Consumer Reports tests lightweight mowers, blowers, edgers

Yard work can be tough on your back and muscles. So, Consumer Reports checked out some lighter-weight options that make the job easier.
Gas mowers are heavy, noisy and require a lot of maintenance. Testers recommend using an electric mower like the $450 Black & Decker model SPCM1936.
A full-sized leaf blower can weigh as much as 25 pounds. A lightweight backpack blower like the $280 Stihl BR-200 can make the job a breeze.
Gas-powered trimmers are also heavy and hard to start. Testers said the battery-powered Ryobi RY24201 did a great job for $130.
If you don't want to deal with a chainsaw, check out the $75 Black & Decker LP1000. It's basically a mini electric chainsaw that you can use to prune trees and shrubs and even cut fallen branches.

For a list of recent stories Marilyn Moritz has done, click here.

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