Again, a zero turn mower's weight distribution can mean it's dangerous to operate on a sloped surface. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Deadly projectile coming from this debris poses a risk for pets, people, and even the property. As a result, the back of the mower carries most of the weight. 2. Most hand trimmers and lawn trimmers can be used safely on any terrain. While not all of these lawn maintenance accidents involved zero-turn mowers specifically, they serve as a reminder of the importance of taking safety precautions when operating any type of lawn mower. We do not recommend using a ride-on mower on a hill that is steeper than 15 degrees. Dangerous Slides when mowing slopes Check Price. With the right machine, you can easily cut large lawns in a fraction of the time it would take with a standard mower. Golf course owners commonly use zero turn mowers. The front wheels on these mowers have . Read Customer Reviews . A child must be able to follow rules, and safety procedures and be able to physically operate the mower. Ejection can occur if the operator is thrown from the mower due to sudden stops, collisions, or rollovers. Check the mowers tires, blades, brakes, and other components before each use to ensure they are in good working order. Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *. I cant imagine the horror as his child screamed in pain. Zero-turn mowers are not the safest option to use on hills. 8 Easy Steps to Change Oil in a Push Mower, Inspect, Sharpen and Replace Lawn Mower Blades. The grass in the lawn will then regrow well before the next period, whereby you will have to carry out mowing. A zero turns compact size may make the machine appear less intimidating, however, you must educate yourself on how to operate machinery safely whether its a large machine or a small machine. These machines are designed to turn on a dime and navigate tight spaces with ease, making them ideal for cutting grass and trimming around obstacles. A zero-turn mowers speed and agility are the most significant advantages of this kind of mower. The only thing that can make you cooler than buying a zero-turn mower, is to hire a lawn pro through GreenPal. If you are a trying to be more fun to be around, get a zero-turn mower. With its powerful 27 HP Briggs & Stratton engine, this mower offers excellent performance and is suitable for professionals and homeowners alike. If you turn one wheel when riding at 15mph, the machine can lose traction, slide, and tip over. When moving too quickly, making a sudden turn, or changing directions too sharply, zero-turn mowers can flip over. There are safety measures to take that will greatly decrease your risk of injury while operating a zero-turn. Its also important to operate the mower at a safe speed and to avoid sudden stops or turns that could throw the operator off the mower. Zero-turn mowers have a tight turning radius, which makes them popular but unsteady at times. This is why most zero-turn mowers are fitted with roll bars. 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. Wear protective equipment, such as close-toed shoes, long pants, eye protection, and hearing protection when operating ride-on mowers. 1984-1995 - The market exploded and more than 50 manufacturers entered the zero-turn mower market. Tipping is possibly the most dangerous part of using a zero-turn mower because it could lead you to become pinned underneath the mower. Living in a suburban area, I have seen this more times than I should have. The dangers of zero turn mowers are overturning, sliding on slopes, difficulty controlling at high speeds, running over objects, and accidental cuts. 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. 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. Tire pressure is important because it affects the performance of your vehicle, as well as its safety. This will make it easier for you to operate because youll know where all of its important safety features are and how to use them if you need to. Also, learn how to operate your zero-turn on tricky surfaces like sand. They can struggle over rocky and molehill terrain, and they might even suffer damage. If a person or pet comes outside the house, turn off the engine. Here is a sneak peek at our selections for the 10 best zero turn mowers: Husqvarna Z242F 42 in. Rollovers and tip-overs can result in serious injuries or fatalities, particularly if the operator is thrown from the mower or pinned underneath it. It may seem tempting to mow up and down the hill, but we do not recommend this. Continue with Recommended Cookies. What are the Dangers of Using a Zero Turn Mower on a Hill? 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. Additionally, operators should make sure that the mower is properly maintained and that the blades are sharp and balanced. Her goal is to meet you where you are, and help you achieve a yard youll be proud of. This post may include affiliate links. 03:40 - Change the Fuel Filter. A 10-degree angle is the most practical tilt that your riding lawnmower can handle. Finally, take time to know your mower and all its features. Avoid handling a zero-turn mower on steep slopes, wet lawns, wet grass or slippery surfaces, or uneven ground. This clogging leads directly toward an overworked motor which is dangerous for yourself and those around you! Low engine oil can cause some real damage to a lawn mower as it runs. - Of course, as most zero turn mowers are gas-powered, there is concern about their emissions. Husqvarna Z254 Kohler Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower $3785 Buy From Amazon Engine power: 26 horsepower | Cutting deck: 54 inches | Weight: 549 pounds This Husqvarna model is a great. Depending on the zero turn mower model, everything could change. It is a great safety measure to prevent injuries orzero-turn lawnmower accidentsif someone accidentally comes in contact with the blades. When mowing at high speeds, the mower blades can pick up rocks, sticks, and other debris and launch them into the air. And mow only on dry grass to maximize traction. Don protective equipment while riding. Obviously, anyone is unlucky enough to be hit by the blades could have very serious injuries as a result. Operating your zero turn on hills can be dangerous if you dont know how to do it. Plus, the mower has zero operating emissions. Due to the price of zero turn mowers, there isnt a huge demand for the parts. This article looks into the hazards of zero-turn mowers and how you should avoid them. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, there are over 30,000 riding mower accidents each year, and zero-turn mowers account for roughly 15%. Possible Dangers As if all that weren't enough, zero turn mowers can actually pose a safety threat to the operator. They have a unique design that causes poor traction on the ground. How Many Coats of Varnish Do You Apply on Wood? However, this does not mean thatzero turn mowersare completely risk-free. 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. Most of the weight is located on the back two wheels, leaving the front wheels with very little traction. The organization recommends children be at least 16 years old to operate a riding mower. If you are going to purchase this machine for your home and yard, make sure you are looking for one that will tackle your specific jobs. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers, nearly 6,400 people get injured when using lawnmowers annually. An excess of grass clippings that fall on your lawn can lead to a fungal disease known as "brown spot." Meanwhile, the wet grass clippings that stick to the underside of the mower deck . Warning Labels: Installing warning labels can be a great way to inform beginners of any parts within the mower that can cause injuries. The mowers front wheels rotate in different directions. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. This can lead to a loss of control of the . 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. It prevents you from getting crushed or stuck when the mower rolls over. Zero turn mowers are a variant of the regular riding lawn mower. The highest ticket ZTRs are geared toward professionals mowing dozens of properties a day. The grip is the most important element in maintaining traction in your zero-turn mower. Heres How to Fix It! The seat belt will help keep you in the seat if the machine overturns or hits an uneven spot. 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. Your email address will not be published. In addition, it increases your chance of being ejected from the seat. This may happen if someone gets too close to the rotating blades or if the machine operator loses control and the machine accidentally runs someone over. This is the standard steepest angle for highways. Zero-turn mowers dont get stuck easily because they have a lower center of gravity, which helps them navigate thick grass and other obstacles. Using one of these mowers on a really well-suited property can reduce costs by reducing the total amount of time you spend mowing. For most homeowners, the sweet spot between features and price will be closer to $2,500 to $3,000. 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