Tire pressure is important because it affects the performance of your vehicle, as well as its safety. Wait until youre on a flat surface to change direction. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Many of the deaths occurred from the victim falling off the machine, falling under the machine, or being run over by the lawn mower. Consult a professional if you dont have the skills, or knowledge or are not in the condition to perform the repair safely. There are safety measures to take that will greatly decrease your risk of injury while operating a zero-turn. Can zero turn mowers handle rough terrain? These make zero-turn mowers more prone to tipping over. Avoid using them anywhere else. Always go by the routine maintenance schedule in your manual and make sure you change and regularly check the level of your oil. These blades are sharp and can cause deep cuts if you accidentally get closer to them. To reduce the risk of collisions and other accidents, its important to always be aware of your surroundings and to operate the mower at a safe speed. Overturning happens when the machine tips over on its side, usually going too fast on uneven ground or taking a sharp turn. The highest ticket ZTRs are geared toward . Most residential riding tractors and zero-turn mowers aren't designed to mow on slopes greater than 15 degrees. These cookies do not store any personal information. Reduced visibility that comes with rain or nightfall can increase the chance of an accident. These machines allow for easier maneuverability, but their great power can make them hazardous for both the rider and bystanders. Depending on the zero turn mower model, everything could change. One of the dangers associated with zero-turn mowers is the potential for flying debris. In cases where you have angles on your lawn like these, you can also use a self-propelled or push mower to tidy things up. My name is Chris, and I am the founder of Yard Floor. Finally, youll find other alternatives to zero turn mowers if you are not sure they are not the best option for use. One downside to zero-turn mowers is that, unlike other ride-on mowers, they are not suited for extra attachments aside from a sprayer. How many times have you seen a parent riding on a lawn mower with a child on his or her lap? In addition, zero-turn lawn mowers are often equipped with powerful blades that can spin at high speeds. (what I use instead). One of the most dangerous aspects of zero-turn lawn mowers is their speed. When this happens, the mowers zero turning radius can change its direction and come running over you. Join our community on facebook and get 3 woodworking plans for free! Electrical issues can seem dormant initially, but if you dont address them quickly enough, they can start to stack up quickly and may cost a fortune. In this lawn care vlog I show you a property that requires to be mowed. However, improper use of the mower and/ or lack of safety precautions combined with the mower's ability to turn at 180 degrees, and its low center of gravity have given rise to tipping hazards. Weigh the benefits against the risks, so you can make an informed decision about whether a zero-turn mower is right for your lawn care needs. When zero-turn mowers overturn, they can cause severe injuries to the users and those nearby. He has since built an enviable workshop for himself and an equally impressive online accomplishment: an extensive resource site serving old timers and novices alike. Most lawn enthusiasts prefer them for their speed, maneuverability, and efficiency. We hope this has helped you feel just that little bit safer; happy mowing! Electrical components can also be expensive, especially if you need to outsource to a professional. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Grow Your Yard is reader-supported. The height adjustment is a bit shorter for some taller grass. Most zero-turn mowers have massive rear wheels, so it's crucial to check if these are in good condition. Dry environments are less likely to have water-related issues, with dust-related problems being more common. 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. Should I Bag My Grass Clippings If I Have Weeds? Toro TimeCutter SW4200. Objects such as wire thrown by a mower blade can be very dangerous. They can cut large lawns quickly and easily, making them perfect for people who have a lot of ground to cover. Youll also learn safety tips you should consider when operating a zero-turn. Some landscapers might be tempted to allow kids or pets to sit on their laps when mowing. Make sure that children and pets are kept at a safe distance from the mower while it is in use. When I was a toddler, my family had a lush green lawn. Dull or unbalanced blades can cause more debris to be thrown into the air, increasing the risk of injury. This depends on what kind of mower you are using. Your email address will not be published. Awesome on hills, it keeps up with the Cub Cadet XZ2 in many ways including in the quality of cut and operator comfort. Cutting sloped, wet grass on a zero-turn mower increases your chances of losing traction and slipping. The comfort of mowing efficiently without manually pushing around a heavy machine is also an advantage that you shouldnt underestimate. 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. 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. One of the main causes of zero turn mowers dangers is swiftly changing direction on steep slopes. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. 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. Just because zero-turn mowers appear to be less dangerous than larger machinery like tractors, skid steers, and excavators it doesnt mean they are. Since your gas-powered zero turn mower can emit a noise level above 85 decibels, its advisable to wear hearing protection. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. There are certain recommendations for lawn mowers to work in hilly terrain. I understand the importance of learning to operate mowers safely. Its easy to see and avoid ditches, puddles, rocks, tree stems, and slopes that can cause accidents. The leading cause of injury was contact with the blade (33% . This injury could have easily been prevented. One of the dangers of zero-turn mowers is they can overturn if you take a turn too sharply or change directions too quickly. Ejection can occur if the operator is thrown from the mower due to sudden stops, collisions, or rollovers. Many of these employees worked for professional landscape companies or as grounds care staff for commercial or governmental facilities. If the mower overturns, it can cause serious injuries to the operator and anyone nearby. To reduce the risk of flying debris, its important to always wear appropriate safety gear, including eye protection and sturdy shoes. Read more about mower blade inspections. Zero-turn mowers dont get stuck easily because they have a lower center of gravity, which helps them navigate thick grass and other obstacles. The grass doesnt cut as well, leading to your lawn being uneven. Plus, the mower has zero operating emissions. 1984-1995 - The market exploded and more than 50 manufacturers entered the zero-turn mower market. There were other deaths that resulted from not having safety protocols. but now after researching the dangers of ZTR's I have had a change of heart. Best Overall Zero Turn Mower John Deere Z325E Zero-Turn Riding Mower $3,499 at Home Depot 2 Best Value Zero Turn Mower Craftsman Z5200 Zero-Turn Riding Mower $3,099 at. The seat belt will help keep you in the seat if the machine overturns or hits an uneven spot. The optimum slope for zero turn lawn mowers is 10 degrees. Please watch: "Warning!! Why We Like It. These agile lawn mowers are perfect for larger lawns with uneven terrain and many ornamental features like swimming pools, ponds, and garden beds. For most homeowners, the sweet spot between features and price will be closer to $2,500 to $3,000. But if youre a beginner, installing various safety features can help you avert the dangers of zero turn mowers. (A 10-degree slope rises roughly 20 inches over every 10 feet.) The efficiency of these machines is one of their best features. Its also advisable to ensure no one is around because you can lose control of the mower and run into them. The number one rule for using a zero-turn mower safely is not to mow a slope steeper than 15 degrees. They can struggle over rocky and molehill terrain, and they might even suffer damage. I am here to share my years of experience with you be it repairing your mower/tractor or caring for your lawn. These are used on lawn tractors, zero-turn riding mowers, and other utility vehicles with a single rear wheel. Had to look up Ventrac, that's some serious stuff. Wearing long pants, closed-toe shoes, and gloves can help protect you from cuts and lacerations. Finally, take time to know your mower and all its features. A zero-turn lawn mower poses serious risks. Navigating the Dangers of Zero-Turn Mowers: A Comprehensive Guide. For example, if your mower slides or runs into an object, it can eject you from the seat, sending you to the ground. Ill talk about them here. However, this does not mean that zero turn mowers are completely risk-free. The dangers of zero turn mowers are overturning, sliding on slopes, difficulty controlling at high speeds, running over objects, and accidental cuts. . After installing these safety features, apply the following safety tips when operating your zero-turn mower. This can be a real issue when you are trying to cut wet grass, as the wheels are likely to slip and skid. Keep an eye out for obstacles, bystanders, and other hazards while operating a zero-turn mower. Driving your zero-turn mower during the day allows you to see clearly and fully control the machine. In addition to rollovers, zero-turn mowers can also be involved in collisions with objects, other vehicles, or people. Your mower might run into objects, people, or pets and cause severe injuries. Watch for objects that could be picked up and thrown by the mower blades, as well as hidden dangers. 7. 03:40 - Change the Fuel Filter. Mow across hills not up/down when using a zero turn. Also, wear earmuffs or earplugs to protect your hearing. Do not forget to wear your seat belt at any cost while driving the zero turn mower. You riska child or even an adult running straight at or behind the mower, putting them in danger of zero turn mower accidents. 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. The best way to avoid some dangers of zero turn mowers is to inspect the yard youre mowing. Ultimately, the choice to use a zero-turn mower is a trade-off between speed and safety. Before we get started, it may be helpful to explain what a zero-turn mower actually is. Zero Turn Riding Mower - Best 42-Inch Model. This clogging leads directly toward an overworked motor which is dangerous for yourself and those around you! Craftsman Z560 V-Twin Dual Hydrostatic Zero Turn Mower - Best for the Money. Thats okay. Always inspect a mower before you purchase it to ensure minimal interactions between the areas that collect the grass and the wiring. Regular Giveaways. The un-lubricated friction between parts can overheat and wear out the parts. This makes them superior to other ride-on mowers, which have a significant turning circle and require you to do three-point turns regularly. If you make a purchase after clicking a link, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Getting in Tight One of the biggest advantages of the zero-turn mower is the ability to cut close to objects. 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. Deciding on what mower is best for you will come down to personal preference and the size/layout of your lawn. The blades cut off a large portion of his foot. Never ride a mower with a child or pet. Despite their disadvantages of ZT mowers, they are still a popular choice for many homeowners with properties of 3/4 acre or more. Most of the weight is located on the back two wheels, leaving the front wheels with very little traction. I hate SPAM and promise to keep your email address safe. However, they also pose significant risks to operators and bystanders if not used properly. Grab her free lawn care cheat-sheet: What to Do When - Take the Guesswork Out of Lawn Care, or upgrade your garage by browsing her favorite DIY lawn care products. A seat switch is a device that automatically shuts off the engine when the operator gets off the seat. Traction issues are common when turning the mower left or right on steep hills. Thankfully, you can minimize the dangers of zero turn mowers by observing the given safety tips and precautions. When there are people around, avoid mowing. Copyright 2023. Operator fatigue occurs when the operator has been mowing for a long period of time and is not paying attention to their surroundings. Operator presence controls were not available or possibly disabled which resulted in the mower blades staying engaged even when the operator was not in the seat. Additionally, only turn your machine while it is flat because it may cause injuries for both the operator and anyone in the vicinity. 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. Even lawns well-suited to a standard mower can generally leave behind corners and angles that the zero-turn mower cant reach. 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. For example, you can fall off your seat and get crushed. Craftsman mowers were recalled because of fuel line connections, according to classaction.org. Additionally, mostzero-turn mowers use drum brakes on the back axle. 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