Ask the Mechanic

Safety Tip of the Month August 2026: Flying Zero-Turn

On a zero-turn mower with a rollover protection structure placed in the upper position, be careful of snagging low hanging branches or other overhead objects. (Steve Thompson)
On a zero-turn mower with a rollover protection structure placed in the upper position, be careful of snagging low hanging branches or other overhead objects. (Steve Thompson)

Steve Thompson, Contributing Columnist

The zero-turn mower is the best thing ever to get the yard mowed. It is fast, easy to run and efficient. However, it is not the safest piece of equipment ever built. Safety labels and switches all over the mower are there to be observed and followed. One thing I don't see in most owner's manuals is the fact that the ROPS (rollover protection structure) can hang a low tree branch when mowing, and yes, the roof of a trailer when loading. When hanging an overhead structure with the ROPS, the mower will fly up like an airplane taking off and can quickly slide sideways. With the ROPS placed in the upper position, always wear your seat belt. If the ROPS is folded down, never wear your seat belt. Note: Frequent flyer miles should not be used while mowing.

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-- Email Steve Thompson care of askthemechaniccolumn@gmail.com, and be sure to include your contact information and phone number.

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