How To Safely Use A Ride On Mower

When using a ride on mower, the most important thing to take into consideration is the safety of yourself and the people around you. While mowers are very useful pieces of equipment, they are also highly dangerous and cause serious injury if not used correctly.

The most common injuries associated with mower’s are to the hands and feet, as the cutting blades are capable of amputating these limbs with little effort. Injuries to the ears and eyes are also possible, as the equipment is highly noisy and can flick debris at great speeds.

Always be sure to read the owners manual that comes with your ride on mower before using. Even if you have owned a mower before, it is important to remember that each brand and even each model is different, especially in controls, so you need to ensure you are familiar with your current equipment.

Before using a mower, you should always ensure that you are wearing the appropriate protective clothing. Safety glasses, ear protection and sturdy shoes are recommended for mower usage, as these offer you the best level of protection. You should not wear loose clothing, as this may be caught on the equipment and cause injury.

Try and scour the lawn before starting your ride on mower to ensure that there are no sticks, rocks or toys that could be flung out by the blades and cause injuries to yourself or bystanders. Do not carry passengers at any time whilst operating the mower. Not only are these people distractions, but it also increases their chances of injury.

Unlike when using a push mower, you should never use a ride on to run across a slope. This can cause the equipment to tip over and fall on top of you, even if the slope is quite small. Instead, drive the slope up and down, ensuring to go slowly. It is not recommended that you reverse in your ride on but if you have to, ensure that you look down and behind you at all times before and while reversing.

Never use a ride on mower when under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and never get on or off the mower whilst it is running. Only add fuel to the tank when the mower is switched off and the engine is cool. Generally, it is best to refuel before starting your mowing job to ensure it will last. Never smoke of refuel near a flame.

Following these guidelines will ensure that your ride on mower experiences are safe and efficient ones.