Steep Hill

[Turf Man]

I have a steep hill that drops off into a lake. Not 45 degree, but steep. I have a JD Z335 and it slides down the hill. I’m looking for a walk behind. I looked at an old Snapper gear drive. The mower deck engage is a lever. You have to squeeze the handles to stop moving. If I tripped and fell down, this damn thing could run me over or a neighbor kid or a pet. Seems very dangerous. What kind of mower do I need?

 

[hlw49]

Best zero turn I have seen for a hill is one with a steering wheel like the Cub Cadets. I have always said they made the zero turn mowers wrong. The caster wheels should be in the back. Caster wheels are not made to lead they follow.

 

[Auto Doc's]

Hi Turf Man,

A JD 335 zero turn has never been good on inclines unless going straight up and down, even then they get a little unstable.

Years ago, I recall as a kid, I watched my grandmother mow steep inclines with a basic, light small push mower that had a rope tied to the handle. She would stand at the top and ease it down the incline, then move over a foot and pull the mower with the rope back up, it worked pretty slick.

Also, I agree with hlw49 about the CC steering wheel design zero turn mowers; they hold the ground much better and are easy to control going across inclines. (I own an RZT S50.) A trick that helps is to place a 50lb weight on the front so they can maintain directional control much better.

When it comes to most zero turns, weight distribution is a critical factor, most are designed for use on mostly flat ground, when they hit inclines sideways, they tend to "crab" and slip as they travel forward.

Another mower that also works great is an older Snapper Series 6 rear engine rider. They were (and still are) a workhorse for changing inclines, but a front weight was also recommended on them as well.

 

[Tiger Small Engine]

Hi Turf Man,

A JD 335 zero turn has never been good on inclines unless going straight up and down, even then they get a little unstable.

Years ago, I recall as a kid, I watched my grandmother mow steep inclines with a basic, light small push mower that had a rope tied to the handle. She would stand at the top and ease it down the incline, then move over a foot and pull the mower with the rope back up, it worked pretty slick.

Also, I agree with hlw49 about the CC steering wheel design zero turn mowers; they hold the ground much better and are easy to control going across inclines. (I own an RZT S50.) A trick that helps is to place a 50lb weight on the front so they can maintain directional control much better.

When it comes to most zero turns, weight distribution is a critical factor, most are designed for use on mostly flat ground, when they hit inclines sideways, they tend to "crab" and slip as they travel forward.

Another mower that also works great is an older Snapper Series 6 rear engine rider. They were (and still are) a workhorse for changing inclines, but a front weight was also recommended on them as well.

I totally disagree about the Cub Cadet “zero turn” steering wheel mowers and them being able to hold a hill well. Logic tells me if these mowers were so good on steep hills, why do you NEVER see commercial guys that mow for a living all day long use them?
A good commercial zero turn like a Scag or Ferris will hold a hill very well. I know from personal experience and seeing it done by others.

 

[Skippydiesel]

If you are serious about safety and capability on slopes, 4x4 is the only way to go. Here are a few Australian web site suggestions ( am sure most can be found in the USA):

All Terrain Mowers – 4WD, Ride On & Remote Control Mower

As Motor Australia supply all terrain, steep terrain, rough terrain mowers including: 4WD, ride on and remote control mowers. Contact us today, to discuss your requirements!

www.asmotor.com.au

The Razorback | Discover Tough Mowing Solutions—Get Started Today!

Explore rugged, versatile all-terrain mowers for slopes, brush, and vegetation with Razorback. Book a demo and see the power of our durable equipment.

www.therazorback.com.au

https://www.deere.com.au/en/mowers/ride-on-mowers/x700-signature-series/x739-ride-on-mower/

ATEX AR950 4wd Slope Mower

This Japanese-made ATEX AR950 4wd Slope & Ride-on Mower is designed to work on hard-to-maneuver angles and terrains. Enjoy the ride while you easily mow grassed slopes!

www.tannertrack.com.au

Outback® Tractor 4WD BCT4323BCE - Ride-On Brush Cutter

The Outback® Tractor delivers ultimate performance in high grass conditions. 4WD drive system and powered by a Briggs & Stratton engine.

www.billygoat.com

 

[MParr]

If you have an ATV or UTV, something like a towed rough cut or finishing mower would work. Those things can be set up to run offset the centerline of the off road vehicle.

 

[slomo]

What ever the brand, needs a full pressure lube engine. If your mega mower wants to go swimming, means a steep slope. Slash lube is a no-no here.

 

[GearHead36]

I have a Cub Cadet steering wheel ZTR, and an older Husqvarna traditional lap-bar ZTR. The CC is easier to control on slopes. The lap-bar ZTR will sometimes slip & slide around. The CC will track where you point it. It's not a Ventrac, but it's also not $20000. IMO, it's a good step up from a lap-bar ZTR for hills & slopes.