These risks are not unique to most zero-turn mowers, but they can be amplified by the design and operation of these machines. Zero turn mowers usually have larger motors too so they tend to produce more pollutants. Troy-Bilt Mustang Fit Riding Lawn Mower with 34-Inch Deck 8. Common high-risk surfaces you should avoid are steep slopes above 15 degrees, retaining walls, wet and muddy areas, and unstable grounds. Our top pick is the latest RYOBI 80V HP Brushless 30-inch Zero Turn Riding Lawn Mower for $4,799 shipped. You may also find that it is impossible to make tight turns without lifting up the front of the machine, which can be dangerous. Mowing at high speeds requires that . As with zero-turn mowers, ride-on mowers can cause some safety concerns on hills. The seat belt will help keep you in the seat if the machine overturns or hits an uneven spot. Tall grass can hide objects, holes or bumps. Because of this, it's recommended that zero-turn mowers are only used on slopes of less than fifteen degrees. Again, a zero turn mower's weight distribution can mean it's dangerous to operate on a sloped surface. If you turn the mower left or right, it can slide and overturn. I am here to share my years of experience with you be it repairing your mower/tractor or caring for your lawn. You can still use zero-turn lawnmowers with certain parameters checked. It is a great safety measure, especially if you use the mower on slopes or uneven terrains. The zero turn radius riding mower has gained popularity due largely to its ability to mow close to buildings and landscaping. To identify the hazards you might face, look over the grass youre mowing. The seat belt will help keep you in the seat if the machine overturns or hits an uneven spot. You can get an average lawn tractor for $1,200, but there are plenty more expensive models out there to consider, too. By following these guidelines, operators can reduce the risk of accidents when using a zero-turn mower. The height adjustment is a bit shorter for some taller grass. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Do not forget to wear your seat belt at any cost while driving the zero turn mower. Mowing side to side, starting at the bottom, is the ideal way to tackle a hill. This means that there will be less chance of moisture interacting and damaging the wiring. He once tied a gas push mower to a tree and let it run in increasingly smaller circles until it reached the center. Tipping Over 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. Will now have the ROPS on and buckling up!! These mowers are capable of reaching high speeds, and they can make sudden turns that can easily throw off an inexperienced operator. However, zero-turn mowers are known to create safety hazards if operated without proper caution. When mowing at high speeds, the mower blades can pick up rocks, sticks, and other debris and launch them into the air. Thats okay. Just because zero-turn mowers appear to be less dangerous than larger machinery like tractors, skid steers, and excavators it doesnt mean they are. Possible Dangers As if all that weren't enough, zero turn mowers can actually pose a safety threat to the operator. If you are on a too steep slope, you risk your whole mower tipping over. Your email address will not be published. As a result, these mowers can easily cause severe injuries if they are not used . The grass in the lawn will then regrow well before the next period, whereby you will have to carry out mowing. One downside to zero-turn mowers is that, unlike other ride-on mowers, they are not suited for extra attachments aside from a sprayer. When operating on uneven or sloped terrain, use caution and slow down to reduce the risk of tipping over or losing control of the mower. 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. Mowing machines along highway right of ways often have links of chains hanging down around the edge to stop objects from being thrown, but sometimes this does not prevent a car windshield from being broken. Depending on the zero turn mower model, everything could change. Your email address will not be published. A sit down zero turn is usually better than a rider but once they slide they keep sliding, rear first. This can cause you to crash the mower and possibly injure yourself. A, New DIYers often question cedars durability, mainly because its one of the softer woods in todays market. The small child ended up slipping and had his foot land under the mower deck. These cookies do not store any personal information. It is thereforeeasier to maneuver than other types of lawn mowers because it can revolve around its own axis without changing its forward direction. 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 In bold is the danger and after how to reduce the risk of an accident. Rain, fog, and wind can reduce visibility during the day. Most lawn enthusiasts prefer them for their speed, maneuverability, and efficiency. They have a unique design that causes poor traction on the ground. The small castor at the front of the mower will naturally want to point downhill, which could cause you to slide off course. Some of the most common dangers of zero-turn mowers include: According to the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), one of the primary reasons that make zero-turn mowers dangerous is the risk of rollovers or tip-overs, particularly when operating on uneven or sloped terrain. Driving a zero-turn mower high on drugs can lead to a loss of consciousness, resulting in a fatal accident. Should I Bag My Grass Clippings If I Have Weeds? The seat belt should prevent you from falling off after running into objects or taking a sharp turn. Take a look below at the 10 main dangers when using a zero turn mower on hills. Positioning the blades in the center results in a much more even cut, as both sides of the blade cut the grass at the same time. There are certain kinds of lawns that are perfect for a zero turn mower. Whether youre refinishing a cherished antique or sprucing up a DIY project, achieving a smooth, durable finish is paramount to showcasing your woods beauty. 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. This is a requirement by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). 100 Ah Zero-Turn Electric Mower John Deere Z345M 42 in. Instead of a steering wheel, these lawn mowers are maneuvered using two levers that you push forward or pull backward to move around. This post may include affiliate links. Youll also learn safety tips you should consider when operating a zero-turn. This will prevent the mower from tipping over and help you regain control. Here are the alternatives: All of these are available with different wheel or engine-specifieddrives, as well as with gas and electricity. I'd make sure the yard is dry or get a Ventrac. Judging by the above statistics, zero-turn mowers pose the greatest danger compared to all other types of lawnmowers. It is usually caused by coming into contact with thesharpened mower bladesor being hit by flying debris. Grow Your Yard is reader-supported. If you live in an area with a lot of wet weather, then a zero-turn mower is probably not the choice for you. In addition, it increases your chance of being ejected from the seat. Take a look at our article all about the choke on your mower. When mowing at high speeds, the mower blades can pick up rocks, sticks, and other debris and launch them into the air. 1984-1995 - The market exploded and more than 50 manufacturers entered the zero-turn mower market. I wouldnt recommend buying a zero-turn mower if you arent comfortable working with electrical components. There are certain recommendations for lawn mowers to work in hilly terrain. Use caution when approaching corners, trees or anything that might block your view. While zero-turn mowers offer some incredible benefits, there definitely are some drawbacks that you should be aware of prior to making a purchase. Avoid drugs and alcohol when operating your mower. Sarahs blog, Lawn Chick, is read by over 2 million homeowners each year and she is regularly cited as an expert source of lawn care knowledge by major publications. With a motor equal to a 22 Hp Gas-powered engine, and essentially no maintenance to contend with - the EGO zero-turn mower has become one of the most popular lawnmowers on the market for homeowners with medium to large yards. Tire pressure is important because it affects the performance of your vehicle, as well as its safety. 2. Before getting off the machine, remember to disengage the rotating blades. Zero-turn mowers that have a turning radius of zero are a life-saving tool in any garden. Below well provide the common dangers associated with these mowers to help you answer this question. However, the trade-offs between speed and safety when using zero-turn mowers can be significant. Zero turn mowers are generally not designed for tough or hilly terrain. Wear protective equipment, such as close-toed shoes, long pants, eye protection, and hearing protection when operating ride-on mowers. Keep an eye out for obstacles, bystanders, and other hazards while operating a zero-turn mower. For example, you can fall off your seat and get crushed. Zero-turn mowers have the design and power for the average commercial workload. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. A zero turn mower is often good for mowing grass up to 4-5 inches/13 cm tall. Our professional landscapers encountered being ejected from their seats and pinned beneath the machine, causing severe injury. This rule sounds like 20-15-10. The individual levers turn the mower left, right, and 180 degrees. To reduce the risk of ejection from the mower, its important to always wear appropriate safety gear, including a helmet, eye protection, and sturdy closed toe shoes. If you lose control of your mower, it can run into people and pets, cutting them with powerful blades. Wait until the weather is calm or the sky is blue to operate your mower. In addition, it increases your chance of being ejected from the seat. Instant Access. One of the dangers of zero-turn mowers is they can overturn if you take a turn too sharply or change directions too quickly. Many of the parts are located in places where they are going to get wet frequently. But if youre a beginner, installing various safety features can help you avert the dangers of zero turn mowers. Allowing the blades to continue rotating can result in cuts if you accidentally get closer to them. (A 10-degree slope rises roughly 20 inches over every 10 feet.) Hi, my name is Sarah and Im the chick behind LawnChick.com. Dangerous scenarios. Some dangers of zero turn mowers include overturning, sliding on slopes, difficulty controlling at high speeds, running over objects, and accidental cuts. A push mower can operate on a slope of up to 20 degrees, and a riding lawn mower works well at 15 degrees. Check the mowers tires, blades, brakes, and other components before each use to ensure they are in good working order. Zero-turn lawn mowers were invented in 1956 by Max Swisher, a man who hated mowing his lawn. Zero-turn mowers that have a turning radius of zero are a life-saving tool in any garden. Based on experience, a mower with wider tires do better in climbing hills. You can ride your zero turn at a speed of 15mph, making it a perfect option for tackling larger lawns. Our professional landscapers highly recommend using this equipment on yards with slopes less than 15 degrees in inclination. Remember to inspect your mower before each use, choose the right terrain, and stay aware of your surroundings. Your mower engine needs air circulation to prevent overheating. Zero turn mowers are designed with performance in mind. Losing Control It is easy to lose control when you are on a very steep hill or if you are mowing downhill by going too fast or losing traction and sliding. However, they are still safe to use. Zero Turn Mower Costs and Financing. Part of this is due to their design and functionality. 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. Zero-turn mowers have become increasingly popular among homeowners and landscapers in recent years, thanks to their speed, agility, and efficiency. Typically, these mowers can be dangerous when tackling slopes above 15 degrees. Zero-turn lawn mowers are convenient machines that will undoubtedly take your lawn maintenance to a whole new level! Not paying attention and having to break quick on a hill. Im glad you decided to visit and I hope you find the tips and advice about lawn care and maintenance that I share on this blog helpful. Ultimately, the choice to use a zero-turn mower is a trade-off between speed and safety. There are safety measures to take that will greatly decrease your risk of injury while operating a zero-turn. Turning downhill will point you in the direction you have already mowed and may cause you to slide. Although their speed and easymaneuverability are commendable, they frequently lose control when driving at high speeds. Better Mulching. In addition to rollovers, zero-turn mowers can also be involved in collisions with objects, other vehicles, or people. Undoubtedly take your lawn maintenance to a whole New level steep slope, you can still zero-turn! 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