Posts Tagged ‘Safety’

New Product Showcase: Exmark Lazer Z X-Series with Rear-Discharge Cutting System

Sunday, February 28th, 2016

EX16_Rear_Discharge_webThe innovative UltraCut Rear Discharge cutting system is an option for the first time on the new Exmark Lazer Z X-Series zero-turn riding mower for 2016.

The UltraCut Rear Discharge cutting system offers a number of benefits including reduced noise, increased clipping control and the ability to trim on both sides of the deck. Patented flow-control baffles work in conjunction with a counter-rotating blade design to reduce clipping over-processing and horsepower requirements, while delivering even clipping dispersion and the company’s signature quality of cut.

Exmark Director of Marketing, Daryn Walters, said rear-discharge cutting decks make sense for a wide range of the company’s customers, from landscape professionals to acreage owners.

“The UltraCut Rear Discharge cutting deck solves many of the challenges our customers face every day. From the reduction in noise to the increase in clipping control and ease of trimming, rear-discharge is a great way to maximize productivity and versatility without sacrificing cut quality.”

Lazer Z X-Series

Exmark’s most powerful, productive mower, the Lazer Z X-Series, is now available with the awesome UltraCut Rear Discharge cutting deck.

The Lazer Z X-Series is the most powerful, productive mower Exmark builds. UltraCut Rear Discharge-equipped units feature powerful Kohler twin-cylinder powerplants with Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI). EFI helps the engine deliver more consistent performance and improved fuel economy in any cutting conditions.

The UltraCut Rear Discharge mowing system is designed for maximum productivity and cut quality. Available in 60- or 72-inch cutting widths, the 5.5-inch deep deck uses a welded and reinforced 7-gauge, high-strength alloy steel shell for superior strength and long-term durability. The no-maintenance spindles are sealed from the elements and designed to deliver a lifetime of reliable service without greasing. Exmark designed compression molded, ultra-high molecular weight side bumpers to protect both sides of the deck. The bumpers work in concert with durable through-axle anti-scalp rollers to precisely follow ground contour.

Pioneer S-Series zero-turn rider

The UltraCut Rear Discharge cutting system is also available on select Pioneer S-Series, Lazer Z E-Series and Lazer Z DS-Series models.

In addition to the new Exmark Lazer Z X-Series, the UltraCut Rear Discharge cutting system is available on the following models:

For highly manicured properties, Exmark offers a Finish Cut baffle kit for the UltraCut Rear Discharge cutting system. When installed, it significantly reduces visible clippings to deliver similar performance to a dedicated mulching mower deck, with the reduced sound output and power requirements of the rear-discharge design.

Learn more about Exmark Rear-Discharge zero-turn riding mowers at Exmark.com.

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Spring is Coming… Is Your Mower Ready?

Wednesday, February 17th, 2016

Late-winter is a great time to take stock of your mower’s maintenance needs and get them taken care of before the spring growing season. That way, you’ll be ready to roll when the growth of your lawn hits full stride. Not only does a properly maintained mower perform better, but it will also last longer and be more reliable over the course of its life.

Exmark blades

Nothing affects your mower’s quality of cut more than blade sharpness. It pays to keep ’em sharp.

Always consult your owner’s manual to determine what specific maintenance is necessary for your machine, but some common examples of spring mower maintenance items include:

  • Cleaning — The most basic maintenance you can perform is giving your mower a thorough cleaning. Starting with a clean mower will make it easier to perform other spring maintenance items, and built-up dirt and grass clippings can reduce the performance of your machine.
  • Blades — Your mower will cut faster and deliver a better quality of cut with sharp blades. Few parts affect cut quality and productivity as dramatically as sharp, balanced blades, and with practice, you can change a set of blades in less than ten minutes. It’s well worth the time and effort. One pro tip is to get an extra set of blades for your mower to swap in when your blades lose their edge. You’ll always have sharp, balanced blades ready to go, with no downtime required for sharpening.
  • Belts — Inspect all belts and replace any that appear visibly worn. Also check all belt tensioners to ensure proper function.
  • Engine oil — Start off the season with a fresh oil and filters for each of your mowers. Oil is the life blood of your engine, and changing it out is much less expensive than an oil breakdown-related engine issue.
  • Spark plugs — Replace your mower’s spark plug(s) at the start of the season to ensure easy starting and consistent running performance.
  • Exmark tire inflation

    Proper tire pressure affects the safety, handling and reliability of your mower.

    Fuel — Fuel that’s been sitting in the tank for an extended period should be drained and replaced with fresh fuel. Gasoline degrades in quality and can cause inconsistent starting and running performance. A fuel treatment or stabilizer can help the fuel stay fresh longer, and prevent the absorption of moisture by the fuel. Never use fuel that contains more than 10-percent ethanol in mowers, as higher percentage ethanol blends may lead to engine damage and/or performance issues.

  • Tire pressure — Check the pressure on all pneumatic mower tires and fill them to the recommended pressure marked on the tire sidewall. Operation with too-low tire pressure is a safety issue, first and foremost, and it also compromises mower efficiency, performance and handling.

Spend some time with your mower in the shop now to ensure your mower is good to go when the grass is growing strong later this season. You’ll be thankful you did.

Service resources at Exmark.com:

 

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How To Maintain Safe Operation When Mowing Hills

Thursday, November 19th, 2015

If you own a property with steep hills, you know the challenges mowing and lawn care present. And when you add in walls, planters and other landscaping, and kids’ equipment such as trampolines, all of the sudden, mowing becomes akin to navigating an obstacle course. Which mower you choose for hills is an important factor in mowing your lawn safely and sustainably over time. In addition, taking the time to learn about all of the important safety features on your machine and how to safely navigate your mower on slopes and around obstacles is critical in helping prevent accidents.

Choose the Right Mower for Hilly Terrain

Exmark Lazer Z zero-turn riding mowers are the #1 choice of landscape professionals because of their unmatched ability to quickly and safely maintain a wide variety of properties. That said, zero-turn riding mowers should not be used on slopes of greater than 15 degrees, or a 26.8 percent grade. (Learn more about calculating slope and grade at EngineeringToolbox.com.) Maintain hills or surfaces with slopes of more than 15 degrees with a walk-behind mower or hand trimmer.

Mower safety -- mowing at the water's edge

A walk-behind mower is a better choice than any riding mower for cutting grass near drop-offs or retaining walls, or at the edge of ponds.

While it may be tempting to mow close to the edge of water or retaining walls with your zero-turn mower, doing so can result in significant injury or death if the machine were to roll over. It’s better to keep a safe distance from these hazards, and come back with a walk-behind mower to trim near the edge.

Please take a moment to watch these “Driving in the Safety Zone” videos, which Exmark produced to help you identify safety hazards and how to safely operate your Lazer Z in hilly or uneven terrain, or around walls, water and other lawn hazards:

Exmark Lazer Z Introduction and General Safety


Exmark Lazer Z Safe Mowing of Slopes and Rollover Protection

Exmark Lazer Z Controls and Operation:

View more safety and operator training videos on the Exmark YouTube channel.

Other Considerations

  • Use Protection: the rollover protection system (ROPS) on commercial mowing equipment should always be deployed in the full upright position during operation — along with the lap belt securely fastened low and tight around the operator’s waist. Failure to do either of these steps increases the risk of injury or death to the operator in a rollover situation.
  • Proper rollover protection use

    Always deploy the rollover protection system (ROPS) in the full-up position during operation (as shown). Never operate the mower with the ROPS down or partially-deployed.

    Moisture: avoid mowing hilly terrain when grass is wet from rain or dew. Not only is mowing wet grass sub-optimal for the turf itself, the reduced traction on wet grass increases the chances of your mower sliding on uneven terrain. Instead, wait until later in the day when the sun has burned the moisture off.

  • Unstable ground: survey the property and identify any ponds, drop-offs (pay particular attention to fence lines) and retaining walls to ensure the stability of the ground being mowed.

By taking a little time to understand the slope and terrain of your property, you can choose the right mower to maintain every inch of your lawn safely.

Learn more about safe mowing at Exmark.com.

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Mower Safety Tips

Sunday, July 19th, 2015


Exmark General Mower Safety Tips

  • Read and understand your operator’s manual before operating the mower.
  • Do not add gasoline to a running or hot engine and never leave the machine running in an enclosed area.
  • As with other power tools and equipment, do not operate a lawn mower when consuming alcohol.
  • Wear appropriate clothing – significant footwear, long pants, eye and hearing protection.
Safe mower operation

Safe operation of a zero-turn mower includes always mowing with the ROPS in the up position (if so equipped) and the lap belt fastened snug and low around the operator’s waist.

  • Pick up stones, toys and debris from the lawn to prevent injuries and damage from flying objects.
  • Never allow children to be passengers on ride-on mowers.
  • Keep children and pets a safe distance from the area you are mowing. Use extreme care near blind corners and around objects that may block you from seeing a child.
  • Do not operate without the grass catcher, discharge chute, or other safety devices in place and working.
  • Be careful when mowing slopes.
  • Do not mow in wet conditions.
  • Never mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary – carefully look for others behind you when you do.
  • Turn off the mower and wait for blade(s) to stop completely before leaving the mower, removing the grass catcher, picking up debris, or crossing gravel roads or paths.
  • Let the mower cool before refueling, cleaning and storing.
  • Follow all directions – including turning off the engine and disconnecting the spark plug or electric cord – before working on the mower or trying to unclog the discharge chute.

Learn more about safe operation of your mower at http://www.exmark.com/Service-And-Support/Safety-Resources/. View additional safety videos on the Exmark YouTube channel.

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Fuel Safety Tips

Tuesday, August 5th, 2014

Fuel safety is critical to the safe operation of any mower, and understanding how and when to inspect fuel system components doesn’t just increase safety, it also increases mower efficiency and longevity.

Keeping the mower clean from accumulated debris makes it easier to spot fuel system problems and reduces the risk of fire.

Keeping your mower clean from accumulated debris makes it easier to spot fuel system problems and reduces the risk of fire.

Tips that can increase the safety of you and your workers when working with fuel include:

  • Prior to fueling, always shut the mower down completely and allow it to cool.
  • When refueling, verify the correct type of fuel is being used — Filling the tank of a diesel-powered mower with gasoline (or vice versa) can cause significant engine damage, so double-check your fuel before you fill.
  • DO NOT operate the mower if any of the following fuel system conditions exist:
    • Fuel is leaking around hoses and/or clamps.
    • The fuel tank makes a hissing sound when the cap is loosened.
    • The fuel tank is bulging or collapsing.
  • Keep the mower clean and free of debris — Accumulation of grass, leaves, excessive grease or oil, or other debris can become combustible and could result in fire. After each mower use, remove debris from:
    • Fuel tank
    • Engine and muffler area
    • Oil filter area
    • Under belt shields
  • Frequently check all fuel hoses, clamps and connections — Some fuel system components are under pressure. Fuel hoses can be pulled, damaged or disconnected from contact with bushes, tree branches or other landscape features.
    • Check that all hoses are in good working condition and verify the secure fastening of clamps and connection points.
    • When replacing hoses and filters, use original factory routing and clamping.
  • Use only Original Equipment Manufacturer’s (OEM) replacement parts — Using improper components can result in gasoline leakage, fuel system failure and/or an increased potential for fire. Saving a buck just isn’t worth the risk!
  • Keep all guards, shields and safety devices in place and in safe working condition.
  • Before each use, check the condition of all electrical wires — Damaged wires increase the potential for a fire. Never operate a mower with damaged wiring. Replace or repair the damaged wire(s) and secure properly prior to mower operation.

Consult your operators manual for specific fuel system information for your mower. Visit http://www.exmark.com/Safety/ to view the online safety resources Exmark offers, or visit your Authorized Exmark dealer or distributor for prompt, efficient service with any fuel- or fuel system-related need.

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Cloudy with a Chance of Downtime

Thursday, April 29th, 2010

If you’re a seasoned landscape professional, you already know that rain doesn’t make for great mowing conditions. Heck, it doesn’t even make for so-so conditions. But if you must mow in the rain, there are certain steps you can take to make the best of the situation and continue to deliver a cut you can be proud of.

  • Always start with a clean deck and keep it clean between jobs to maximize airflow. This is good advice for mowing in any weather, under any condition.
  • Change the blades as needed.  Blades with greater lift tend to generate more airflow and provide better discharge power when the grass is wet.
  • Keep the deck at ¼” positive rake, so the blade tip cuts the grass.
  • Make sure your engine’s level is at the right RPM in order to reach maximum blade tip speed.
  • Check blade drive belts for wear and tear.  Replace any that might be slipping or reducing blade tip speed.
  • If you frequently mow in wet conditions, pack your fuse and electrical connections with dielectric grease to prevent corrosion.

Now that you’re ready to mow, keep in mind that the grass is slick and you should practice safety measures. For one, stay clear of steep embankments and areas where your rider can lose traction; use your walk-behind instead. And slow down, especially in pivoting turns.

Once you finish mowing, you should always turn off the blades while the mower is still in the grass, so that clumps, mud, and debris fall into the grass for easier cleanup. And have a good exit plan so you’re not tracking anything through your customer’s property.

Since water is your mower’s enemy, when you’re done for the day, run your mower for 2 to 3 minutes in a dry area so water doesn’t sit on bearing surfaces overnight. And keep your machine stored indoors.

There will be times when postponing mowing is a good idea – a really good idea.  If the forecast calls for heavy rain or if you notice standing water, it’s best to call it a day and wait until the rain has stopped and the grass has had time to dry.   At least then you won’t be wasting time and resources.

If you have anything to add, please leave your comments below. We would love to hear from you.

This post is courtesy of Exmark Sales Manager, Dan Dorn.

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