Mowers, Strimmers & Hedge Trimmers

It’s that time of year again! The grass is growing lush and green, and everything has that post-winter straggly, depressing appearance. At the first hint of sunshine we wonder if it is dry enough to mow, and where did we leave the mower?

Mowers, strimmers and hedge-trimmers can be petrol-powered, electrically-powered with an electric flex attached, or ‘cordless’. These machines can be used by people without any form of safety-training whatsoever! Us, the general public!! O.K. most of us are capable of using them quite competently, until distracted, but it is worth having a safety cut-out device of some kind for that odd occasion!

A ‘dead-man’s handle’ on a petrol mower shuts off the mower-blades and/or engine if released. It is all too easy to reach down to unblock the chute to the mower bag and lose a hand. Similarly, a circuit-breaker will cut off the electric current if there is an electrical fault or you accidentally cut through the cable. It is so easily done, and it may not be you using the machine.

Safety glasses, gloves, sturdy footwear are common sense in garden work. Sunglasses are better than no eye protection at all. Ear defenders are advised for long jobs with very noisy tools. A safety platform is essential for trimming high hedges. Don’t balance on a ladder or kitchen chair, using the tool with one hand and clinging on with the other. You only have one life, don’t waste it!

If garden machinery needs adjusting, turn it off or disconnect the power supply. Avoid working in a distracting environment, (pets or children running wild), and do not allow children to operate garden machinery. Need it be said, do not smoke while refueling a petrol mower???

Climate? While most of us think we will suffer rust before sunstroke, just remember that if you are unfit, or out-of-practice, take regular breaks on long jobs, and frequent drinks of water if the weather is particularly hot and sunny, even wear a hat! Gardening can be hard work, but it is also rewarding to sit back and admire one’s work, rather than collapse into a deckchair absolutely wrecked!