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Points to consider when buying a lawnmower:
* Ease of getting mower to point of use
* Method of starting (pull cord, electric switch on, key start)
* Ease of starting; ability to be started one handed
* Type of power (electric, hover and wheeled; petrol, two and four stroke ; manual / push)
* Ease of refueling; ease of opening petrol cap
* Ease of manoeuvring
* Weight for pushing, lifting
* Stability on slopes or rough terrain
* Comfort of handle height / grip when pushing
* Appropriate protection for feet (blade guard)
* Capacity and durability of catcher
* Ease of fitting catcher
* Ease of storing; electric mowers can be hung up
* Ease of cleaning
* Frequency of maintenance
* Ease of adjustment of handle height and cutting height
* Noise level (manual and electric quieter than petrol)
* Amount of vibration
* Safety issue of electric cord (electric)
* Australian made / imported - availability of spare parts
* Length and conditions of warranty

. Commonly available features:
* Height adjustable handles
* folding handles for storage
* rear catcher
* mulching mower
* adjustable wheel heights (which give various cutting heights)
* ride on mowers (for large grass areas)
* self propulsion
* A wash nozzle on top of the housing makes it easy to clean underneath (including the blades)
* A rigid plastic catcher is better than the bag type (which might let dust and clippings blow all over you). It should also have 2 handles: on on top for carrying, the other on the back for easy emptying.

. Available safety features:
* Safety lock off switch
* Automatic overload cutout
* Full insulation
* Dead man's handle (mower stops if you let go of handle)
* Blade rotation indicator which shows when the blade is stationary
or moving
* Safety switch for power point (electric mowers)

. Suggestions for people who experience pain, weakness or stiffness:
* Get someone else to mow the lawns.
* Electric mowers are one third the weight of petrol mowers - in
operation some hover above the ground on an air cushion.
* Electric mowers have the controls at the top of the handle.
* A key-start mower eliminates the need to pull cords etc.
* Do small amounts of mowing often rather a lot all at once; a hand
mower is lighter.

. For further information check with a mower retailer or have a look into the CHOICE magazine (Nov. 2004).
. We are pleased to receive feedback on the information we provide....
If there is something we should add or need to change, please let us know.
. These are general suggestions - if you experience considerable
difficulty in solving your problem, consult an occupational therapist at a community health centre, or aged care assessment team or make an appointment at the ILC.

Standards

Standards
Some assistive technology needs to meet Australian or other standards. Standards may relate to materials, manufacturing and installation. Products that meet Australian or international standards will have written certification. To find out if a product meets Australian Standards ask the supplier to show you the certificate. For more information about standards also see
http://at-aust.org/home/assistive_technology/standards.html

TGA
Many of the items on the Assistive Technology Australia website are categorised as a Medical Device. Medical devices that are approved for use in Australia have been entered into a national database called the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG), which is maintained by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). You can ask the supplier for the ARTG number for the device you wish to purchase and search the ARTG for the entry. To access information on the ARTG visit www.tga.gov.au

When buying a medical device it is advisable to only choose a medical device that is recommended by a healthcare professional and has been included on the ARTG.