Do Hills Pose Risks For Some Riding Mowers?

Big Rigs

• Mowers and tractors designed for commercial use are often equipped with roll bars and seatbelts. The rollover protection structure prevents injury to man and machine by reducing the contact areas in the case of upset. The seatbelt may seem redundant, but it protects the operator from being thrown into the path of the overturning machine. Mowers manufactured for residential use are often void of such devices in favor of printed instructions and recommendations.

Zero Turning Radius

• Mowers that offer a zero turning radius accomplish this feat by varying the spinning speeds of the rear wheels. The front wheels are merely swivel casters that afford no steering or braking control. These mowers can easily follow edging contours and manuever around obstacles on flat land but may lose traction on hills. Steering efforts applied while descending a slope can cause loss of traction and directional control, compromising operator safety.

Tradition

• The traditional configuration of a front-engine and front-wheel steering mower is best suited for sloped yards or hilly terrain. Even weight distribution fore and aft lends stability in both directions when climbing or descending hills. Up and down travel is recommended for riding mowers operating on slopes of any safe grade. The grade of a slope is determined by the rate of the pitch involved. A slope grade of 10 degrees rises 20 inches every 10 feet. Manufacturers caution against mowing slopes that exceed 20 degrees.

Heads Up

• Most labor-saving machines used in modern homes are relatively harmless when employed with some degree of common sense. Lawnmowers present hazards that far surpass any dangers posed by most other household items. The information provided by the owner's manuals detail all necessary steps for avoiding damage to persons and property. The manuals typically include mowing tips to help you cultivate a lush lawn while keeping clear of inherent risks.