Mowers: Gasoline, electric or push?

Love it or loathe it, lawn care season is upon us.

And after decades of making lawn mowers bigger, more powerful and easier to push, manufacturers now are touting self-powered mowers and electric models just big enough to get the job done.

Why? Many customers want to cut the grass without cutting a bigger hole in the ozone layer.

"There's a little bit more work involved," said Lou Manfredini, Ace Hardware's Chicago-based spokesman. "People who are more environmentally conscious understand that it takes a little bit more work."

To satisfy green customers, companies have made changes to electric mowers, such as improving the engines and developing battery-operated equipment. The manufacturers of gas-powered mowers also have addressed concerns by creating engines that run cleaner.

"The green initiative is more evident and more pronounced in a lot of products," said Joe Newland, group product manager for Black & Decker in Towson, Md.

With the current economic downturn, Peter Sawchuk, lawnmower expert for "Consumer Reports" magazine, expects more homeowners will be in the market for a mower this spring. The industry saw an uptick in sales in the fall, which many attributed to homeowners cutting their lawn care service to save money.

Here's how some experts rated the pros and cons of various styles of mowers:

PUSH REEL MOWERS

History: This non-motorized mower is the original lawn cutter. It cuts the grass by pulling it up and snipping off the top.

Cost: about $100

Tip: Sharpen blades regularly to make mowing easier for the operator.

Pros: Good for the environment because it does not burn fuel or produce emissions.

Does not require gas, oil, filters or spark plugs.

The snipping motion of the blades keeps lawns healthy.

Quiet.

Lightweight.

Little annual maintenance, although blades should be sharpened annually.

Cons: Will have difficulty cutting long or wet grass.

Won't run over leaves or yard debris.

Won't cut close to flower beds and other landscape features.