Local Boomer Dad Baffled by Newfangled Electric Mower: ‘Where’s the Two-Stroke?

Finn Seabrook | Local Correspondent | Sutherland Shire Gazette

16 February 2025

In a turn of events that has left Loftus resident Rob Thompson scratching his head, Saturday morning took a confusing twist when his adult sons, Josh and Brad, proudly presented him with a state-of-the-art electric mower. The gift, intended as an eco-friendly upgrade, has instead sparked a crisis of lawn-mowing identity for Rob, a staunch two-stroke loyalist.

“I mean, it’s a mower,” Rob conceded, eyeing the sleek, battery-powered contraption with suspicion. “But how do you mow without the smell of petrol and the roar of the engine? It’s unnatural.”

Josh, 28, and Brad, 26, had hoped the gift would reduce their dad’s carbon footprint and mowing-related complaints about “pull-start shoulder.” Instead, they’ve found themselves explaining the concept of rechargeable batteries and decibel limits to a man who believes mowing is a rite of passage best done with ear-splitting noise and a cloud of exhaust.

“He just kept asking where to pour the petrol,” said Brad. “Then he got worried when he couldn’t find a choke lever.”

Rob’s confusion only deepened when he tried to start the mower. “There’s no ripcord! You just push a button. What’s the fun in that?” he lamented, missing the ritualistic yank-and-curse routine of his trusty two-stroke.

Neighbours reported seeing Rob later that afternoon, inspecting the new mower with a mix of awe and disdain, muttering something about “kids these days” and their “soft lawn solutions.” One local described the scene as “like watching a caveman encounter fire for the first time.”

Despite his initial resistance, Rob has grudgingly agreed to give the electric mower a shot. “I’ll use it,” he said, “but only when the old girl’s out of juice,” referring to his battered, decades-old two-stroke mower.

Meanwhile, local hardware stores are bracing for a surge in inquiries from Shire dads wanting to understand the mysterious new world of electric mowers. As for Rob, he’s already planning to keep a jerry can of petrol handy—just in case.

Boomer Dad Electric Mower Two-Stroke