"Zero Turn Mowers with front tire steering wheel???

[TMR]

Curious how the "zero turn" style mowers WITH front steering including a steering wheel...function????

Does the front steering wheel JUST steer the from tires OR does it control the rear wheels/tires to create "zero turn" results?

I see they appear to have the similar rear "transaxles" as do the regular ZTs...example would be the Toro SW/SWX series...and other also have similar models...Cub Cadet and others?

To me it looks like it just might be a ZT cosmetically rather than actual function? IF it is a true ZT by function AND has a front steer control I would think that might work well/better for those of us with somewhat difficult terrain to mow? i.e. w/ front tire steer control?

Thanks...TMR

 

[TMR]

No one able to tell us about the zero turn mower WITH front steering???

 

[RoyJackson]

I don't think too many folks would have an answer for you.
To the best of my knowledge, Club Cadet is the only manufacturer offering a zero-turn with a steering wheel...probably not too many in use yet.

You might get more response if you post on a lawn care type forum rather then a tractor related forum.

 

[Ed of all trades]

From what I was told at a Cub Cadet demo the steering wheel plus the forward and reverse peddles actually works the pumps that run the rear wheels. No idea how they work just that. I am causes of a system like that because to me you loose most of the advantages of the tractor riding mower and also don't gain many of the advantages of a zero. Ed

 

[GaryM]

I've never used one, but I was told that they are better on side slopes because the front wheels don't caster and allow the front end to head downhill at the earliest opportunity. My Hustler ZT requires you to kind of crab across the slope if it's slightly damp. The Cub is supposed to track better.

Here's a video: The Cub Cadet RZT S 46 Steering Wheel Zero Turn Mower - YouTube

 

[ray66v]

Anyone who has learned to operate a zero turn mower, can tell you it's wonderfully easy, and effortless to do so.

My 80 year old father, fought switching to a zero turn, tooth, and nail. Now, he can't even imagine going back.

Several years ago, I was helping a friend who services equipment. I found myself standing in the MTD R&D building, right where they were working on the prototype for the steering wheel zero turn. I remember looking at it, and shaking my head.

The steering wheel zero turns, change simple, almost effortless movements of your arms, into hand over hand steering, and foot movements. :confused2:

The wheel controls the motors in the rear. The front tires are casters.

 

[TMR]

The wheel controls the motors in the rear. The front tires are casters.

Is this true?? They seem to be presented as a zero turn with front tire steering/control???

If all the steering wheel does in control the rear motors and the front wheels are still casters...then they are nothing but a "crutch" for those who are intimidated by the ZT control levers/arms???

TMR

 

[Midniteoyl]

No one able to tell us about the zero turn mower WITH front steering???

I have a Gizmow with front steer.. The steering wheel turns the front wheels via chain, that also controls pushrods that control the rear wheels via a splitter. IE: as you turn, say left, the front wheels turn in that direction, but also the left (inside) rear wheel slows while the right (outer) wheels speeds up. If you continue all the way to left lock, the left wheel reverses so as to give you the 'zero-turn'.

GIZMOW FE 612 Ammattilaisleikkuri Tunnit.127,7h - YouTube

 

[Midniteoyl]

The wheel controls the motors in the rear. The front tires are casters.

Dont know which one you saw, but the front wheels on mine, and every one I have seen, definitely are not castering.

 

[Midniteoyl]

I've never used one, but I was told that they are better on side slopes because the front wheels don't caster and allow the front end to head downhill at the earliest opportunity. My Hustler ZT requires you to kind of crab across the slope if it's slightly damp. The Cub is supposed to track better.

Here's a video: The Cub Cadet RZT S 46 Steering Wheel Zero Turn Mower - YouTube

Cub Cadet uses a slightly modified version of whats on my Gizmow.. The Gizmow came first, but shut down in 2011 and Cub came out with a version in 2012