How is this a safety device??

[RandyT]

I always thought the RIO button on the JD's was really really stupid, because it focuses your attention on the button looking forward when you want to go in reverse. I think they want you to override it so if you do run over someone while mowing in reverse they will be protected in court.

It covers the fact that people complained about having to shut off the deck every time they needed to back up, with the fact if you do back up while mowing and run over your child it isn't our fault that you the operator bypassed a safety system.

 

[joefromga]

The govt has mandated all cars 2017+ have backup cameras.

This is only getting worse.

 

[ray66v]

I personally know of a child that was backed over. It's very sad.

But, since I can consciously put the key in a different position, and back up my mower without the engine cutting out, it seems like that feature was put there more to shift the liability totally on the operator, than anything else.

The problem is, half the population is below average in intelligence. And, a certain side of the government is full of people, who feel obligated to try and save the stupid ones, because they are their voting base.

 

[Bird]

Its supposed to keep you from backing over someone (somehow). IMO, the Cub Cadet system (where you can either push the button each time, or put the key in a different spot and press the button once per startup) is better.
Aaron Z

At least they're making some progress then, because I bought a new Cub Cadet in 1995 and it had no provisions for mowing in reverse, and the dealer told me they couldn't change that. However, one of his mechanics disconnected that feature, asking me to not tell the boss. So, from then on, mine would mow in reverse without the operator doing anything special.

I can understand why they put that safety feature on mowers; however . . . I've owned two ZTR mowers with no such feature. I guess they just haven't figured out how to do it to a ZTR.

 

[rekees4300]

But how is the system that requires the operator to pull/push/lift some kind of button/lever (lift lever on our X748) to back up while mowing a safety mechanism?

Designed by lawyers. My X500 has this feature, I override by putting a clothes pin under it.

 

[DK35vince]

I can understand why they put that safety feature on mowers; however . . . I've owned two ZTR mowers with no such feature. I guess they just haven't figured out how to do it to a ZTR.

I'm pretty sure my neighbor had a Cub Cadet zero turn ( don't recall the model) that did have that feature. It was a lower end residential model.
I've never owned a mower that had it.

 

[turbo36]

:thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

If he said that he's ignorant because you can educate the ignorant, but you can't fix stupid

:thumbsup:

 

[RandyT]

At least they're making some progress then, because I bought a new Cub Cadet in 1995 and it had no provisions for mowing in reverse, and the dealer told me they couldn't change that. However, one of his mechanics disconnected that feature, asking me to not tell the boss. So, from then on, mine would mow in reverse without the operator doing anything special.

I can understand why they put that safety feature on mowers; however . . . I've owned two ZTR mowers with no such feature. I guess they just haven't figured out how to do it to a ZTR.

I have seen systems on Z turns that would either kill the engine when both levers were pulled to the rear, or would disengage the pto when both levers were pulled to reverse.

 

[ray66v]

If a mower is considered for commercial use, it has entirely different government standards to meet, than homeowners models do.

For example, blade tip speed, and ground speed, are limited in residential products. But, it's not on commercial ones.

That's why some have limitations, and some don't.

It's not because they can't figure it out, it's because they don't have to.

 

[Bird]

I have seen systems on Z turns that would either kill the engine when both levers were pulled to the rear, or would disengage the pto when both levers were pulled to reverse.

I didn't know such existed, since neither of my Toros had that, but I can't say I'm surprised.