Why do lawnmowers, weedwackers, electric sanders, vacuum cleaners etc, etc... have to make so much f'ing noise?

[tjaisv]

I must be getting old, because lots of these types of ear-grinding noises around the house and in my suburban neighborhood bother me sometimes.

And yes, I know I shouldn't be complaining when the people in Iraq got bombs dropping next door, but still I really would like to know why these home&garden machines can't be quieted more. Now, I understand there's a safety factor to take into account here for like blind people, animals and kids, and what have you, but c'mon does anybody really need to hear 100+ decibal in their backyard?

 

[HomeBrewerDude]

[shouts] WHAT DID YOU SAY? [/shout]

hell i used to have some neighbors that woke up the entire block when they had sex. Talk about irritating... I would yell shut up! and they would get quiet for about 5 secs. lol

 

[Eli]

Originally posted by: tjaisv
I must be getting old, because lots of these types of ear-grinding noises around the house and in my suburban neighborhood bother me sometimes.

And yes, I know I shouldn't be complaining when the people in Iraq got bombs dropping next door, but still I really would like to know why these home&garden machines can't be quieted more. Now, I understand there's a safety factor to take into account here for like blind people, animals and kids, and what have you, but c'mon does anybody really need to hear 100+ decibal in their backyard?

Engines make noise.

You must get real upset at the people who put "performance" mufflers on their cars.

 

[Zenmervolt]

Because any muffler that would make small engines quiet would also be so restrictive as to require that then engines be much larger and more complex. It's possible to make a quiet weed-wacker, but it would be too large to carry then. Also, remember that things such as weed-wackers and lawnmowers and chainsaws run at or near wide open throttle all the time. Even a quiet family sedan isn't quiet at WOT.

ZV

 

[vi edit]

They make quiet lawnmowers, weedwackers, and chainsaws - they're called electric

 

[ThaGrandCow]

Originally posted by: vi_edit
They make quiet lawnmowers, weedwackers, and chainsaws - they're called electric

I had an electric hedge trimmer and weedwacker. Cut through the power cords when I stopped paying attention so many times I can't even remember. Gas powered for me from now on!

 

[Ornery]

I hear ya, tjaisv. <Heh>

Seriously, noise like that of a vacuum cleaner makes me cringe. Matter of fact, ANY unnecessary noise drives me up a wall. Been like that since I was very young. Squeaks and rattles on my bike got immediate attention, so I don't think it's an age thing. I've written up noise complaints more than a few times. I've bent over backward trying to make these PCs more quiet. Still struggling with HDD whine... ugh!

 

[Ornery]

Originally posted by: vi_edit
They make quiet lawnmowers, weedwackers, and chainsaws - they're called electric

My goofy neighbor across the street has an electric leaf blower. God, I'd like to grind that thing in a chipper/shreader!

 

[vi edit]

Anything blowing/sucking air, whether it's gas or electric is going to be loud. Sure the engine itself may be whisper quiet, but whenever your are pushing air at 100+ MPH it's going to be noisy.

 

[Ornery]

Originally posted by: vi_edit
Anything blowing/sucking air, whether it's gas or electric is going to be loud. Sure the engine itself may be whisper quiet, but whenever your are pushing air at 100+ MPH it's going to be noisy.

My Little Wonder with 8HP Kohler is somewhat loud, but is far nicer to listen to than a screaming electric blower. It's like a Harley engine VS a 2cycle trail bike. My Stihl handheld blower isn't bad either. The electric blower sounds like a circular handsaw running constantly! :frown:

 

[Citation]

But come on, you know you love it. Think of the last time you were cutting down trees in your back yard and you had that chainsaw in your hand. What did you do? You gave your finger a few flicks and felt the torque twist in your hands. arhhghahrhgahrah. You have to love making noise, expecially with power. I agree listening to it sucks, but making it is so much fun!

-Cit

 

[Eli]

Heh...

You guys would hate us..

The scooters we ride are quite loud with power pipes.

 

[tjaisv]

Yeah those performance mufflers are annoying too.

As for the electric powered equipment, my mom has an electric lawnmower. It sounds just as loud as the gas powered ones though.