Buying Advice Need to find the right equipment to mow a steep grade

[jrkotz]

Hey guys, I've been reading on the forum for a while now, ya'll are a wealth of information.

Bought a new piece of property. It's not large, but it's steep, with no flat space to turn around at the top or bottom. Along the side of the house I have a 12' rise from the front of the house to the back over the 35' length of the house. My math shows that's approx 19 degree hill, or a 34% grade. That similar grade extends away from the house about 100' and has varying terrain that will increase grade at certain points.

I currently have an older 33" Troy Bilt walk behind that is not the right piece of equipment for the job. Going straight up and down I spin out on the way up, and slide on the way down. It has 4 speeds and a clutch, but without independent control over the wheels the high side wheel loses traction and spins when going side to side.

I could do it with a small self propelled mower. I really DON'T want to take all the passes with a 20-22" deck.

After research, I landed on the Husky R322T and thought I found the perfect machine... then I found all the maintenance issues people are having with them and want no parts of that.

Most recently I found the Ventrac 3000 series and am REALLY liking what I see. To be candid though, it's more than I want to spend, and certainly overkill. One huge perk for me with both machines is the availability of a power broom. The driveway is pretty steep with some drainage issues and I'd love to be able to broom clear it in the winter.

Anyone have a suggestion what I might be able to look at that'll do the job? I'm open to any style - rider, walk behind, ZT etc.

Thanks

 

[majorwager]

Speciality equipment is expensive. Power Trac offers steep slope mowers. Some folks on TBN swear by certain zero turns. I use a compact tractor and rear 3point mower w/ no issues. Take a look @ Larry Musgrave you tube channel.

He has several videos addressing mowing on steep slopes. He goes by Rock Crawler on TBN

 

[jrkotz]

Funny you mentioned Power Trac, I just saw them a few minutes ago and started looking at them. That's a really impressive video going up to the guardrail is STEEP.

I considered a BX series Kubota with a belly mower, but again seems way overkill for such a small piece that I could push.

 

[dodge man]

I bought a BX for mowing the steep part of my yard. I also like having an end loader and use it and a rear blade for snow removal. I知 not sure how big your property is but I own 3 acres and my driveway is 600 feet long.

 

[Coyote machine]

I'm one of the 322T rider owners whose had 3 front transaxles in my machine over three seasons and ONLY 150+ hours.
I would never buy another because of the Tuff-torq transaxles, and Husvarna's refusal to honor their warranty, etc.
I do really like the tractor, its cut and so forth, so its a real tear for me. Until I see what the 3rd t-axle does so far as leaking or not, my wife will continue to use the mower.

In the interim I moved over to a Pro-Z 160 Cub Cadet ZT with 4 wheel steering. It has a steering wheel or lap bars, and the front wheels are turf type and turn with the steering wheel to where one points them.

It is an incredible change from my Scag Wildcat ZT. The Pro-Z does what I need it to on almost any slope without all the inherent dangers that regular ZT's present. I strongly suggest this could be the mower for your needs. Check one out at a local dealer. Forget using a regular SCUT with a belly mower, or almost any other ZT, even with reverse or upside down tractor tires, or extra wheel weights, etc. Those are all poor solutions to mowers that aren't designed to work on any real slopes.

Ventrac and Powertrac are also special mowers, but their associated cost is high.
The PRO-Z Series is IMO, reasonably priced and a very well designed pro grade mower.
Let us know what you decide. And maybe post some pics to show your actual terrain and its challenges.

 

[4570Man]

19 degrease isn’t that steep. A high end ZTR, tractor with a MMM or a good rider ( read transaxle that won’t strip ) will handle that.

 

[CalG]

A commercial hydro drive walk behind would serve you well.

I have an old belt drive Giant Mow, and live in Vermont. Nothing level here.
The independent steering at the drive wheels give full control while "crabbing" on cross hills.

Walking is good exercise!

 

[ChiefBodie]

I have a Ventrac with tough cut. This is the sports car rock star of slope mowing.

If that exceeds your budget, consider the Orec walk behind track mower. Or other suggestions you see here. Nothing compares to the Ventrac, although I don't have experience with Power Trac.

 

[4570Man]

No doubt a ventrac is the best, but I don’t believe it’s needed for 19 degrees. If he can afford it than a ventrac would be great but I think it’s about 25k new. This hill is 17 degrees and I can mow it up, down, or sideways on my ZTR.

 

[jrkotz]

ref your post

Coyote - that's exactly what I'm worried about. I found a R322T 48" deck with 75 hours on it for $3500, but very concerned about all the issues I am reading. I love the look of that pro-z. Four wheel steering seems like it would help out if one wheel lost a little traction.