The Dangers Of Zero-Turn Mowers + Must-Know Safety Tips
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Because they are safe for beginners, zero-turn mowers are popular in lawn care. They can prove dangerous if not used with care.
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.
Why Are Zero-Turn Mowers Dangerous?
Overturning
Overturning happens when the machine tips over on its side, usually going too fast on uneven ground or taking a sharp turn. Our professional landscapers encountered being ejected from their seats and pinned beneath the machine, causing severe injury.
Hills And Slopes
There are special mowers that can be used on hills. Zero-turn mowers cannot be used on hills or slopes. Many of our operators lose control when the mower is higher than 10 degrees.
Cuts
Cuts and lacerations are the most common type of injury associated with zero-turn mowers. This is often caused by a contact with sharpened mower blades or being struck by flying debris.
Accidents And Death Rates
Safety Measures For Operating A Zero Turn Mower
: Avoid Operating On Hills And Slopes
Our professional landscapers highly recommend using this equipment on yards with slopes less than 15 degrees in inclination. We recommend that you use the equipment on sloped grounds.
: Do Not Use On Wet Terrains
Wet grass can slip the wheels and make it more difficult to control or even stop your riding mower from working. In addition, it increases your chance of being ejected from the seat. You can find other methods to cut lands that are near water bodies or in wet areas.
: Don’t Accelerate Or Change Directions Quickly
One of the dangers of zero-turn mowers is they can overturn if you take a turn too sharply or change directions too quickly. Avoid this by slowing down as you turn.
Our professionals also recommend not attempting to change directions in the middle of a turn as this can also cause the machine to overturn.
: Only Use During The Day
Use zero-turn mowers in the daylight so that you can see clearly. Reduced visibility that comes with rain or nightfall can increase the chance of an accident.
Avoid using your mower in windy conditions, which can reduce visibility, especially on uneven terrains.
Use The Seat Belt
A majority of zero-turn mowers include a seat belt. Every riding mower manual recommends that you use it whenever you operate the mower. The seat belt will help keep you in the seat if the machine overturns or hits an uneven spot.
Don Protective Gear And Equipment
Wearing long pants, closed-toe shoes, and gloves can help protect you from cuts and lacerations. To protect your eyes against flying debris, safety glasses or goggles are recommended.
: Disengage The Blades When Not In Use
When not in use, make sure you disconnect the blades. It will prevent injuries if someone accidentally comes into contact with theblades that are still in a cutting rotation.
In addition, we recommend you turn off the engine and remove the key before disembarking the machine.
: Do Not Use While Children, Other People, Or Pets Are In Sight
Consider removing pebbles, stones, and branches lying on the ground. Deadly projectile coming from this debris poses a risk for pets, people, and even the property.
If a person or pet comes outside the house, turn off the engine. Never take a child or pet with you on a mower. A small bump could put both your lives in harms way.
Additional Safety Equipment To Install
Rollover protection systems (ROPS) are designed to protect the operator from any mower malfunction or overturn. It is a great safety measure, especially if you use the mower on slopes or uneven terrains.
A seat switch allows the operator to turn off the engine automatically when they get off the seat. This is an excellent safety precaution to avoid injuries and zero-turn lawnmower accidents if someone comes in contact with the blades.
FAQ
Can a zero-turn mower flip over?
Zero-turn mowers can flip over when going too fast, taking a turn too sharp, or changing directions too quickly. Avoid this by slowing down as you approach uneven terrains.
Do zero-turn mowers get stuck easily?
Zero-turn mowers dont get stuck easily because they have a lower center of gravity, which helps them navigate thick grass and other obstacles.
Conclusion
This guide explains how you can minimize the risks of zero-turn mowers.
