John Deere's current quality and manufacturer support?

[4570Man]

I have some very steep slopes to mow. It's not too area much but it must be mowed. I mow straight up the slope with my 345 (when it's wet it just spins out and I have to circle and go down). Too steep to mow across without rolling over. With the rear engine in a ZTR I guess you have to mow down and back up. How do you mow steep slopes?

I don't usually use the ZTR, but the ZTR will climb as steep of a hill you want to go up. Going down is worse because they don't have front brakes.

 

[MORRISONSTEEL]

Be careful when going straight up hill on a ztr, if you do manage to get some front wheel lift a lot of peoples initial reaction is to lean forward. Many times without thinking about it when we lean forward we also move the controls forward making the situation worse. I would recommend some front ballast if wanting to go straight up hill with a residential ztr.

 

[Smoothas]

I would stay away from a zero turn if you have steep hills and want to use tractor for tasks. In my humble opinion nothing better in garden tractor category than the ultimate 700 series from JD. Of course you will pay for it..LOL.. if the 700 series is too expensive buy yourself a Deere 500 series (x590— are really nice) they are replacement series for 345 you currently have. The 500 series also have the diff lock which can be helpful on slippery slopes

 

[Xfaxman]

If you want to stay Green, JD makes several different out front deck machines:

Snow blower and snow blade, optional.