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ZTR for slope?
#1
B
Bluesbob
B
Bluesbob
Hi! New member here, with a new home and new problems.
We have a little more than 5 acres and about 4 of those acres will have to be mowed soon. Our property is on a hillside. Although not really a steep hill, would I be better off with a regular garden tractor like the Huskervana 2654 (top speed 5 mph) or can a ZTR do a sloped hillside? I really would like to use a ZTR to spend less time mowing. I looked at the Ferris is700z with the Kawa 23.5 hp motor (top speed 10 mph) and kind of want one.
I don't know if this has been asked before, but TIA for any info.
We have a little more than 5 acres and about 4 of those acres will have to be mowed soon. Our property is on a hillside. Although not really a steep hill, would I be better off with a regular garden tractor like the Huskervana 2654 (top speed 5 mph) or can a ZTR do a sloped hillside? I really would like to use a ZTR to spend less time mowing. I looked at the Ferris is700z with the Kawa 23.5 hp motor (top speed 10 mph) and kind of want one.
I don't know if this has been asked before, but TIA for any info.
#2
Mid TN Lawn
Mid TN Lawn
A regular zero will not hold large steep hills. You can look at two options one kubota builds a 4wd front deck mower designed to do what you want cost is 25k plus tax next option is a small 4wd tractor with belly mower you can find nice used ones for 5k but stay with ag tires turf tires are no good on damp or soft groundHi! New member here, with a new home and new problems. We have a little more than 5 acres and about 4 of those acres will have to be mowed soon. Our property is on a hillside. Although not really a steep hill, would I be better off with a regular garden tractor like the Huskervana 2654 (top speed 5 mph) or can a ZTR do a sloped hillside? I really would like to use a ZTR to spend less time mowing. I looked at the Ferris is700z with the Kawa 23.5 hp motor (top speed 10 mph) and kind of want one. I don't know if this has been asked before, but TIA for any info.
#3
Parkmower
If you go to $25k there are numerous options.
As for $3-$5k I've heard the steering wheel or joystick ZT's do ok on hills but I've never run one.
Parkmower
A regular zero will not hold large steep hills. You can look at two options one kubota builds a 4wd front deck mower designed to do what you want cost is 25k plus tax next option is a small 4wd tractor with belly mower you can find nice used ones for 5k but stay with ag tires turf tires are no good on damp or soft ground
If you go to $25k there are numerous options.
As for $3-$5k I've heard the steering wheel or joystick ZT's do ok on hills but I've never run one.
#4
Ric
When you say hills and not really a steep hill, what type or how steep are we talking about? Most Zero Turn Riders will hold up to a 15 degree slope and some are rated up to 20 degree. The other thing is how much of a budget are you talking about? If you can't mow your slope or hill with the Ferris, you wont be able to use the Husqvarna 2654 either and you may have to opt for some type or wide area walk behind.
Ric
Hi! New member here, with a new home and new problems.
We have a little more than 5 acres and about 4 of those acres will have to be mowed soon. Our property is on a hillside. Although not really a steep hill, would I be better off with a regular garden tractor like the Huskervana 2654 (top speed 5 mph) or can a ZTR do a sloped hillside? I really would like to use a ZTR to spend less time mowing. I looked at the Ferris is700z with the Kawa 23.5 hp motor (top speed 10 mph) and kind of want one.
I don't know if this has been asked before, but TIA for any info.
When you say hills and not really a steep hill, what type or how steep are we talking about? Most Zero Turn Riders will hold up to a 15 degree slope and some are rated up to 20 degree. The other thing is how much of a budget are you talking about? If you can't mow your slope or hill with the Ferris, you wont be able to use the Husqvarna 2654 either and you may have to opt for some type or wide area walk behind.
#5
Carscw
Carscw
The 700z is a nice ride bit it will not cut half the hills that the 2654 will cut.
#6
Lawnboy18
Lawnboy18
A stand on could be a good option.
#7
Ric
The Stander would be an excellent choice for anything up to a 20 degree slope. Both the Stander and the Zero Turn Rider will or should have a lower center of gravity than a garden tractor. The advantage you have with the Toro Grandstand or Exmark Vantage is you would have two mowers in one, a ZTR and a walk behind.
Ric
A stand on could be a good option.
The Stander would be an excellent choice for anything up to a 20 degree slope. Both the Stander and the Zero Turn Rider will or should have a lower center of gravity than a garden tractor. The advantage you have with the Toro Grandstand or Exmark Vantage is you would have two mowers in one, a ZTR and a walk behind.
#8
L
LoCo86
I would go for the ZTR. Although like Ric said they are rated for 15-20 degree slopes, they can handle more than that if the terrain is smooth and not wet. I don't know anything about Ferris but I would advise you to check out all your local dealers to see what they have to offer and if they can help you make a choice for what type of mower would best suit your needs.
L
LoCo86
Hi! New member here, with a new home and new problems. We have a little more than 5 acres and about 4 of those acres will have to be mowed soon. Our property is on a hillside. Although not really a steep hill, would I be better off with a regular garden tractor like the Huskervana 2654 (top speed 5 mph) or can a ZTR do a sloped hillside? I really would like to use a ZTR to spend less time mowing. I looked at the Ferris is700z with the Kawa 23.5 hp motor (top speed 10 mph) and kind of want one. I don't know if this has been asked before, but TIA for any info.
I would go for the ZTR. Although like Ric said they are rated for 15-20 degree slopes, they can handle more than that if the terrain is smooth and not wet. I don't know anything about Ferris but I would advise you to check out all your local dealers to see what they have to offer and if they can help you make a choice for what type of mower would best suit your needs.
#9
R
Raw Dodge
R
Raw Dodge
what is your budget? A Ventrac 4100 with 60" deck would be the safest machine IMO.. it's probably 16-18k if you can find a leftover with the 31 Vanguard big block air cooled, it's a great machine.
#10
L
LoCo86
16-18k would be just for the tractor and not any of the attachments. I looked into getting one, but backed out due to the size of the machine and how much room it took up.
L
LoCo86
what is your budget? A Ventrac 4100 with 60" deck would be the safest machine IMO.. it's probably 16-18k if you can find a leftover with the 31 Vanguard big block air cooled, it's a great machine.
16-18k would be just for the tractor and not any of the attachments. I looked into getting one, but backed out due to the size of the machine and how much room it took up.
#11
R
Raw Dodge
R
Raw Dodge
my friend just bought a brand new leftover 31hp Vanguard for 14500 with zero financing... no deck but you can get into one with a deck for 18 if you look.
#12
B
Bluesbob
B
Bluesbob
Thanks for all the response. I'm not sure what the slope is, but I don't think it's more than 1 foot per every 10 feet. My lawn guy recommends a ZTR, but I have to get the hay bush-hogged first, he says. Excellent idea to ask my local dealer. I can go to about $150/month, which is what the Ferris would run. Thank you everyone!
#13
M
MRCo.
M
MRCo.
Hustler makes the ATZ, All Terrain Z....but it's high end...$$$. Try to find a machine with the lowest seat to lower the centre of gravity. Make sure it has ROPS. Also, you have a lot to cut so you will be buying a larger deck which widens footprint....so that's good. Have fun shopping!
#14
Lawnboy18
Very true! Also, standers are saffer on slopes and you can zoom around under places a ZTR can't.
Lawnboy18
The Stander would be an excellent choice for anything up to a 20 degree slope. Both the Stander and the Zero Turn Rider will or should have a lower center of gravity than a garden tractor. The advantage you have with the Toro Grandstand or Exmark Vantage is you would have two mowers in one, a ZTR and a walk behind.
Very true! Also, standers are saffer on slopes and you can zoom around under places a ZTR can't.
#15
Ric
The ATZ is rated to 25 degrees but like you say it's high end...$$$. The Standers are much the same as the ZTR being the larger the deck the wider the foot print and the higher the cost, my 36" is on the narrow side but its advantage is that it only weighs 756lbs, the 60" GS comes in at 928lbs which can be a disadvantage or an advantage over most of the ZTR's especially the ATZ at 1500lbs depending on how you look at it. The other thing he may want to consider is the cost of running the machines.
Ric
Hustler makes the ATZ, All Terrain Z....but it's high end...$$$. Try to find a machine with the lowest seat to lower the center of gravity. Make sure it has ROPS. Also, you have a lot to cut so you will be buying a larger deck which widens footprint....so that's good. Have fun shopping!
Very true! Also, standers are safer on slopes and you can zoom around under places a ZTR can't.
The ATZ is rated to 25 degrees but like you say it's high end...$$$. The Standers are much the same as the ZTR being the larger the deck the wider the foot print and the higher the cost, my 36" is on the narrow side but its advantage is that it only weighs 756lbs, the 60" GS comes in at 928lbs which can be a disadvantage or an advantage over most of the ZTR's especially the ATZ at 1500lbs depending on how you look at it. The other thing he may want to consider is the cost of running the machines.
#16
jekjr
jekjr
I have not shot grade on them to know what the slopes are but we cut some very steep places with our zero turns at times. To say zero turn will not work on a hill is no where near true.
I cut hills with my 326 Kubota that there is no way I would cut them on a ride on tractor type mower in fact. The center of gravity on them is much lower.
I cut hills with my 326 Kubota that there is no way I would cut them on a ride on tractor type mower in fact. The center of gravity on them is much lower.
#17
Carscw
Carscw
I get calls all the time from guys that do HUD homes that need me to come cut a hill for them because their ztr can't stick it.
I riding mower will stick any hill you are brave enough to try
I riding mower will stick any hill you are brave enough to try
#18
Ric
A ZTR or a Stander will do most any hill if your brave enough to try but there's a fine line between Brave and Stupidity and both can get you into a lot of trouble and an article in the newspaper.
Ric
I get calls all the time from guys that do HUD homes that need me to come cut a hill for them because their ztr can't stick it.
I riding mower will stick any hill you are brave enough to try
A ZTR or a Stander will do most any hill if your brave enough to try but there's a fine line between Brave and Stupidity and both can get you into a lot of trouble and an article in the newspaper.
#19
jekjr
I don't know what kind of mower you are running and I don't know what kind of zero turns they are running but my ZD 326 will take you to about any angle you got the guts go take it. I have never run a mower of any kind that will work on any steeper hill. Across or up and down. I have a ZG 222 as well. It does pretty good also but it will slide some especially trying to turn right going downhill if it is too steep.
jekjr
I get calls all the time from guys that do HUD homes that need me to come cut a hill for them because their ztr can't stick it.
I riding mower will stick any hill you are brave enough to try
I don't know what kind of mower you are running and I don't know what kind of zero turns they are running but my ZD 326 will take you to about any angle you got the guts go take it. I have never run a mower of any kind that will work on any steeper hill. Across or up and down. I have a ZG 222 as well. It does pretty good also but it will slide some especially trying to turn right going downhill if it is too steep.
#20
Carscw
At 1,700 pounds and more money than it's worth the 326 sucks on wet hills or wet ground period leaves to any tire tracks.
The mower you choose to use should do any job that comes your way.
Yes I cut hills for guys that have scag and kabota ZTRs they are just to heavy when the ground is wet. They just turn everything to mud.
To put any ztr on a 45 degree hill is foolish
They are not made for it.
Carscw
I don't know what kind of mower you are running and I don't know what kind of zero turns they are running but my ZD 326 will take you to about any angle you got the guts go take it. I have never run a mower of any kind that will work on any steeper hill. Across or up and down. I have a ZG 222 as well. It does pretty good also but it will slide some especially trying to turn right going downhill if it is too steep.
At 1,700 pounds and more money than it's worth the 326 sucks on wet hills or wet ground period leaves to any tire tracks.
The mower you choose to use should do any job that comes your way.
Yes I cut hills for guys that have scag and kabota ZTRs they are just to heavy when the ground is wet. They just turn everything to mud.
To put any ztr on a 45 degree hill is foolish
They are not made for it.
#21
Ric
jekjr I know your partial to your Kubota's but keep in mind the mower is only rated at 15 degrees the same as most lawn tractors, to mow anything greater than 15 degrees you would be depriving your engine of proper lubrication. Kawasaki engines are rated for up to 25 degrees but even they say not for extended periods. you both showing your stupidity.
I have to agree somewhat with Carscw in the fact that anyone who mows with a ZTR, any ZTR knows they will leave tracks and ruts on wet ground and there not worth a flip on wet hills because you have no control of the mower and all they do is tear up turf.
When it comes to mowing hills, the fact is to mow up and down hill on any mower is insane because you have no control of your mower especially turning down a hill and it puts not only you at risk but also the client your working for at risk.
Ric
I don't know what kind of mower you are running and I don't know what kind of zero turns they are running but my ZD 326 will take you to about any angle you got the guts go take it. I have never run a mower of any kind that will work on any steeper hill. Across or up and down. I have a ZG 222 as well. It does pretty good also but it will slide some especially trying to turn right going downhill if it is too steep.
At 1,700 pounds and more money than it's worth the 326 sucks on wet hills or wet ground period leaves to any tire tracks.
The mower you choose to use should do any job that comes your way.
Yes I cut hills for guys that have scag and kabota ZTRs they are just to heavy when the ground is wet. They just turn everything to mud.
To put any ztr on a 45 degree hill is foolish
They are not made for it.
jekjr I know your partial to your Kubota's but keep in mind the mower is only rated at 15 degrees the same as most lawn tractors, to mow anything greater than 15 degrees you would be depriving your engine of proper lubrication. Kawasaki engines are rated for up to 25 degrees but even they say not for extended periods. you both showing your stupidity.
I have to agree somewhat with Carscw in the fact that anyone who mows with a ZTR, any ZTR knows they will leave tracks and ruts on wet ground and there not worth a flip on wet hills because you have no control of the mower and all they do is tear up turf.
When it comes to mowing hills, the fact is to mow up and down hill on any mower is insane because you have no control of your mower especially turning down a hill and it puts not only you at risk but also the client your working for at risk.
#22
lawn mower fanatic
lawn mower fanatic
If I was to mow a steep hill with a zeroturn I would definitely invest in some TED Brakes!! :confused2: TedBrakes - Tedbrakes.com
And some hills I would refuse to do (with a ZTR)...like ones by water (see video)! I would be scared I would slide in!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7AdP7PoW4Q
And some hills I would refuse to do (with a ZTR)...like ones by water (see video)! I would be scared I would slide in!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7AdP7PoW4Q
#23
jekjr
You put as much of all of that in practice as possible. Then you work out in the real world.
A large part of what we have to do pushes the envelope on something. There are for instance some hills you work up and down or you don't do. There are some things that go with the territory. All of us do not have the privledge of working under labratory conditions. Tall grass, rough ground, weeds, hillsides, wet grass, and at times wet ground come with the territory.
jekjr
jekjr I know your partial to your Kubota's but keep in mind the mower is only rated at 15 degrees the same as most lawn tractors, to mow anything greater than 15 degrees you would be depriving your engine of proper lubrication. Kawasaki engines are rated for up to 25 degrees but even they say not for extended periods. you both showing your stupidity.
I have to agree somewhat with Carscw in the fact that anyone who mows with a ZTR, any ZTR knows they will leave tracks and ruts on wet ground and there not worth a flip on wet hills because you have no control of the mower and all they do is tear up turf.
When it comes to mowing hills, the fact is to mow up and down hill on any mower is insane because you have no control of your mower especially turning down a hill and it puts not only you at risk but also the client your working for at risk.
You put as much of all of that in practice as possible. Then you work out in the real world.
A large part of what we have to do pushes the envelope on something. There are for instance some hills you work up and down or you don't do. There are some things that go with the territory. All of us do not have the privledge of working under labratory conditions. Tall grass, rough ground, weeds, hillsides, wet grass, and at times wet ground come with the territory.
#24
Mid TN Lawn
Mid TN Lawn
You guys did not read the question this guy is a homeowner wanting to mow his 5 acres.
For cost and additional uses a small 4 WD tractor will be exactly what he needs. It will go places no zero or stander should go. And cost will be low no a little homeowner rider but a real tractor and no turf tires! You all are city boys if you dont understand what a tractor can mow. I have mowed stuff 4 wheelers cant climb lol
For cost and additional uses a small 4 WD tractor will be exactly what he needs. It will go places no zero or stander should go. And cost will be low no a little homeowner rider but a real tractor and no turf tires! You all are city boys if you dont understand what a tractor can mow. I have mowed stuff 4 wheelers cant climb lol
#25
Ric
Yes you put all that and more into practice in the real world and you don't push the envelope on anything. All equipment has ratings, there put in place buy people and manufacturers that build this equipment and knows its capability's and they should not be ignored and to do so only shows your inability to do job as it should be done. Personally my mowers and equipment are worth far more than any one job that I would have to push the envelope on and to put myself and my equipment in that position would be pure stupidity.
Ric
You put as much of all of that in practice as possible. Then you work out in the real world.
A large part of what we have to do pushes the envelope on something. There are for instance some hills you work up and down or you don't do. There are some things that go with the territory. All of us do not have the privileged of working under laboratory conditions. Tall grass, rough ground, weeds, hillsides, wet grass, and at times wet ground come with the territory.
Yes you put all that and more into practice in the real world and you don't push the envelope on anything. All equipment has ratings, there put in place buy people and manufacturers that build this equipment and knows its capability's and they should not be ignored and to do so only shows your inability to do job as it should be done. Personally my mowers and equipment are worth far more than any one job that I would have to push the envelope on and to put myself and my equipment in that position would be pure stupidity.
#26
Parkmower
I agree if it were me that's the way I'd go. But he stated he wanted a zt for speed purpose.
Parkmower
You guys did not read the question this guy is a homeowner wanting to mow his 5 acres.
For cost and additional uses a small 4 WD tractor will be exactly what he needs. It will go places no zero or stander should go. And cost will be low no a little homeowner rider but a real tractor and no turf tires! You all are city boys if you dont understand what a tractor can mow. I have mowed stuff 4 wheelers cant climb lol
I agree if it were me that's the way I'd go. But he stated he wanted a zt for speed purpose.
#27
Terry CleanFuel
I was thinking Wright Stander too.
Or this: remote control slope mowers - Bing Videos
I don't know where you would mount the propane tank though. ;-)
Terry CleanFuel
A stand on could be a good option.
I was thinking Wright Stander too.
Or this: remote control slope mowers - Bing Videos
I don't know where you would mount the propane tank though. ;-)
#28
L
LoCo86
I agree with you jekjr. I have used my walk behinds with kawasaki engines to mow some hills you can barely walk across. I would have to invest over 100k just in equipment if I was go by the rating and said limitations of the mower. But I believe the OP does not have a hill to what it is being made out to be. He just needs to visit his local dealers and find a ZTR he likes and then take it home for a demo.
L
LoCo86
You put as much of all of that in practice as possible. Then you work out in the real world. A large part of what we have to do pushes the envelope on something. There are for instance some hills you work up and down or you don't do. There are some things that go with the territory. All of us do not have the privledge of working under labratory conditions. Tall grass, rough ground, weeds, hillsides, wet grass, and at times wet ground come with the territory.
I agree with you jekjr. I have used my walk behinds with kawasaki engines to mow some hills you can barely walk across. I would have to invest over 100k just in equipment if I was go by the rating and said limitations of the mower. But I believe the OP does not have a hill to what it is being made out to be. He just needs to visit his local dealers and find a ZTR he likes and then take it home for a demo.
#29
R
Raw Dodge
My father in law has a Kubota BX 1850 with 54" belly mount deck, and let me tell you it's a great machine however it's not the best on steep hills .. in fact it's downright scarey, I would advise against a small four wheel drive tractor because most of them are very narrow and fairly tall the center of gravity is too high to you safely use... Besides a small four wheel drive tractor will cost just as much a decent ventrac or Steiner, both of those would easily handle any of the hills safely even in wet conditions... And can run attachments for other purposes, unlike a ztr.
R
Raw Dodge
You guys did not read the question this guy is a homeowner wanting to mow his 5 acres.
For cost and additional uses a small 4 WD tractor will be exactly what he needs. It will go places no zero or stander should go. And cost will be low no a little homeowner rider but a real tractor and no turf tires! You all are city boys if you dont understand what a tractor can mow. I have mowed stuff 4 wheelers cant climb lol
My father in law has a Kubota BX 1850 with 54" belly mount deck, and let me tell you it's a great machine however it's not the best on steep hills .. in fact it's downright scarey, I would advise against a small four wheel drive tractor because most of them are very narrow and fairly tall the center of gravity is too high to you safely use... Besides a small four wheel drive tractor will cost just as much a decent ventrac or Steiner, both of those would easily handle any of the hills safely even in wet conditions... And can run attachments for other purposes, unlike a ztr.
#30
Carscw
Carscw
This is what the end result when try to push a mower beyond what it was made to do
#31
L
LoCo86
Doesn't seem that the slope was the issue. Looks as if the operator go too close to the ditch line which looked very muddy and the right wheel which still had traction forced the mower into the ditch.
L
LoCo86
This is what the end result when try to push a mower beyond what it was made to do <img src="http://www.lawnmowerforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=18265"/>
Doesn't seem that the slope was the issue. Looks as if the operator go too close to the ditch line which looked very muddy and the right wheel which still had traction forced the mower into the ditch.
#32
Ric
Humm could that be another down hill adventure. Always take a long snatch strap and a 4x4 when mud slinging.
Ric
This is what the end result when try to push a mower beyond what it was made to do
View attachment 18265
Humm could that be another down hill adventure. Always take a long snatch strap and a 4x4 when mud slinging.
#33
Carscw
Carscw
Not sure how he did this maybe texting and mowing
#34
Ric
That's good
Ric
That's good
#35
Terry CleanFuel
A decent winch doesn't hurt either!
Terry CleanFuel
Humm could that be another down hill adventure. Always take a long snatch strap and a 4x4 when mud slinging.
A decent winch doesn't hurt either!
#36
exotion
My old boss mounted a winch on his toro z master because my co worker would get it stuck a lot and he could get off the mower find a tree and get unstuck
exotion
A decent winch doesn't hurt either!
My old boss mounted a winch on his toro z master because my co worker would get it stuck a lot and he could get off the mower find a tree and get unstuck
#37
M
MTTL
M
MTTL
I have a Hustler Super Z HD and it does well on slopes but Hustler also makes a ATZ that is rated for a 25 degree slope, kind of pricey in the 13000 dollar range
#38
M
marvinlee
M
marvinlee
We live on 14 acres of which the nine or so that we mow has many slopes. I've used our 2001 Kubota ZD21 for eleven years on slopes with no problems. Look for a ZTR that has wide rear track--most do--and exercise a bit of caution. I do not mow in the rain or right after a rain, but the Kubota seems safer to me than our gasoline engined 48-inch deck riding mower.
Hi! New member here, with a new home and new problems.
We have a little more than 5 acres and about 4 of those acres will have to be mowed soon. Our property is on a hillside. Although not really a steep hill, would I be better off with a regular garden tractor like the Huskervana 2654 (top speed 5 mph) or can a ZTR do a sloped hillside? I really would like to use a ZTR to spend less time mowing. I looked at the Ferris is700z with the Kawa 23.5 hp motor (top speed 10 mph) and kind of want one.
I don't know if this has been asked before, but TIA for any info.
#39
C
Creekpaddler
I have the same issues with my property in Hickman County, TN. I use a JD LX188 with 48" belly mower and a JD 5225-with-3PT 6'-wide finish mower to cut about 5 acres. They do the job but I would like more speed to reduce mowing time. My steepest slopes are up to 25 degrees, so that rules out a ZTR. I don't want to buy a mower that can't do it all. So I'm shopping for a used one with a front-mounted deck: JD and Kubota make them; maybe there are other brands I'm not yet aware of.
C
Creekpaddler
Hi! New member here, with a new home and new problems.
We have a little more than 5 acres and about 4 of those acres will have to be mowed soon. Our property is on a hillside. Although not really a steep hill, would I be better off with a regular garden tractor like the Huskervana 2654 (top speed 5 mph) or can a ZTR do a sloped hillside? I really would like to use a ZTR to spend less time mowing. I looked at the Ferris is700z with the Kawa 23.5 hp motor (top speed 10 mph) and kind of want one.
I don't know if this has been asked before, but TIA for any info.
I have the same issues with my property in Hickman County, TN. I use a JD LX188 with 48" belly mower and a JD 5225-with-3PT 6'-wide finish mower to cut about 5 acres. They do the job but I would like more speed to reduce mowing time. My steepest slopes are up to 25 degrees, so that rules out a ZTR. I don't want to buy a mower that can't do it all. So I'm shopping for a used one with a front-mounted deck: JD and Kubota make them; maybe there are other brands I'm not yet aware of.
#40
Parkmower
Look for a 4wd model of Any manufactures. Personally I've used toro groundsmasters and Jacobsen turfcats and would recommend both.
But new your looking at $25-$35k
Parkmower
I have the same issues with my property in Hickman County, TN. I use a JD LX188 with 48" belly mower and a JD 5225-with-3PT 6'-wide finish mower to cut about 5 acres. They do the job but I would like more speed to reduce mowing time. My steepest slopes are up to 25 degrees, so that rules out a ZTR. I don't want to buy a mower that can't do it all. So I'm shopping for a used one with a front-mounted deck: JD and Kubota make them; maybe there are other brands I'm not yet aware of.
Look for a 4wd model of Any manufactures. Personally I've used toro groundsmasters and Jacobsen turfcats and would recommend both.
But new your looking at $25-$35k
#41
Carscw
Carscw
Cub cadet has a 4 wheel steer zero turn. Not sure what it is rated for but I know it sticks a 45 slope
#42
C
Creekpaddler
Thanks for that info. That's pretty pricey $$ - and a lot more than I paid for my used JD 5225 diesel tractor, which I can't do without. So I'll just keep looking for a good value.
C
Creekpaddler
Look for a 4wd model of Any manufactures. Personally I've used toro groundsmasters and Jacobsen turfcats and would recommend both.
But new your looking at $25-$35k
Thanks for that info. That's pretty pricey $$ - and a lot more than I paid for my used JD 5225 diesel tractor, which I can't do without. So I'll just keep looking for a good value.
#43
Ric
The Cub Cadet S models are rated the same as the other ZTR (lap bar) 15 degree grade or slope.
Ric
Cub cadet has a 4 wheel steer zero turn. Not sure what it is rated for but I know it sticks a 45 slope
The Cub Cadet S models are rated the same as the other ZTR (lap bar) 15 degree grade or slope.
#44
A
Alwaysneedingrepair
A
Alwaysneedingrepair
Hello all,
I've never posted on this site but was an avid reader for a couple of years along with some other mower sites before I finally bit the bullet . I want to reply to the original poster. First, I'm far from an expert in any field, but I had bought a rough farm in 1997 and had spent so much money on old John Deere riders and Cub Cadets, even a big box TroyBuilt that I trashed less than 2 years, at a $2500 lick, and having a yard that never looked good, because something I bought and tried to mow with had always seen its better days, and the area was just too big for anything other than a commercal ZTR or an upper end John Deere rider. The area I was trying to mow was anywhere from rolling land to steep, I'd estimate up to 6 acres. Nothing flat other than a very small area in the front. After I finally sold the CFO of the household on a $5000 mower, I debated on the ZTR's, or maybe something with a finish mower in the used department, Kubuto type, or a newer John Deere or possible brand new Cub Cadet rider. The new JD's, while very nice, were no match for the old early 400 series mowers, a lot of pretty green plastic, and a price that was totally out of my range. I visted and talked to a Cub Cadet dealer, who was working on my 1863 at the time, and he advised he couldn't even match what I was having worked on as far as toughness, and a 48 inch maxium deck on the commercial side. I wasn't interested in the Cub Cadet ZTR's because of dependability issues. I ended up buying a Ferris IS2000 with the Kawaski FX engine, It has the 26 HP engine and the 61 inch deck. It blew my budget to shreds, but I have a mower that will safely mow the 6 acres in less than two hours with an awesome ride. Ferris and Simplicity have the full suspension systems that make them hard to compete with in the comfort department. I'm not sure about the grade, but if you know rural Kentucky, not the pretty bluegrass region, it's quite hilly. It gives a beautiful cut, has the row bar with seat belt if your worried about tip over, and have never spun out so bad I couldn't manuver a little back and forth and keep going. I could have gotten a decent tractor and finish mower what I have in the Ferris, but I wanted my yard to look superior, after dealing with all the worn out equipment for all those years. Other than the finanical hit, I couldn't be happier. I have a Swisher BrushCutter that I continue to clear additional land with, so I could easily be up to a 10 acres per week this coming summer. So my personal advise on buying a mower for a hilly property. Go buy you at a minimum IS 2000 Ferris and your mowing issues will be resolved. Stay away from the IS700's, bite the bullet, and you won't regret it. The Ferris Dealer had some left over 500's that he said was more than adequate for what I needed, but for once, I wanted overkill. Also, after reading back thru all the responders that have posted replies, I have tried to mow only when it's dry. I'm sure traction could become an issue if I was forced to mow earlier in the morning when it's still damp or before its dried real well after its rained.
I've never posted on this site but was an avid reader for a couple of years along with some other mower sites before I finally bit the bullet . I want to reply to the original poster. First, I'm far from an expert in any field, but I had bought a rough farm in 1997 and had spent so much money on old John Deere riders and Cub Cadets, even a big box TroyBuilt that I trashed less than 2 years, at a $2500 lick, and having a yard that never looked good, because something I bought and tried to mow with had always seen its better days, and the area was just too big for anything other than a commercal ZTR or an upper end John Deere rider. The area I was trying to mow was anywhere from rolling land to steep, I'd estimate up to 6 acres. Nothing flat other than a very small area in the front. After I finally sold the CFO of the household on a $5000 mower, I debated on the ZTR's, or maybe something with a finish mower in the used department, Kubuto type, or a newer John Deere or possible brand new Cub Cadet rider. The new JD's, while very nice, were no match for the old early 400 series mowers, a lot of pretty green plastic, and a price that was totally out of my range. I visted and talked to a Cub Cadet dealer, who was working on my 1863 at the time, and he advised he couldn't even match what I was having worked on as far as toughness, and a 48 inch maxium deck on the commercial side. I wasn't interested in the Cub Cadet ZTR's because of dependability issues. I ended up buying a Ferris IS2000 with the Kawaski FX engine, It has the 26 HP engine and the 61 inch deck. It blew my budget to shreds, but I have a mower that will safely mow the 6 acres in less than two hours with an awesome ride. Ferris and Simplicity have the full suspension systems that make them hard to compete with in the comfort department. I'm not sure about the grade, but if you know rural Kentucky, not the pretty bluegrass region, it's quite hilly. It gives a beautiful cut, has the row bar with seat belt if your worried about tip over, and have never spun out so bad I couldn't manuver a little back and forth and keep going. I could have gotten a decent tractor and finish mower what I have in the Ferris, but I wanted my yard to look superior, after dealing with all the worn out equipment for all those years. Other than the finanical hit, I couldn't be happier. I have a Swisher BrushCutter that I continue to clear additional land with, so I could easily be up to a 10 acres per week this coming summer. So my personal advise on buying a mower for a hilly property. Go buy you at a minimum IS 2000 Ferris and your mowing issues will be resolved. Stay away from the IS700's, bite the bullet, and you won't regret it. The Ferris Dealer had some left over 500's that he said was more than adequate for what I needed, but for once, I wanted overkill. Also, after reading back thru all the responders that have posted replies, I have tried to mow only when it's dry. I'm sure traction could become an issue if I was forced to mow earlier in the morning when it's still damp or before its dried real well after its rained.