I mean, the manual for the ride-on lawnmower did not specifically state that you couldn't raise it up with a crane to trim the top of a very large hedge, so that's just what two lunatics from Cambridge New Zealand did.

"The mower was doing an all-right job, but I reckon it would work better on a hedge that's not so spiky."

Maybe they need one of those Zero-Turn mowers with a larger cutting deck instead of a basic lawn tractor. Yeah, that's the problem with this whole setup. [Stuff NZ via Fark]

Imagine, if you will, standing behind a legion of weather proof, poly-resin rodents that operate off free energy. What in the world would not be mine for the taking, as presidents and kings alike bowed to the power of the amber LEDs or simply broke into tears at the unparalleled beauty of 3,000 squirrel soldiers all adorned with the same hand-painted finish?

Buy one for $55, two for $90 or 20,000 for $903,800. Trust me, it's a good investment. Few armies come with a complimentary 2-year warranty. [GreenCulture via Nerd Approved]

Evatech's latest and greatest R/C "hybrid" mower can be manned from up to 2,000 feet away as it takes on 70-degree slopes at 8MPH. Its track system not only creates stability—it's perfect for winter traction as you can plow your driveway with a shovel attachment. Keep in mind, since the 22T can both cut grass and plow snow, you're really only paying about $6,000 per function—that's like half the listed price!

But without a seat and/or cupholder, I'm just not sure that I can justify the purchase. EvaTech]

According to a detailed 84-page filing, various configurations are on the table, including all-electric model and a gasoline-electric hybrid. The filing also depicts several acoustic and optical sensors that will allow the robot to "avoid hard surfaces, water and other barriers," in addition to its main job: cut grass. The robot can even sense uncut grass and make sure the blades are aligned properly.







Other features gleaned from the filing by Robot Stock News:

• A possible edge trimmer along the outside edge of the chassis.
• The possibility of collecting clippings and depositing them at a specified location
• The possibility of using RFID tags or proximity sensors to avoid running into pets or people
• The possibility of learning your lawn in the first cutting and remembering it for future cuttings
• The inclusion of grass-combing technology to ensure that the grass is fluffed and properly oriented for cutting

[Robot Stock News]

Wired tested out four of the latest electric lawnmowers on the market and broke it down real simple. What did they think?

The Worx WG712: 4th Place

They liked how light it was but hated its terrible handling and custom wheels.

Cub Cadet CC500 EL: 3rd Place

This one handled better, but it was corded, wah-wah-wahhh.

Black & Decker 24V CMM1200: 2nd Place

This one might be able to trick your friends into thinking it's a regular lawnmower, both in looks and performance. Although like an iPod its battery is locked inside so its extinction clock is ticking.

Sunlawn EM-2: The Winner

This guy looks straight out of yesteryear but added all of the modern benefits of today. It's nice and tiny like your grandpa's mower, but cuts like one from today. But they did complain about the miniature grass clipping catcher.

And there you have it. Four mowers went in, and only the Sunlawn EM-2 came out. Now you have no excuse for your yard to be in shambles.– Ben Longo

Summer Test: Electric Lawn Mowers [Wired]

Don't have weeds? Buy one anyway. There is an attached control valve that regulates the amount of flame. Sounds like boatloads of fun to me. It is available for $35 over at the 'Zon. – Travis Hudson

Product Page [Via OhGizmo!]