Regardless of the size of your lawn, there are certain factors that make zero-turn mowers appropriate. This will allow you to maintain control throughout the process and methodically cover the area. We have a review of all the. I was at the center of caring for and maintaining this lawn and even proceeded to take an associates Degree in landscaping. Wed like to hear! If youre not sure that zero turn mowers are the best option for you, there are many to consider. Save 10% on your order with promo code LAWNCHICK. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Avoid drugs and alcohol when operating your mower. Here are the alternatives: All of these are available with different wheel or engine-specifieddrives, as well as with gas and electricity. Now, do not be afraid. Additionally, when mowing a slope it's important to use extra caution and be aware of the terrain. Read morehere. Deadly projectile coming from this debris poses a risk for pets, people, and even the property. This can lead to a loss of control of the . How Hard is this Wood. This clogging leads directly toward an overworked motor which is dangerous for yourself and those around you! My name is Chris, and I am the founder of Yard Floor. The grass in the lawn will then regrow well before the next period, whereby you will have to carry out mowing. Possible Dangers As if all that weren't enough, zero turn mowers can actually pose a safety threat to the operator. When mowing at high speeds, the mower blades can pick up rocks, sticks, and other debris and launch them into the air. 05:00 - Keep the Air Intake, Air Filter and Cooling Fins Clear. In this lawn care vlog I show you a property that requires to be mowed. 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. Zero-turn mowers that have a turning radius of zero are a life-saving tool in any garden. Take advantage of 180-degree maneuverability and confidently earn your stripes. Most zero-turn mowers come with a seat belt, and every. These make zero-turn mowers more prone to tipping over. After installing these safety features, apply the following safety tips when operating your zero-turn mower. I cant imagine the horror as his child screamed in pain. 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. 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. 5. It is a great safety measure to prevent injuries orzero-turn lawnmower accidentsif someone accidentally comes in contact with the blades. 22 HP Gas Dual Hydrostatic Husqvarna Z254F Hydrostatic Zero-Turn Riding Mower Toro 75754 Timecutter 54 in. Your mower may also run into objects or people and cause injuries. A zero-turn lawn mower poses serious risks. 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 list of zero turn mower manufacturers is extensive including Toro, Hustler, Husqvarna, Walker, John Deere among others. Slow and steady is the way to go. Zero-turn mowers are not the safest option to use on hills. Wearing long pants, closed-toe shoes, and gloves can help protect you from cuts and lacerations. Safety Measures for Operating Zero Turn Mowers, Lawn Care 101 Basics- 2022 Detailed Guide, Want to Know About Bagging Mulch? They can cut large lawns quickly and easily, making them perfect for people who have a lot of ground to cover. These arent as quick as front disc blades, which provide a better and more instant emergency braking system. Zero-turn mowers have a tight turning radius, which makes them popular but unsteady at times. (A 10-degree slope rises roughly 20 inches over every 10 feet.) Never drive too fast. 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. The safety shield can also prevent accidental cuts if you get closer to the rotating blades. 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. Remove any obstacles from the lawn such as rocks, sticks, etc There shouldn't be any pets or people in the area Make sure that the ROPS bar is upright Check the seatbelt Check the blades for any damage However, they are still safe to use. Here is a better look at the compared lifespan hours to other types of mowers. 13. Do not forget to wear your seat belt at any cost while driving the zero turn mower. However, this does not mean that zero turn mowers are completely risk-free. Due to its precision turning, it will negotiate these tight spots with ease, within reason. For the ROPS to work effectively, you must use the seat belt. Additionally, rotating blades can hit debris such as stones and sharp objects and send them flying toward you. Husqvarna YTA24V48 24V FastTractor Mower, with Twin 48 7. Mowing Wet Slopes Zero Turn Mower Lawn Care Vlogger #38" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8bL6NY9sFnk --~--Mowing slopes with a zer. There is no doubt that zero-turn mowers can be dangerous if they are used without proper care and attention. There are safety measures to take that will greatly decrease your risk of injury while operating a zero-turn. Most hand trimmers and lawn trimmers can be used safely on any terrain. Most residential riding tractors and zero-turn mowers aren't designed to mow on slopes greater than 15 degrees. Also, wear earmuffs or earplugs to protect your hearing. You can read the manual to learn how to use the machine and various safety concerns. This article looks into the hazards of zero-turn mowers and how you should avoid them. If you make a purchase after clicking a link, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. The leading cause of injury was contact with the blade (33% . When zero-turn mowers overturn, they can cause severe injuries to the users and those nearby. Regular Giveaways. However, avoid loose clothing as it can get caught in the machines moving parts resulting in injury. Hi, my name is Sarah and Im the chick behind LawnChick.com. Better Mulching. Your email address will not be published. Is Hemlock a Hardwood? Use caution when approaching corners, trees or anything that might block your view. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. 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. Zero turn mowers are a variant of the regular riding lawn mower. The mowers front wheels rotate in different directions. 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. Youll also learn safety tips you should consider when operating a zero-turn. Some parents may feel their child is not ready to mow at these recommended ages. Typically, these mowers can be dangerous when tackling slopes above 15 degrees. This can help you clear obstacles such as rocks, tree stems, and other debris. Zero-turn mowers have become increasingly popular among homeowners and landscapers in recent years, thanks to their speed, agility, and efficiency. Pushing forward speeds it up while pulling back puts it in reverse. Zero-turn lawn mowers were invented in 1956 by Max Swisher, a man who hated mowing his lawn. Just be sure to keep in mind the different disadvantages and dangers of zero turn mowers we have covered before buying. The mower will struggle if the length is more but that is the case with most kinds of mowers. Wear a seat belt. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. In bold is the danger and after how to reduce the risk of an accident. Your email address will not be published. It prevents you from getting crushed or stuck when the mower rolls over. Mowing at high speeds requires that . However, zero-turn mowers are known to create safety hazards if operated without proper caution. Zero-turn mowers can be a reliable machine for mowing any yard. While there are a few disadvantages to using a zero turn mower, the most significant are: If you decide to invest your money in a zero turn mower, youll be amazed by the great speed, agility, and efficiency that these machines offer. 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. It is thereforeeasier to maneuver than other types of lawn mowers because it can revolve around its own axis without changing its forward direction. However, these mowers can be dangerous if not handled properly. What are the Dangers of Using a Zero Turn Mower on a Hill? While zero-turn mowers work best in irregularly-shaped yards, they are not ideal for mowing slopes. We hope this has helped you feel just that little bit safer; happy mowing! PRO-TURN 600. Ariens 915213 Zero Turn Mower, with 19 HP, 42 Inches Cutting Wedge 9. One downside to zero-turn mowers is that, unlike other ride-on mowers, they are not suited for extra attachments aside from a sprayer. Don protective equipment while riding. It's safer to mow at a gentle angle when your hill goes down a foot at least 4 feet. These machines have wheels mounted on a central rotating axle, which allows them to spin in tight circles with ease. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. If youve not installed a safety shield on your mower, wear safety glasses to prevent flying debris from getting to the eyes. Our professionals also recommend not attempting to change directions in the middle of a turn as this can also cause the machine to overturn. Ultima ZT1-50 Zero-Turn Riding Mower. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Traction issues are common when turning the mower left or right on steep hills. It is usually caused by coming into contact with the, Wet grass can cause the wheels to slip and make it difficult to control the machine or worse make your. If you turn the mower left or right, it can slide and overturn. Despite their disadvantages of ZT mowers, they are still a popular choice for many homeowners with properties of 3/4 acre or more. One of the dangers associated with zero-turn mowers is the potential for flying debris. If you have a large, decorated lawn, then zero-turn mowers are a fast and efficient way to keep your lawn neat and tidy. With a zero-turn mower, it is even more hazardous. However, riding your mower at high speed can make it difficult to control. Instead of a steering wheel, these lawn mowers are maneuvered using two levers that you push forward or pull backward to move around. Decks: 52-72". 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. 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. The slower you go, the less likely you are to lose traction and slide. Because of this, it's recommended that zero-turn mowers are only used on slopes of less than fifteen degrees. Take a look at our article all about the choke on your mower. The fins on it are designed for this purpose, yet when you clean them, they can become clogged with dirt. Dull or unbalanced blades can cause more debris to be thrown into the air, increasing the risk of injury. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. 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. Allowing the blades to continue rotating can result in cuts if you accidentally get closer to them. To avoid this from happening, always slow down when you approach uneven terrains. Most of these injuries require hospitalization and surgery. Please watch: "Warning!! Thiss becauseareas near water may be slippery, damp, muddy, or unstable. Craftsman Z560 24 HP 54-Inch, Gas Powered Zero Turn Lawn Mower 6. Required fields are marked *. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. The locations of a lot of the key components on a zero-turn mower mean that there are more electrical issues. 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. When deciding on a new zero-turn mower the most important factor is the size of the area that you will cut. Below well provide the common dangers associated with these mowers to help you answer this question. Some dangers of zero turn mowers include overturning, sliding on slopes, difficulty controlling at high speeds, running over objects, and accidental cuts. Follow all safety instructions provided in your equipment operators manual before diagnosing, repairing, or operating. To ensure your safety while riding one of these mowers, it's a good idea to be aware of their dangers. A zero turn mower is a type of lawnmower that can make a complete rotation on the spot. The optimum slope for zero turn lawn mowers is 10 degrees. Required fields are marked *. So, if youre riding uphill or downhill, a small turn might cause the mower to slide beyond your control. Had to look up Ventrac, that's some serious stuff. Overturning is a common danger of zero turn mowers. If you are dealing with a steeper hill, we recommend mowing it downhill using a traditional push mower. Once you try this electric zero turn mower from Greenworks youll never look at battery powered tools the same way again. Its very easy to remember. They also reported there was an average of 90 consumer deaths per year related to riding mowers between 2008-2010. You riska child or even an adult running straight at or behind the mower, putting them in danger of zero turn mower accidents. Tall grass can hide objects, holes or bumps. Keep an eye out for obstacles, bystanders, and other hazards while operating a zero-turn mower. Additionally, the rotating blades can throw stones and sharp objects at anyone around, causing injuries. This injury could have easily been prevented. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. These cookies do not store any personal information. 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. Before you purchase your next mower, make sure it has these important safety options installed on your zero-turn mower. One of the most dangerous aspects of zero-turn lawn mowers is their speed. These mowers can reach up to 15 miles per hour, making them difficult to control. Ejection can occur if the operator is thrown from the mower due to sudden stops, collisions, or rollovers. 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. Turning downhill will point you in the direction you have already mowed and may cause you to slide. By following these guidelines, operators can reduce the risk of accidents when using a zero-turn mower. 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. 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. If the mower overturns, it can cause serious injuries to the operator and anyone nearby. Grow Your Yard is reader-supported. Its easy to see and avoid ditches, puddles, rocks, tree stems, and slopes that can cause accidents. Always go by the routine maintenance schedule in your manual and make sure you change and regularly check the level of your oil. Your email address will not be published. The comfort of mowing efficiently without manually pushing around a heavy machine is also an advantage that you shouldnt underestimate. 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! The most common age group for injury was 20-24 years old (22%), followed closely by 45-54 year olds (21%). Zero-turn mowers have the design and power for the average commercial workload. With a regular riding lawn mower, you need to slow down considerably to make tight turns. To avoid this, always slow down when you are about to turn. While zero-turn mowers offer some incredible benefits, there definitely are some drawbacks that you should be aware of prior to making a purchase. Best for Beginners. Should I Bag My Grass Clippings If I Have Weeds? but now after researching the dangers of ZTR's I have had a change of heart. The Dangers of Zero-Turn Mowers While all riding mowers have the potential to cause serious injury, zero-turn mowers are especially dangerous. I am here to share my years of experience with you be it repairing your mower/tractor or caring for your lawn. Unfortunately, most of these accidents are from zero-turn mowers. Judging by the above statistics, zero-turn mowers pose the greatest danger compared to all other types of lawnmowers. 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. 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