Safely Mowing Your Lawn

The blades of lawn mower are very sharp and move very fast. They have the capability of launching objects into windows, people, cars, and whatever else is within range.

They can not only cut the grass in your yard, but can easily cut off body parts and tear apart any objects that are left on the grass. Because of these risks, safety should be a primary concern before, during, and after the mowing process.

Before you get out your new machine, you should read the owner’s manual and other training materials to familiarize yourself with safe operation, safety decals, and operator controls. You should never let children operate a lawn mower because the adult owner of the machine is held responsible for all accidents or injuries occurring to themselves, other people, or property.

You should only use manufacturer approved attachments, and before operation you should ensure that all safety switches, shields, and safety controls are in place and functioning correctly. Handle fuel with care, using only approved containers equipped with spill-proof nozzles.

Lawn mower manufacturers recommend wearing appropriate clothing including a visor hat, safety glasses, and ear protection. Long hair, loose clothing, and jewelry are hazards and may get tangled in moving parts.

Before mowing your yard, you should inspect the area and be sure it is free from rocks, toys, or other objects which can be thrown from mower. If you have children, have them look carefully for anything that may be destroyed from the blades, or anything that could damage the blades like metal.

When you are using the machine, never run the engine indoors as exhaust fumes can be deadly. Do not adjust height of cut while engine is running, or operate the mower without grass catcher or guards in place.

Be extra cautious on hillsides and try to mow them from side to side. Stop the machine and inspect the blade after hitting objects or if abnormal vibrations occur.

If you need stop mower do so on level ground and shut off engine before leaving the operator’s position. Always keep hands and feet away from cutting unit and be aware of the direction of the discharge so you do not point it at anyone.

To maintain this expensive machine, stop engine, wait for all movement to stop, and disconnect spark plug wire before adjusting, cleaning, or repairing. To prevent over-heating and fires, clean debris from cutting unit, drive unit, muffler, and engine.

Use caution when cleaning or sharpening the blade. Replace damaged blades; you should never attempt to straighten or weld a lawn mower blade yourself.

Mow the yard once a week to encourage vigorous growth except during an extended drought or during the colder months of the year. Remove no more than one-third of the leaf blade to prevent scalping and weak, damaged plants.

Mow the yard in different directions to prevent wear patterns, and encourage upright growth of the grass. Establish a height of cut that allows the grass to thrive and store energy and water reserves.

Maintain sharp blades as torn ragged tips turn brown, look unsightly and can be vectors for disease. Cut the grass when it is dry to reduce clumping, improve mulching, and avoid potentially spreading disease over the yard.

If clumping occurs, disperse clumps with a rake or blower. If you prefer to collect your clippings, start a compost pile and use it as a lawn top-dressing.

String trim first, mow the yard in straight lines, and then finish with a lap around the border of the turf. As a rule, you should not mow the lawn when the grass is wet and never remove more than one third of the leaf blade when mowing.

Clumps of grass clippings should not be left on top of the turf as excessive clumping may require raking the clumps up and removing them. If left on the lawn for too long clumps can suffocate the grass beneath it, turning it yellow.

To reduce clumping mow in the afternoon when grass is more likely to be dry, and do not let the grass get too long between mowing. You can also raise the height of cut, use mulching blades, clean under the mowing deck periodically, and do not over-fertilize.