Dollars& Sense: Choosing a green mower: Will it be battery, electric -- or goat?

Aaron Isaacs of Minneapolis loves his Toro cordless mower and often gets compliments from passersby about how quiet it is. It cost a little more than a gas-powered mower upfront, but after six years, he has spent only $100 to replace the battery. "It's perfect for my smaller yard," he said.

Isaacs was lucky to have gotten his battery-powered mower when he did, because the line to hop on the green bandwagon just got a little longer.

A recent check at area big-box hardware stores showed floor models of electric mowers, but no back stock. Mike Frattallone of Frattallone's Ace Hardware stores in the Twin Cities said that sales of battery-powered mowers at his stores are up 300 percent over last year, although he's been able to keep up with demand so far.

Why ditch a gas-powered mower? The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that a single gas mower, which until recently had unregulated emissions, produces about one-third of the pollutants of a new car operated for the same amount of time. Mowers made before 1998 emit as much greenhouse gases as 11 new cars, the EPA says.

With 54 million Americans mowing their lawns weekly, gas-powered lawn mowers make up 5 percent of the nation's total air pollutants. Add to that an estimated 17 million gallons of gasoline spilled each year nationwide in the refueling of lawn machines, said the EPA, and the reel, electric and battery-powered mowers become the green machine for turf lovers.

Although exhaust emissions from gas-powered mowers have been reduced by 70 percent compared with a decade ago, according to the Virginia-based Outdoor Power Equipment Institute, the EPA prefers reel mowers as the greenest alternative.

Battery and electric models eliminate the emissions and spills, but don't totally eliminate pollution. Homeowners who don't want a lawn worthy of a Scotts Turf Builder ad will find a reel mower works fine, but even Consumer Reports called three reel mowers tested last month "a disappointing trio." The Brill, Bully and Scotts brands had problems with uncut strips under the wheels, a maximum grass height that was too low and a machine too heavy to push.

Homeowners looking beyond their gas or reel mowers can find battery- and electric-powered machines at most hardware stores and garden centers. Jim Welna of Welna Hardware II in Minneapolis sells only reel and electric mowers. He sells about 50 per year priced from $75 to $250.

Derrick Wood of Cedar Small Engine in Minneapolis prefers the cordless battery-powered models by Neuton. The shop sells about 80 per year. In 10 years, he's only gotten one back. Neuton has a generous six-month money-back guarantee. Two days before the warranty was up, a customer asked for a refund. The two machines ($380 and $480) are virtually maintenance-free.

What about the homeowner with a big yard worried about running out of juice? Some cut the front one day and the back the next. Others buy two batteries. The Neuton models have batteries that can be easily lifted out and replaced.

What about rent-a-goat to mow your yard? Probably not a great idea in the city, even if ordinances allow it, said Linda Noble, who raises goats on a farm near Kenyon, Minn. "They could graze a 6-by-6-foot section in a day, but they also like to jump and climb, and eat branches and flowers.

"You'd have to tether it, and it still may decide to take a walk on your car if you give it room," she said. And don't expect it to eat all your weeds. They may not be to the goat's liking, Noble said. "They don't like thistle."