Archive for the 'Yard Equipment' Category

May 23 2011

An Overview Of Electric And Gas Powered Pressure Washers

Published by under Yard Equipment

Pressure washers have been on the market for at least the past 10 years. It is during this period that they have grown to become popular amongst home owners. In essence a washer is a machine with the ability to turn ordinary low pressure water into high pressure water that can be used to clean surfaces. In most cases home washer units increase ordinary hose water flow’s pressure by some twenty times.


The market for pressure washer units is extremely broad making it possible to find all types and models of water blasters as they are also known. The two main distinct categories of water blasters are those that are gasoline powered and those that are electric powered. It is almost a rule that gas powered washers are designed to have more power and are hence used for heavy industrial duty purposes. These typically release high pressure water at levels as much as 4000psi at 3.5 GM. This is extremely powerful.


Gas powered washers are usually mounted on wheeled frames to allow easily mobility around the job site. They have an on board gas tank and sometimes water tank which can supply long hours of continuous use before any refill is needed. Gasoline powered water blasters are typically used in open air industrial sites to do rugged jobs such as pain stripping and removal of grease and oil from heavy trucks and machinery. They produce a lot of noise and toxic fumes in the process making them less appealing for home users. Besides they are very expensive running into thousands of dollars per unit.


On the other hand electric pressure washers are traditionally associated with home use. These are safe to use around the home and are light to medium duty machines. They are used to clean sidewalks, driveways, patios, grills, garages and cars. Due to their low pressure output ranging between 1500psi and 2500psi they can safely clean home surfaces without causing any damage. Heavy industrial duty gas powered units can easily gouge wood for example if used directly on delicate home surfaces.


Electric powered washers are good for home environments also because they do not make a lot of noise and produce no fumes. They have a double insulated electric cord which is plugged to ordinary home electricity supply points. Price wise they are also affordable making it possible to find certain good models for under $200.00 and in some cases even for under $100.00. These have no pumps and hence have less maintenance issues.

Learn more about pressure washer by going to a dedicated website on pressure washers. One of the top recommended industrial pressure washer brands are manufactured by Northstar Pressure Washers.

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Jan 19 2011

Features To Look For When Buying A Lawn Edger Or Trimmer

Published by under Yard Equipment

For a person who owns their own home and does their own lawn, there are few things as satisfying as stepping back and looking at a nicely mowed and edged/trimmed lawn. The smell of the recently cut grass adds to the moment. But, what really makes the picture special is the neatly edged and trimmed grass. Mowing your lawn but not edging/trimming it is like washing your car but not waxing it. It certainly looks better but nothing special. A lawn edger/trimmer is the tool that can help you turn your lawn into something special.


Things You Want To Look For In A Lawn Edger/Trimmer


· You will want an edger/trimmer that will start easily (that is, it will start with just 1 or 2 pulls of the cord).


· You will want a gas powered push type of edger/trimmer. Other edgers (pole, electric, etc) will just not give you the speed, convenience, and quality of cut that a gas powered push edger/trimmer will.


· You will want an edger/trimmer with sufficient torque and horsepower to do the job. Usually an edger/trimmer with a 4.75 torque and 3.5 horsepower motor is more than sufficient for a normal yard.


· You will want to make sure the edger/trimmer has a blade disengagement capability. This capability allows you to disengage the edger’s cutter blade from turning and is an important safety feature for every edger user to want.


· You will want an edger/trimmer that can maintain its balance when being used on curbs, uneven ground, etc. An edger with four wheels usually provides better balance than an edger with just three wheels.


· You will want an edger/trimmer that provides a neat, sharp, clean-looking grass cut along your sidewalks, driveway, flowerbeds, etc.


· You will want an edger/trimmer that allows you to easily and quickly replace the edger blade when it gets worn down and needs to be replaced.


· You will want an edger/trimmer that provides protection to the user (e.g., edger blade guard, rear edger/trimmer blade debris deflector, etc).


You will want an edger/trimmer that allows you to switch the edger into a trimmer and back again with little effort.


These are the important features that I look for when buying a lawn edger/trimmer and hopefully they will help make your own buying decision easier.

For more information on lawn edgers, you will want to check out this article on lawn edging.

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Oct 13 2010

Honda Snow Blowers Review

Published by under Yard Equipment

Are you trying to find snow thrower which is the most beneficial for your needs? Honda snow blower is precisely what you need!. Every family should have a thrower that helps to get rid of snow and the glaciers. With Honda snow blowers you will certainly forget about manual labor forever, since these excellent tools will certainly do all the labour very fast.


One can find a great number of versions of Honda snow throwers varying from tiny to large professional types so you may normally discover specialised details regarding any version in the net or nearest store and to choose shape, dimensions and style you desire. Everyone would check out the single-stage or two-stage, small, medium or large versions from the Honda Organization based on what part you dwell in and what kind of winter season whether you have, from gentle snow to heavy snow with ice. All of these blowers are very simple to operate that even a child can work with them.


Almost all Honda snow blowers also are loaded with glaciers splitting serrated augers and wheels that resist the ice as well as enable you to clear away the ice. Self-propelled models of snow throwers are extremely effective, because they can certainly transfer around 55 tons of snow and ice and are constructed so durable that they may easily face up to intense snow. The kind which is preferred for you is going to rely on the amount of snow and ice you expect, wet or waterless snow you can expect to be working with, plus what form of surface area you are going to be clearing. As a rule, one-stage throwers are recommended for fairly easy snow and ice removing and for applying on paved types of surface, while 2-stage blowers may take care of heavier tasks and can be employed on either paved or pea gravel surface types.


It is up for you to decide what snow blower you desire. There should be mentioned the most significant advantage of Honda snow blowers – they can easily work for twenty years without any repairs.

Visit our webpage for more info about snow blowers and their specialised properties. Our knowledge base will help you to decide which model is optimal for you.

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Sep 17 2010

Sun Lounger Cushions, How to Relax Outside

Published by under Yard Equipment

If you’re looking to enjoy the outdoors and relax in style then a sun lounger is the perfect way to do so. The problem is that most outdoor loungers are uncomfortable to lie on without adding a cushion. The many different styles of cushions come in many shapes so finding the right one can make all the difference between having a relaxing time outside or feeling uncomfortable and unable to relax.


Most types of garden furniture can be uncomfortable to sit on and a towel on the grass or wooden seat just won’t do if you’re looking to spend a fair amount of time outdoors. Sun lounger cushions offer the perfect way to relax whilst enjoying the outdoors as they provide a comfortable and durable cushion allowing you to lie back and enjoy the fresh air. Most outdoor furniture is generally made from either a metal, wood, or plastic frame with strong string or bars forming the seating area so without a cushion they can be very uncomfortable to sit or lie on for an extended period of time.


Most outdoor loungers can be adjusted to fit a wide variety of different positions from upright resembling a chair to almost horizontal resembling a bed. As a result a good cushion need to fit the size and type of sun lounger you have and be flexible enough to adjust to the changing positions. You’ll want to ensure that the cushion has the required amount of padding to be comfortable. Other considerations to take into account are the durability of the cushion, whether the style matches your other outdoor furniture, and whether the cushion in waterproof.

Visit our website for more information on sun lounger cushions including the different styles available and what to look for in durability and comfort. We also have information on many other types of cushions for outdoor furniture including patio furniture and wicker furniture.

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Sep 05 2010

Put An Outdoor Sink in Your Outdoor Kitchen

Published by under Yard Equipment

Are you thinking about building an outdoor kitchen? Are you in the planning stages of designing your outdoor kitchen? You do not want to overlook a very important part of your outdoor kitchen, and Outdoor Sink. Sure, the brick barbeque and luxury patio furniture look very nice and will draw a lot of attention, but you still need a sink to complete the kitchen and have a fluid setup. Placement is very important and can guarantee many enjoyable days and evenings in the backyard entertaining your friends with your favorite activities.


Of course, you will need some counter space next to your sink to make sure you have room to wash and prep the foods you are going to be cooking. No need to worry about the mess you are going to make or the spills you might make, that is one of the nice things about being outside. You also may be able to intrigue some of your guests to assist with the preparation of food, or you can involve yourself in other conversations around you.


This outdoor sink, sometimes also referred to as a utility sink or farm sink can be used for other things as well. After you are done preparing the meal, your guests can wash their hands prior to eating without going inside. You can also wash your garden fruits and vegetables before going inside where you like to keep things a little cleaner. Even if it is just a prewash, it will keep things much cleaner inside the house. If you happen to go with a double sink, you can wash your fruits and vegetables on one side and use the other side for something completely different without worrying about cross contamination.


If you do plan to use your outdoor sink for food prep, you will probably want to look into having an undermount sink. Undermount sinks are mounted under the countertop or solid service and keeps you from having an elevated rim around the sink. This makes scraping foods into the sink easy and gives you a larger flat work surface.

Sven O discusses reasons to put an outdoor sink in your Outdoor Kitchen on his website about using an Outdoor Sink.

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Jul 30 2010

Today’s Walk Behind Mowers

Published by under Yard Equipment

The classic walk behind mower is a mainstay of life in the suburbs. The American Aspiration of owning a house comes with a lot of required responsibilities and choirs, not the least of which is the maintenance of the lawn. For over one century the walk behind mower in its many assorted forms has been the preeminent tool for this errand.


At the same time the push lawn mower has turn into a bit of a status sign for the populous of suburbia, and a symbol of maleness of such for the males who walk behind them. The pride that one feels in the attractiveness of their garden is often related directed with the effectiveness of the push lawn mower that they own.


The push mower has witnessed a lot of changes over the course of its life. The present market is filled with a extensive variety of push mower designs and types; amongst that anyone can discover the one that is just right for them. Of course the big debate amongst for people who like their mowers is the case of Electric against. Petrol against. Manual. This discussion has been going on for decades and it doesn’t appear that there might be any conclusion to anytime soon. The plain reality is that all 3 have their pluses as well as minuses. Let’s take a look at the 3 and what each has to offer, and where they fall short


The large array of push lawn mower kinds is also one of the hottest points of debate between folks who are lawn lovers. This dispute started with the launch of the gas mower in the 1940s and continues to this day. It seems that the argument over which type is greatest will go on for many more decades however one thing is for sure, no one doubts the superiority of the walk behind as as opposed to other push lawn mower models.


The people that state that the electric battery powered lawn mowers are the best alternative see these as a good alternative that permits them to be a little less impact on the environment. These also are a great choice for a someone who may possibly experience problems with the fumes and their breathing. While no gasoline is being burned, there are no dangerous fumes to deal with. There are drawbacks in particular with the types that are corded, these cords are hard to keep out of the way and can over time become damaged easily. The models that have a battery tend to not last as long and will end up taking you longer in order to cut your lawn.


Gas mowers make available a lot of power, but as we all well be aware of they also provide a great deal of noise and a lot of petrol fumes. The pluses of these mowers are offset by their main drawback, the price of the petrol needed to power them. Petrol prices keep on going up. More and more the price of gasoline is increasing which makes there small motor mowers more inconvenient to use.


If you are wanting for the best lawn that you can get ditch the riding tractor and get your hands around the handle of a classic walk behind. They are efficient, durable, and simple to maintain and give a great looking lawn.

If you would like additional information regarding battery eco mowers drop in on our website Walk Behind Mower. You will discover several reviews along with ratings. You will also discover links to the customer feedback along with video reviews of all battery powered push mowers featured on our website. If you have any queries or would like us to review a mower for you don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.

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Jun 25 2010

Pros & Cons of Canvas Tarps

Published by under Yard Equipment

Unlike the popular, economical blue tarps designed for short term use, or the heavy duty, 18-ounce vinyl coated polyester lumber tarps, canvas tarps are made from 100% cotton fibers, making them a sturdy product that is good for the environment. They come in many sizes, colors, and thicknesses, making them useful in many, but not all, applications. There are distinct pros and cons with regards to canvas tarps. Understanding these factors can help you select the best tarpaulin for your needs.


Canvas tarps are ideal for covering stationary construction machinery and equipment outdoors. The point of using any tarpaulin is to provide protection from sun, wind, rain, and even prying eyes. If your property is securely covered, it is far less likely to be stolen or damaged. Many states require that loads be secured and covered while on public roads, but this is one case in which they should not be used. Canvas tarps are non-trailerable and too likely to tear, resulting in a damaged canvas tarp and unprotected cargo. On the other hand, they last longer than poly tarps and their breathability make them an ideal choice for many applications.


Treated Or Untreated


Canvas tarps come treated or untreated. The treatments make the fabric resistant to water, rot, and mildew. Canvas tarps may be also treated with flame retardant chemicals to make flame retardant canvas tarps. They are also treated with waxes and dyes that make them useful in some applications and inappropriate for others. They can be retreated with products such as Canvak. While these treatments provide benefits, they can also make the material inappropriate for some uses, such as indoor furniture covers.


Cleaning methods vary depending upon whether or not the fabric has been treated. Cleaning treated canvas can be done with soapy water or detergent. Treated canvas should not be washed in a washing machine or dried in a dryer, however. Untreated products can be handled in the same way as any other cotton fabric.


Best Uses


Canvas tarps are best used to cover stationary items where air can breathe through the fabric. Heavy construction machinery and equipment, construction projects, plastic yard toys, and patio furniture are excellent examples of times when this material can provide the best coverage and protection. The air flow keeps the items from molding, rusting, or heat related damages, while the sun and wind protection keep them from deteriorating prematurely or disappearing altogether.


Camping is another excellent time to put these products to work for you and your family. They can be used to provide shade, shelter, and privacy. While not 100% waterproof, the water resistance combined with a reasonable angle can provide shelter from rain. Strung between trees, they can provide shade on even the hottest days.


Not Always The Best Choice


There are situations for which canvas is not your best choice. The treatments used make them inappropriate as vehicle covers or for indoor use. The waxes and dyes used can rub off and stain boat or car exteriors. The chemical treatments also have an odor that many may find offensive. While the odor is usually temporary, the staining factor is not.


As stated earlier, they are not ideal choice for trailering. This means they should not be used to cover truck loads. At the same time, untreated canvas tarps are big favorites among painters and students. These natural fabrics are sturdy enough to be used in a variety of environments and they make incredible painting canvases of practically any size!

Chris Harmen is a writer for MyTarp.com, which produces high quality canvas tarps for work and home use. Highly flexible and inexpensive, a canvas tarp can provide inexpensive and environmentally sound protection, security, shade, or privacy.

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Apr 21 2010

How to Select a Hedge Trimmer

Published by under Yard Equipment

Many homeowners have trouble finding a high-quality hedge trimmer because they often have problems deciding what to look for in a high-quality product. Here are a few tips that can help people find a great trimmer at a fair price.


Type
Think about the type of trimmer that is needed before purchase. Hedge clippers are usually sold with and without cords. These machines have vastly different uses that must be considered before purchasing a product. For example, consumers who only have a small amount of hedge space to trim and shape are better off purchasing a corded hedge clipper because it features just enough power and range to successfully trim and shape the hedge. On the other hand, consumers who have larger hedges to trim might want to consider purchasing a cordless unit because it has enough range and power to trim larger hedges.


Weight
Check the trimmer’s weight and weight distribution before choosing a unit. The best trimmers will have their weight evenly distributed near its midpoint because they are safer to lift, carry and use. As a result, try to avoid trimmers that have their weight unevenly distributed near one its ends to avoid possible safety problems.


Capacity
Look for a trimmer that can trim all of the hedge space around the home. Most trimmers can only cut through 25 square feet of hedge space before it loses its ability to cut and shape the hedge. As a result, try to find a trimmer that can safely reach all of the hedge space in the yard. To do this, try to find a trimmer that is long enough and powerful enough to reach even the most stubborn parts of the hedge. This will ensure that the trimmer can trim the all of the hedge space around the home.


Blades
Finally, consumers should also compare the types of blades that are used for hedge clippers. This is true because most hedge clippers are designed for people of varying ability. For example, single-edge blade clippers are easier for beginners to use, because they cut in one direction, while dual-blade clippers are easier for experts to use because they usually have more cutting edges that make quick work of most hedge work.


Since most hedge clippers feature either the single-blade or dual-blade cutting system, consumers should compare the types of blades that come with the unit to find the system that is easiest for them to use. This will ensure that consumers will find the safest hedge trimmer that does a good job trimming their hedges.

Author is a freelance writer. For more information on hedge trimmer please visit http://www.echo-usa.com/.

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Apr 20 2010

Electric Lawn Mowers – A Green Solution

Published by under Yard Equipment

Did you know that there is a more environmentally friendly way to cut your grass than your common gas mower? Like the increasingly popular electric cars, electric lawn mowers also exist and can significantly reduce your carbon footprint. Electric lawn mowers are new on the market, but are growing in popularity.


These new electric lawn mowers are all push mowers and are ideal for smaller yards. They are much better for the environment, easy to clean, and they won’t cost you a fortune on gas. And though electric lawn mowers are currently not available as riding mowers, these will probably be on the market in no time.


Most home owners with electric lawn mowers say the primary reason for choosing electric was environmental consciousness. Experts say that mowing your lawn for about an hour with a regular, gas powered mower causes more air pollution than driving a car for 150 miles. Electric mowers use substantially less energy to operate, so there is much less drain on the environment.


Another benefit to having an electric lawn mower versus gas run is that you won’t have to worry about pulling away on a cord to get it started. Electric mowers are turned on with the push of a button. Electric lawnmowers also do not require tuning or oil changes. They are also silent compared to most roaring gas mowers.


Electric mowers are powered using a plug and draw their energy from an electrical outlet. In this way, using an electric lawn mower is just like using a vacuum cleaner in your home. However, like with a vacuum cleaner, electric mowers have the problem of dragging a cord behind. Sometimes the cord is not long enough to get where you need to go, so you have to stop your work and switch. This can be a hassle. The good news is there is a new brand of cordless electric mowers out now which use a rechargeable battery. This solves the problem of lugging a cord around your yard.


Cordless electric mowers use 1 to 4 rechargeable 12-volt batteries. Most are more expensive than both gas mowers and electric mowers with a cord, but there are some cheaper options out there. Plus, you are not having to spend money on gas or maintenance, so you’ll save in the long-run.


Depending on what model you get, cordless electric mowers may also come with a mulch plate. The plate is handy because it allows you to use the mower to mulch your grass in addition to just cutting it. Check to see if the cordless electric mower you are interested in comes with this feature.


If you are interested in getting an electric mower, be it cordless or not, be sure to check customer reviews. Since these mowers are relatively new on the market, it is difficult to say what types of problems they may face over time. The best way to find out about these is to hear what actual owners are saying.

Donald Gordon writes about electric lawn mowers and other related topics at TheLawnMowerReview.com


For more helpful information about choosing the right lawnmower, click here: Lawn Mowers

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Mar 28 2010

Portable Pressure Washers – Should You Go For Gas Or Electric Portable Pressure Washer?

Published by under Yard Equipment

Portable pressure washers have many different benefits. They are now available in either gas or electric powered models and produce different pressures. In addition, these models can run either by hot or cold fluid. With so many choices, it can be overwhelming. So here is a guide on how to weigh your options properly.


Amount of Power Produced


Depending on the brand, model and type of pressure-washers, the power of the unit ranges from low to heavy duty. If your intention is to use the machine for simple tasks such as washing the car and clean a deck, then the light duty model that runs only between 1,300 and 2,000 PSI range. Due to low PSI, the models are mostly inexpensive and light in weight. Otherwise, consider the heavy duty models.


Hot Water and Cold Water Units


When your budget is low, the cold fluid unit is your best option. The hot water models are usually available in high price as they are generally used for industrial cleaning jobs. The cold water models are enough since you should not use hot water in many normal applications. Furthermore, at higher level of power and flow rate, hot water model can damage grout on tiles, roof shingles and seams.


Gas and Electric Powered Pressure-Washers


The disadvantage of electric units is that their portability is limited within the range of the cord. However if you are considering one, you may want to invest on inverter that produces sufficient voltage. The gas powered units typically have higher flow rate and force. At a same level of power, the gas powered units are sold way much cheaper than the electric powered units. In addition, they provide more flexibility and portability. However, the disadvantage of gasoline type units is that they emits harmful gases and are not recommended for indoor use. It is recommended that you examine which type would be the best pressure washer for you.

Elton Marovic gives his tips on useful cleaning tools and equipment for yards, garages and roads through pressure washers review. Find more of his reviews on PressureWashersReviews.org.

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