Make or break features on a zero-turn?

[mcspeed]

Comfort, reliability and servicability. For example, bearings should be sealed, spindles with sleeves should have grease fittings. Belt changes should be simple and not require removal of a lot of other parts/components.

I disagree with the other comments on ROPs. I’m a believer in better safe than sorry. Accidents can happen so it’s a good idea to have the rollover protection. I always wear the seatbelt too. From a manufacturer standpoint, one would have to be ignorant to offer a ZT without one.

 

[bertsmobile1]

They were withdrawn from sale in the USA because USA home owners are idiots and kept on rolling them over by doing tight turns on slopes or at speed .
Because the wheels on the inside come closer together when doing tight turns .
The same mower is still being made in Europe
Apparently European mower drivers are substantially smarter than American ones
We got thousands of them sent to Australia at a big discounts because the Americans kept on rolling them over and this is after the US version which is longer , has a wider track and a bigger turning radius .
I have around 20 in my service run
Husqvarna Australia still sells them but only the larger commercial version not the residential
Got a friend who's daughter bought one complete with power sweeper .
She runs a van park & camping ground so uses it to cut grass & sweep the roads .
Stiga also do one which is a hoot to drive particularly the 4WD
The Stiga one is called the Park
You can probably order one from Canada

 

[bertsmobile1]

Comfort, reliability and servicability. For example, bearings should be sealed, spindles with sleeves should have grease fittings. Belt changes should be simple and not require removal of a lot of other parts/components.

I disagree with the other comments on ROPs. I’m a believer in better safe than sorry. Accidents can happen so it’s a good idea to have the rollover protection. I always wear the seatbelt too. From a manufacturer standpoint, one would have to be ignorant to offer a ZT without one.

I got caught unawares the first one I drove with a ROP
It was a Great Dane Chariot and I took it for a test drive out front, went under a street sign on 2 posts and flipped the mower up about 6' before the back grounded & I tore the sign off the posts .

 

[mcspeed]

I got caught unawares the first one I drove with a ROP
It was a Great Dane Chariot and I took it for a test drive out front, went under a street sign on 2 posts and flipped the mower up about 6' before the back grounded & I tore the sign off the posts .

I caught mine on a large tree branch….did a wheelie but fortunately no damage to me or the ZT. I know what to look out for now LOL.

 

[Skippydiesel]

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

It's most likly that so called "experienced guys" will have the accident.

Why? :

• They do a lot more hours than the average home mower, exposing themselves to more risk. Countering this is knowledge/skill.
• Are overconfident - operate at machines at stability limits. Only takes a small (hidden) dip in the ground to tip a machine operating close to its stability limit.
• With the exception of having to operate under low vegetation/structures, you are crazy not to use an installed role protector/safety belt. Will likly be in violation of government/industrial legislation (where applicable) and invalidate any injury/death insurance claim that you may try to make .

 

[Skippydiesel]

I want it to work. and work, and work. Parts should not break, or need replacing for 5 years. Parts should be reasonably priced and common, and not needed as it does not break down.

I expect to do good reliable maintenance. I want to be able to LUBRICATE everything that moves, including pulleys and spindles.

I expect factory fuel filter and oil filter showing manufacture gives a crap about machines they make.

OH, NO ELECTRONICS but for coil. no computer, no phone app. none of that crap.

With you all the way.

Can't understand why grease nipples are not more easily accessible - especially the spindle grease nipples . Why are so many on the underside of the deck, when it can't be that hard to put them on the top of the spindle shaft?????

 

[ZackT]

Liberty Z upgrades
Deck baffle
Trac seat
Remote battery charging posts

Solid machine for ~2 acres.