A lawn tractor can be a handy tool to keep your yard looking great. As with any tool, you must respect its power and use caution during operation. Lawn equipment can be the most dangerous tools in your shed when used improperly and they are often the most tempting for children to investigate.
Lawnmowers can also be dangerous, but under proper supervision they are a great way to introduce your child to lawncare. We recommend using a battery-powered cordless mower like ours from Greenworks. There are no fumes or gas and our son really enjoys using it under proper supervision.
Seated mowers are inviting for kids to jump into and they may want to emulate you by pushing a mower. This behavior should be discouraged until your child is old enough to understand what these machines are capable of and how they are properly used.
For lawn tractors, these precautions are especially critical if children are in the area. You can severely injure or kill by running over a child with the riding mower – in forward or reverse – with the blades engaged, or when objects are hit and thrown by the spinning blades.
Remember these important guidelines for operating a riding mower:
Never give rides
A child may fall off the mower and into the spinning blades. Giving rides may also cause the child to be attracted to the mower, and the child may later approach without being seen.
Use extreme caution in reverse
Keep alert for anyone who may enter the mowing area. Always look down and behind before and while backing up.
Know where your kids are
Keep kids away from the mowing area. Have adult supervision to prevent them from approaching the mower before you have finished. Stop mowing if a child approaches the mowing area.
Read safety instructions
You should also read and follow the safety instructions in your owner’s manual and remember to keep the keys to your mower away from children.
