AWS/AWD Lawn Tractors

[DHD]

QUOTE: {We are looking to buy a home and property in upstate PA and there are some steep slopes and not really any level spots on the whole yard. Current owner uses a zero turn but stated he has gone for some slide rides that scared him. I was wondering if the 700 Series AWS/AWD model might be a better choice for this.}

Will your local tractor dealer let you try out the tractor/s, on your steep sloped property before you purchase ?
Besides trying out the tractor/s, it's also a good test on how accommodating different dealers in your area might be.
The dealer may not want you to use the mower deck, but you could at least get a sense of how well the machine handled on your property.

 

[John Joseph McVeigh]

I realize you folks are talking mostly John Deere here.
If you looking to save a little money, for $5300 Husqvarna has the R322T AWD articulating mower.
Very good on steep slopes and is very nimble around objects.
It also has an out front easy service mowing deck.

Husqvarna Rider Concept: Product Demonstration - YouTube

JDGreen4ME....Southeast PA ?
I use to live in Warminster, PA from 1978-1992
Got a little crowded so moved to Maine.
Upstate PA would be nice too.

If the original poster is willing to spend a bit more money, he should consider a Ventrac. They are built like tanks.

 

[bcp]

That Husqvarna commercial made by brain hurt. I don't think any scene lasted more than 4 seconds, and most were half that, or less. They must not want you to have a chance to look at their mower.

Bruce

 

[SweBota]

But their machines are fantastic. We have a Husqvarna Proflex 21 AWD and mow 4000sq m ( 1 acre) all in smaller or bigger slopes. There is just no reason NOT to get a front deck mower.

http://youtu.be/vcgWibw9Ens
http://youtu.be/vMfAAoaLur0. ( Jonsered is another Husqvarna brand name.)

/Marcus

 

[beenthere]

I can think of several reasons not to, but that would just likely be my way of how I want to use machines to mow my lawn and do many other jobs with them.

 

[DHD]

But their machines are fantastic. We have a Husqvarna Proflex 21 AWD and mow 4000sq m ( 1 acre) all in smaller or bigger slopes. There is just no reason NOT to get a front deck mower.
/Marcus

I really like my Husqvarna R322T AWD machines.
I use to have a Wheel Horse 416-H and a 414-8, both had mid-mount mowers.
In order to properly clean the decks of built up grass clippings, the decks had to be removed, then re-installed.
Easier to do compared to my sisters brand new Cub Cadet, but still a little cumbersome.
Needless to say, the mower decks rarely were cleaned out of built up grass clippings.

The Husqvarna R322T mower deck can be placed in service position in less than a minute, so clippings now get cleaned out after every mowing session.
The engine being in the rear means less noticeable engine noise and you are not driving through the engine's exhaust either.
Mowing with the Wheel Horse always seemed like a chore, but mowing with the R322T is fun.

The R322T can also power a sweeper, snow blower or flail mower
It can push a snow plow or tow a trailer, lawn sweeper, lawn roller, de-thatcher, or spiked aerator.
It only weighs 570 pounds so it's not going to put ruts in those soft areas of your lawn like some heavier GTs might do.

Articulating mowers like the Husqvarna R322T are very popular in European countries and other parts of the world,
but many folks here in North America don't know much about them yet.

 

[Gittyup]

I really like my Husqvarna R322T AWD machines.
I use to have a Wheel Horse 416-H and a 414-8, both had mid-mount mowers.
In order to properly clean the decks of built up grass clippings, the decks had to be removed, then re-installed.
Easier to do compared to my sisters brand new Cub Cadet, but still a little cumbersome.
Needless to say, the mower decks rarely were cleaned out of built up grass clippings.

The Husqvarna R322T mower deck can be placed in service position in less than a minute, so clippings now get cleaned out after every mowing session.
The engine being in the rear means less noticeable engine noise and you are not driving through the engine's exhaust either.
Mowing with the Wheel Horse always seemed like a chore, but mowing with the R322T is fun.

The R322T can also power a sweeper, snow blower or flail mower
It can push a snow plow or tow a trailer, lawn sweeper, lawn roller, de-thatcher, or spiked aerator.
It only weighs 570 pounds so it's not going to put ruts in those soft areas of your lawn like some heavier GTs might do.

Articulating mowers like the Husqvarna R322T are very popular in European countries and other parts of the world,
but many folks here in North America don't know much about them yet.

Interesting looking machines. Kinda like a powertrac or ventrac. I also wonder about the weight though. Too light for my liking. When doing anything besides mowing, I want weight, especially when pushing snow or anytime when maximum power to the ground is called for. I put 450 lbs of extra weight on my 1200 lb GT. Then add another 300 lbs of blade. I have serious doubts that 500 lbs of machine can push very much snow. Maybe with enough weights, but how to attach 500 extra lbs, and can the frame handle that?

And BTW, a GT equipped with the right tires (as most are), even if fitted with weights pushing the total close to 2000 lbs won't rut your yard, even if very soft and wet. I do this all the time and nary a track anywhere. To get ruts, you have to go real heavy with narrow tires, like Ags. Even my 6000 lb tractor doesn't really rut with the industrial tires. It will compact though, and I'm sure if it had Ag tires there'd be ruts. But, a 2000 lb machine with weight distributed as it should on turf tires, won't rut at all.

 

[DHD]

I've been down that road of ruts in the lawn.
Back in 2005 I purchased my new Kubota B7800 with unloaded R4 tires. (About 1800 pounds) and with my 3pt. 6ft. finish mower attempted to mow my lawn.
In any soft part of my lawn I would leave either deep depressions or ruts.
First few mowings in the spring are worse.
My 2wd Wheel Horse without extra weight would leave some depressions but not nearly as bad as the Kubota
When I had my 2wd Wheel Horse GT I use to run extra weight (wheel weights front and rear plus extra weight added to rear tow hitch) during winter for extra traction while snow blowing.
One spring I failed to remove the weights and attempted to mow, had to stop and remove the weights. Noticeable depressions with the extra weight, some depression but not as bad with out the weight.
I agree tires do make a difference but weight also makes a difference.

 

[rkoykka]

AWS is actually an advantage on slopes when turning. On 2WS, the drive wheels push tangential to the turn direction, which adds resistance and causes sliding/tearing. On AWS, the drive force direction reinforces the turn direction, keeping the rear more in line with the direction you want to go. Also, going up hills, the front can become light affecting one's ability to steer. With AWS, you can steer with the rear wheels, even if the front is off the ground. This is huge when plowing snow. The tractor has less of a tendency to be steered by the snow pile pushing against the blade. And you can steer even if the front is off the ground or light to the ground.

Thank you for making that comment about the rear steering with the front end being either light or off the ground. Just something I had never thought about.

I'm in the process of looking for a replacement for my Craftsman 2004 GT5000. It has a 44' blower, 48' mower, 3 bin bagger, sleeve hitch with a 42' grader blade along with a set of tow behind disc harrows.
The Craftsman runs great and hasn't disappointed at all, but I would like something with power steering, 3 pth, 4wd, and now... aws if possible.

Thanks again for you comment.
Robin

 

[ArlyA]

We have an older articulating mower by Husky but are contemplating the R322T or its latest-greatest version.