If there's too much gas inside the lines. He was operating a zero-radius-turn riding mower that was equipped with a roll-over protective structure. 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. Finally, these lawnmowers have the potential to run over victims who have fallen while operating them, which is another risk associated with them. Quiet, no fumes, and faster than competitors (8 MPH max speed). Do not forget to wear your seat belt at any cost while driving the zero turn mower. Many of the parts are located in places where they are going to get wet frequently. Mowing Wet Slopes Zero Turn Mower Lawn Care Vlogger #38" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8bL6NY9sFnk --~--Mowing slopes with a zer. While the best and only way to operate mowers is to be attentive, calm, and patient, there are a few preventative measures to reduce the many dangers of zero turn mowers to a maximum. In addition to rollovers, zero-turn mowers can also be involved in collisions with objects, other vehicles, or people. Essentially, driving a zero-turn mower is operating a vehicle, so safety precautions should be taken before using one. Slow down and use caution when making turns, particularly on hills or uneven terrain. This does not mean it can not be used as an everyday backyard mower. Here are the alternatives: All of these are available with different wheel or engine-specifieddrives, as well as with gas and electricity. 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. Are zero-turn mowers dangerous? You should be aware of the dangers of zero turn mowers before using one, as there are still some. The highest ticket ZTRs are geared toward professionals mowing dozens of properties a day. 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. In addition, avoid using the mower when it is windy, as this can also reduce your visibility, especially if uneven terrains are present. I wouldnt recommend buying a zero-turn mower if you arent comfortable working with electrical components. Once you try this electric zero turn mower from Greenworks youll never look at battery powered tools the same way again. Regardless of the size of your lawn, there are certain factors that make zero-turn mowers appropriate. 01:11 - Change Engine Oil and Filter. Here is a sneak peek at our selections for the 10 best zero turn mowers: Husqvarna Z242F 42 in. It is important to install this before attempting to mow a hill just in case the worst happens, and it does tip over. After installing these safety features, apply the following safety tips when operating your zero-turn mower. Additionally, the machines engine is located on the backside. if someone accidentally comes in contact with the blades. 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. Additionally, operators should make sure that the mower is properly maintained and that the blades are sharp and balanced. Zero-turn mowers are a popular choice for lawn care because they are generally safe to use, even for beginners. All Rights Reserved | Home | About, We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. The fins on it are designed for this purpose, yet when you clean them, they can become clogged with dirt. Operating your zero turn on hills can be dangerous if you dont know how to do it. - Of course, as most zero turn mowers are gas-powered, there is concern about their emissions. However, they also pose significant risks to operators and bystanders if not used properly. 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. We do not recommend using a ride-on mower on a hill that is steeper than 15 degrees. A z-turn mower has smaller front wheels than rear wheels. To reduce the risk of flying debris, its important to always wear appropriate safety gear, including eye protection and sturdy shoes. This can be a real issue when you are trying to cut wet grass, as the wheels are likely to slip and skid. I understand the importance of learning to operate mowers safely. 05:27 - Inspect and Change Air Cleaner Filters. If you turn the mower left or right, it can slide and overturn. A walk behind commercial mower is going to be best on hills. 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. Mow across hills not up/down when using a zero turn. 2. Join Our Woodworking Community on Facebook And Get 3 Woodworking Plans for Free! Its very easy to remember. Not sure what type of mower is best for your lawn? Additionally, when mowing a slope it's important to use extra caution and be aware of the terrain. However, its important to remember that accidents can still occur despite taking all possible precautions. ZT mowers have distinct advantages, making them a great choice for certain people and properties. However, these mowers can be dangerous if not handled properly. I'd make sure the yard is dry or get a Ventrac. A push mower can operate on a slope of up to 20 degrees, and a riding lawn mower works well at 15 degrees. Wear a seat belt. When there are people around, avoid mowing. This is the general rule that we follow to decide: After majoring in Agriculture at Ohio State University, Simons built up extensive experience over his 10+ years in the industry. If you lose control of your mower, it can run into people and pets, cutting them with powerful blades. Grow Your Yard is reader-supported. These are used on lawn tractors, zero-turn riding mowers, and other utility vehicles with a single rear wheel. Heres How to Fix It! Not paying attention and having to break quick on a hill. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) documents 16 deaths in 2019 and 19 deaths in 2018 as a result of operating a lawn mower in addition to numerous injuries. Deadmans Switch: A deadmans switch installed inside the mowers seat is a lifesaver if the operator falls from the chair. To ensure your safety while riding one of these mowers, its a good idea to be aware of their dangers. Finally, youll find other alternatives to zero turn mowers if you are not sure they are not the best option for use. Judging by the above statistics, zero-turn mowers pose the greatest danger compared to all other types of lawnmowers. Because of this, it's recommended that zero-turn mowers are only used on slopes of less than fifteen degrees. Similarly, if you lose control of your zero-turn, it can run over people and pets nearby. Whether you intend to use a zero turn mower for your own property or for a commercial venture, there are many advantages that these machines offer. Use caution when approaching corners, trees or anything that might block your view. My friends child chose to jump off a mower while it was running. Once you believe your child is ready to operate a lawn mower, make sure you go over all safety procedures including the dangers of reaching under the deck with the mower blades engaged. Before you purchase your next mower, make sure it has these important safety options installed on your zero-turn mower. Avoid drugs and alcohol when operating your mower. Toro TimeCutter SW4200. A seat switch is a device that automatically shuts off the engine when the operator gets off the seat. Lawn Mower Pull Cord Stuck? If you have under-inflated tires, you might notice: . This post may include affiliate links. The mower features a wide 61-inch cutting deck, which allows . Craftsman Z560 24 HP 54-Inch, Gas Powered Zero Turn Lawn Mower 6. 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. And, if possible, clear out any obstacles from the ground and make room for the mower. Unfortunately, most of these accidents are from zero-turn mowers. In addition, zero-turn lawn mowers are often equipped with powerful blades that can spin at high speeds. 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. To avoid this, always slow down when you are about to turn. 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. Craftsman mowers were recalled because of fuel line connections, according to classaction.org. Save 10% on your order with promo code LAWNCHICK. Its easy to get over-excited with a fun machine like the zero-turn mower, but its important to take it slow. So, this is sure that zero-turn mowers are dangerous if used carelessly. For most homeowners, the sweet spot between features and price will be closer to $2,500 to $3,000. LawnChick.com is reader supported. When deciding on a new zero-turn mower the most important factor is the size of the area that you will cut. Unfortunately, zero turn mowers also have some disadvantages. Some parents act like its an amusement ride for the kids with no concern for the childs safety. This means you save time and fuel that youd use if you spent more time working especially if you go electric with the model I recommend: This may seem like only a small benefit, but it can really add up over time! Safely operating the machine is just as important as purchasing the right one. The un-lubricated friction between parts can overheat and wear out the parts. Zero turn mowers can be dangerous if used improperly. As a result, it's important to always follow the manufacturer's instructions when using a zero-turn mower. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. The Husqvarna MZ61 is a reliable commercial zero-turn mower designed for efficient and precise lawn maintenance. 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. He specializes in lawn care and has helped hundreds of his clients get as close to the perfect lawn as possible. Its easy to see and avoid ditches, puddles, rocks, tree stems, and slopes that can cause accidents. This type of steering is incredibly useful if you need to make tight turns or negotiate obstacles in your path. this electric zero turn mower from Greenworks, What to Do When - Take the Guesswork Out of Lawn Care, Best Spring Lawn Fertilizer (greenest lawn on the block), Spurge Weed Identification (+ how to kill it in your lawn), The Disadvantages of Zero Turn Mowers (that nobodys talking about), Do Lawn Mowers Take Regular Gas? To ensure your safety while riding one of these mowers, it's a good idea to be aware of their dangers. Cub Cadet. How Many Coats of Varnish Do You Apply on Wood? One individual died after being thrown off of a lawn mower and run over with the blades engaged. Most zero-turn mowers have massive rear wheels, so it's crucial to check if these are in good condition. Check Price. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Never drive too fast. Common high-risk surfaces you should avoid are steep slopes above 15 degrees, retaining walls, wet and muddy areas, and unstable grounds. Mowing at high speeds requires that . Our top pick is the latest RYOBI 80V HP Brushless 30-inch Zero Turn Riding Lawn Mower for $4,799 shipped. Based on experience, a mower with wider tires do better in climbing hills. Although their speed and easymaneuverability are commendable, they frequently lose control when driving at high speeds. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Thats okay. They are agile and make maneuvering around obstacles easy but are zero-turn lawn mowers safe on hills? When it comes to zero-turn mowers on hills that you'd find in most yards, they work very well. EGO Z6 - 42 Zero Turn Mower - besthomegear.com. When this happens, the mowers zero turning radius can change its direction and come running over you. The machine doesnt have enough traction on the ground as a result of its design. The most common age group for injury was 20-24 years old (22%), followed closely by 45-54 year olds (21%). Zero turn mowers are a variant of the regular riding lawn mower. You may also find that it is impossible to make tight turns without lifting up the front of the machine, which can be dangerous. So, are zero turn mowers dangerous? This article looks into the hazards of zero-turn mowers and how you should avoid them. 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