(A 10-degree slope rises roughly 20 inches over every 10 feet.) Electrical components can also be expensive, especially if you need to outsource to a professional. Copyright 2023. You may not know, but your mower wheels need to be properly inflated [1] if you want them to power through complex terrain. A child must be able to follow rules, and safety procedures and be able to physically operate the mower. As the mowers can be quite hard to flip and work on parts underneath, you may have few other options, especially if you damage something like the blades. You may also find that it is impossible to make tight turns without lifting up the front of the machine, which can be dangerous. But this includes all zero-turn mowers as they did not specify a brand. There are two main dangers of zero turn mowers on hills, either losing control of the mower, or it tipping over if the slope is too steep. Zero-turn lawn mowers were invented in 1956 by Max Swisher, a man who hated mowing his lawn. Many of these employees worked for professional landscape companies or as grounds care staff for commercial or governmental facilities. Additionally, operators should make sure that the mower is in good working order before use and that all safety features, such as seat belts and roll bars, are properly installed and in working condition. This article looks into the hazards of zero-turn mowers and how you should avoid them. So now that we know the dangers, how can we prevent accidents from happening? With this electric machine, you can mow up to 2-acres per charge , fast. However, this does not mean that zero turn mowers are completely risk-free. Operator presence controls were not available or possibly disabled which resulted in the mower blades staying engaged even when the operator was not in the seat. This may happen if you turn sharply when driving too fast or if you run into something while mowing. Avoid driving the mower across the slopes. Its very easy to remember. One of the dangers of zero-turn mowers is they can overturn if you take a turn too sharply or change directions too quickly. Heres How to Fix It! After installing these safety features, apply the following safety tips when operating your zero-turn mower. There are dangers of zero-turn mowerson hills, which is why it is necessary to check a few things before you start mowing your lawn. I hope sharing my mowing experience and safety tips will help you minimize the dangers of zero-turn mowers and reduce the risk of injury. Finally, these lawnmowers have the potential to run over victims who have fallen while operating them, which is another risk associated with them. You can get an average lawn tractor for $1,200, but there are plenty more expensive models out there to consider, too. Additionally, only turn your machine while it is flat because it may cause injuries for both the operator and anyone in the vicinity. Cutting sloped, wet grass on a zero-turn mower increases your chances of losing traction and slipping. Pros Has an eco-friendly electric motor Most residential riding tractors and zero-turn mowers aren't designed to mow on slopes greater than 15 degrees. Quiet, no fumes, and faster than competitors (8 MPH max speed). Zero-turn mowers are not the safest option to use on hills. Your email address will not be published. Generally, the hills arent too steep, and the grassy areas are level, which makes the terrain perfect for taking advantage of zero turn mowers capabilities. The operator of the mower and anybody nearby could suffer serious harm if the mower tips over. Zero-turn mowers that have a turning radius of zero are a life-saving tool in any garden. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends children should be at least 12 years old to operate a walk-behind push mower. Follow all safety instructions provided in your equipment operators manual before diagnosing, repairing, or operating. A small bump could put both your lives in harms way. Weigh the benefits against the risks, so you can make an informed decision about whether a zero-turn mower is right for your lawn care needs. Riding lawn mowers are designed to make it much easier for you to cover large land areas quickly and with less effort than if you were using a push mower. If you turn the mower left or right, it can slide and overturn. Your mower might run into objects, people, or pets and cause severe injuries. In addition to rollovers, zero-turn mowers can also be involved in collisions with objects, other vehicles, or people. #30 Baby Goat Eating Grass Display Lawn Care Meme Meme Rating: 7.5 out of 10 Rating Breakdown: Adorable: +4.5 Points; Relatable: +3 Points; Rating Total: 8 Points Slow and steady is the way to go. To reduce the risk of a mower tipping, its important to always follow the manufacturers recommendations for operating turn mowers and to avoid using it on terrain that is too steep or uneven. Many of the deaths occurred from the victim falling off the machine, falling under the machine, or being run over by the lawn mower. Make sure that children and pets are kept at a safe distance from the mower while it is in use. We hope this has helped you feel just that little bit safer; happy mowing! Friendly Community. Should I Bag My Grass Clippings If I Have Weeds? These machines allow for easier maneuverability, but their great power can make them hazardous for both the rider and bystanders. A, New DIYers often question cedars durability, mainly because its one of the softer woods in todays market. Wet grass can cause the wheels to slip and make it difficult to control the machine or worse make yourriding mower stop from operating. Additionally, mostzero-turn mowers use drum brakes on the back axle. Avoid driving on high-risk areas such asretaining walls, steeper than 15-degree slopes, and areas close to water. Typically $5,360 or so at Home Depot lately, our last mention of a similar model was back . Always slow down when you approach uneven terrain to prevent this from happening. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Take a look below at the 10 main dangers when using a zero turn mower on hills. Dangerous scenarios. Will now have the ROPS on and buckling up!! However, 15 degrees is the steepest slope we recommend for any ride-on or zero-turn mowers. In the event of an overturn, the seat belt and ROPS can protect you from getting crushed. Grow Your Yard is reader-supported. A push mower can operate on a slope of up to 20 degrees, and a riding lawn mower works well at 15 degrees. DONT MISS: Take a look at our article all about the choke on your mower. Remove any obstacles from the lawn such as rocks, sticks, etc There shouldn't be any pets or people in the area Make sure that the ROPS bar is upright Check the seatbelt Check the blades for any damage Push Mower vs Self-Propelled: What's Best for You? Driving your zero-turn mower during the day allows you to see clearly and fully control the machine. Rollovers and tip-overs can result in serious injuries or fatalities, particularly if the operator is thrown from the mower or pinned underneath it. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. You can still use zero-turn lawnmowers with certain parameters checked. The individual levers turn the mower left, right, and 180 degrees. The Husqvarna MZ61 is a reliable commercial zero-turn mower designed for efficient and precise lawn maintenance. This is why most zero-turn mowers are fitted with roll bars. His brainchild, Sawinery, allowed him to do so as well as connect with other craftsmen. Thats okay. It is thereforeeasier to maneuver than other types of lawn mowers because it can revolve around its own axis without changing its forward direction. It is a great safety measure, especially if you use the mower on slopes or uneven terrains. This means that there will be less chance of moisture interacting and damaging the wiring. If you buy something through our posts, we may get a small commission. In bold is the danger and after how to reduce the risk of an accident. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, How To Kill Gophers with Bleach and Ammonia: An Expert Guide, Exmark Kohler Engine Oil Leaking Blown Head Gasket: Diagnosis and Fixes. Some would choose these mowers just for their professional appearance and quality cut, but there are still some great practical benefits. Your mower may also run into objects or people and cause injuries. So, when driving up or down a slope, even a slight movement to the left or right causes the machine to slide out of the operators control. Is your soil quite rocky? There are certain kinds of lawns that are perfect for a zero turn mower. Purchases made through these links may provide a commission for us, at no extra cost to you. Ready to take the next step toward improving your lawn? This is a requirement by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). While working in the lawn care industry and learning about others injuries while mowing. This debris can cause serious injury to the operator or anyone in the surrounding area. This will allow you to maintain control throughout the process and methodically cover the area. Read morehere. Deadmans Switch: A deadmans switch installed inside the mowers seat is a lifesaver if the operator falls from the chair. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, How to Fix Riding Mower Making Noise When Blades Are Engaged, How to Deal with a Lawn Mower Air Filter Soaked in Oil. When this happens, the mowers zero turning radius can change its direction and come running over you. Grab her free lawn care cheat-sheet: What to Do When - Take the Guesswork Out of Lawn Care, or upgrade your garage by browsing her favorite DIY lawn care products. Zero turn mowers are a variant of the regular riding lawn mower. Additionally, rotating blades can hit debris such as stones and sharp objects and send them flying toward you. Again, a zero turn mower's weight distribution can mean it's dangerous to operate on a sloped surface. Objects such as wire thrown by a mower blade can be very dangerous. As a result, it's important to always follow the manufacturer's instructions when using a zero-turn mower. Although its a beautiful wood suitable for different. I wouldnt recommend buying a zero-turn mower if you arent comfortable working with electrical components. To identify the hazards you might face, look over the grass youre mowing. It will prevent injuries if someone accidentally comes into contact with the, A rollover protection system (ROPS) is a structure that helps protect the operator in case the mower overturns or the mower shows any sign of. A zero turn mower differs from a regular riding lawn mower in a few key ways. A seat switch is a device that automatically shuts off the engine when the operator gets off the seat. 03:40 - Change the Fuel Filter. The machine doesnt have enough traction on the ground as a result of its design. Several of our operators lose control of the mower when it is more than 10 degrees. Zero-turn mowers are dangerous because they are engine powered, move fast, turn quickly and have the potential to roll over when operating on hills, uneven terrain, near water sources, and retaining walls. Fuel hazards are one of the leading causes of fire in gas-powered lawn mowers. 2.5K views 2 years ago Mowing slopes with a zero turn mower can be dangerous even if you are a experienced operator. Your email address will not be published. Fuel leaking onto the motor can cause a fire. Warning Labels: Installing warning labels can be a great way to inform beginners of any parts within the mower that can cause injuries. Zero-turn mowers have the design and power for the average commercial workload. Zero-turn mowers are a popular choice for lawn care because they are generally safe to use, even for beginners. If you have a child or pet, keep them indoors while operating your zero-turn mower. Slopes greater than 15 degrees Find alternative cutting methods for lands near bodies of water or on wet landscapes. Disclaimer | Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy | About Us | Contact Us, 5110 28th Street #1056, Grand Rapids, MI 49512 616-805-9640 [emailprotected]Copyright 2023 Powered Outdoors, According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Remove sticks, rocks, toys, and other obstructions before mowing, Remove people and pets from the mowing area, Ensure the ROPS bar is in an upright position, Make sure blades are not damaged and cracked allowing for a piece of the blade to break off and eject from the mower deck. 2. The leading cause of injury was contact with the blade (33% . What makes the zero-turn mowers dangerous? If you make a purchase after clicking a link, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Navigating the Dangers of Zero-Turn Mowers: A Comprehensive Guide. The mower will struggle if the length is more but that is the case with most kinds of mowers. 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