MultiMow
Gold Member
I don't know how much you're looking to spend...I currently have a ZD326 and it's pretty good. BUT...I have several issues mowing with the ZD326 that is making me think I might want to change to a different machine.
First I'm mowing 4 acres every week, and wish I could cover ground faster, or have a bigger mower.
Second, wish the mower is out front, so I could get under low hanging trees and bushes, and wish the the mower stuck out further from the sides of the machine so I could trim closer...thinking a bigger deck.
Third I have a pond, and trimming with a weed eater around the pond is getting old, and at my age...I need a different solution. I've got two pond dams...one is about 25 degrees, the other is closer to 30 degrees....the ZD326 simply can't even get close to going there.
The Ventrac interest me, but support of the machine scares me. Looking at the F series, their 72 inch deck sticks out some, the mower is in front, and it can be 4wd. Who uses these, and would they be any good on the pond dams?
I haven't had the funds for a tractor although could really use one. A batwing and tractor has be used by the former owner to mow both the pond edges and the dams...and it worked for him, although he was right at the limit on the dams. That could be what I end up doing.
...but the only close solution I can see to a single unit would be a MultiOne traction unit with their front mower and a boom mower for the pond borders.
Here's the problem with your needs:
1- you need a slope mower
2- you need a lightweight 4wd turf tractor for the wet areas... so you can mow them without tearing up your turf
Ventrac is the ONLY high-flotation small tractor capable of both applications... but the don't offer a boom mower for the pond edges.
MultiOne has a 4WD telehandler with a boom mower... but their higher center of gravity (CG) will not allow you to side-hill.
There are a few slope mower options here in the states... but the only one that will let you side-hill AND trim your pond edges AND provide you with a front-mount solution for undercutting... and that would be a KutKwik. They're basically a zero turn on steroids (ZTR+ ?). Support isn't plentiful (as with any slope mower)... but KutKwik units are over-built for most applications.
TractorHouse.com | KUT-KWICK RM8 C-88D For Sale - 1 Listings - Page 1.
The above link shows one for sale on TractorHouse.com .
They are. Available with many options. If you have the cash to swing it for your application, I would suggest buying a unit with a dual wheel kit and swap the tires out for the most tractive turf tire you can find.
If you don't have that kind of cash and only need an undercut reach of a foot or two (mowing under trees, etc.).... I would highly suggest a DewEze two wheeled slope mower.
It would have enough side reach to service your ponds without getting into the mud/muck/marsh, and that same side reach would allow you to lap-mow around trees/etc. Don't be scared by the two-wheel action... the frame tilts to compensate for the slope.
TractorHouse.com | DEWEZE ATM72 For Sale
Above is a link for a DewEze for sale at TractorHouse.com .
I hope this helps!