Zero turn mowers are a variant of the regular riding lawn mower. 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. Once you try this electric zero turn mower from Greenworks youll never look at battery powered tools the same way again. LED headlights allow you to mow before dawn or late into the night, and an adjustable padded seat keeps the ride comfortable. 8 Easy Steps in 2022. They include: . After installing these safety features, apply the following safety tips when operating your zero-turn mower. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Its very easy to remember. If you have a garden that is not level and has many features in it, you may be considering investing in a zero-turn lawn mower. You will likely need to take it to a professional for any repairs that need to be carried out, which is going to cost you a lot of money. Take a look below at the 10 main dangers when using a zero turn mower on hills. You may want to avoid a zero-turn mower. Due to the price of zero turn mowers, there isnt a huge demand for the parts. Because of this, it's recommended that zero-turn mowers are only used on slopes of less than fifteen degrees. For most homeowners, the sweet spot between features and price will be closer to $2,500 to $3,000. 01:11 - Change Engine Oil and Filter. The two main dangers of using a zero-turn mower on hills are: 1. Zero turn mowers cost more than most other riding lawn mowers, ranging between $2,000 and $5,000 plus accessories. Additionally, only turn your machine while it is flat because it may cause injuries for both the operator and anyone in the vicinity. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Ill talk about them here. Due to the speed at which these machines cut grass, they use less fuel overall and can really make a positive difference to your carbon footprint. Before we get started, it may be helpful to explain what a zero-turn mower actually is. We hope this has helped you feel just that little bit safer; happy mowing! If you find that your property sounds like it would be a good candidate for a zero-turn mower, then dont let the disadvantages stop you from getting one. Zero-turn mowers can be a reliable machine for mowing any yard. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, riding lawn mowers are responsible for about 70 peoples deaths each year, while a whopping 80, 000 are injured from riding lawn mowers. Zero-turn mowers are not the safest option to use on hills. Best Bang for the Buck. These machines have wheels mounted on a central rotating axle, which allows them to spin in tight circles with ease. 1984-1995 - The market exploded and more than 50 manufacturers entered the zero-turn mower market. I understand the importance of learning to operate mowers safely. However, if the operator isnt keenon checkingbehind them, especially if there are children, they may run over them, causing serious injury or even death to anyone underneath the machine at the time. Regardless of the size of your lawn, there are certain factors that make zero-turn mowers appropriate. This switch automatically turns the engine off and halts the rotating blades right after leaving the seat. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Plus, the mower has zero operating emissions. Several of our operators lose control of the mower when it is more than 10 degrees. If you are involved in an accident while using a zero-turn mower, seek medical attention immediately and report the incident to the appropriate authorities. This can cause you to crash the mower and possibly injure yourself. The small castor at the front of the mower will naturally want to point downhill, which could cause you to slide off course. 03:40 - Change the Fuel Filter. Friendly Community. Craftsman mowers were recalled because of fuel line connections, according to classaction.org. These make zero-turn mowers more prone to tipping over. The leading cause of injury was contact with the blade (33% . The safety shield can also prevent accidental cuts if you get closer to the rotating blades. Cub Cadet. The Dangers of Zero-Turn Mowers While all riding mowers have the potential to cause serious injury, zero-turn mowers are especially dangerous. If you educate yourself thoroughly on how to operate your lawn mower and make sure that you are not mowing any slopes steeper than 15 degrees, then you should be able to mow away in relative safety. Mow across hills not up/down when using a zero turn. I hate SPAM and promise to keep your email address safe. These blades are sharp and can cause deep cuts if you accidentally get closer to them. Some would choose these mowers just for their professional appearance and quality cut, but there are still some great practical benefits. 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. Extra caution and experience can help you ride these zero-turns safely. Of those injured, approximately 75% were men and 25% were women. Most zero-turn mowers have massive rear wheels, so it's crucial to check if these are in good condition. Due to its precision turning, it will negotiate these tight spots with ease, within reason. The grass in the lawn will then regrow well before the next period, whereby you will have to carry out mowing. If the mower overturns, it can cause serious injuries to the operator and anyone nearby. Finally, take time to know your mower and all its features. Push Mower vs Self-Propelled: What's Best for You? Can zero turn mowers handle rough terrain? Thankfully, you can minimize the dangers of zero turn mowers by observing the given safety tips and precautions. My friends child chose to jump off a mower while it was running. While they offer many advantages, zero-turn lawn mowers also pose serious risks to operators and bystanders. One of the most dangerous aspects of zero-turn lawn mowers is their speed. Grow Your Yard is reader-supported. Zero-turn mowers that have a turning radius of zero are a life-saving tool in any garden. Its important to be aware of these dangers and take steps to mitigate the risks when using a zero-turn mower. Electrical components can also be expensive, especially if you need to outsource to a professional. A child must be able to follow rules, and safety procedures and be able to physically operate the mower. 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. Its easy to get over-excited with a fun machine like the zero-turn mower, but its important to take it slow. 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. Her goal is to meet you where you are, and help you achieve a yard youll be proud of. Please watch: "Warning!! Additionally, when mowing a slope it's important to use extra caution and be aware of the terrain. An alarming study by Amputee Coalition states that lawnmowers are one of the biggest causes of physical amputations, with more than 800 children being run over every year. 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. Having a lack of demand increases the price of the parts and makes it harder to find them. Read morehere. A sit down zero turn is usually better than a rider but once they slide they keep sliding, rear first. Take a look at our article all about the choke on your mower. Always inspect a mower before you purchase it to ensure minimal interactions between the areas that collect the grass and the wiring. Just because zero-turn mowers appear to be less dangerous than larger machinery like tractors, skid steers, and excavators it doesnt mean they are. This will allow you to maintain control throughout the process and methodically cover the area. If you turn the mower left or right, it can slide and overturn. Although its a beautiful wood suitable for different. Since your gas-powered zero turn mower can emit a noise level above 85 decibels, its advisable to wear hearing protection. Unlike traditional lawn tractors, which have a low center of gravity and a stable design, zero-turn mowers have a high center of gravity and a more narrow wheelbase. Ariens Edge 34 inch 19 HP Zero Turn Mower 5. How Hard is this Wood. Join Our Woodworking Community on Facebook And Get 3 Woodworking Plans for Free! 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. Zero turn mowers account for many serious injuries resulting from lawn mowing. Living in a suburban area, I have seen this more times than I should have. Husqvarna YTA24V48 24V FastTractor Mower, with Twin 48 7. Keep an eye out for obstacles, bystanders, and other hazards while operating a zero-turn mower. Continue with Recommended Cookies. 100 Ah Zero-Turn Electric Mower John Deere Z345M 42 in. 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. Zero Turn Riding Mower - Best 42-Inch Model. While working in the lawn care industry and learning about others injuries while 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. Zero-turn mowers have the design and power for the average commercial workload. To remedy this, angle the nose of the mower slightly uphill as you go. This makes them superior to other ride-on mowers, which have a significant turning circle and require you to do three-point turns regularly. Rollover Protection System (ROPS): Most zero turn mowers come with a ROPS from the manufacturer. There are certain recommendations for lawn mowers to work in hilly terrain. Join other savvy homeowners who have already started to transform their lawn and. Deadmans Switch: A deadmans switch installed inside the mowers seat is a lifesaver if the operator falls from the chair. The seat belt will help keep you in the seat if the machine overturns or hits an uneven spot. Make sure that children and pets are kept at a safe distance from the mower while it is in use. Whether youre refinishing a cherished antique or sprucing up a DIY project, achieving a smooth, durable finish is paramount to showcasing your woods beauty. Lawn Mower Sputtering? Some parents may feel their child is not ready to mow at these recommended ages. 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