Zero-turn mowers have powerful rotating blades that spin at high speed. This can lead to shorts and other electrical problems. 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. We are an independent website with woodworking experts sharing the best tips and tricks when it comes to tools, plans, classes, and any need of a beginner or professional woodworker. Below well provide the common dangers associated with these mowers to help you answer this question. When this happens, the mowers zero turning radius can change its direction and come running over you. Read morehere. They produced many of the zero-turn mowers for other brands including Snapper, Yazoo, Bush Hog, Snapper, and Dixon up until 1995. 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. Safety Shield: You can install a safety shield around blades and discharge chute to protect yourself and those nearby against flying debris. The slopes up to 15 degrees are the only ones where they work best. Fabricated 11-gauge steel cutting deck offers an excellent 61 in. However, its important to remember that accidents can still occur despite taking all possible precautions. Protective equipment such as gloves, closed-toe shoes, long sleeves, and long pants can protect you from accidental cuts. Its important to be aware of these dangers and take steps to mitigate the risks when using a zero-turn mower. 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. Warning Labels: Installing warning labels can be a great way to inform beginners of any parts within the mower that can cause injuries. A zero turn mower is a type of lawnmower that can make a complete rotation on the spot. Slow down and use caution when making turns, particularly on hills or uneven terrain. 22 Posts. However, you should keep in mind that you are definitely compromising on a few things too. Ultimately, the choice to use a zero-turn mower is a trade-off between speed and safety. The speeds that these machines can reach mean that you could easily lose control if you hit a patch of loose dirt or grass, which can be very dangerous on a slope. 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. His brainchild, Sawinery, allowed him to do so as well as connect with other craftsmen. 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. Understanding these disadvantages may help you decide whether or not the benefits are worth the investment. Driving your zero-turn mower during the day allows you to see clearly and fully control the machine. Did you experience any of these dangers of zero turn mowers? Despite their disadvantages of ZT mowers, they are still a popular choice for many homeowners with properties of 3/4 acre or more. However, these mowers can be dangerous if not handled properly. EGO Z6 - 42 Zero Turn Mower - besthomegear.com. Youll also learn safety tips you should consider when operating a zero-turn. This rule sounds like 20-15-10. The blades cut off a large portion of his foot. The mower will struggle if the length is more but that is the case with most kinds of mowers. All zero-turn mowers are not meant to be used on slopes or hills, and this is because the machine can easily overturn if you are not careful. The un-lubricated friction between parts can overheat and wear out the parts. Check Price. Avoid high-risk surfaces. Why We Like It. If you make a purchase after clicking a link, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. They can cut large lawns quickly and easily, making them perfect for people who have a lot of ground to cover. Cub Cadet. Are Zero Turn Mowers Dangerous? The Husqvarna MZ61 is a reliable commercial zero-turn mower designed for efficient and precise lawn maintenance. Craftsman Z560 24 HP 54-Inch, Gas Powered Zero Turn Lawn Mower 6. If something goes wrong and you start to slide, we recommend steering downhill rather than with the slide. These incidents are partially due to the weight and center of gravity on the machine, and the types of wheels typically found on zero-turn mowers. Due to the high speed and wide cutting deck of zero-turn mowers, it can be difficult for operators to see obstacles in their path, such as rocks, tree stumps, or other forms of debris. Some parents may feel their child is not ready to mow at these recommended ages. PRO-TURN 600. https://yardfloor.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Move it up and down but not across to prevent slides and tip-overs. These machines have wheels mounted on a central rotating axle, which allows them to spin in tight circles with ease. If there's too much gas inside the lines. These types of mowers do not handle slopes well. Ensure there are no people or pets around when mowing. Wet grass can cause the wheels to slip and make it difficult to control the machine or worse make yourriding mower stop from operating. Common high-risk surfaces you should avoid are steep slopes above 15 degrees, retaining walls, wet and muddy areas, and unstable grounds. One of the dangers of zero-turn mowers is they can overturn if you take a turn too sharply or change directions too quickly. 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. Of those injured, approximately 75% were men and 25% were women. With top speeds higher than 5 mph, these. 22 HP Gas Dual Hydrostatic Husqvarna Z254F Hydrostatic Zero-Turn Riding Mower Toro 75754 Timecutter 54 in. 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. Again, a zero turn mowers weight distribution can mean its dangerous to operate on a sloped surface. Many manufacturers agree to a retrofit without extra charges. 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. 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. but now after researching the dangers of ZTR's I have had a change of heart. He specializes in lawn care and has helped hundreds of his clients get as close to the perfect lawn as possible. We have a review of all the. When you get to the end of a row, the best way to turn around is to face uphill and execute the 180-degree turn. These machines allow for easier maneuverability, but their great power can make them hazardous for both the rider and bystanders. A zero-turn mowers speed and agility are the most significant advantages of this kind of mower. 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. Living in a suburban area, I have seen this more times than I should have. Zero-turn mowers have the design and power for the average commercial workload. However, 15 degrees is the steepest slope we recommend for any ride-on or zero-turn mowers. Had to look up Ventrac, that's some serious stuff. Dont ride the mower with a child or pet on board. The Dangers of Zero-Turn Mowers While all riding mowers have the potential to cause serious injury, zero-turn mowers are especially dangerous. Driving a zero-turn mower high on drugs can lead to a loss of consciousness, resulting in a fatal accident. The speed and efficiency with which zero turn mowers work has guaranteed them a spot forever in the lawnmower market. Pushing forward speeds it up while pulling back puts it in reverse. Navigating the Dangers of Zero-Turn Mowers: A Comprehensive Guide. This debris can cause serious injury to the operator or anyone in the surrounding area. If you are dealing with a steeper hill, we recommend mowing it downhill using a traditional push mower. This depends on what kind of mower you are using. This is dangerous as children and pets can move the control levers or touch various moving parts. 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. Your email address will not be published. Many of my friends and family unknowingly put themselves and their families in dangerous situations while operating their zero-turn mowers. If youve not installed a safety shield on your mower, wear safety glasses to prevent flying debris from getting to the eyes. Electric and gas-powered lawn mowers are powerful machines that can make lawn care faster and more efficient. Deadly projectile coming from this debris poses a risk for pets, people, and even the property. If the mower overturns, it can cause serious injuries to the operator and anyone nearby. Slow and steady is the way to go. Is Hemlock a Hardwood? 13. Never drive them too fast. 2.5K views 2 years ago Mowing slopes with a zero turn mower can be dangerous even if you are a experienced operator. These clippings mat down, restricting healthy airflow. I am here to share my years of experience with you be it repairing your mower/tractor or caring for your lawn. Driving too fast is dangerous as its difficult to control the mower. A slight change in direction when moving up or down a hill can result in losing control of the machine. Zero-turn mowers are not the safest option to use on hills. Wait until youre on a flat surface to change direction. Here is a better look at the compared lifespan hours to other types of mowers. 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. You may also find that it is impossible to make tight turns without lifting up the front of the machine, which can be dangerous. Its easy to get over-excited with a fun machine like the zero-turn mower, but its important to take it slow. As with zero-turn mowers, ride-on mowers can cause some safety concerns on hills. 100 Ah Zero-Turn Electric Mower John Deere Z345M 42 in. Scroll down to learn all about this kind of mower, including the disadvantages of zero turn mowers. If you dont have protective gear, the sharp debris can tear off your skin, resulting in a wound.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[468,60],'yardfloor_com-banner-1','ezslot_9',163,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-yardfloor_com-banner-1-0'); In the case of an accident, zero-turn mowers can run over victims who fall on the ground. The wheels are usually larger than those found on regular walk-behind and ride-on lawnmowers. The most obvious is that the steering allows you to make zero-radius turns. The two main dangers of using a zero-turn mower on hills are: 1. For example, you can fall off your seat and get crushed. If you must use it on a sloped ground, we recommend you mow up and down and not run it across. With a regular riding lawn mower, you need to slow down considerably to make tight turns. If youre a beginner, study your zero-turn mower to understand where to locate and use various features. Unfortunately, most of these accidents are from zero-turn mowers. Mowing side to side, starting at the bottom, is the ideal way to tackle a hill. Keep an eye out for obstacles, bystanders, and other hazards while operating a zero-turn mower. When there are people around, avoid mowing. Lawn Mower Pull Cord Stuck? Hi, my name is Sarah and Im the chick behind LawnChick.com. These types of accidents can result in serious injuries or fatalities and may occur for a variety of reasons, including failure to see obstacles. 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. Fortunately, most products usuallycome with this, but if your mower doesnt, you might consider retrofitting one. 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. Its very easy to remember. Toro TimeCutter SW4200. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Wearing long pants, closed-toe shoes, and gloves can help protect you from cuts and lacerations. The only thing that can make you cooler than buying a zero-turn mower, is to hire a lawn pro through GreenPal. 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. This article looks into the hazards of zero-turn mowers and how you should avoid them. We do not recommend using a ride-on mower on a hill that is steeper than 15 degrees. Before we get started, it may be helpful to explain what a zero-turn mower actually is. Never drive too fast. Please watch: "Warning!! With cutting decks ranging from 42 inches to pass . Zero turn mowers cost more than most other riding lawn mowers, ranging between $2,000 and $5,000 plus accessories. Instead of a steering wheel, these lawn mowers are maneuvered using two levers that you push forward or pull backward to move around. Its easy to see and avoid ditches, puddles, rocks, tree stems, and slopes that can cause accidents. Based on experience, a mower with wider tires do better in climbing hills. The dangers of zero-turn mowers are undeniable, especially when you try maneuvering them on hilly slopes. 1984-1995 - The market exploded and more than 50 manufacturers entered the zero-turn mower market. Grow Your Yard Join our community on facebook and get 3 woodworking plans for free! This debris can cause serious injury to the operator or anyone in the surrounding area. When operating near roads or other areas with traffic, be sure to use caution and keep a safe distance from other vehicles. I cant imagine the horror as his child screamed in pain. Most hand trimmers and lawn trimmers can be used safely on any terrain. To identify the hazards you might face, look over the grass youre 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. A seat switch is a device that automatically shuts off the engine when the operator gets off the seat. (what I use instead). The mower features a wide 61-inch cutting deck, which allows . Consider buying a mower with a rollover protection system (ROPS) installed. Required fields are marked *. To ensure your safety while riding one of these mowers, its a good idea to be aware of their dangers. Another potential danger associated with zero-turn riding lawn mowers (even those with a rollover protection system) is the risk of ejection from the mower. #30 Baby Goat Eating Grass Display Lawn Care Meme Meme Rating: 7.5 out of 10 Rating Breakdown: Adorable: +4.5 Points; Relatable: +3 Points; Rating Total: 8 Points The Average Lifespan of a Zero-Turn Mower. Always go by the routine maintenance schedule in your manual and make sure you change and regularly check the level of your oil. As elaborated in this guide, any risks associated with using zero-turn mowers could be minimized when you have all the necessary safety measures in place. Rollovers and tip-overs can result in serious injuries or fatalities, particularly if the operator is thrown from the mower or pinned underneath it. Once you try this electric zero turn mower from Greenworks youll never look at battery powered tools the same way again. Fab Deck Zero-Turn Mower with MyRide Ariens IKON XD 52 inch 23 HP (Kawasaki) Mower An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. For that, Lawn Advisors provided you with the common dangers of zero turn mowers, along with the precautions you should take to avoid these risks. The leading cause of injury was contact with the blade (33% . 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