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Submitted by: Janet Ashby

The Cub Cadet CC-500 BAT

If you’re looking for an environmentally friendly electric mower you may want to check out the Cub Cadet CC-500 BAT cordless electric lawn mower. This mower is quiet and needs very little maintenance compared to a gas mower and is well built and clean running. As it is cordless it can be used away from any power outlets unlike a corded electric mower that can only be used as far away as the cord can extend. The power output of cordless models nowadays is comparable to gas powered models.

The Cub Cadet CC-500 BAT has a uniquely designed three in one deck with an upward sloping blade . This creates a cyclone effect which suspends cuttings in the air where they can be cut repeatedly to produce a fine mulch. The mulch is then ejected onto the ground where it is an excellent fertiliser for your lawn.

A 48 volt battery supplies the power and is designed for a minimal impact on the environment as well as long life. Lack of power has been a serious downfall of cordless mowers in the past but modern batteries deliver much more power and these newer models are comparable in power to gas powered mowers.

The Cub Cadet CC-500 BAT is extremely maneuverable thanks to ball bearings in the wheels which make rolling and turning much easier than many other models. The cutting height is easily adjusted with a lever and does not need individual wheel adjustments as some models do. The adjustable cutting blade gives seven different cutting heights from one inch to three and a half inches. A lock out key prevents accidentally starting the mower.

Overall we found the Cub Cadet CC-500 BAT has a very efficient mulching system, good cutting power and excellent features.

Advantages

Good mulching, easy to adjust cutting height, maneuverable

Disadvantages

Bagging is less efficient than some other models

List price $449.00

The Black and Decker CMM1200

For small areas of grass that are too far away from a power outlet the Black and Decker CMM1200 is ideal. This cordless electric lawn mower is well built but with slightly lower cutting power than the Cub Cadet CC-500 BAT. It has an efficient mulching system and operates for longer than the average cordless mower on one full charge.

The disadvantage of cordless electric mowers is that the usage is limited by the charge and until recharging takes place the mower can’t be used again. However if you only have a small area to mow this won’t be a problem and for those looking for a more environmentally friendly mower with low maintenance the Black and Decker CMM1200 would be suitable.

The cutting path, at nineteen inches, is about average for a cordless mower and about the same as a small gas mower. it is very quiet. A big advantage over gas mowers especially if you like to do your mowing early in the morning!

The cutting limit on a full charge is stated by the manufacturer to be 15,000 square feet but independent tests found this to be lower at around 10,000 square feet. Obviously, if you are mowing long grass or thickets of weeds you can expect this to be much lower, probably about a half of this figure. Be aware that no electric mowers should be used on wet grass.

The Black and Decker CMM1200 is easily transported as it is light and compact with a fold down handle for easier storage. It copes well with shallow inclines and is well constructed as you would expect for a mower from Black and Decker. Starting is easy with a push button and the controls on the handle are easy to use. An easy to use lever is used to adjust the cutting height which varies from one and a half to three and a third inches. .

A complete charge takes about sixteen hours and a replacement battery will be needed at least every five years. A new battery is around $110 today.

Overall we found the Black and Decker CMM1200 to be well built and efficient and very quiet.

Advantages

quiet in operation, well constructed and durable

Disadvantages

Limited battery power, only suitable for smaller lawns

List Price: $474.99

About the Author: More lawn mower reviews at

Lawn Mower Reviews

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Electric Lawn Mower Reviews

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By Jason Scott

There are some projects that you really should hire a professional to do, and then there are others that may seem difficult, but that you can save money and do yourself. Recovering you padded dining room chairs is this type of project. It may look difficult, but it is a project that anyone with a pair of scissors and a staple gun can easily do themselves.

Step 1: Pick your Padding and Fabric

Probably the hardest thing that you are going to have to do for this project is to choose the fabric that you want to use. Generally fabric is sold by the yard, so you will have to figure out how much fabric your project requires. Not only do you have to measure the seat size, but your need ample fabric to cover the sides of the seat as well as fold under the cushion.

Generally armchairs have a little bigger seat then the rest of the chairs, so make sure that you allow for this as you figure out how much material you will need. It is a good idea to get all of your fabric at once, and make sure that it is from the same bolt so that your color is consistent. If you are getting a patterned fabric, keep in mind that stripes and plaids may be difficult to line up on the cushion.

Unless the existing cushion cover is soiled or worn, you may be able to leave it in place and place your new fabric over it. You will have to remove the old fabric if it is heavily textured and you are replacing it with a lighter and sheerer fabric. You may also have to remove the old fabric if it is a bold color and you are covering it with a light fabric. If the padding is in good shape, then leave it in tact, otherwise remove and measure it, so that you can replace it.

Once you have all of your measurements, head to the fabric store and select a good quality fabric and pattern. Make sure that it works with your current dcor, and if you are not sure, bring samples home to evaluate you choices before buying.

Step 2: Out with the Old

Now you are ready to remove the seats from your chairs. Usually the seat cushion is held in place with a screw. Turn your chair over; remove the screw and the cushion should be easy to remove.

Now flip the seat cushion upside down, and with a flat head screwdriver pry the staples away from the cushion. As you are removing the staples, notice how the fabric is folded and stapled, so you can apply the new fabric in a similar manner. If you are replacing fabric or padding remove them, otherwise, leave them in place.

Step 3: In with the New

If you remove the old fabric and padding, you can use them as a template, otherwise you will have to measure out your fabric. Cut your new fabric about 1/8 inch larger than the old fabric. If you are measuring, make sure to measure the cushion, both sides and at least several inches to fold under the cushion.

Make sure that your work surface is clear and clean. Then lay down your fabric. Place your cushion in the center of the fabric and pull the fabric over the edge of the seat; place the first staple in the front center of the bottom of the cushion. Then pull the fabric taught and place a staple in the center of the rear of the cushion. Do the same for the center of each side. Working outward from the center on each side, repeat these steps until all of the fabric is secured to the cushion.

Fold your corners the same way that the original fabric was folded and trim any extra material. After the fabric is securely fastened to the seat cushion, simply reattach the seat cushion to the chair with a screw and youre done!

About the Author: Read

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By MS Rochell

With today’s emphasis on going green, cheap solar panels are becoming more popular. Making your own alternative energy at home is an easy and inexpensive way to supplement your electrical needs.

Hiring a company to come in and build an alternative energy source can be very expensive and take years to see a return on the initial investment. Homemade versions can provide just as much power for a mere fraction of the cost.

The first step in creating cheap solar panels at home is to collect all the necessary supplies. Cells are the most expensive part of the build. Most often, one solar panel is created from many different individual cells soldered together. This created one large collection unit that can then be tied into the electrical grid. The grid is the power supply you pay for each month.

Once the cells are mounted on a board, they can be soldered together to transfer power from one cell to the next. The more cells connected, the more power collected from the sun.

Many people choose to start small on their first build with just 25 or so cells. These can be aligned in lines of five to create a perfect square. Each line of cells is soldered together in a row with one output connection at the bottom.

After each of the pieces are connected, the power will need to be moved from your solar panels to an inverter or battery. Batteries are used to collect and store energy and an inverter changes the DC output to AC for use in the home.

A bit more expertise is needed to move the power through the electrical panel of the home. When done correctly, the dial that moves as electricity is used in the home can slow dramatically, stop or even move in the opposite direction.

When power is fed back into the electrical grid, credits are issued by the local electric company. These credits can be used to pay for power use on days when home demand is higher than collection.

It is important to seek professional help when attempting to tie in an alternative energy source to the home’s electrical meter. Even when using cheap solar panels, you want your electrical connection to be safe.

If building your own source of energy is not what you are trying to attempt, some companies offer inexpensive installation on units that have been preordered or built for another client but never installed. Federal tax credits in the United States can also lower the cost by paying back some of the price for renewable power collection.

Going green does not have to be expensive. There are limitless options like purchasing pieces from online auction websites or from local businesses that have extra parts. Some cities are developing group buying programs which help to make solar power more affordable for everyone.

The sun offers unlimited amounts of energy and no matter how small the build, you can take advantage of that power and lower your home electric bill.

About the Author: M.S. Rochell is the owner of Go-Green-Solar-Energy.com which offers education and inspiration on the benefits of going green with solar energy. For more on cheap solar panels please visit for our free Solar Panel Basics eBook.

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