Home & Garden

Last Updated on Monday, 01 June 2015 03:49

(BPT) - Enjoying those warm summer and fall afternoons is a luxury, and often the stresses of the office or the yard duties like mowing the lawn get in the way.

Lawn Mowing Tips

With zero turn mowers making the time spent mowing the grass more efficient, more and more homeowners are getting to enjoy their afternoons and free time. One thing owners of zero turn mowers should be aware of are the safety guidelines, which are designed to ensure that an afternoon spent mowing the lawn won't result in injury. Toro provides the following safety tips to help keep homeowners enjoying those summer afternoons:

1. Wear appropriate clothing - Loose clothing and hanging jewelry should be avoided when using a zero turn mower. Instead, wear shoes that cover the toes, long pants, and hearing and eye protection.

2. Avoid obstacles and drop-offs - Riding lawn mowers are designed for flat and unobstructed lawns. If you have a pond, drop-off or slope greater than 15 degrees, use a push lawn mower near these areas.

3. Let machine cool when adding fuel - Always add fuel to your zero turn mower before starting the machine. If you need to add fuel during the middle of mowing your yard, let the machine sit for 15 minutes before opening the tank for refueling.

4. Keep an eye aware - Always look for children, pets or objects on the lawn when mowing with a zero turn mower. Also, know which direction the clippings are blowing so you can avoid hitting property or other people with them.

5. Solo riders only - Zero turn mowers are designed to seat only the operator of the vehicle. It isn't safe to allow children to sit anywhere on the vehicle.

When purchasing your first zero turn mower, carefully read the operator's manual and then take the machine to a flat and open place so you can familiarize yourself with setting speeds and changing direction.

The freedom of being outside in your backyard, soaking up the sun and not sitting in front of a computer at the office is exhilarating. Keep these safety tips in mind as you head out to mow the lawn this week, and you'll be enjoying the job all summer long.