This Event is over for 2008, please check back in 2009.

**New Date** - Saturday, April 28th - 8:30am-2:30pm

Central Texas Electric Lawnmower Program

Gasoline-powered lawn/garden equipment is responsible for between 5%-10% of the total air pollution in urban areas and gas-powered lawnmowers are responsible for the majority of these emissions. These emissions contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone (smog) and can adversely affect your health. Not surprisingly, Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emissions, the major greenhouse gas, are spewed out in enormous quantities from gas-powered mowers too.

A substantial amount of gasoline and oil is spilled each year when filling the mower's small gas/oil receptacles. This spillage results in non-point source pollution that contaminates our creeks and lakes. Furthermore, bagged grass clippings account for a significant amount of our total solid waste during the growing season, which ends up in our over-utilized landfills.

To address these environmental challenges the Central Texas Lawnmower Exchange Program is a project of the Center for Maximum Potential Building Systems, building a sustainable world since 1975.

In addition, electric leaf blowers/vacuums and electric hedgers/trimmers will be featured.

Sales Event Day

Saturday, April 5th 2008 - 8:30am-2pm

Home Depot at 3600 So. IH 35 (Woodward St. Exit)(Map)
(Ph. 693-9811)

Quantities are limited. If you have a gas-powered mower trade-in then call to reserve your new cordless or corded mower up to Friday, 4/4 at 12:00pm (noon) at 389-2250. Your reservation will be held until 12pm on Saturday, 4/5 and then will be released if you do not show up.

*Requires a gas-powered mower trade-in to qualify

Some features of electric lawnmowers are

1)      Exhaust free (only minor emissions produced from the generation of the electricity)

2)      Cordless model available with electronic ignition (electricity costs are $5.00/per year)

3)      Mulching models, no bagging necessary. Grass/leaves can be mulched, side discharged or bagged with both HomeLite models.

4)      No oil/gas needed

5)      No tune-up needed (batteries last for upwards of 4 years)

6)      Cordless model runs about 75 minutes and cuts upwards of 1/3 acre (15,000 square feet) on a single charge

7)      Very quiet (you are able to mow on Sunday mornings)

For more information, please call Scott Johnson at 389-2250 - land line.

1. Is the new mower discount given at the time of purchase or is a check sent to me afterwards?
   The discount is given at the time of purchase.
   
2. Does an electric lawnmower have the same cutting ability as a gas-powered one?
   Yes. At peak engine torque electric lawnmowers have equivalent cutting ability to gas-powered ones.
   
3. Can I use the discount voucher to purchase an electric mower on another day besides one of the sales event days?
   No, only on the sale event day. Will these discounts be offered at a later time? Maybe, hopefully again in the spring of 2008. 
   
4. What type of electric lawnmowers will I have to choose from?
   18" Homelite, model #UT13118, SKU #937624 (Corded) model.
   20" Homelite, model #UT13122, SKU#940165(Cordless) model.
   
5. How long does the charge last for the cordless, electric model?
   Approximately 75 minutes or long enough to cut between 1/3 of an acre.
   
6. How many years does the battery last?
   Upwards of 4 years. For optimal performance keep the battery on constant charge. Please do not charge the cordless model when temperatures are above 104 degrees or below 23 degrees Fahrenheit. The battery is maintenance free.
   
7. What is the cost of a replacement battery for the cordless model?
   The owner does the battery installation. The replacement cost will be approximately $94.00 + shipping from Homelite Consumer Products.
   
8. What is the warranty for these models?
   A 2-year warranty on the mower and a 1-year warranty on the battery. Home Depot replacement warranty will cover the 3rd year for $39.99. If anything goes wrong during the 3rd year they will send you a gift card to replace the mower at no additional cost.
   
9. If I have a service or warranty issue, whom do I call?
   Please contact your local Home Depot Stores Lawn and Garden Department.
   
10. Does the corded model come with an extension cord? If not, where can I buy one?
    The extension cord is not included, but can be purchased at the sales event days. A 14 gauge 50' cord costs approximately $20.00 at Home Depot
    
11. What is the cutting surface of the mowers that are on sale? 
    20" for the cordless model and 18" for the corded model.
    
12. What is the annual electric cost for the mowers?
    $5.00 per year. Approximately the same as a standard incandescent light bulb. By comparison, the Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs we are promoting at the event use much less electricity, less than $2.00 per year.
    
13. Will the new lawnmower come pre-assembled or in a box? If it's in a box are any tools required to assemble it?
    The mower will be in a box. No tools are required to assemble it.
    
14. Do I need to use up or drain the gas and oil back into their cans before I drop it off for scrappage at the sales event day?
    Yes. However, we will be able to drain small quantities of gas and oil before the lawnmowers are recycled.
    
15. What will happen to the gas-powered mower that I drop off?
    The non-recyclable materials are separated from the recyclable metal ones. Then the metals are heated and made into usable materials.
    
16. How should I use the corded mower to prevent running over the cord?
    Start mowing from the house and work outwards to prevent running over the cord.
    
17. How can I find out more about these electric lawnmowers and their features/benefits? 
    Please contact any Home Depot location.
    
18. Is it necessary to be a resident of Austin or Travis County to qualify for a discount?
    No, simply bring in your gas-powered mower as a trade in to quality for the maximum discount.