Reducing the noise radiated by internal combustion engine and electric powered rotary lawn mowers is becoming a topic of great concern among many members of the Outdoor Power Equipment Industry (OPEl). This concern has been fueled by a comprehensive legislative directive designed to limit the noise levels of outdoor power equipment sold to member states of the European Union (EU) has recently been issued. This directive will have a dramatic effect on the existing trade markets of both European and U.S. manufacturers and pose entry barriers for new markets because these limitations are believed to be beyond the present technical capabilities that OPEl members are willing to develop for production lawn mowers.