Key ANSI/OPEI Standards for Lawn Mower Manufacturers

On November 6, 2023 the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) approved updates to manufacturing standards for combustion-engine-powered lawnmowers put forth by the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI). These approved standards went into effect the following year as new guidelines: ANSI/OPEI 5395-1-2024.

For lawn and garden manufacturers who fabricate combustion-engine-powered lawnmowers, these new standards require additional considerations. The full guidelines can be found on the ANSI website. In this article, we’ll cover some of the key standards that impact fabrication.

What is ANSI/OPEI 5395-1?

These standards spell the safety requirements and approved test methods for combustion engine-powered rotary lawnmowers and cylinder lawnmowers. This includes pedestrian-controlled lawnmowers and ride-on lawnmowers. The new 2024 standards include:

• American National Standard for Garden Equipment Part 1: Terminology and Common Tests
• American National Standard for Garden Equipment Part 2: Pedestrian-Controlled Lawnmowers
• American National Standard for Garden Equipment Part 3: Ride-On Lawnmowers
• American National Standard for Off-Road Ground-Supported Outdoor Power Equipment – Gasoline Fuel Systems – Performance Specifications and Test Procedure

This is in addition to the pre-existing standards for other lawncare equipment like shredders, blowers and trimmers. The new requirements only apply to combustion-engine-powered lawnmowers - the standards other pieces of equipment addressed by ANSI/OPEI 5395 remain the same.

What OEMs Need to Know

The complete guidelines go more in-depth and are available on the ANSI website. At ICP, we routinely work with lawn and garden OEMs to create effective parts. From these new standards, we’re seeing one massive change: the new guidelines require additional heat-deflection materials. 

The OEMs we work with are finding that their existing heat-deflection parts are not sufficient to address these new standards. This doesn’t just mean adding on additional die-cut heat-deflecting parts: it also requires a review of the entire heat-deflection system to ensure compliance.

Meet Updated Standards While Remaining Cost-Effective

Industrial Custom Products is now offering design review and assistance to Lawn Mower OEMs to help identify how they can meet these new standards while keeping costs reasonable. We’re also able to provide testing to meet these new standards. Even if you’ve already updated your design, have ICP review your production: you might be surprised at how well we can optimize your production.

Industrial Custom Products is a one-stop-shop for custom manufacturing and plastic fabrication, including: prototyping and product development, die cutting and dieless knife cutting, thermoforming and vacuum forming, large part thermoforming, CNC plastic routing, fabrication and assembly and drape forming.