Your kids have watched you mow your land for years, and now it’s time to pass the baton and prepare them to take over the task. For many teens, mowing the lawn is a rite of passage, not a chore, but a responsibility that feels important.
Before you hand over the keys to your zero-turn or stand-on mower, there are some critical safety points to cover, not to mention setting reasonable expectations. It’s important to teach your child how to operate equipment according to the manual, wear proper protective gear and be aware of the surroundings. Mowing the lawn can be a lot of fun, too, and you’ll take pride in watching your kid learn the ropes.
Now, as you prepare your child to take over mowing your property, here are some additional tips to keep in mind.
Your child must be 16 years old to operate a riding lawn mower, and at least 12 years of age to run a walk-behind mower. These recommendations come from the American Academy of Pediatrics. Beyond age, there are other signs that your child is ready to take on the responsibility of mowing your land. A level of maturity is necessary because he or she will be operating a machine powered by an engine. It’s really no different than learning to drive and getting your license.
It is important to read and understand the Operator's Manual completely before starting and operating a unit. The operator's manual is a primary source for safety instructions, but it is also important to know the dealer's and customer's obligations as listed on the warranty registration. Teach your teen to mow the lawn “by the book.” You’ve been cutting grass for years, so it’s a good idea to look through the owner’s manual together. If you do not have a copy of your owner's manual, contact your dealer or the manufacturer to order one. It will cover how to properly operate the equipment, along with covering the controls and switches, mounting and dismounting, starting the engine, steering and so on. While you are a hands-on expert by now, reviewing the manual with your teen will assure you that all of the steps are covered. If there’s a safety video provided by the manufacturer, watch that too. Grasshopper makes this video available online and provides access to it with the Operator’s Manual.
Set an example by wearing eye and ear protection, along with close-toed shoes. Emphasize the importance of wearing protective gear consistently—every time you mow the lawn. Be sure to operate the equipment with all safety shields installed and in good working condition. Mowers can kick up stones and twigs, which can become dangerous missiles. This would also be a good time to replace any missing or damaged components before letting your teen operate the mower.
Whether your mower is equipped with or without ROPS (Roll Over Protective Structures), make sure your teen stays off of drop offs, embankments and steep slopes. Remind him or her not to allow the ROPS to provide a false sense of security in hazardous areas and to avoid any and all questionable conditions. A good rule of thumb is: "If it looks dangerous, it IS dangerous."
Tall, overgrown vegetation and rough or unfamiliar terrain is better maintained with a hand-held weed whip, walk-behind, 4-wheel drive or slope mower. Planting vegetation that does not require mowing is often the best solution in these areas.
A ROPS is meant for use while mowing undulating terrain. The area to be mowed should be walked by the operator, inspecting for holes, washouts, erosion, ruts or debris such as tree limbs or rocks.
Use of seatbelt is required whenever a ROPS is in place and operator must refasten seat belt each time he or she resumes operation.
Teach your teen to walk the property before mowing to pick up branches, rocks, toys and other items that could get kicked up while mowing and cause damage and injury. Make this a habit, and explain that even a rogue water bottle left in the yard could get sucked into the mower deck, shredded by the blades and become sharp projectiles.
Mowing is like learning any new skill. It takes practice, so don’t get frustrated if the lawn isn’t expertly striped or if your teen misses some patches of grass here or there. Safety is much more important than a perfect cut. Encourage your teen. Emphasize that completing the job is what matters. You might offer a monetary reward for mowing, such as $10 to $15 per hour for large properties or a set amount for smaller yards. On the other hand, by not paying an allowance for your teen to mow, you’re showing that helping out the family is the real reward.
When you’re operating an efficient workhorse that can handle large-scale mowing jobs, you can cut a lawn of any size. And as with anything hands-on, you need the right tools to get the best results. This is a lesson your child will learn as he or she takes on mowing responsibilities using a Grasshopper zero-turn rider or stand-on mower.
If you’re interested in additional tips from the pros at Grasshopper, check out our library of how-to videos or sign up for our newsletter. Thinking about a new mower? Our team can help you choose the best model for your needs.