Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. The number one rule for using a zero-turn mower safely is not to mow a slope steeper than 15 degrees. Decks: 52-72". This clogging leads directly toward an overworked motor which is dangerous for yourself and those around you! Heres my privacy policy. Due to the price of zero turn mowers, there isnt a huge demand for the parts. They are made of solid rubber, which makes them . The Average Lifespan of a Zero-Turn Mower. Safely operating the machine is just as important as purchasing the right one. Its easy to see and avoid ditches, puddles, rocks, tree stems, and slopes that can cause accidents. Operating your zero turn on hills can be dangerous if you dont know how to do it. As the mowers can be quite hard to flip and work on parts underneath, you may have few other options, especially if you damage something like the blades. The seat belt should prevent you from falling off after running into objects or taking a sharp turn. Ejection can result in serious injuries or fatalities, particularly if the operator is not wearing appropriate safety gear or if they are thrown onto a hard surface. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. An excess of grass clippings that fall on your lawn can lead to a fungal disease known as "brown spot." Meanwhile, the wet grass clippings that stick to the underside of the mower deck . In addition, it is recommended to wear safety goggles or glasses to protect your eyes from flying debris, Be sure to disengage the blades when not using the mower. Best for Beginners. You can get an average lawn tractor for $1,200, but there are plenty more expensive models out there to consider, too. Zero-turn mowers are not the safest option to use on hills. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. However, the trade-offs between speed and safety when using zero-turn mowers can be significant. With a zero-turn mower, on the other hand, you can get into tighter areas with ease and without having to slow down. Zero turn mowers cost more than most other riding lawn mowers, ranging between $2,000 and $5,000 plus accessories. However, this does not mean thatzero turn mowersare completely risk-free. These types of mowers do not handle slopes well. Deadly projectile coming from this debris poses a risk for pets, people, and even the property. Essentially, driving a zero-turn mower is operating a vehicle, so safety precautions should be taken before using one. High speed is one of the reasons most lawn care enthusiasts prefer using zero-turn mowers. The optimum slope for zero turn lawn mowers is 10 degrees. While these mowers maneuver quickly, their narrow wheelbase and smaller-sized deck can cause them to overturn easily. You'll only need to take the necessary precaution measures, which we'll share later below. Part of this is due to their design and functionality. Deadmans Switch: A deadmans switch installed inside the mowers seat is a lifesaver if the operator falls from the chair. There are dangers of zero-turn mowerson hills, which is why it is necessary to check a few things before you start mowing your lawn. The front wheels on these mowers have . Overturning is a common danger of zero turn mowers. The mower will struggle if the length is more but that is the case with most kinds of mowers. Children or pets can run toward the mower and expose them to the risk of being hit or run over. Wait until the weather is calm or the sky is blue to operate your mower. Better Mulching. Avoid handling a zero-turn mower on steep slopes, wet lawns, wet grass or slippery surfaces, or uneven ground. Find alternative cutting methods for lands near bodies of water or on wet landscapes. However, these mowers can be dangerous if not handled properly. Friendly Community. If you buy something through our posts, we may get a small commission. 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. A study published in 2018 by Johns Hopkins University found that lawnmower injuries send close to 6,400 people per year into emergency rooms. As a result, these mowers can easily cause severe injuries if they are not used . In bold is the danger and after how to reduce the risk of an accident. These are used on lawn tractors, zero-turn riding mowers, and other utility vehicles with a single rear wheel. Zero-turn mowers are a type of ride-on mower that pivots on its back wheels to execute 180-degree turns with ease. Craftsman Z560 24 HP 54-Inch, Gas Powered Zero Turn Lawn Mower 6. Our residential zero-turn mowers for homeowners are generally smaller, which means they take up less space when stored and they can also navigate through smaller passages on your property. As much as possible, choose from ride-on mowers with a rollover protection system. Take a look at our article all about the choke on your mower. For example, you can fall off your seat and get crushed. This is the standard steepest angle for highways. 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. We do not recommend using a ride-on mower on a hill that is steeper than 15 degrees. It is important to install this before attempting to mow a hill just in case the worst happens, and it does tip over. Many manufacturers agree to a retrofit without extra charges. Evan Gillespie, a home improvement expert in "Tips for Driving Zero-turn Lawnmowers" says, "One of the main advantages of a zero-turn mower is its ability to mow at faster speeds than a conventional tractor, but high-speed mowing can be a challenge for new operators. Highways are designed to smoothly dip down an angle of at most 15 degrees. If you make a purchase after clicking a link, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Be sure to disengage the blades when not using the mower. Always go by the routine maintenance schedule in your manual and make sure you change and regularly check the level of your oil. The locations of a lot of the key components on a zero-turn mower mean that there are more electrical issues. I cant imagine the horror as his child screamed in pain. 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. One of the dangers associated with zero-turn mowers is the potential for flying debris. Don protective equipment while riding. The un-lubricated friction between parts can overheat and wear out the parts. 2. A child must be able to follow rules, and safety procedures and be able to physically operate the mower. These agile lawn mowers are perfect for larger lawns with uneven terrain and many ornamental features like swimming pools, ponds, and garden beds. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, How To Kill Gophers with Bleach and Ammonia: An Expert Guide, Exmark Kohler Engine Oil Leaking Blown Head Gasket: Diagnosis and Fixes. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If there's too much gas inside the lines. Thiss becauseareas near water may be slippery, damp, muddy, or unstable. One individual died after being thrown off of a lawn mower and run over with the blades engaged. Our professional landscapers highly recommend using this equipment on yards with slopes less than 15 degrees in inclination. The wheels are usually larger than those found on regular walk-behind and ride-on lawnmowers. These clippings mat down, restricting healthy airflow. In addition, it increases your chance of being ejected from the seat. When deciding on a new zero-turn mower the most important factor is the size of the area that you will cut. The most common hazards associated with zero turn mowers are operator fatigue, overturns, and lack of visibility. 2. Fab Deck Zero-Turn Mower with MyRide Ariens IKON XD 52 inch 23 HP (Kawasaki) Mower Zero-turn mowers will start at $2,500 and only get more expensive from there. Once you try this electric zero turn mower from Greenworks youll never look at battery powered tools the same way again. The small child ended up slipping and had his foot land under the mower deck. Here is a sneak peek at our selections for the 10 best zero turn mowers: Husqvarna Z242F 42 in. #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 However, this does not mean that zero turn mowers are completely risk-free. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. But this includes all zero-turn mowers as they did not specify a brand. The seat belt will help keep you in the seat if the machine overturns or hits an uneven spot. If you live in an area with a lot of wet weather, then a zero-turn mower is probably not the choice for you. Some parents act like its an amusement ride for the kids with no concern for the childs safety. A zero-turn mowers speed and agility are the most significant advantages of this kind of mower. 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. With a regular riding lawn mower, you need to slow down considerably to make tight turns. He once tied a gas push mower to a tree and let it run in increasingly smaller circles until it reached the center. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Wet grass can cause the wheels to slip and make it difficult to control the machine or worse make yourriding mower stop from operating. And mow only on dry grass to maximize traction. These are employee deaths while operating lawn mowers on the job. 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. Ensure there are no people or pets around when mowing. It is usually caused by coming into contact with thesharpened mower bladesor being hit by flying debris. These blades are sharp and can cause deep cuts if you accidentally get closer to them. Zero-turn mowers have powerful rotating blades that spin at high speed. Her goal is to meet you where you are, and help you achieve a yard youll be proud of. Top 10 Zero-Turn Mower Reviews Cub Cadet ZT1 50 Zero Turn Mower RYOBI 42 in. Using a zero-turn mower for residential or commercial applications can make your work easier while keeping you safe. Lawn Mower Pull Cord Stuck? Again, a zero turn mowers weight distribution can mean its dangerous to operate on a sloped surface. Typically $5,360 or so at Home Depot lately, our last mention of a similar model was back . Nearly all these preventable fatalities and injuries share themes of predictable risks that result in loss of stability or contact with blades. Best Bang for the Buck. It prevents you from getting crushed or stuck when the mower rolls over. Avoid driving the mower across the slopes. One of the most dangerous aspects of zero-turn lawn mowers is their speed. Why We Like It. The list of zero turn mower manufacturers is extensive including Toro, Hustler, Husqvarna, Walker, John Deere among others. It is a great safety measure to prevent injuries orzero-turn lawnmower accidentsif someone accidentally comes in contact with the blades. There is no doubt that zero-turn mowers can be dangerous if they are used without proper care and attention. It will prevent injuries if someone accidentally comes into contact with theblades that are still in a cutting rotation. The two main dangers of using a zero-turn mower on hills are: 1. When operating near roads or other areas with traffic, be sure to use caution and keep a safe distance from other vehicles. Here are a few tips that might help: 1. However, its important to remember that accidents can still occur despite taking all possible precautions. It may seem tempting to mow up and down the hill, but we do not recommend this. Here's How to Fix It. Operate zero-turn mowers during the day so you can see clearly. Losing control going down a steep slope. These machines are designed to turn on a dime and navigate tight spaces with ease, making them ideal for cutting grass and trimming around obstacles. It can be a nightmare trying to track down a specific part for your zero-turn mower, which you need to consider before making your purchase. Although their speed and easymaneuverability are commendable, they frequently lose control when driving at high speeds. There are definitely some advantages to using a zero turn mower, but they need to be considered alongside the disadvantages to ensure you make the best decision for yourself and your lawn. So, what safety features should you install in your zero turn mower? It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. They can cut large lawns quickly and easily, making them perfect for people who have a lot of ground to cover. 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 avoid this, always slow down when you are about to turn. This is why we recommend maintaining and regularly replacing the mowers tires so that you can always rely on them to keep you in place on a hill. Read morehere. 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