Machine Usage and Fire Safety.
Share
Machine Usage and Fire Safety is crucial for any competent operator aiming to work effectively while minimizing risks. Any machine operator has three primary goals:
- Don't cause damage to ourselves.
- Don't cause damage to the machine that pays our wages.
- Don't cause damage to the land.
Goal #1 is achieved by using a remote control mower to mow difficult terrain safely.
Goal #2 is achieved by regularly stopping the machine completely and inspecting it for broken blades, loose or missing bolts, and grass build-up.
Goal #3 is achieved by preventing fires. A grass fire can destroy the land, neighbouring property, wildlife, and the machine itself. The single most important thing a remote control mower operator can do for both fire prevention and machine maintenance is to stop the machine every 15 minutes and inspect it.
It's important to think about what you're doing. You're plunging a remote-controlled internal combustion engine mower into long, dry vegetation without direct supervision. This means you aren't sitting on it or pushing it—you are operating it remotely.
The Vee Twin machines have a specific problem that can cause dangerous backfires, generating blue flames that pass through the spark arrestor. If you own a Vee Twin Tank or Pitbull, understand the risks associated with their exhaust outlets to avoid serious issues.
If dry cut grass builds up around the muffler, you may not see or smell the problem until it’s too late. A rider would detect smoke early, but with a remote-controlled mower, signs of trouble might only become apparent when your machine is already on fire—particularly in difficult-to-access areas like steep slopes, where wildfires can spread rapidly.
Onboard fuel tanks and batteries can exacerbate such fires, intensifying the danger. It's crucial to consider fire prevention as a top priority.
Mowing wet grass significantly lowers the risk of fire; however, when dealing with long, dry, old grass, caution is essential. Always assess operating conditions prior to starting the job.
While it may be inconvenient to carry a knapsack or a petrol-rated fire extinguisher, the importance of safety cannot be overstated. Stopping every 15 minutes for a thorough check for grass build-up is time well invested. These brief inspections help ensure there’s no overheating, and that the exhaust is clear, which ultimately prevents fires and protects your investment.
A 30-second inspection every 15 minutes can significantly reduce the risks related to machine usage and fire safety. The effort spent on safety measures far outweighs the potential consequences of losing equipment or endangering lives and property.
Regards Phil