If you feel like you need ROPS and seat belts ALL the time... I would agree. I feel I need it about 10% of the time. The bank next to the road is part of that 10%, and I can't just let that go.
Fair point. Saying it should be up all the time was exaggerating. But, still think it should be available on most units. Experienced guys can do without them, but there's a lot of newbies out there who'll get overconfident and their bound to mess something up. The safety features are for them
Experienced guys either fold them down or remove them before using the mower. The newbies are the ones that unload their new mower off the trailer and proceed to drive across the yard hooking the first tree branch they try to go under and either break the branch off and get hit in the head with it, or stand the mower on end or flip it over backwards.
Everyone in this thread is focused on the ROPS, when the real question is what features and qualities do you look for in a zero turn? The zero turn market has been very competitive for the last ten years. There are several closely competitive brands of mowers on the market. My buying criteria has been listed, so wondering what others feel is important.
A touchy one! Feel like people either hate it or absolutely need it. Gotta side with you on this one though. Even if you don't use it, what's the harm?#1 must have: a cup holder.. No compromises on this..LOL
Howdy! Joe here from Lawnmower Man Lawn Service. Seems like not all that much attention is given to operator comfort on ZTR machines, or even smaller lawn/garden tractors. I suppose that's ok if you are Iron Man. I have been a semi-truck driver for many years in the past, and learned the value of a good driver's seat. Air is great, but hydraulic works just fine also....but everyone seems to miss the one feature that would take all the back-slapping by the seat out of the ride!...A glide control. For those who do not know what a glide control is on a semi-truck's seat...imagine a fwd/back seat adjust that is dampened both ways. When the short wheelbased machine bounces/bucks, the glide control absorbes that motion without transferring it to the operator. Hence...no back-slapping. No need for lower back pain medicine at night. Would this add extra cost to the end user? Yes...but not that much, and could be offered as an option. What will sell a glide control seat, is a demo. Let the customer ride one with the seat installed and lock it in and then out to feel the difference. Just a suggestion. G'day sir.....
All of the above for me plus...
