Mowing in Style

June 15, 2007 — -- If you haven't decided what to get Dad for Father's Day, here's a thought: How about a brand, spanking, new lawn mower?

In many ways a lawn mower is the perfect gift for the "manly" man. You can see him striding purposefully -- and often shirtlessly -- across the lawn, pushing his way toward the goal of a perfect yard. It's exhilarating. It's enlivening.

It's exhausting.

So you say Dad has been pushing that mower for decades and he seems less and less excited about it? How about a mower of the sit-down, ride-on variety?

Where Lawn Mowers Reign Supreme

There is no better place to peruse the lawn mower landscape than your local John Deere store, where all manner of sit-down mowers can be had -- for a price.

"Nightline" went to the John Deere proving ground and assembly plant in Horicon, Wis., by the majestic Rock River to try out some of the very best of the best. There, on a rolling greensward, Joe McDonald pointed us toward a shiny green and yellow X728.

"The list price is going to be in the mid-13s," he said. Mid-13s? "$13,500," he answered. And what do you get for such a handsome investment? In no particular order, the features include:

Tilt-steering, cruise control, a parking break, four-wheel drive, a hydraulic lift, an electronic fuel-injected engine, lights (front and back), an adjustable seat, a battery charger, heavy duty tires, a cupholder and a storage compartment.

There are probably a few more, but you get the idea.

The X728 can zip along at about eight and a half miles per hour. We tried out a couple with the company's Greg Weekes over the gently rolling landscape.

"Notice how even on these hills how comfortable this is?" he asked. Indeed it was easy riding. And Weekes conceded that part of the appeal is a "macho thing." "It's great to be the biggest, baddest guy on the block," he said with a laugh.

Mowing in the Lap of Luxury

John Deere, which will sell its 5 millionth mower of any kind this year, says these luxury versions work best if you have a yard of about an acre and a half. Apartment dwellers eat your hearts out.

Business is good, according to Weekes, though he conceded sales have flattened this year because his business is so connected to the housing market. Because that market is off this year, it means fewer people are buying big homes with big lots. Consequently, there is less grass growing, and so on.

But the funny thing about the business is that at the other end of the lawn mowing spectrum, times are quite good for the quaint up-right, people-powered mower. They're certainly quieter and cleaner. And with gasoline costing over three bucks, they might be smarter if your Dad's lawn is on the smaller side.

"Business is steadily increasing," Teri McClain said, a manager at the American Lawn Mower Co. in Shelbyville, Ind. Her employer is the only domestic producer of the old push-mowers that your great-grandfather might have once used.

A Renaissance, of Sorts

Also known as reel mowers because of the way the blade rolls along, the push-mowers are enjoying a renaissance. In the last five years sales have gone from 250,000 to 350,000 a year.

"It's simple. It's natural. It's peaceful and people are realizing that it does make sense," said McClain.

It's also basic. On its seven models you will not find any cupholders. No lights, battery chargers or much of anything else, except a handle and blades.

But will some think it's just not macho enough? "Well, you're always going to have those guys," she said.

So … how much for the top of the line? "Approximately $129," she said.

If Dad likes a good work out, this might be the mower for him. And if he prefers a more relaxing ride, there's always the $13,000 option. It's up to you, and your wallet.