EARTH-FRIENDLY LAWN MOWERS

Here is a rundown of the mowers featured on Paul Tukey’s appearance on Good Morning America on Thursday, July 2:

1) American Lawn Mower Company Reel Mower — For less than the price of the average three-month gym membership (about $75) the old-fashioned "reel" mower uses human power for a zero carbon footprint.

$75 https://www.reelin.com


2) Black & Decker CMM 1200 — Using 1/25th of the energy of the average gasoline mower, the 19-inch battery-powered mower from Black & Decker is perfect for the average American Lawns of 1/3 of an acre.

The rechargeable battery charges 60% - 70% in four hours. It achieves a 100% charge in 16 hours. No gas, oil or tune-ups are required. The battery is a 24-volt sealed lead acid system, meaning there is no liquid in the battery so it will not leak ... and the battery charger is Energy Star compliant. It uses about $5 electricity for the entire season. Electric equipment emits no air pollution at the point of use.

$350 http://www.blackanddecker.com/CordlessMower


3) ECOMowers Reel Mower — This is an old-fashioned mower for the 21st century. Very lightweight and user friendly and never needs sharpening. It's about twice the price of the American Lawn Mower

Company model. $165 http://www.ecomowers.com


4) Amp by Ariens — For larger lawns that are impractical for walking, the Ariens company has introduced the nation's first widely available battery-powered riding mower in 2009. It will run for about 75 minutes on a charge that requires about 40 cents of electricity. Uses about 1/25th of the energy of a gas mower. Has a 34-inch cut. 50-percent quieter than gas mower. Will mow 1 acre in an hour on average.

About $3,000. http://www.ampbyariens.com


5) Prototype Propane Walk-Behind by Snapper — Designed for the landscape industry, these mowers will be available to homeowners in September. Releasing 50 percent less hydrocarbons and greenhouses gases than a gasoline mower, the mower is also less expensive to use than a gas mower.

About $5,000 http://www.ferrisindustries.com


6) LP 3000 by Dixie Chopper — Billing itself as "the world's fastest lawnmower," this propane-powered beast can mow about 7.5 acres per hour with 60-inch blades. It is also 50 percent less polluting than a comparable gasoline model and reduces all potential for fuel spillage.

About $13,000 http://www.dixiechopper.com