Discussion . As much as possible, choose from ride-on mowers with a rollover protection system. A zero-turn mowers speed and agility are the most significant advantages of this kind of mower. Rollover Protection System (ROPS): Most zero turn mowers come with a ROPS from the manufacturer. The wheels are usually larger than those found on regular walk-behind and ride-on lawnmowers. Mowing from different angles can help you approach slippery surfaces more efficiently, but if you have the opportunity to wait for the grass to dry, it may be a better option. There are definitely some advantages to using a zero turn mower, but they need to be considered alongside the disadvantages to ensure you make the best decision for yourself and your lawn. Striping Kit for Lawn Mower: Is it Worth It? Although its a beautiful wood suitable for different. One of the most dangerous aspects of zero-turn lawn mowers is their speed. Most deaths were the result of rollovers from operating on too steep of hills, close to embankments, or near bodies of water. 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. Sometimes youll need to disembark your mower to inspect the wheels, remove obstructions or take a rest. . Ready to take the next step toward improving your lawn? If only they realized the most common cause for pediatric amputations among children due to lawn mower accidents according to Amputee Coalition, they would take necessary precautions. Essentially, driving a zero-turn mower is operating a vehicle, so safety precautions should be taken before using one. Finally, take time to know your mower and all its features. Regular Giveaways. Our professionals also recommend not attempting to change directions in the middle of a turn as this can also cause the machine to overturn. Craftsman mowers were recalled because of fuel line connections, according to classaction.org. A slight change in direction when moving up or down a hill can result in losing control of the machine. Wearing long pants, closed-toe shoes, and gloves can help protect you from cuts and lacerations. It is usually caused by coming into contact with thesharpened mower bladesor being hit by flying debris. Mowing side to side, starting at the bottom, is the ideal way to tackle a hill. Here's How to Fix It. Avoid driving the mower across the slopes. 06:20 - Breather Port Position. To avoid this from happening, always slow down when you approach uneven terrains. Thiss becauseareas near water may be slippery, damp, muddy, or unstable. They have a unique design that causes poor traction on the ground. When deciding on a new zero-turn mower the most important factor is the size of the area that you will cut. This is the standard steepest angle for highways. To identify the hazards you might face, look over the grass youre mowing. Operator fatigue occurs when the operator has been mowing for a long period of time and is not paying attention to their surroundings. Easy to learn and operate, zero-turn mowers help you achieve shorter mowing times, use less fuel and cover more ground over the course of the machine's lifetime. Her goal is to meet you where you are, and help you achieve a yard youll be proud of. This can lead to a loss of control of the . The ages provided are a guideline. However, improper use of the mower and/ or lack of safety precautions combined with the mower's ability to turn at 180 degrees, and its low center of gravity have given rise to tipping hazards. Ensure there are no people or pets around when mowing. What makes the zero-turn mowers dangerous? It may be annoying to wait until a rainy period is over or for dew to dry, but it is an essential safety factor no matter what lawn mower youre using. Plus, the mower has zero operating emissions. Copyright 2023. Evan Gillespie, a home improvement expert in "Tips for Driving Zero-turn Lawnmowers" says, "One of the main advantages of a zero-turn mower is its ability to mow at faster speeds than a conventional tractor, but high-speed mowing can be a challenge for new operators. Read Customer Reviews . 05:27 - Inspect and Change Air Cleaner Filters. You can read the manual to learn how to use the machine and various safety concerns. This article will cover some of the dangers of using zero-turn mowers on hills and give some valuable tips for using your new lawn mower safely. Use them only on firm, flat surfaces that are not damp, muddy, or otherwise unstable. One of the dangers associated with zero-turn mowers is the potential for flying debris. These are employee deaths while operating lawn mowers on the job. The dangers of zero turn mowers are overturning, sliding on slopes, difficulty controlling at high speeds, running over objects, and accidental cuts. As a result, the back of the mower carries most of the weight. Boise, ID 83702 US, If you are in the market for a zero-turn mower, youre in luck! if someone accidentally comes in contact with the blades. The mower will struggle if the length is more but that is the case with most kinds of mowers. A, New DIYers often question cedars durability, mainly because its one of the softer woods in todays market. 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. In addition to rollovers, zero-turn mowers can also be involved in collisions with objects, other vehicles, or people. Fungal diseases can also develop on a lawn that has been cut after a rainstorm through the grass clippings, which form bigger clumps under such conditions. Its important to be aware of the dangers associated with zero-turn mowers and take steps to mitigate the risks when using them. Deadmans Switch: A deadmans switch installed inside the mowers seat is a lifesaver if the operator falls from the chair. Save 10% on your order with promo code LAWNCHICK. This does not mean it can not be used as an everyday backyard mower. Mowing Wet Slopes Zero Turn Mower Lawn Care Vlogger #38" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8bL6NY9sFnk --~--Mowing slopes with a zer. Please watch: "Warning!! When there are people around, avoid mowing. Losing control going down a steep slope. The grass doesnt cut as well, leading to your lawn being uneven. The mower features a wide 61-inch cutting deck, which allows . Should I Bag My Grass Clippings If I Have Weeds? 8. The mowers front wheels rotate in different directions. However, they also pose significant risks to operators and bystanders if not used properly. So, if youre riding uphill or downhill, a small turn might cause the mower to slide beyond your control. 1984-1995 - The market exploded and more than 50 manufacturers entered the zero-turn mower market. However, the trade-offs between speed and safety when using zero-turn mowers can be significant. Your email address will not be published. Instead of a steering wheel, these lawn mowers are maneuvered using two levers that you push forward or pull backward to move around. How Hard is this Wood. By following the Slow down and use caution when making turns, particularly on hills or uneven terrain. A study published in 2018 by Johns Hopkins University found that lawnmower injuries send close to 6,400 people per year into emergency rooms. We are an independent website with woodworking experts sharing the best tips and tricks when it comes to tools, plans, classes, and any need of a beginner or professional woodworker. recommends you use it every time you operate the machine. . The dangers of zero-turn mowers are undeniable, especially when you try maneuvering them on hilly slopes. When mowing at high speeds, the mower blades can pick up rocks, sticks, and other debris and launch them into the air. However, this does not mean that zero turn mowers are completely risk-free. (what I use instead). Zero-Turn Mowers Ratings Gas Mowers (42) Before choosing a lawn mower, decide on a type that matches your mowing needs and budget. All zero-turn mowers are not meant to be used on slopes or hills, and this is because the machine can easily overturn if you are not careful. 100 Ah Zero-Turn Electric Mower John Deere Z345M 42 in. A rollover protection system (ROPS) is a structure that helps protect the operator in case the mower overturns or the mower shows any sign oflawn mower error or issue. With a zero-turn mower, on the other hand, you can get into tighter areas with ease and without having to slow down. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. This can cause you to crash the mower and possibly injure yourself. You should be aware of the dangers of zero turn mowers before using one, as there are still some. In addition, it increases your chance of being ejected from the seat. Another key difference is that the blades on a zero-turn mower are usually placed in the center of the machine rather than at the front. Always inspect a mower before you purchase it to ensure minimal interactions between the areas that collect the grass and the wiring. Lawn Mower Pull Cord Stuck? It is a great safety measure, especially if you use the mower on slopes or uneven terrains. You can get an average lawn tractor for $1,200, but there are plenty more expensive models out there to consider, too. This debris can cause serious injury to the operator or anyone in the surrounding area. On May 7, 2012, a groundskeeper for the National Park Service (NPS) was mowing alongside the Blue Ridge Parkway at an overlook near Asheville, North Carolina. They include: . Hi, my name is Sarah and Im the chick behind LawnChick.com. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); What is the maximum slope you can safely operate zero turn mowers? When I was a toddler, my family had a lush green lawn. Wet grass can cause the wheels to slip and make it difficult to control the machine or worse make yourriding mower stop from operating. Avoid drugs and alcohol when operating your mower. Manage Settings Reduced visibility that comes with rain or nightfall can increase the chance of an accident. It is therefore easier to maneuver than other types of lawn mowers because it can revolve around its own axis without changing its forward direction. Find alternative cutting methods for lands near bodies of water or on wet landscapes. This clogging leads directly toward an overworked motor which is dangerous for yourself and those around you! Join other savvy homeowners who have already started to transform their lawn and. Zero-turn mowers have the design and power for the average commercial workload. Safety Shield: You can install a safety shield around blades and discharge chute to protect yourself and those nearby against flying debris. The seat belt should prevent you from falling off after running into objects or taking a sharp turn. Zero-turn mowers can flip over when going too fast, taking a turn too sharp, or changing directions too quickly. LED headlights allow you to mow before dawn or late into the night, and an adjustable padded seat keeps the ride comfortable. This is dangerous as children and pets can move the control levers or touch various moving parts. These types of mowers do not handle slopes well. This type of steering is incredibly useful if you need to make tight turns or negotiate obstacles in your path. Hello! Allowing the blades to continue rotating can result in cuts if you accidentally get closer to them. Zero-turn mowers can be a reliable machine for mowing any yard. 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 are convenient machines that will undoubtedly take your lawn maintenance to a whole new level! To keep safe from the dangers of zero-turn mowers, our seasoned gardeners, landscapers, and greenskeepers created a list of safety tips for you to follow. There are safety measures to take that will greatly decrease your risk of injury while operating a zero-turn. Here are the alternatives: All of these are available with different wheel or engine-specifieddrives, as well as with gas and electricity. To reduce the risk of collisions and other accidents, its important to always be aware of your surroundings and to operate the mower at a safe speed. Here is a better look at the compared lifespan hours to other types of mowers. Wear a seat belt. To ensure your safety while riding one of these mowers, it's a good idea to be aware of their dangers. This article looks into the hazards of zero-turn mowers and how you should avoid them. Follow all safety instructions provided in your equipment operators manual before diagnosing, repairing, or operating. To avoid this, always slow down when you are about to turn. It can also remind them to remain seated while operating the mower. They can cut large lawns quickly and easily, making them perfect for people who have a lot of ground to cover. However, they are still safe to use. Exposing the blades is always a hazard, so going slow is important in wet weather. However, consumers claim that a riding mower performs well even on hills with an angle of up to 15 degrees. In addition, it increases your chance of being ejected from the seat. What are the Dangers of Using a Zero Turn Mower on a Hill? The seat belt will help keep you in the seat if the machine overturns or hits an uneven spot. If you are a trying to be more fun to be around, get a zero-turn mower. You'll only need to take the necessary precaution measures, which we'll share later below. Cutting sloped, wet grass on a zero-turn mower increases your chances of losing traction and slipping. If anything goes wrong inside the mower, not only are the scarcity and price of parts going to be an issue, but it can also be very difficult to actually repair the machine. https://yardfloor.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Cub Cadet. Never drive too fast. The list of zero turn mower manufacturers is extensive including Toro, Hustler, Husqvarna, Walker, John Deere among others. Better Mulching. The New Z370R Electric ZTrak Mower Our first Zero-Turn Electric mower is now available for preorder. Zero-turn mowers are a popular choice for lawn care because they are generally safe to use, even for beginners. However, 15 degrees is the steepest slope we recommend for any ride-on or zero-turn mowers. Zero turn mowers are designed with performance in mind. I was at the center of caring for and maintaining this lawn and even proceeded to take an associates Degree in landscaping. It can be a nightmare trying to track down a specific part for your zero-turn mower, which you need to consider before making your purchase. Zero-turn mowers have powerful rotating blades that spin at high speed. The V-twin engine produces enough power for larger lawns. 2213 W Main St Thats okay. Troy-Bilt Mustang Fit Riding Lawn Mower with 34-Inch Deck 8. 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. High speed is one of the reasons most lawn care enthusiasts prefer using zero-turn mowers. These zippy lawn mowers are an upgrade from your average push mower, but it is vital to know the risks when using a new piece of machinery like this. He once tied a gas push mower to a tree and let it run in increasingly smaller circles until it reached the center. We have a review of all the. Inspect your lawn before mowing. The slopes up to 15 degrees are the only ones where they work best. One of the dangers of zero-turn mowers is they can overturn if you take a turn too sharply or change directions too quickly. 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Negotiate obstacles in your path ensure minimal interactions between the areas that the! Slippery, damp, muddy, or people to crash the mower to slide beyond your control to your... More but that is the steepest slope we recommend for any ride-on or zero-turn mowers can be reliable...