You guys were right...I'm selling one tractor and I bought a Zero Turn for my hilly property.

Rdrcr · May 25, 2021

I haven't had any previous success on the steep hills on my property with Zero Turn mowers. My last attempt was with my bosses Bad Boy Renegade mower. The Renegade did an amazing job on the flat surfaces with amazing speed and a beautiful cut. However, on the steep stuff, the mower struggled with traction and it felt unsafe on the slopes. I'm not a seasoned Zero Turn operator so, this may have been a contributing factor in the outcome (past and present).

I've been using my B2601 with 60" MMM, loaded tires and 2" Bora spacers for my mowing duties. It does a great job on the steep hills and has proven to be a safe machine. The 4WD and Low gear really help on the steep stuff. In addition, I like having the diesel for mowing duties. The only issue that I have personally, is that I have to mow the property slowly and it takes at least 2-3 hours.

Well, I just had the opportunity to demo a Cub Cadet Pro Z 160 S EFI with a steering wheel and wow, does that make a difference! Having the ability to steer the front wheels made a huge improvement controlling the Zero Turn on my hills. I was able to avoid the slipping and sliding and I was able to keep a solid line side-mowing. In addition, aiming the mower down-hill isn't an issue and turning around in the steep sections doesn't seem to bother the stability either. I'm sold.

I just purchased a Cub Cadet Pro Z 560 S KW. I'm looking forward to getting this machine home and mowing. I'll definitely post some additional thoughts once I get some hours on the new machine.

Mike

ruffdog · May 25, 2021

My dad's neighbor has VERY steep mowed areas and he also ended up with a Cub Cadet steering wheel ztr type mower.

Randy Gann · May 25, 2021

Not all zero turn mowers are created equal! I have a Toro Titan that is more the traditional design with engine in back, castor wheels on front and drive wheels under and slightly behind the seat. It is not good on hills.
The other mower I have is a Bunton BZT1000. It has a out front deck (flips up for blade removal) with castor wheels, drive wheels under and slightly behind the seat, a small dump bed behind the seat with engine underneath and a single pivot wheel out back. This mower is longer and lower than the Toro sort of like a Walker Mower with dump bed instead of grass collection box. It is great on hills! I use it for mowing ditches. Can drive down into the ditch and then drive back out no problem. Glad you were able to find one that works for you!;(

Midniteoyl · May 25, 2021

Had a steering wheel ZT mower for years.. Mine is a Gizmow, who I am pretty sure Cub Cadet bought the patent from when they went outta business:

As you found, can be advantageous on certain terrain. And easy enough to get used to. This is my grand kid when he was 12:

Rdrcr · May 25, 2021

Randy Gann said:
Not all zero turn mowers are created equal! I have a Toro Titan that is more the traditional design with engine in back, castor wheels on front and drive wheels under and slightly behind the seat. It is not good on hills.
The other mower I have is a Bunton BZT1000. It has a out front deck (flips up for blade removal) with castor wheels, drive wheels under and slightly behind the seat, a small dump bed behind the seat with engine underneath and a single pivot wheel out back. This mower is longer and lower than the Toro sort of like a Walker Mower with dump bed instead of grass collection box. It is great on hills! I use it for mowing ditches. Can drive down into the ditch and then drive back out no problem. Glad you were able to find one that works for you!;(

Absolutely! I would have purchased a Kubota F2690 mower if it was in the budget! But, alas, my better half said no! LOL!

Mike

Rdrcr · May 25, 2021

Midniteoyl said:
Had a steering wheel ZT mower for years.. Mine is a Gizmow, who I am pretty sure Cub Cadet bought the patent from when they went outta business:

As you found, can be advantageous on certain terrain. And easy enough to get used to. This is my grand kid when he was 12:

^^^^
That's awesome! I had read about the Gizmow!
You have two classic mowers on that trailer!

Mike

Midniteoyl · May 25, 2021

Thanks. They get used several times a week and still go strong.

Just a heads up 'cause I dont know if the Cadet will be different or not, but, when you turn more than 'normal' and want some of that Zero Turn action, be sure to apply more speed (forward foot pedal) as you do. On mine, mostly in sandy soil, the rear will tend to 'push' the front causing the mower to continue in a straight line (like sliding on a wet road). Adding more forward pedal helps prevent this.

Did that make sense? LOL. Basically, slow down, start the turn, and then the more you press on the pedal, the easier and faster it will zero turn, to the point that the inside wheel will actually reverse and spin you in place, just as a zero turn should. Hopefully the pushing is not something the Cadet will do, and I believe it can be adjusted out but I just got use to it so never tried.

Have fun with the new toy

RalphVa · May 26, 2021

I've a new Ryobi ZT480e. It's a billy goat going directly up slope or backing down slope. Anything else is iffy. Went sliding into my neighbor's tall grass from a down and side slope to the south end of my "blubeberry" patch hill. MMM, though not very good for working around stuff, would be MUCH safer on slopes, as is my JD 2025R with bush hog.

Rdrcr · May 26, 2021

^^^^^
That was precisely my experience with bar and lap zero turns, however, the steering wheel equipped Cub Cadet Pro Z is better and faster than my tractor. And, I can side mow the steep parts...within reason.

Almost anything can mow straight up and down with reasonable traction but, this ZT can do that and more with a ton more stability and control.

At this point, I’m just hoping the machine will be reliable for years to come.

Mike