Many cities are stretching their budgets by holding onto equipment longer these days. While this may be prudent, and even necessary, maintaining safe equipment also needs to be a consideration. If the city decides to buy a new mower, this is a good time to include new and improved safety items.
Either way, remember to restore, or consider upgrading safety features that can affect the operator, mechanic, and general public.
Staying with the old:
Safety and Ergonomic Considerations-
- Is the seat still supportive? Can it be replaced or upgraded?
- Are the muffler, anti-vibration padding, and anti-slip steps working as originally designed, or do they need replacing?
- Are wheel hubs, critical steering linkage, tires, and related items structurally sound?
- Are the discharge shuts, deflectors, and guards in place and functioning?
Going with the new:
- Safety and Ergonomic Considerations-
- Is an adjustable or premium seat upgrade available?
- Do controls and foot pads have anti-vibration qualities?
- How easy is it to change attachments?
- How easy is it to remove the cab?
- Is the mower designed to operate on surfaces the city has to deal with including: hills, ditches, wet areas, etc.?
- How are blades changed? Does the deck lift-up or roll-out?
Employees spend a considerable amount of time on these mowers, ensuring that all safety and comfort features are working for them can make a big difference over the long run.
Evaluations and comments referenced herein are provided for loss control purposes only in conjunction with the LMCIT insurance program. They are not made for the purpose of complying with the requirements of any law, rule or regulation. We do not infer or imply in the making of these evaluations and comments that all material facts were reviewed or that all possible hazards were noted. The final responsibility for conducting safety, loss control and risk management programs must rest with the insured.
© Berkley Risk Administrators Company, LLC
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