In weighing up different options, look for
effective bed pressure control, on-the-move
break-back protection and sufficient front/rear
overlap adjustment to eliminate missed strips in
elds that demand some tight cutting curves.
Agriculture Mower Safety
Power mowers are presently available in four
basic designs: the rotary mower, the power reel
mower, the riding mower, and the tractor.
e rotary mower is by far the most common; it
is the focus of this entry. Pushed from behind,
rotary mowers feature a single rotating blade
enclosed in a case and supported by wheels. As
the engine turns, it spins the blade.
e blade whirls at 3,000 revolutions per
minute, virtually 19,000 feet (5,800 meters) per
minute at the tip of the blade where the cutting
actually occurs. e best rotaries feature a horn
of plenty (cornucopia) or wind tunnel shape
curving around the front of the housing and
ending at the discharge chute through which the
mown grass ies out.
Self-propelled models are driven by a chain or
belt connected to the engine's drive sha. A
gearbox usually turns a horizontal axle which
in turn rotates the wheels. Some models have a
big chain- or belt-driven movable unit that
rises up off and settles down on the wheels.
An accident with a rotary mower can cost
you your life! We all know that a small push
mower is a dangerous piece of equipment.
Large agricultural mowers , by their nature can
do much more damage to an individual.
Following safety practices, using proper
protective equipment correctly and keeping
the mower in good repair will all help keep the
operator safe.
Mower Hazards
e main source of danger with any mower is
the blade, which does the actual work of
cutting. In order to perform its task
efficiently, the blade must be sharp and travel
at a high speed. is sharp, high-speed blade
can cause serious injury if a hand or foot is
allowed to get under the mower deck while
the engine is running.
e manner in which the mower is operated
on slopes is also important. Push mowers
should always be operated across the slope so
your feet will not get under the mower if you
slip, nor will the mower roll down the slope
and run over you. Pulling a push type mower is
also dangerous, as your foot might slip under
the mower. Riding mowers are generally more
stable when operated up and down the slope.
ere is also the danger of objects being
thrown from under the mower by the blade,
whose tip may be moving as fast as 200 miles
per hour. A person struck by a rock or piece of
wire thrown with such force could experience
severe injury or even death. Fueling hot
engines and smoking while refueling can result
in serious burns, oen to large portions of the
body.
Another source of danger is that of carbon
monoxide poisoning. Whenever an engine is
started in an enclosed area, such as a garage,
the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning
exists.
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