Ride On Mowers

How Understanding Lawn Mower Accidents Can Help You Avoid Them

Did you know that there are over 180,000 lawn mower accidents around the world every year? There are two general types of mower that fall under this category – the walk-behind type, which you push, and the riding type, which you sit on top of. Whilst both mowers are very different, they can pose some of the same dangers that invariably lead to accidents. We have found that being aware of the more common accidents can help you to avoid them.

Contact with the cutting blade
The leading cause of accidents is probably the most obvious – contact with the blade. Even though we know it is sharp and dangerous, some people will still place their hands or feet close to the blade (often in an attempt to clear away debris). Other times, people have slipped and their hands or feet have gone underneath the mower without intention.

Contact with a thrown object
Another common cause of accidents is a result of objects (such as small stones) being launched into the air from underneath the lawn mower. The tip of the blade can mover as fast as 300kph and has been known to project small objects as far as 50ft. Because of the speed at which these objects are thrown, they can cause serious injury to the face.

Contact with hot surfaces
People may burn themselves by touching hot surfaces on the mower, such as the exhaust system. Whilst uncommon, the presence of a fuel leak can also lead to fire – the vapour can catch alight if it comes into contact with a spark from the ignition or an abnormally hot surface. A fire can cause serious burns if it spreads quickly and without notice.

Overturning (ride on mowers)
This type of accident really only applies to riding mowers. Under certain conditions (usually in the presence of a hill or slope), the machine can overturn – it could fall on top of the operator or cause them to come into contact with the blade or it could cause the fuel tank to rupture (which is a nasty fire hazard). Rollover prevention devices are not always enough.

Reverse over (ride on mowers)
This is another type of accident that really only applies to riding lawn mowers. Because these machines provide limited visibility, it is not unheard of for an operator to reverse over a person standing behind them (usually a child). The noise that the machine makes can also make it harder for an operator to hear a cry of warning.

Crashing into stationary objects
When ascending or even descending a steep a hill, the brakes (or the person, in the case of a walk-behind mower) may not be strong enough to allow for gentle movement. This can often cause the machine to go plummeting towards to the bottom of the hill and overturning, running over the operator or even crashing into a tree or other object.

Now that you are aware of some of the more common accidents associated with lawnmowers, we hope that you now know what to look out for. Avoid touching the blade at all costs (unless the machine has been turned off), clear the lawn of any potential missiles prior to cutting, avoid touching hot surfaces until they’ve had enough time to cool, steer in a way that prevents overturning, look behind before reversing, and mow across hills (instead of up and down).

What Is The Difference Between Tree Chippers, Shredders And Vacuums?

Did you know that it is possible to purchase a range of equipment for all sorts of uses around your property? Tree chippers, shredders and vacuums, for example, all serve distinctly different purposes and yet all are highly useful for keeping your garden in check and disposing of organic matter. But what is the difference between each of these pieces of equipment?

Tree Chippers process dense, woody organic material (such as medium sized branches) through sharp blades.
Shredders process loose or airy organic matter (such as dry leaves) in a crushing fashion through flailing blades.
Vacuums assist in the feeding of debris into the equipment (chippers and shredders) via a stream of air. Please note that not all machines will feature an external vacuum.

If you would like to determine whether your machine has a vacuum attached or not, you should refer to the owner’s manual or possibly even contact the manufacturer. As well as the differences between these various pieces of equipment, it is also important to understand what sorts of organic debris can be safely disposed of using the machine.

Pines Cones have various stages of development. When immature, they are very dense and hard, whilst more mature ones are much drier and more brittle. Mature cones can be processed through both chippers and shredders, whereas immature cones should be left to age.
Green Vegetation should generally be avoided for all types of equipment, as it can overload the machine. If you have a lot of green organic debris to dispose of, you should mix it in with lots of dried vegetation and allow the motor to run full rpm before adding more material in.
DO NOT attempt to feed any of the following materials into your chipper or shredder: cattails, reeds, bamboo, vines, kitchen by-products, plastic, manufactured paper products (such as newspapers), metal, glass, rocks, fish by-products and any other inorganic materials.

Whilst there are a number of differences between the physical appearance and function of tree chippers, shredders and vacuums, it is important to note that there aren’t actually all that many differences for their purpose. All are designed to help you dispose of organic debris that is lying around your garden and making it look unattractive.

Navigating Your Commercial Ride On Mower Choices

Whilst there were once only a few commercial ride on mower choices, these days there are so many that making a decision can be quite difficult. You need to ensure that you choose a machine that has enough power to get the job done, speed to get the job finished as quickly as possible and dexterity to maneouvre around all of the obstacles in your way.

Zero Turn

These mowers are the most popular for commercial purposes today because they offer exceptional maneuverability and are able to handle jobs of all shapes and sizes. These machines are so named because they can turn around on the spot, making them highly suited to narrow spaces. They are also fitted with a range of safety features that make them incredibly safe.

Standard

These mowers were once quite popular for commercial purposes, but have slowly lost favour as the years have passed. Whilst they often possess a great level of horsepower and are able to get the job done quickly, they just don’t possess the dexterity that zero turn ones do. They have also been involved in a couple of accidents, so they aren’t know for their safety.

So, what sorts of features should you be looking for?

Increased Horsepower – The norm for basic models these days is at least 20HP. At the upper end of the scale, you will find models exceeding 30HP and even some reaching 50HP.

Emissions – These days, the government is increasingly cracking down on the amount of pollution being generated. You need to make sure that your chosen model doesn’t release too much.

Power Source – It is possible to choose between a number of power sources for your mower. Petrol often proves to be the best, but gasoline or diesel and even electric models are available.

Once you know exactly what you’re looking for, you should be able to navigate your ride on mower choices with ease, ensuring that your commercial business has been fitted out with the correct machine. Even though standard ones aren’t all that popular anymore, if it is the right choice for your needs then you shouldn’t hesitate to make it.

Raise Your Log Splitter And Save Your Back

The whole point of a log splitter is to save your back from the stress of trying to cut up firewood by hand. Some of the smaller models, however, sit so low to the ground that you may as well be splitting logs with an axe – your back won’t be able to tell the difference anyway. To prevent this, you should lift your splitter up to waist height, making sure that it is stable and sturdy.

Step 1: Place two sawhorses parallel to each other on a flat and level surface. The top bars should be about 40 inches apart. Place a piece of plywood over the sawhorses so that either end is flush with the top bars.

Step 2: Clamp each end of the plywood to the top bar of the sawhorse to prevent it from moving; the screws should face downwards. Failing to do this could cause the splitter to slip off the platform.

Because even small machines can weigh 45kg and a good size piece of wood can add on up to another 15kg, it is important that you are using high quality sawhorses and plywood.

Step 3: Have someone help you lift the log splitter up and place it onto the middle of the plywood. You could also place a ramp against the wood and push the splitter up it if you don’t have a helper.

Step 4: Firmly wedge chocks under both sides of the splitter’s rear wheels; use a hammer to tap them into place. Failing to do this could cause the platform to collapse as you’re working.

It is possible to purchase a steel mounting stand that will allow you to achieve a similar height. These stands feature wheels that you can use to move the machine around safely as you work.

Once your log splitter has been raised to about waist height, you will find that there is plenty of room on the plywood for a few pieces of wood as well. This will save you from lots of bending over as you cut the wood up. Just keep in mind that elevating the splitter increases the risk that you will drop logs on your feet, so make sure that you wear steel toed shoes just in case.

Can You Use Your Hedge Trimmers To Cut Wet Shrubbery?

Many homeowners often wonder whether they are able to cut through wet shrubbery or whether they will have to wait until it dries. The good news is that your hedge trimmer will not be able to tell the difference between wet growth and dry growth – it will cut through both with little difficulty. The bad news, however, is that there are a number of additional safety and maintenance issues that you must overcome before you can do so.

Ensure that the cutting teeth are sharp
You will need to make sure that the cutting teeth are sharp, as cutting wet shrubbery will reduce the traction of each tooth on the branches. If the teeth are dull, this traction will be even further reduced, which will make the growth more difficult to cut through. If there are bent or damaged teeth, they will need to be replaced.

Ensure that the teeth are lubricated
You will need to make sure that the cutting teeth are properly lubricated, as water can reduce the mobility of their motion. Whilst this effect is fairly minor, it can pose issues for the gears inside the cutting head if the teeth are also dull. The proper amount of lubrication will also prevent water from entering the sensitive parts of the trimmer.

If water is left on metal, it can oxidize and start a buildup of rust, which will ruin your hedge trimmer’s cutting teeth and other parts of the machine. To prevent rust from developing, you will need to dry all of the metal areas once you have finished cutting the shrubbery. This can be achieved by leaving the machine in the sun for a few hours; never put it away wet.

There are a number of safety precautions that homeowners should take when using a hedge trimmer to cut through wet shrubbery that will protect them from instances of injury. When your shrubbery is wet, it is also likely that the ground will be, too. This means that it is easy for you to lose your footing; as trimmers don’t have an emergency break, you could very easily fall onto the teeth. Make sure that you wear boots with good traction and never work alone.

What Types Of Ride On Mower Accessories Could You Benefit From?

Did you know that there is a wide range of ride on mower accessories that you could invest in to make your gardening chores much easier to complete? And that there are others to make mowing much safer? Some of the accessories that you might find useful around your own property include:

Front Mounted Attachments – These are mounted to the front of your mower and can be used to perform additional tasks. A rotating brush, for example, can be used to collect leaves and snow and a flail mower can be used for cutting through overgrown brush.

Rear Mounted Attachments – These are mounted to the rear of the mower and can be used to perform additional tasks. They include trailers, spreaders, sweepers or collectors, and aerators. They are perfect for larger, more rural properties.

Battery Chargers – We all know how annoying a flat battery can be, but with a battery charger you will never have to worry about this again. It is also possible to invest in a battery status indicator, which will tell you how much charge the machine has remaining.

Covers – Even if your riding mower is stored indoors, it is important that you have an appropriate cover that will protect it from damage. You should make sure that you have a cover that has been designed for your particular model to ensure complete coverage.

Protective Equipment – There is a wide range of protective gear that you can invest in, including: earmuffs, boots, gloves, earplugs, protective glasses and safety goggles. These will help to protect you when mowing, which can be a dangerous task.

Other – There are a number of additional accessories that you could choose to invest in, such as a wheel weight that will provide your machine with better grip and a much safer driving experience.

With the right ride on accessories, your machine can be used for almost any task around your property. Fortunately, many of these will be available through your local outdoor power equipment dealer and, if not, they will be able to direct you to the best possible retailer.

7 Tips For Buying A Second Hand Mower

Looking at the weather recently, there can be no denying that spring has truly sprung. The abrupt change from rainy weather to sunny has also meant that our grass has received quite the growth spurt – enough so that you’ll need to mow it soon if you don’t want it to get out of control. To help with this task, you might want to buy a second hand mower.

Shopping online may not be the best idea, as you should have a proper inspection before making an offer. There is plenty of room for sellers to trick or deceive you online.

Make sure that you ask the seller questions about the mower, such as its age, why they’re selling and whether there’s any paperwork. You might find that it’s still under warranty.

Take the mower for a test drive before you make an offer; try to cut some grass if you can. This will give you a good idea of how well the machine will tackle your lawn.

Check the mower’s parts, especially the body and the engine and the blades, to ensure that they are in a good condition. Make sure that there is no sign of rust or leaks.

If you aren’t quite sure what you’re doing make sure that you take with you someone who is. This will help to ensure that you aren’t taken advantage of by a seller.

Read some helpful guides and tips lists (much like this one) to help you extend your knowledge of what to look for. There are plenty written by experts that will help you immensely.

Do some research so that you know what makes a good bargain and what is more of a rip off than anything else. This will ensure that you don’t spend more than what it’s worth.

It is of the utmost importance that you know what you’re looking for when it comes to buying second hand mowers. You must remember that you’re taking a chance on the machine being good quality and it lasting you for at least a few years so that you get your moneys worth. If you don’t know what you’re looking for, the whole process could prove disastrous.