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Yard equipment: What you don’t know
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Did you know that Prior to the use of catalytic converters in January 2007, it was estimated that engines with less than 50 horsepower accounted for 7 percent of smog emissions in California, the equivalent of about 3 million cars?
It’s old news that our environment is full of pollutants from automobiles, heavy equipment, factories, and trash, but you probably didn’t know that your lawn mower may be contributing as well. If your gasoline powered yard equipment was purchased before January 2007 it is a major contributor to pollution.
Even though the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) made significant changes to emission requirements in 1997, small engines in lawn mowers, blowers, line trimmers, hedge trimmers, chain saws and other equipment continue to emit high levels of carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) (carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas. Hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides are pollutants that contribute to the formation of ozone).
However, the EPA continues to monitor these small engines and on May 23, 2006 “proposed a rule that would reduce emissions of air pollutants from stationary internal combustion engines.” This rule was in effect for all engines less than 500 horsepower (hp) manufactured after January 1, 2008.
The EPA found that this still wasn’t enough reduction in the pollutant emissions for engines 25hp or less and in September 2008 finalized emission standards for new non-road spark-ignition engines, equipment, and vessels.
As stated in their Regulatory Announcement (Sept 2008), “The controls for these products have been combined into one rulemaking because these engines and vehicles share many common characteristics. Differences in their design and use led us to adopt separate emission standards for each group.” The EPA is adopting new emission standards for Class I (engine sizes less than 170cc) and Class II (engine sizes 170cc–279cc) The average gasoline powered push lawn mower is 170cc or less, though some may be as much as 200cc.
The new emission standards will be in effect for Class I engines in the 2012 model year and Class II engines in the 2011 model year. California emission standards for small engines are more rigid than the EPA and in 2006 the EPA approved California to require catalytic converters on all small engines beginning January 2007.
Why is this important to know? The most obvious reason is that the added costs to make your lawn equipment comply with these EPA standards will be passed on to you, the consumer.
The average cost for a lawn mower will increase by as much as $52.00 and $180.00 for commercial mowers. Another reason are the health issues. The catalytic converters will reduce smog emissions by about 40 percent. The EPA states that these engines “account for about 26 percent of mobile source VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) emissions and 23 percent of mobile source carbon monoxide emissions.”
Since these regulations are only about 3 years old for California, chances are that most people are not running out to buy new equipment just to be “greener” and to help the environment, especially in our current economy. However, if you are looking to purchase a new mower, blower or trimmer consider an alternative to gasoline power and go with electric or “cordless”.
Before making any equipment purchase you should research the item and compare options and benefits. Most lawn mowers today, whether gas or electric, have mulching capabilities, a great benefit to maintaining a healthy lawn. Determining the equipment you purchase will also depend on the size of your lawn. If your lawn is over 2,000 square feet then electric may not be suitable unless you have electrical outlets around the yard.
If you do go with electric, keep in mind that distances greater than 100 feet will result in voltage drops. So, if you have an electric lawn mower with a 15 amp motor, the minimum size extension cord is 14AWG. But, if you need to go farther than 100 feet, you will need a 12AWG extension cord.
That is one of the few disadvantages to electric yard equipment as the extension cord gets wrapped around trees or your feet. However, once you figure out the best way to use the equipment with the extension cord it isn’t so bad. The advantages far outweigh the disadvantages though:
- With an electric mower, hedge or line trimmer you don’t have to worry about gasoline spills (which also pollute the air), changing oil, cleaning air filters, or paying for engine maintenance.
- There is virtually no pollution created from electric equipment, except for what is made from making the electricity.
- Electric equipment does not make as much noise as gasoline equipment.
- Trimmers can be hung on a wall in the garage or shed without leaking fluids out of them.
If you insist on purchasing gasoline powered equipment, or if you already have gasoline powered equipment, here are some tips from the EPA to help you remain environment friendly:
- Avoid spilling gasoline - Use a gasoline container you can handle easily and hold securely. Pour slowly and smoothly. Use a funnel, or a spout with an automatic stop device to prevent overfilling the gas tank. Keep the cap or spout and the vent hole on gasoline containers closed tightly. Transport and store gasoline and power equipment out of direct sunlight in a cool, dry place. Use caution when pumping gasoline into a container at the gas station.
- Maintain your equipment - Follow the manufacturer's guidelines for maintenance. Change oil and clean or replace air filters regularly. Use the proper fuel/oil mixture in two-stroke equipment. Get periodic tune-ups, maintain sharp mower blades, and keep the underside of the deck clean. Take time to winterize equipment each fall.
- Reduce mowing time - Use low-maintenance turf grasses or grass/flower seed mixtures that grow slowly and require less mowing. Check with your local agricultural extension service or lawn and garden center about what is appropriate for your region.
Other alternative powered equipment is available too, such as solar power and propane.
In the end, just as Smokey the Bear says, “Only you can prevent wildfires,” only you can prevent further pollution and it’s not too late to start now.
Sources:
US Environmental Protection Agency
EPA OKs Calif. move to cut mower emissions
For additional information, visit:
EPA Fact Sheet
Your yard and clean air
EPA Regulatory Announcement
Propane powered line trimmer and blower
