often. These old mowers were already old when I came into the world and seemed to last forever. The grass catchers were made from sheet metal and wire with canvas sides. These grass catchers also seemed to last for ever and would stay attached. In more recent years I decided to revert back to push mowers, but have not been very successful in terms of quality. There is generally only one to choose from in the shop. They seem to go blunt quicker. The wheel gears seem to fail earlier. The grass catchers break before too long. I've been through three of these push mowers and at the most only seem to get a few years out of them. If motor mowers only lasted that long I'm sure consumers would complain! I wonder if anybody has found a good brand to buy. I don't mind paying extra if they last for 20 years!
Submitted by robert.crump on 10 December 2008 14:03:41
Comments
Hi,
I bought a push mower from a car swap meet a couple of years ago. It is the old type like you describe. It is heavy and works well - a Masport I think.
I suggest you look in garage sales or Trade me - these type of mower can be revived and sharpened. The wheels are cast iron and everything is strong.
The modern ones are pressed steel and look pretty flimsy.
Submitted by Jemm on 16 December 2008 20:11:55
If you are in Christchurch there are usually a few at the Supershed every time I go there.... For those of you who aren't in Chch, the Supershed is our council's answer to inorganic and reusable rubbish - any usable items can be dropped off at the recycling centres around the city for free and are sold to the public from the Supershed for a nominal cost, I pick up a bargain every time I go there. (http://www.rmf.org.nz/terranova/products/) cheers, Megan
Submitted by meganh on 16 December 2008 21:21:47
Thanks Jemm and meganh for your comments. I think when I get some time I'll try for reconditioning an old one if I can get hold of one, but maybe at the same time send off an email to the current manufacturers commenting on the poorer quality (i.e. a bit of consumer pressure for what it is worth).
Submitted by robert.crump on 14 May 2009 09:17:47