I hate to see this...

[Snobdds]

Life is hard, it’s even harder when you’re stupid. I’ll split the airfare with ya so you can come and teach me a lesson. Relax, tough guy, it’s the internet. Don’t get your panties in a wad.

This entire thread has your panties in a wad...you have some great self awareness on display.

 

[tacticalturnip]

I'm just going to say that as a tractor guy I wouldn't let my 8 year old operate a zero-turn; as an adult I found myself quite surprised at how fast those things move the first time I operated one. That's not a tractor, in a child's hands it seems more an armed go-kart.

 

[kozal01]

I'm just going to say that as a tractor guy I wouldn't let my 8 year old operate a zero-turn; as an adult I found myself quite surprised at how fast those things move the first time I operated one. That's not a tractor, in a child's hands it seems more an armed go-kart.

It depends, when I taught my kids to use mine I just lowered the engine speed until they got used to it. ZTR’s are very intuitive to use and mine took to it very quickly. I don’t know what the weight requirement is for the seat safety but mine is still intact and both of them could keep the engine running.

 

[tacticalturnip]

I'll also say this, we know our children more than anyone else. By age 6, my oldest had his own little lawn tractor, sans deck; my youngest? Nah, nope, he got a Power Wheels tractor; that little turd is far too daring for his own good.

 

[Sportsman762]

I started mowing on a zero turn when I was 7 but only the flat sections. I was threatened with corporal punishment if I went anywhere near the hills. My father has informed me (now that I am older) that the lawn looked like $#!* when I was done. When I was 11 or so I started mowing the hills. My parents did not do any mowing until I left for college. I was not allowed on the tractor (ford 8N) until I was 13 as most the fields were hilly (no rops). Not every child is ready to learn to run equipment at a young age. But with strict boundaries about equipment operation, and supervision it can be done if the child is ready. This is my opinion and experiences, not looking to start a fight.

 

[Coffee drinker]

Life is hard, it’s even harder when you’re stupid. I’ll split the airfare with ya so you can come and teach me a lesson. Relax, tough guy, it’s the internet. Don’t get your panties in a wad.

Our next discussion should be on whether you fellows are old enough to be on the internet.

 

[Yander]

Wife planted a field of beans on a JD 3010 at 9. Now at 53 she probably would struggle. Lol

 

[5030]

It's a Husky ZTR so it probably won't last until the kid turns 3 or 4 anyway. Those mowers are low grade stuff.

 

[kozal01]

It's a Husky ZTR so it probably won't last until the kid turns 3 or 4 anyway. Those mowers are low grade stuff.

It’s a Kubota, put your bifocals on.

 

[Hay Dude]

Growing up on a ranch...we learned how to be around and operate machinery at a young age.

We were fine and better off for it.

Damn, we're getting soft.

Agree.
My son was able to run a baling tractor at 14.
Long as it’s set up safe, I’m good.

 

[Hay Dude]

I had a little ATV I use to bomb around the ranch on, at like 5. Rolled that sucker at least a dozen time. My parents didn't even make me wear a helmet, plus I had a single shot .22 on my shoulder.

Then I upgraded to a 1972 Chevy 2500 truck at age 10. I hit more damn irrigation ditches with that thing. Bouncing off the roof of the tuck.

I now have a turbo rzr that I can hit 100 mph pretty easily.

I have a healthy respect for machines and pushing them has allowed me to know the limits. Sheltered kids don't know these limits.

Yeah I had a 12 ga when I was 10 and several .22’s. Was an excellent target shooter and dreamed of joining the Marines. My dad let me drive when I was 12. I knew how to reload about then, too. Also had several mini-bikes and a Suzuki TR-185 by 14.
I still think my parents signing off to let me play football ended up cauing me the most injuries long term.

 

[RandyT]

Growing up on a ranch...we learned how to be around and operate machinery at a young age.

We were fine and better off for it.

Damn, we're getting soft.

I think kids that grew up around machinery had more of an awareness of what could go wrong then today's kids. Part of the reason was the kids had to learn at an young age how to operate because they had to.

I am curious if there are more kids involved in machinery accidents now than say 40 years ago when we were growing up and operating tractors, mowers, etc at 9-10 years old.

 

[YanmarFever]

(MOST) of todays kids only know how to operate the TV, game controls and their telephones for social media.

 

[Hay Dude]

So now your balls drop. You want to play tough guy?

 

[Coffee drinker]

View attachment 864014

Which one is you?

 

[Hay Dude]

Which one is you?

Neither. I am sitting in the crowd with popcorn LOL

 

[Coffee drinker]

I figured you were to smart for that.

 

[tacticalturnip]

View attachment 864014

If I let another man slap me like a ***** for a few minutes can I make enough money to pay off most off my debts?

I'm alright with that.

 

[Hay Dude]

I figured you were to smart for that.

I actually spent a few years in the boxing ring. I was a collegiate boxer in my late teens, early 20’s.
Not terribly successful LOL