You get busy and rush, you get distracted, you tell yourself you’ll do it next time — we’ve all been there. But lawn mowers cause over 80,000 trips to the emergency room every year. And they can hurt your wallet if you don’t store and maintain them properly.
Here’s a quick list of reminders to keep you safe and your mower purring.
Before You Mow
It’s easy to get lazy with footwear in the warmer months, especially when you’re in a hurry to get a chore done. But a lot of mowing accidents can be avoided simply by making sure you’re wearing shoes with the traction to avoid tripping or slipping. Take the time to put on those sneakers or boots.
Also, take a couple of minutes before you start to clear the yard of any debris. Sticks, rocks, a dog ball, kids’ toys — they’ll not only mess up your blades, but they can also cause injuries if they get spit out from under the lawn mower. And speaking of kids, make sure there aren’t any little ones in the yard when you’re mowing.
While You’re Mowing
There are several no-no’s to remember when you’re mowing. Never cross over gravel paths, driveways, sidewalks or mulch beds; if it’s not grass, go around to avoid sucking dangerous projectiles into the blades. Also, avoid pulling push mowers backward – any slip in that situation can cause serious injury.
On hills and slopes, go side to side across them with push mowers to decrease the chance of slipping back or stumbling forward. But with a riding mower, always go up and down hills, since they are much likelier to tip over going side to side.
If you need to stop before you’re done mowing, always turn off your mower. If you need to check the blades, never turn the mower over until you’re sure they have stopped spinning. In fact, a great habit is to remove the spark plug first.
When You’re Done
Now it’s time to relax. Before you do, take a few minutes to make sure your mower is ready to go next time. Does your maintenance schedule say it’s time to change the oil, filter or spark plug? Have you wiped down the engine and blades to remove any grass and dirt? A little care after each mow goes a long way in keeping your mower running great all season.
Storing Your Mower
Mowers can be tricky to store optimally due to their weight, size and shape. But neglect can quickly lead to poor performance, maintenance costs and safety issues. If possible, store them indoors in a dry, protected place like a garage or shed.
It’s also a good idea to put a cloak over your mower to protect it from air damage, moisture and the cold. Never store a mower next to a furnace, water heater or appliance with a pilot light. If space is a big problem, you can install a wall hanger, sloped platform or even a pulley shelving system.
Now Get Out There And Mow That Lawn
Build in a little time before and after you mow. It’ll help you get into a routine of doing what it takes to safely operate, store and care for your mower. Once you do, you’ve taken a big step toward avoiding unwanted costs and injuries. And remember, your dealer is always a great source of information too.
