Time Saving Tools

Fearless Gardener Bonnie Blodgett recommends some of the more ingenious new products that help reduce the brute labor of yard work:

CHAIN SAWS
Today’s mini-chain saws are lighter, quieter, cheaper, and safer than earlier version that were best left to professionals. My favorite is the Husqvarna 316 electric corded chain saw ($229). Weighing just 8.2 pounds, it even has its own chain-saw duds. Haven’t you always wanted a pair of leather chaps?

SIT-DOWN MOWERS
They keep getting quieter and more maneuverable. Toro’s TimeCutter mover ($2,499 and up) is speedy and can turn on a dime.

ELECTRIC MOWERS
The new ones are better adapted to smaller lawns. I use the plug-in Black & Decker MM575 Lawnhog (about $200), which mows and mulches.

PUSH MOWERS
Nothing beats the grass- and earth-friendliness of a push-style mover for everyday jobs. The German-made Brill Luxus 38 (about $200) push mower is absolutely silent, incredibly light (17 pounds), with blades that shouldn’t need sharpening for 8 years.

WEED WHIPS
They are hard on grass blades, but there’s nothing as quick if you have lots of edging to do. Cordless models, like Toro’s 51460 ($52.99), are great if you find cords irritating. Speaking of which, I am indebted to whoever designed the plastic gizmo that locks cords in place so they aren’t forever coming unplugged.

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