Prepare for safe mowing (3-29-10)

Lawn mowing season will soon be in high gear. A few safety preparations before starting the mower will help prevent many unexpected breakdowns and accidents. The checklist should include a thorough inspection of all mower parts.

• Blades should be checked for excessive wear, sharpness and that they are well tightened and balanced.
• If the mower has any belts, they should be inspected for cracks and proper adjustment with safety guards in place.
• Check for any fluid leaks such as gas or oil that may ignite, damage the engine, or the turf.
• Clean any accumulation of clippings, grease or other debris from the mower that can cause breakdowns, fire hazards, or accidents to the operator.
• Be sure that all guards and safety shields are in place and not damaged.
• Check to be sure the discharge chute is clear and safely operative.

Prepare the mowing area.

• Walk the area to be mowed picking up any debris such as rocks, sticks, toys, etc. that may be thrown by the mower at speeds high enough to be fatal.
• Also take note and be aware of any potential dangerous slopes, holes or other hazards that could cause damage to the mower or injure the operator.

Once the mowing operation begins operate the mower at safe speeds and always mow with the discharge chute pointed away from people, pets, traffic, etc. Never allow children to ride on mowers with you. Always shut off the engine and allow it to cool before refueling. And finally, once the chore is complete and the engine has cooled clean the deck from clippings to prevent rust and corrosion.

Published March 29, 2010

Dr. Wayne Wells is an Extension Professor and Turfgrass Specialist. His mailing address is Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, Mail Stop 9555, Mississippi State, MS 39762. wwells@ext.msstate.edu