MOWER SAFETY

Safety Protection for Operators

• Clothing protects the mower operator from thrown objects and sun exposure. Dress properly for the job, wearing long pants, and close-fitting clothes. Tie back long hair and don’t wear anything that could become entangled in the moving parts of the mower. Always wear sturdy, non-slip soled shoes or boots.

• Safety glasses or goggles protect the eyes from dust, dirt, trash, and small rocks thrown by the blade.

• Earplugs protect hearing from engine and blade noises.

• Do not operate equipment when tired or under the influence of medication. Medication can impair one’s ability to safely use the equipment.

• Protect hands when handling blades and other items which might be sharp, contain nicks, or have metal burrs on the edges.  

• Shut off the engine and remove the battery cable when making any repairs or adjustments.

 

Before Operating

• Read the operator's manual to find out where controls are located and how they function, as every mower is different. Check for additional safety instructions in the operator’s manual and know how to stop the machine quickly.

• Before you mow, walk the area and pick up objects lying on the lawn. Tools, cans, bottles, wire, rocks, sticks, twigs and limbs can be hazardous to the operator, bystanders, and the mower when mowing begins.

• Check to see if the blades are sharp.

• Check fuel level and engine oil.

• Check mowing height.

• Check for any loose belts or parts.

• Check safety shields. Do not remove or disable guards or other safety devices.

 

Fueling Safety

• Use proper fuel (gasoline or diesel).

• Do not overfill the tank, leave room for expansion.

• Do not add fuel if the engine is still hot; let it cool down before fueling.

• Never light a match or smoke around gasoline.

 

Keep People at a Safe Distance

• Keep people at a safe distance from the mower while it is running (a minimum of a 60 foot radius).

• Disengage the blades and shut off the engine when approached by anyone.

 

Operate Riding Mowers and Tractors Carefully

• Always start the machine from the operator's seat. Never start the machine while standing beside the tractor.

• Riding mowers and tractors are one-person machines. Operate from the driver seat only and never carry passengers. Keep both feet on the machine at all times.

• Take care not to throw a unit in gear accidentally, as it can jerk ahead unexpectedly.

• Drive slowly and cautiously. Watch for holes, drains, roots on the ground, and other low-hanging overhead hazards.

• When operating the machine on uneven ground, use extreme care. Decrease your speed when going down slopes or around sharp corners to prevent tipping. Maintain minimum ground speed and make turns wide and gradual. Avoid sudden starts, stops, or turns.

• Reduce speed and keep the mower in gear on slopes so the engine can act as a brake. Mow across the face of gentle slopes. Mow straight up and down slopes greater than five degrees. Never operate a riding mower on slopes more than fifteen degrees or on wet or damp surfaces. A riding mower may overturn if it begins spinning on the uphill side of a slope. If the uphill mower wheel spins when going across a slope, stop or turn down the slope immediately.

• Disengage the blade before traveling over gravel or paved surfaces.

• Look behind the machine before backing up.

• Avoid mowing in reverse gear.

• Mow counter clockwise in most cases, to discharge grass onto the area already mowed. Never discharge grass in the direction of bystanders.  

• Stop and inspect the blades and shaft if the mower runs into a rock or stump. Damaged blades can cause vibration, which can loosen the blades.  

• Do not remove the grass catcher or unclog the chute while the motor is running.

• Never jump off or dismount from moving equipment. Observe proper shutdown procedures before dismounting.

 

Shut Down of Machine

• Idle down the engine a few minutes to allow the engine to cool down.

• Wait for all blade movements to stop before leaving the seat.

• Lower raised components, shut off the engine, and remove the key when parking or stepping away from the mower.

 

Keep Mower/Tractor in Peak Operating Condition

• Inspect the mower periodically for potential hazards such as loose belts, and missing or damaged guards. Examine the mower for accumulations of grass, leaves, or excessive grease to reduce fire hazard.

• Seek the professional advice and/or service of a qualified dealer for problems.

• Conduct routine safety and maintenance inspections.