recommends you use it every time you operate the machine. Zero-turn mowers are a type of ride-on mower that pivots on its back wheels to execute 180-degree turns with ease. Do not forget to wear your seat belt at any cost while driving the zero turn mower. Always inspect a mower before you purchase it to ensure minimal interactions between the areas that collect the grass and the wiring. These mowers are capable of reaching high speeds, and they can make sudden turns that can easily throw off an inexperienced operator. Extra caution and experience can help you ride these zero-turns safely. One of the dangers associated with zero-turn mowers is the potential for flying debris. If the mower strikes an object, stop, turn the mower off, and inspect the mower. Deadly projectile coming from this debris poses a risk for pets, people, and even the property. Thats okay. We hope this has helped you feel just that little bit safer; happy mowing! His brainchild, Sawinery, allowed him to do so as well as connect with other craftsmen. 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. This makes them superior to other ride-on mowers, which have a significant turning circle and require you to do three-point turns regularly. Zero turn mowers cost more than most other riding lawn mowers, ranging between $2,000 and $5,000 plus accessories. Although their speed and easymaneuverability are commendable, they frequently lose control when driving at high speeds. They have a unique design that causes poor traction on the ground. However, they also pose significant risks to operators and bystanders if not used properly. But in general I think a zero turn will slide around a little more than a rider . Zero-turn mowers are a popular choice for lawn care because they are generally safe to use, even for beginners. You can ride your zero turn at a speed of 15mph, making it a perfect option for tackling larger lawns. It is a great safety measure to prevent injuries orzero-turn lawnmower accidentsif someone accidentally comes in contact with the blades. You may also find that it is impossible to make tight turns without lifting up the front of the machine, which can be dangerous. Nearly all these preventable fatalities and injuries share themes of predictable risks that result in loss of stability or contact with blades. 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. Ill talk about them here. Once you believe your child is ready to operate a lawn mower, make sure you go over all safety procedures including the dangers of reaching under the deck with the mower blades engaged. Weight distribution is a huge factor in a zero turn mowers traction. One of the most dangerous aspects of zero-turn lawn mowers is their speed. This may happen if you turn sharply when driving too fast or if you run into something while mowing. S. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. This type of steering is incredibly useful if you need to make tight turns or negotiate obstacles in your path. Join our community on facebook and get 3 woodworking plans for free! Some dangers of zero turn mowers include overturning, sliding on slopes, difficulty controlling at high speeds, running over objects, and accidental cuts. Having a lack of demand increases the price of the parts and makes it harder to find them. Boise, ID 83702 US, If you are in the market for a zero-turn mower, youre in luck! If youve not installed a safety shield on your mower, wear safety glasses to prevent flying debris from getting to the eyes. Easy to learn and operate, zero-turn mowers help you achieve shorter mowing times, use less fuel and cover more ground over the course of the machine's lifetime. 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. Its also advisable to ensure no one is around because you can lose control of the mower and run into them. Regular Giveaways. Some parents act like its an amusement ride for the kids with no concern for the childs safety. Husqvarna YTA24V48 24V FastTractor Mower, with Twin 48 7. Awesome on hills, it keeps up with the Cub Cadet XZ2 in many ways including in the quality of cut and operator comfort. To identify the hazards you might face, look over the grass youre mowing. Dangerous scenarios. Striping Kit for Lawn Mower: Is it Worth It? You can get an average lawn tractor for $1,200, but there are plenty more expensive models out there to consider, too. It may seem tempting to mow up and down the hill, but we do not recommend this. Are Zero Turn Mowers Dangerous? 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. Youll also learn safety tips you should consider when operating a zero-turn. Move it up and down but not across to prevent slides and tip-overs. Understanding these disadvantages may help you decide whether or not the benefits are worth the investment. 8 Easy Steps to Change Oil in a Push Mower, Inspect, Sharpen and Replace Lawn Mower Blades. 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. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. There were other deaths that resulted from not having safety protocols. DONT MISS: Take a look at our article all about the choke on your mower. 100 Ah Zero-Turn Electric Mower John Deere Z345M 42 in. If the mower overturns, it can cause serious injuries to the operator and anyone nearby. Always slow down when you approach uneven terrain to prevent this from happening. There is no doubt that zero-turn mowers can be dangerous if they are used without proper care and attention. However, consumers claim that a riding mower performs well even on hills with an angle of up to 15 degrees. Using a zero-turn mower on a hill increases the chances of the mower flipping over or losing control. One of the dangers of zero-turn mowers is they can overturn if you take a turn too sharply or change directions too quickly. The zero turn radius riding mower has gained popularity due largely to its ability to mow close to buildings and landscaping. Driving too fast wont allow the mower to stop instantly in case of emergencies. To ensure your safety while riding one of these mowers, its a good idea to be aware of their dangers. Due to the price of zero turn mowers, there isnt a huge demand for the parts. Similarly, if you lose control of your zero-turn, it can run over people and pets nearby. Grow Your Yard is reader-supported. In bold is the danger and after how to reduce the risk of an accident. Copyright 2023. Fuel leaking onto the motor can cause a fire. Thiss becauseareas near water may be slippery, damp, muddy, or unstable. By being cautious and alert while operating the machine, you can avoid any accidents. If only they realized the most common cause for pediatric amputations among children due to lawn mower accidents according to Amputee Coalition, they would take necessary precautions. The Husqvarna MZ61 is a reliable commercial zero-turn mower designed for efficient and precise lawn maintenance. Not paying attention and having to break quick on a hill. It prevents you from getting crushed or stuck when the mower rolls over. When this happens, the mowers zero turning radius can change its direction and come running over you. You'll only need to take the necessary precaution measures, which we'll share later below. Tire pressure is important because it affects the performance of your vehicle, as well as its safety. Apart from this essential rule, there are many techniques you can use to operate your mower safely: Your zero-turn mower should come with some form of roll-over protection. How steep is too steep for a zero turn mower? To avoid this from happening, always slow down when you approach uneven terrains. While its possible to drive your zero turn mower at up to 15 mph, that speed can be too high on rugged or steep terrain. Wait until youre on a flat surface to change direction. It could cause fires. One individual died after being thrown off of a lawn mower and run over with the blades engaged. 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? Sometimes youll need to disembark your mower to inspect the wheels, remove obstructions or take a rest. Zero-turn mowers will start at $2,500 and only get more expensive from there. A zero turn mower differs from a regular riding lawn mower in a few key ways. The safety shield can also prevent accidental cuts if you get closer to the rotating blades. 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. Consider buying a mower with a rollover protection system (ROPS) installed. Here is a better look at the compared lifespan hours to other types of mowers. Lawn Mower Pull Cord Stuck? Some parents may feel their child is not ready to mow at these recommended ages. Modern mowers generally have the same issues, but the zero-turn mower design makes it more susceptible to damage. 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. Slow and steady is the way to go. 7. These are employee deaths while operating lawn mowers on the job. The machine doesnt have enough traction on the ground as a result of its design. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, How to Fix Riding Mower Making Noise When Blades Are Engaged, How to Deal with a Lawn Mower Air Filter Soaked in Oil. Highways are designed to smoothly dip down an angle of at most 15 degrees. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends children should be at least 12 years old to operate a walk-behind push mower. Living in a suburban area, I have seen this more times than I should have. Again, a zero turn mower's weight distribution can mean it's dangerous to operate on a sloped surface. Inspect your lawn before mowing. While the best and only way to operate mowers is to be attentive, calm, and patient, there are a few preventative measures to reduce the many dangers of zero turn mowers to a maximum. Of emergencies and after how to reduce the risk of an accident these disadvantages may help you ride zero-turns. 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