The Right Mower Can Make Lawn Care a Pushover

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Mowing a lawn isn't always something people look forward to. But there are many ways to make the job easier and more effective to provide a lush look that will make your neighbors green with envy.

Kevin Stengl, marketing manager at Pittsfield Lawn & Tractor, said one of his best tips for a more efficient cut is to mow the outline of your yard first. Going around the perimeter one time, then backtracking halfway creating a "U" shaped border before going up and down making rows, will alleviate the need to back up on every swipe and will save you time while giving you a professional-looking finish.

"It actually does save time when you do it," Stengl said.

He said homeowners should also avoid cutting the grass too short and should strive to remove only one-third of the grass height at a time, except for the first mowing of the season when it's OK to remove more.

"Otherwise it won't degrade into the lawn, and will cause a buildup of thatch over time," he said.

In addition, people should strive to have their mowers serviced by having the blade sharpened a few times during the cutting season as well as having the mower's oil changed at least once a season.

And one last tip that you might not think about when pulling out the mower for the first time this spring: Avoid using gas that you stored away last fall.

"Don't use that unless you had put stabilizer in it," Stengl said. "Gas will go bad."

This time of year many may realize it's time to buy a new lawn mower. Maybe you just purchased a new residence and are looking to purchase your first lawn mower, or you need to upgrade or replace your existing mower.

Of course, before you mow the lawn you have to have the right mower.

When choosing a new mower, you might be surprised to know the amount of acreage is not the only factor in determining if you need a riding mower. If you have hills or a large lawn, a riding mower might be the right way to go. If the hills are large, Stengl recommends choosing a riding lawn mower with a larger engine and possibly one that offers four-wheel drive.

Honda and Husqvarna mowers both offer a "personal pace" style mower. This is a self-propelled mower that offers variable drive speeds to the operator. This style allows you to cut grass more comfortably and adjust the mowing speed to your pace.

Riding mower versus push mower often comes down to personal preference. Walk or sit, mowing time, and the size and number of hills to be mowed are some of the most common factors used to decide which equipment is best for you.

When choosing a new mower, inquire about the warranties offered on each brand. The John Deere D10 is one of Pittsfield Lawn & Tractor's two most popular models and comes with a two-year warranty. If you prefer a longer warranty, the John Deere X series offers a four-year bumper-to-bumper deal.

For more information, interested homeowners can contact Pittsfield Lawn & Tractor, 1548 West Housatonic St., Pittsfield, at 413-443-2623 or www.plt.com for more information on different models.

Dalton Board Signs Off on Land Sale Over Residents' Objections

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
05:50AM / Tuesday, December 23, 2025

Residents demanded the right to speak but the agenda did not include public comment. Amy Musante holds a sign saying the town now as '$20,000 less for a police station.'

DALTON, Mass. — The Select Board signed the sale on the last of what had been known as the Bardin property Monday even as a handful of residents demanded the right to speak against the action. 

 

The quitclaim deed transfers the nine acres to Thomas and Esther Balardini, who purchased the two other parcels in Dalton. They were the third-highest bidders at $31,500. Despite this, the board awarded them the land in an effort to keep the property intact.

 

"It's going to be an ongoing battle but one I think that has to be fought [because of] the disregard for the taxpayers," said Dicken Crane, the high bidder at $51,510.

 

"If it was personal I would let it go, but this affects everyone and backing down is not in my nature." 

 

Crane had appealed to the board to accept his bid during two previous meetings. He and others opposed to accepting the lower bid say it cost the town $20,000. After the meeting, Crane said he will be filing a lawsuit and has a citizen's petition for the next town meeting with over 100 signatures. 

 

Three members of the board — Chair Robert Bishop Jr., John Boyle, and Marc Strout — attended the 10-minute meeting. Members Anthony Pagliarulo and Daniel Esko previously expressed their disapproval of the sale to the Balardinis. 

 

Pagliarulo voted against the sale but did sign the purchase-and-sale agreement earlier this month. His reasoning was the explanation by the town attorney during an executive session that, unlike procurement, where the board is required to accept the lowest bid for services, it does have some discretion when it comes to accepting bids in this instance.