Riding mowers, explained
Lawn tractors, zero-turn mowers, slopes, and passengers.
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What counts as a riding mower
A riding mower carries the operator on a seat. Ohio State says riding mowers have multiple blades and wider cutting widths than small walk-behind mowers.
Lawn tractors and zero-turn mowers
A lawn tractor is a riding mower steered with a steering wheel, with the mowing deck under the machine. A zero-turn mower steers by driving its left and right drive wheels at different speeds.
Slopes run the other way
The CPSC says to drive a riding mower up and down a slope, not across it. Ohio State says this is to avoid the potential for overturns.
Why riding mowers need care
AAOS says riding lawn mowers cause more injuries each year than push mowers, because they can tip and even roll over.
No passengers
The AAP says not to let children ride as passengers on ride-on mowers or garden tractors. AAOS says doctors commonly see children with severe foot injuries from riding on the back of a rider mower with a parent or grandparent.
Backing up
AAOS says to look behind you when backing up on a rider mower, to avoid hitting children who may be playing behind you.
FAQ
General information only. Read the operator's manual before you mow. Keep children and pets indoors or well away from the area you mow, and never let a child ride on a mower as a passenger. The American Academy of Pediatrics says that, in general, children should be at least 12 years old to operate a walk-behind power mower safely and at least 16 to operate a riding mower safely. Before you clear, adjust, or service the blade area, turn the mower off, wait for the blade to stop, and disconnect the spark plug wire; on a battery or corded electric mower, follow the manual to disconnect its power. Refuel outdoors, only with the engine off and cool. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and eye and hearing protection. In an emergency, call 911.
Next: mower types
Rotary, reel, riding, robotic.
