May 2018 - Parks & Recreation - 79

Stability Is Everything
Some professional turf equipment
now provides a wider wheel base, or
a shorter overall height. The goal is to
lower the center of gravity and disperse
the equipment's weight more effectively.
Mowers with a lower center of gravity help
operators to feel more planted and stable
on this mower, especially when operating
the machine on a downhill slope.
Enhancing Ergonomics
There is a direct correlation between safety,
productivity and ergonomics. In general,
ergonomics is aimed at making the operator
more comfortable when performing a
repetitive task, resulting in that person
feeling more confident on the unit and
helping them to be more productive.
Depending on the task, a grounds maintenance worker may operate a mower for
several hours at one time. Most new products offer an ergonomically contoured
seat. While this is certainly beneficial,
consider a unit equipped with a mechanical suspension, which delivers a smoother
ride and reduces fatigue. Evaluating the
seat position is also key. Some designs are
in a more reclined position. While comfortable, this approach may require the

Photo courtesy of Jacobsen

Technology now exists that enables
operators to effortlessly shift all three
cutting reels to either side of the mower,
creating up to 18 inches of offset. This
type of technology allows the operator to
focus on mowing, rather than navigating
around hazards and offers him or her the
ability to cut every blade of grass before
the mower drives over it, achieving a superior quality of cut. The technology allows operators to place the equipment further from an obstacle for increased safety,
define where the reels are positioned, and
ultimately increase productivity.

There is a direct
correlation between
safety, productivity and
ergonomics.

worker to strain to reach the controls. The
distance and angle of the steering column
is also important. Is it easily adjusted?
Does the operator need to slide around
the steering column to enter or exit the
mower, or can he or she easily stand up to
get off the platform?
Finally, a critical safety consideration
is the " three points of contact " rule. It's

important for the operator to always
have three points of physical contact at
all times. This can be achieved through a
combination of properly positioned handles on the rollover protection system
(ROPS), the steering column and steps.
When looking for safe mowers, evaluate
where the step points and handles are
located. Will a smaller operator struggle
to reach a ROPS handle? Are the steps
on the mower equipped with grips, and
do those steps have a ribbed surface or a
tread plate?
Technology plays an important role in
engineering mowers that work harder for
the operator. The innovation offered today allows the worker to focus on achieving the perfect cut while staying safe.
Antony Alexander is a Product Manager for
Jacobsen (aalexander@textron.com).

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Parks & Recreation

May 2018 - Parks & Recreation

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