Learn key terms related to electric and gasoline-powered garden tools: discover what a lawn mower, string trimmer, chainsaw, hedge trimmer, and more mean. Our glossary breaks down essential features and helps you choose the right equipment for your garden care.
Maintaining a beautiful garden requires the right tools, and understanding the differences between various types of electric and gasoline-powered garden equipment is key to selecting the best gear for your needs. From lawn mowers to chainsaws, these tools come with specific features and technical specifications that can be confusing. This glossary provides clear definitions of common terms and equipment types, helping you make informed decisions for your garden maintenance tasks.
Glossary of Terms for “Electric and Gasoline-Powered Garden Equipment”
Lawn Mower — a machine used to cut grass to an even length. Electric lawn mowers are powered by electricity, either through a cord or a battery, while gasoline-powered mowers use fuel to operate.
String Trimmer — also known as a weed eater or weed whacker, this tool uses a rapidly spinning nylon string to cut grass and weeds in hard-to-reach areas, such as along fences or garden beds.
Hedge Trimmer — a gardening tool designed to trim and shape hedges or bushes. It comes in electric or gasoline-powered versions, with the electric models being quieter and easier to maintain.
Chainsaw — a powerful cutting tool with a rotating chain, used for cutting trees, branches, and large pieces of wood. Available in electric and gasoline-powered versions, gasoline chainsaws tend to be more powerful, while electric ones are lighter and quieter.
Leaf Blower — a machine that blows air to move leaves, grass clippings, and debris. Electric leaf blowers can be corded or battery-powered, while gasoline models are often more powerful but heavier and noisier.
Grass Catcher — a detachable bag or container that collects grass clippings from a lawn mower as you cut the grass, preventing the clippings from being left on the lawn.
Mulching — a feature in some lawn mowers where the machine chops grass into small pieces and deposits them back onto the lawn, acting as a natural fertilizer.
Self-Propelled Mower — a type of lawn mower that uses a motor to drive the wheels, making it easier to push, especially on uneven or large lawns.
Brush Cutter — a heavy-duty version of a string trimmer, designed to handle tougher vegetation such as thick brush or weeds. It often has a metal blade instead of a nylon string for cutting.
Edger — a tool used to create clean, defined edges between a lawn and a sidewalk, driveway, or garden bed. It can be electric or gasoline-powered and often features a spinning blade for precise cuts.
Rototiller (Tiller) — a machine used to loosen and turn soil in preparation for planting. Electric tillers are typically lighter and better for small gardens, while gasoline tillers are more powerful for larger areas or tough soil.
Aerator — a machine or tool that creates small holes in the soil to improve airflow, water absorption, and nutrient penetration. Aeration helps maintain healthy grass and soil structure.
Pole Saw — a long-handled saw used for trimming branches that are high up or difficult to reach. It can be electric or gasoline-powered, often resembling a small chainsaw on a pole.
Blower Vac — a combination tool that works as both a leaf blower and a vacuum, allowing users to blow debris into a pile and then vacuum it up for disposal.
Zero-Turn Mower — a type of riding lawn mower with a turning radius of zero degrees, meaning it can pivot on the spot. This provides excellent maneuverability, making it ideal for large lawns with obstacles.
Cutting Deck — the part of a lawn mower or riding mower that houses the blades. The size of the cutting deck determines the width of the area mowed in a single pass.
Throttle — a control that adjusts the engine speed of a gasoline-powered tool, such as a chainsaw or lawn mower. Increasing the throttle provides more power for cutting or moving.
Electric Start — a feature on gasoline-powered equipment that allows the engine to be started by pressing a button rather than pulling a recoil cord.
Two-Stroke Engine — a type of internal combustion engine commonly used in gasoline-powered garden tools, known for its simplicity and lightweight design. It requires a mixture of fuel and oil for lubrication.
Four-Stroke Engine — a more advanced engine type that runs on gasoline and has a separate oil system for lubrication. It is typically quieter, more fuel-efficient, and produces fewer emissions than a two-stroke engine.
Battery Capacity (Ah) — the amount of energy a battery can store, measured in amp-hours (Ah). Higher capacity batteries last longer, allowing electric garden tools to run for extended periods before needing to recharge.
Cutting Width — the width of the area that a lawn mower or similar tool can cut in one pass. A wider cutting width reduces the time needed to mow large areas.
Blade Sharpening — the process of maintaining a sharp edge on a cutting tool’s blade (such as on a lawn mower or chainsaw) to ensure clean cuts and efficient operation.
Fuel Tank Capacity — the amount of fuel a gasoline-powered garden tool can hold. Larger fuel tanks allow for longer operation without needing to refuel.
Noise Level (dB) — the amount of noise a piece of garden equipment produces, measured in decibels (dB). Electric tools tend to be quieter than gasoline-powered ones, which are often subject to noise restrictions in residential areas.
Recharge Time — the time it takes to fully charge the battery of an electric garden tool. Shorter recharge times allow for more continuous use of cordless tools.
Safety Guard — a protective cover found on tools like trimmers and chainsaws to prevent debris from flying toward the user and to minimize the risk of injury.
Variable Speed Control — a feature that allows the user to adjust the speed of a tool, such as a blower or trimmer, depending on the task at hand. Slower speeds conserve battery or fuel, while higher speeds provide more power.