Lawnmower shop/dealership, in Austin? (China, Bee Cave: house, work, costs)

[southdown]

Hi, I need to buy a lawnmower but want to avoid giving my money to the big box stores - can anyone recommend a good Austin dealership for mowers?

Preferably in North or NW Austin.

It will be a fairly small mower, budget $300-$350. Oh, and any tips on recommended brands and models gratefully received.

Thanks!

[southdown]

Or a secondhand mower store....?

[love roses]

Sorry, don't know of any.

[10scoachrick]

Not to directly answer the question, but I'll throw in my vote for a rechargeable battery mower. Our Black and Decker will likely make the trip when we move(might leave it with a neighbor and buy new when we head out that way)--in its fourth year and going strong. If you can mow the yard in under an hour, it is a great way to go. We also have a Neuton battery mower that still works fine but is smaller. Both work great on Zoysia so I don't think the centipede/St. Augustine will present any problems.

It's always a kick to watch the joggers pull out their earbuds to hear how quiet the battery mowers are. No smog, no worries about running out of petrol. I haven't used a gas mower in over 8 years.

If we do decide to buy new, I might take a look at Remington...they have a new 36V model out this year. Having said all that, we DO have a B & D/Dewalt service center in ATL(for any problems and checkups)...haven't checked out there for a center. I bought the B & D through Target.com and the Neuton from Country Home Products(?) on line. Careful of shipping costs...the BORG carries a Homelite battery mower and Lowe's sometimes has the B & D.

Sorry about the big box thing...they are worthwhile sometimes!

Just checked and it looks like a B & D service center on Braker. Some carry new mowers in stock. Good luck!
1. DEWALT Factory Service #170
2219 W Braker Ln
Austin, TX 78758
512-382-3971

[southdown]

Thanks - that is very useful info! I have seen the rechargeables and skipped past thinking them, they wouldn't make the grade, but will have another look now.

[mimimomx3]

Try Breed and Co. Breed & Co.
Breed's is a great hardware/homeware store. There are 2 locations. One on Bee Caves and the other on 24th. I think it's cool that you're investigating non big box options!

[southdown]

O my, that place looks gorgeous! I'll be there buying stuff for everything else in the garden now, plus the lawnmower! Thanks

[TexasHorseLady]

Watch out - Breed & Co. is VERY dangerous (to the pocketbook) and VERY addictive. I'm a long-time addict, so I know what I'm talking about!

[atxcio]

Ah, good call on Breed & Co. ... I was drawing a blank myself on local places to buy a mower! Although I can't remember actually seeing mowers for sale at Breed & Co... but it is a really cool local hardware store. The employees there are just a whole level above the big-box stores.

My little story regarding a mower: my wife, who is totally committed to organic and natural, had a manual (one of those circular walk-propelled) mower. We tried to use it at our first house for awhile.. then got an electric (not cordless, unfortunately). They worked sort of, but with a lot of extra effort going over many places in the lawn repeatedly.

Anyway, we started paying someone to do our lawn. That worked out well, except when money was a bit tight. I'd try to put off the lawn service for awhile... then, I finally gave in and purchased a mower. I didn't know anything about it, other than when I was younger I had to mow the lawn as a chore (one of those good things you realize when you are older, that you were raised well!)... So back then, we had a craftsman mower from Sears, and I remembered that it looked really old, was a little slow to start, but worked well and never broke down. So, when it came time for me to get my first gas mower, I went to Sears and bought a craftsman. Guess what? The mower still works. Now I know Sears is not local, and craftsman is probably made in China now... but it also doesn't feel big-box. It kinda feels like the classic American retailer, perhaps not able to compete in the big-box discount world, and on it's way out.

And although it makes more noise than an electric, I'm convinced it's actually more environmentally friendly. With an electric, you're using power generated by a turbine in a coal or natural gas plant (for the most part.) And if you are having to mow areas repeatedly where the gas mower would take care of them in one pass, I think that's a bit wasteful. When you actually look at it, a tiny combustion engine that is well tuned uses a very small amount of fuel for a big task. The operating costs are low, like in the couple of dollars a month range. I've nearly convinced my wife of that, anyway...

[10scoachrick]

Originally Posted by atx[I

cio;3047315]

My little story regarding a mower: my wife, who is totally committed to organic and natural, had a manual (one of those circular walk-propelled) mower. We tried to use it at our first house for awhile.. then got an electric (not cordless, unfortunately). They worked sort of, but with a lot of extra effort going over many places in the lawn repeatedly.

get my first gas mower, I went to Sears and bought a craftsman. Guess what? The mower still works. Now I know Sears is not local, and craftsman

And although it makes more noise than an electric, I'm convinced it's actually more environmentally friendly. With an electric, you're using power generated by a turbine in a coal or natural gas plant (for the most part.) And if you are having to mow areas repeatedly where the gas mower would take care of them in one pass, I think that's a bit wasteful. When you actually look at it, a tiny combustion engine that is well tuned uses a very small amount of fuel for a big task. The operating costs are low, like in the couple of dollars a month range. I've nearly convinced my wife of that, anyway[/i] ...

The figures I've seen for my battery mower indicate approx. $ .10/yard cut...yes, the electricity has to come from somewhere (maybe one of those famous Texas wind turbines) but I'll take that small amount of pollution over exhaust/noise from every yard in the neighborhood any day. I also use electric blowers and trimmers and hedge cutters...just don't care to hassle with gasoline, storage, mixing with oil, etc.

If I cut the grass on a proper schedule(taking no more than 1/3 of the height at a time), I never have to re-mow an area. Sharp blades are key...easier to flip an electric mower to get to the blades, also.

When the day comes that I need a self-propelled or riding mower, I guess I'll have to go back to dino fuel...until then, it's electric for me. Chocolate and vanilla, as they say.