Tractor and Gang Mower Rollover on Slopes and Embankments
HighOperating gang mowers on slopes exceeding manufacturer specifications creates critical rollover risk. The combined centre of gravity of tractor and towed gang mower is higher and further rearward than the tractor alone, reducing lateral and longitudinal stability. Side slopes can cause sideways rollovers when the centre of gravity moves outside the wheel track, whilst steep uphill or downhill operation can cause rearward or forward rollovers respectively. Wet grass reduces traction, increasing the likelihood of slides or loss of control. The weight of gang mower units under towed configurations applies significant force to the tractor drawbar, potentially lifting the front wheels and reducing steering control. Construction sites often have temporary slopes from earthworks, unstable ground from recent fill placement, and unmarked edges near retaining walls or excavations, all of which increase rollover risk beyond that encountered on established parklands.
Consequence: Fatal crush injuries to operators trapped beneath overturned tractors, serious spinal injuries, head trauma, and crush injuries to chest and limbs. Rollover protective structures (ROPS) provide protection only if operators wear seatbelts; ejection during rollover substantially increases fatality risk.
Blade Contact Injuries During Cleaning and Maintenance
HighEach gang mower cutting unit contains a rotating reel with multiple helical blades moving against a fixed bedknife. During daily cleaning to remove grass buildup, blade adjustment procedures, or backlapping for sharpening, operators' hands come within close proximity to these sharp cutting surfaces. Residual hydraulic pressure in the system can cause unexpected reel rotation even after the engine is stopped and hydraulic controls are returned to neutral. Spring-loaded bedknife adjustment mechanisms can release unexpectedly during adjustment procedures, causing hands to contact moving or stationary blades. Cleaning hardened grass buildup using scrapers or brushes requires force that can slip and contact blade edges. The repetitive nature of maintenance across multiple cutting units creates complacency risks where operators reduce their caution after completing several units without incident.
Consequence: Severe lacerations requiring emergency medical treatment, severed tendons causing permanent loss of finger function, partial or complete finger amputations, nerve damage resulting in chronic pain and reduced hand dexterity, and potential for infection from contaminated blade surfaces.
Entanglement and Crushing Between Tow Vehicle and Gang Mower Frame
HighThe articulation point between towing vehicles and gang mower frames creates dangerous pinch points during hook-up, unhooking, and manoeuvring operations. When reversing the towing vehicle toward the gang mower for connection, operators or assistants may position themselves between the vehicles to guide alignment, placing them at risk if the operator misjudges distance or loses control. During sharp turns, particularly when reversing or manoeuvring in confined areas, the angle between tow vehicle and gang mower changes rapidly, creating moving pinch points that can trap personnel. The substantial weight of gang mower units means even slow-speed contact creates crushing forces exceeding human tolerance. Hydraulic hose routing between tow vehicle and gang mower can snag on equipment or terrain features, causing sudden changes in mower position or trajectory. On construction sites with limited maneuvering space, operators may attempt tighter turns than equipment is designed for, increasing entanglement risk.
Consequence: Fatal crushing injuries to torso, pelvis, or limbs if trapped between equipment, severe fractures, internal organ damage, amputation of trapped limbs, and serious soft tissue injuries requiring extended hospitalization and surgical intervention.
Struck-By Incidents Involving Operating Cutting Units
MediumThe wide cutting path of gang mowers (2.5-5+ metres) extends substantially beyond the visible area immediately in front of the operator, particularly when towed units trail behind the operator's line of sight. On construction sites with multiple trades working concurrently, workers may enter the mowing area unaware of approaching equipment or assuming the mower will divert around them. The noise of tractor engines and hydraulic systems reduces audibility of verbal warnings. Dust from mowing operations can obscure operators' vision of personnel in the cutting path. Gang mowers operating on sports field developments may encounter workers installing irrigation, electrical services for lighting, or drainage infrastructure who are focused on their own tasks and not monitoring for approaching equipment. Children or visitors may be present on sites with public access, creating additional risks if exclusion zones are not effectively established and maintained.
Consequence: Contact with rotating cutting reels causing severe lacerations to legs and feet, crushing injuries from being struck by heavy cutting unit frames, fractures from impact with tow vehicles or gang mower chassis, and potential for multiple casualties if several workers are in the cutting path.
Loss of Control on Wet Grass and Steep Descents
MediumWet grass from morning dew, irrigation, or rain substantially reduces traction between tyre treads and turf surfaces. On descending slopes, wet conditions can cause loss of traction leading to uncontrolled slides where steering and braking become ineffective. The weight of the towed gang mower pushes the tractor downhill, potentially overcoming the tractor's braking capacity. Operators may instinctively apply brakes heavily during slides, which can lock wheels and further reduce directional control. On recently constructed sites, subsoil may be saturated from irrigation system commissioning or rain infiltration, creating soft spots where traction suddenly reduces. The combination of loaded gang mower weight, slope angle, and reduced traction creates conditions where equipment cannot be safely stopped before reaching slope bottoms, potentially contacting fencing, structures, excavations, or water features at the base of slopes.
Consequence: Collision injuries from striking structures or obstacles at slope bases, rollover injuries if equipment destabilises during uncontrolled descent, equipment damage requiring costly repairs, and potential for equipment to enter water bodies or excavations creating submersion or entrapment hazards.
