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iH [ by Bob Tracinski, John Deere's Consumer Information Manager Winning the Backyard Battle Each spring you wage a kind of war on a seemingly endless, bright green bat- tlefield. The enemy? Stubbom weeds, volumes of clippings and ever-present obstacles. ! But fear not, for there is strength in numbers and the numbers are on your side ~ numbers like 45 minutes, 22 horsepower and 38 inches -- numbers that can help you choose the proper mower for your fight against lawn care fatigue Fatigue, after all, is the real enemy When facing a lengthy list of weekly chores, you want to mow your lawn quickly and easily. So if you're shop- ping for a new mower. pick a model that can make short work of your yard Base your choice on your lawns size and contour. A walk-behind mower will suit your needs if your lawn is one-third of an acre or less. Consider a rear-engine rid- ing mower or lawn tractor if your yard is larger than half an acre and a lawn and garden tractor if you mow more than one acre and want to plow or till a veg- your best bet. Walk-behind mowers make jt easy to negotiate curves and maneuver in tight areas. Redr-engine riding mowers offer a similar advan- tage, since the operator's vision isn't blocked by a front-mounted engine. Typical rear-engine mowers are powered by 8- to 12.5-hp engines and feature center-mounted mowers between 30 and 38 inches (by compar- ison, most walk-behind mowers have a cutting width from 15 to 24). Attach- ments vary by manufacturer, but gener- ally consist of thatchers, mulching systems and baggers If you have a larger yard with just a few obstacles. consider the next step 'Why pay mbre? ... We're down to earth.' % FITZGERALD WEED CONTROL Insect Control BM Weed Cdntrol M Fertilizing brown Scugog Citizen -- Tuesday, June 7, 1994 --17 4 up, a front-engine lawn tractor. Powered by 125- to 17-hp gasoline engines, these tractors are typically equipped with center-mountéd mowers between 38 and 48 inches. Attachments include thatchers, mulching systems, matenal collection systems and front blades. Lawn and garden tractors -- marked by 14- to 22-hp gasoline or diesel engines and 38- to 60-inch center-mounted mowers -- are equipped to handle even "the longest yard." You can add tiljers. plows, snow throwers and even front loaders to these versatile machines. A' lawn equipment dealer can help you choose the mower that best fits your specific needs. 'Knowledgeable lawn care professionals are a bit. like generals -- they can put you throbgh "basic training" and help you draw out a battle plan, but you're still on the front line. Armed with the proper equipment, mowing your lawn can seem less like war -- or work, for that matter -- and a whole: lot more like a wonderful way to get a little exercise on a sunny day! Now for a. few popular questions about picking lawn care equipment: What are some standard features 1 should look for in a new mower? Walk-behind mowers should have adjustable handlebars "to meet your height. Large diameter wheels and rear- wheel drive systems make mowing easier. Also look for electric or "easy" pull starting systems to get you going fast. Judge a nding mower by features that make, "sitting down on the job" even easier: a soft seat, vibration damp- ening systems, wide footrésts, easy-to- reach controls and attachments that are simple to install and" remove. And always consider safety systems. What about service? Be sure to ask your dealer about a mower's warranty: What does it cover? Does it cover the engine? How long does it last? Who honors it? Ask about the dealer's service policies. Can your model be serviced at home? Are pickup and delivery services offered? Can spare parts be ordered and delivered quickly and easily? Shop around for a dealer who offers top-notch service at seasonable rates. Bob Tracinski is Consumer Information Manager for the John Deere Lawn & Grounds Care Division and a Certified Master Gardener. : JUST WHAT DAD NEEDS ... Only John Deere STX38 12.5 HP 38" Mower Come visit our showroom. * etable garden Licensed ' Hi fast you walks fos, the gu CARL FITZGERALD MIKE FITZGERALD Of your mower deck, and even the . height and thickness of your lawn can Port Perry 985-3540 Whitby 430-7180 all affect your mowing time. But here's «Mobile : 432-4913 Mobile : 258-7932 .- a general guide for the time required to = --- ---- cut a flat acre with little landscaping: f Time to Mow One Acre Suppliers T lanters Walk-behind mower 20 3 1/2 hours uppliers Transp 23 Rear-engine nding mower 1 1/3 hours [V) e J NY Front-engine lawn tractor 1 hour A n oe 172 Hedge Clippers Lawn and garde or 1/210 3/4 he : pi Soren by . Make short work of long hedges with These are just estimates, since most Cl of us have slopes and trees or other John Deere Hedge Clippers. - obstacles that slow us down. Which A Lightweight and quiet ' brings up another factor to consider Jim McMillen Base Peng 127 Aldred Drive when purchasing lawn-care equipment: (905) 985-8627 Port Perry, Ont. LIL 1B4 your yard's contour Member of Landscape Ontario JF yi fis leks OF vos, shy oo LICENSED SPRAYING OF TREES AND ROOT FEEDING $25 OFF $95 OFF other decorative features, a walk behind or rear-engfic mower may be 2BV Blower 21Cand 21S = 5 * Blowing away debris Nylon-Line is a breeze with the Trimmers * GRAIN Our 20th Year ' hand-held No. 2BV, Put the finishing touches on-your lawn Market Report ork Prices Juoted 2 market ih 2 3 li id ig closing Mo ; ; B -d ANALDA smooth running oa r NOTHING RUNS LIKE A DEERE' Prices hrices | || GARDEN CENTRE Hurry, Deere Season ends June 30th, 1994! $/ $/Metric 14800 CARTWRIGHT WEST 1/4 LINE 4 Bushel Tonne 4771 iy oy BLACKSTOCK (505) 385 UTICA Corn New 3.23 127.15 e are celebrating our Soys Old 8.79 322.96 20th Year at this location! FARM EQUIPMENT LIMITED Soys New 8.16 299.18 2 Miles West of Manchester ont Durham 21 Canola Old 494.00 MW TREES WM SHRUBS M FRUIT TREES (908) 985-9701 Canola New ___ 357.50 W PEAT MOSS ® MULCHES BO rs Prices suiplied touriagy of ® BEDDING PLANTS Mm PERENNIALS Sovice Riad A : W.G. THOMPSON Free Estimates on Landscaping Monday to Friday 8 AM to 6 PM; & SONS LIMITED Saturday 8 AM to 5 PM Hwy. 7A & 35, R1 Bethany My VISA & MASTERCARD ACCEPTED = LJ ASE USE OUR LOCAL PROFES IONALS FOR YOUR HOME IMPROVEMENTS CHECK OUR RECTORY FOR YOUR S FIC NEEDS