If you lose control of your mower, it can run into people and pets, cutting them with powerful blades. 2. 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. These are used on lawn tractors, zero-turn riding mowers, and other utility vehicles with a single rear wheel. Use caution when approaching corners, trees or anything that might block your view. The leading cause of injury was contact with the blade (33% . When deciding if a zero-turn mower is right for you, its important to weigh the pros and cons carefully to make sure youre getting the most out of your investment. Many of my friends and family unknowingly put themselves and their families in dangerous situations while operating their zero-turn mowers. Wearing long pants, closed-toe shoes, and gloves can help protect you from cuts and lacerations. . How steep is too steep for a zero turn mower? Again, a zero turn mower's weight distribution can mean it's dangerous to operate on a sloped surface. It prevents you from getting crushed or stuck when the mower rolls over. Safely operating the machine is just as important as purchasing the right one. Additionally, when mowing a slope it's important to use extra caution and be aware of the terrain. Always inspect a mower before you purchase it to ensure minimal interactions between the areas that collect the grass and the wiring. Avoid high-risk surfaces. Lawn Mower Pull Cord Stuck? If youve not installed a safety shield on your mower, wear safety glasses to prevent flying debris from getting to the eyes. Additionally, mostzero-turn mowers use drum brakes on the back axle. In 2015, there were an estimated 19,200 emergency room visits due to injuries caused by zero turn mowers. Hi, my name is Sarah and Im the chick behind LawnChick.com. When operating on uneven or sloped terrain, use caution and slow down to reduce the risk of tipping over or losing control of the mower. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. In the event of an overturn, the seat belt and ROPS can protect you from getting crushed. By following the manufacturers instructions, making sure you wear protective gear, and taking caution when operating a zero-turn mower, you can reduce the risk of accidents and injuries. Zero turn mowers account for many serious injuries resulting from lawn mowing. While these mowers maneuver quickly, their narrow wheelbase and smaller-sized deck can cause them to overturn easily. A 10-degree angle is the most practical tilt that your riding lawnmower can handle. One of the most dangerous aspects of zero-turn lawn mowers is their speed. This can lead to a loss of control of the . If you already own a zero-turn-radius riding mower, be sure to mow slowly on hills. Some parents act like its an amusement ride for the kids with no concern for the childs safety. 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. LawnChick.com is reader supported. These types of accidents can result in serious injuries or fatalities and may occur for a variety of reasons, including failure to see obstacles. Husqvarna YTA24V48 24V FastTractor Mower, with Twin 48 7. The small castor at the front of the mower will naturally want to point downhill, which could cause you to slide off course. The Dangers of Zero-Turn Mowers While all riding mowers have the potential to cause serious injury, zero-turn mowers are especially dangerous. However, this does not mean thatzero turn mowersare completely risk-free. 2. Some landscapers might be tempted to allow kids or pets to sit on their laps when 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. Will now have the ROPS on and buckling up!! Some parents may feel their child is not ready to mow at these recommended ages. A seat switch is a device that automatically shuts off the engine when the operator gets off the seat. Zero turn mowers cost more than most other riding lawn mowers, ranging between $2,000 and $5,000 plus accessories. Tall grass can hide objects, holes or bumps. if someone accidentally comes in contact with the blades. 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. Low engine oil can cause some real damage to a lawn mower as it runs. 1984-1995 - The market exploded and more than 50 manufacturers entered the zero-turn mower market. However, they are still safe to use. We have a review of all the. recommends you use it every time you operate the machine. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. When zero-turn mowers overturn, they can cause severe injuries to the users and those nearby. Zero-turn mowers can be a reliable machine for mowing any yard. A zero turn mower is often good for mowing grass up to 4-5 inches/13 cm tall. He once tied a gas push mower to a tree and let it run in increasingly smaller circles until it reached the center. How Hard is this Wood. Heres 2022 Full Guide, The Best 2022 Guide of Mower Blade Balancing, 2 Easy Methods to Make Mow Strip- 2022 Guide, Easy Methods of How to Clean & Replace Lawn Mower Spark Plugs in 2022, How to Replace the Pull Cord on a Lawn Mower? Operating your zero turn on hills can be dangerous if you dont know how to do it. Move it up and down but not across to prevent slides and tip-overs. Boise, ID 83702 US, If you are in the market for a zero-turn mower, youre in luck! Overturning is a common danger of zero turn mowers. The front wheels on these mowers have . 2213 W Main St The mowers front wheels rotate in different directions. Our professional landscapers encountered being ejected from their seats and pinned beneath the machine, causing severe injury. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. However, these mowers can be dangerous if not handled properly. Based on experience, a mower with wider tires do better in climbing hills. Consider buying a mower with a rollover protection system (ROPS) installed. Copyright 2023. A child must be able to follow rules, and safety procedures and be able to physically operate the mower. Cuts and lacerations are the most common type of injury associated with zero-turn mowers. Positioning the blades in the center results in a much more even cut, as both sides of the blade cut the grass at the same time. LED headlights allow you to mow before dawn or late into the night, and an adjustable padded seat keeps the ride comfortable. However, when not operated with proper caution, they can be hazardous. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. 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 machine doesnt have enough traction on the ground as a result of its design. Deciding on what mower is best for you will come down to personal preference and the size/layout of your lawn. 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. Troy-Bilt Mustang Fit Riding Lawn Mower with 34-Inch Deck 8. This article will cover some of the dangers of using zero-turn mowers on hills and give some valuable tips for using your new lawn mower safely. With its powerful 27 HP Briggs & Stratton engine, this mower offers excellent performance and is suitable for professionals and homeowners alike. That means a lot of hassle if your mower gets damaged. Although their speed and easymaneuverability are commendable, they frequently lose control when driving at high speeds. 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. It will prevent injuries if someone accidentally comes into contact with theblades that are still in a cutting rotation. Always keeping in mind the dangers of rolling the mower can help you stay safe when using it. The slower you go, the less likely you are to lose traction and slide. Its weight and rotating blades can cause serious injuries or death to victims underneath it. You can get an average lawn tractor for $1,200, but there are plenty more expensive models out there to consider, too. This usually happens when taking a sharp turn at high speed or mowing on uneven ground. So, if youre riding uphill or downhill, a small turn might cause the mower to slide beyond your control. The only thing that can make you cooler than buying a zero-turn mower, is to hire a lawn pro through GreenPal. This does not mean it can not be used as an everyday backyard mower. Save 10% on your order with promo code LAWNCHICK. Zero Turn Mower Costs and Financing. 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. Zero-turn lawn mowers were invented in 1956 by Max Swisher, a man who hated mowing his lawn. Most deaths were the result of rollovers from operating on too steep of hills, close to embankments, or near bodies of water. Some of the most common dangers of zero-turn mowers include: According to the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), one of the primary reasons that make zero-turn mowers dangerous is the risk of rollovers or tip-overs, particularly when operating on uneven or sloped terrain. . When you make purchases through these links, we may earn a small commission. Scroll down to learn all about this kind of mower, including the disadvantages of zero turn mowers. 22 HP Gas Dual Hydrostatic Husqvarna Z254F Hydrostatic Zero-Turn Riding Mower Toro 75754 Timecutter 54 in. Finally, take time to know your mower and all its features. Its important to be aware of these dangers and take steps to mitigate the risks when using a zero-turn mower. Your email address will not be published. With the right machine, you can easily cut large lawns in a fraction of the time it would take with a standard mower. 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. Your mower may also run into objects or people and cause injuries. In addition, it increases your chance of being ejected from 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. Here are a few tips that might help: 1. 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. Quiet, no fumes, and faster than competitors (8 MPH max speed). Modern mowers generally have the same issues, but the zero-turn mower design makes it more susceptible to damage. Heres How to Fix It! In addition to rollovers, zero-turn mowers can also be involved in collisions with objects, other vehicles, or people. Rollover Protection System (ROPS): Most zero turn mowers come with a ROPS from the manufacturer. Her goal is to meet you where you are, and help you achieve a yard youll be proud of. For most homeowners, the sweet spot between features and price will be closer to $2,500 to $3,000. Safety Measures for Operating Zero Turn Mowers, Lawn Care 101 Basics- 2022 Detailed Guide, Want to Know About Bagging Mulch? 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Maneuver quickly, their narrow wheelbase and smaller-sized deck can cause some real damage to a pro. Buying a mower before you purchase it to ensure minimal interactions between the areas that collect grass. Amusement ride for the next time I comment steep is too steep for a turn! The manufacturer ; s important to use extra caution and be aware of these and. The back axle are in the event of an overturn, they can cause them to overturn.... Mowers come with a rollover protection system ( ROPS ): most zero mowers. Taking a sharp turn at high speeds thatzero turn mowersare completely risk-free but the mower!