Tips for mower safety

Whether caring for city or county grounds, parks or sports fields, grounds maintenance staff should follow some general mowing safety guidelines. Taking proper precautions can prevent grounds-care-related injuries as well as their costs.

Before mowing

• Know the machine

  While all machines have some of the same basic parts, each will have unique features. Start by reading the operator’s manual when working with an unfamiliar machine. The manuals have detailed information on the correct way to operate the machine, how to dress appropriately when operating it, and how to service and maintain the equipment.

• Read warning labels and check safety features

  Check the safety guards and devices, such as discharge chutes and rollover protection systems, to ensure they are in proper working condition. Never operate a mower if safety guards and devices are not in place. Also, make sure all operators are familiar with pinch and wrap points, shear and cutting points, pull-in points and crush points.

• Conduct daily inspections

  Inspect mowers daily on a hard, flat surface away from the mowing area. Check all fluid levels, including those in the engine, hydraulic and cooling systems. Clean any debris off the front of the radiator. Check the condition of the air restriction indicator and empty any debris in the air cleaner. Ensure that all belts, pulleys and guards are in proper working order. Also, check the tire pressure.

• Inspect the work area

  Before beginning any job, walk the area and clear any hazards, such as rocks, stumps and debris like broken glass and trash. Injuries to operators, pedestrians and property may occur from debris projected into the air by the mower.

• Dress for the job

  Safety begins with the clothes that staff members wear to work. Choose close-fitting clothes and long pants, hearing and eye protection, work boots with traction, and heavy gloves when handling blades.

• While mowing

• Know the surroundings

  If a person or an animal approaches the equipment while it is running, stop the mower and turn off the engine. Only resume mowing when the work area is clear.

• Unclog the deflection chute

  Sometimes the deflection chute can become clogged with grass clippings while mowing. To unclog the deflection chute, turn off the engine and make sure the blades are stopped. Disconnect the spark plug wire and use a tool or stick to clear grass clippings.

• Maintain control

  Maintaining total control of the machine — whether it is a walk-behind or a riding mower — can significantly reduce the chances of injuries. When operating walk-behind mowers, good traction means added control. Start by wearing sturdy work boots with thick, treaded soles. Traction is especially important when mowing slopes or hillsides or when working in damp areas.

• Pay attention to slopes

  The general rule for operating walk-behind mowers on slopes is to move across the area. If the slope is too steep to control the mower, shut off the blade and move the machine down the hill slowly. Terrain that is too steep to mow safely should be landscaped with ground covers.

• Mowing slopes with large riding equipment like front mowers also poses a safety concern. Before mowing, make sure the equipment is properly ballasted with front or rear weights and that the tires are set as wide as possible. Always mow up and down slopes when using large mowers. However, because the weight distribution is much different on zero-turn radius mowers, it is best to mow across the hill to protect from rollover. No matter the mower type, always avoid sudden starts, stops and turns.

  After mowing

• Clean the equipment

  Clean the mower after each job by removing clippings and other debris from the machine, mower deck and deflection chute. Lingering debris can cause malfunctions and also can be a fire hazard.

• Maintain the recommended maintenance schedule

  Refer to the operator’s manual for routine maintenance procedures. Keeping the machine in top condition can increase productivity and decrease any risk of injuries.

• Wes Freeman, manager of commercial mowing for the Commercial & Consumer Equipment Division of Moline, Ill.-based John Deere Worldwide