Want Diesel Riding mower. Need to decide b/w AWD and AWS

[TractorDale]

Hi there fellow tractor people. I have about 3 acres in Connecticut to mow and core aerate, seed in the Fall. I do not have many obstacles but lots of curving to get all the grass areas. I want the diesel, but need to decide between AWD and AWS. I have some hills. (Will not be using for snow as I have a TC29DA for snow, tilling, other things that need PTO power.)

Question 1- if I went with AWS, when would I find myself spinning the rear tires and regret not having AWD?

Queston 2- If mowing in long straight lines at high speed does the AWS get 'squirrely' ?

Thanks!

 

[beenthere]

Quest 1.. I have no spinning of the rear tires with my AWS tractors.. and seldom ever find a need to engage diff lock. The change in direction of the rear wheels finds traction in a surprising way.. like turning uphill.. I have hills and mow them sidehill all the time.

Quest 2.. In no way does the AWS act squirrely and no problem making straight line cuts.

I've had the 425, 445, 455, and X485 all in AWS for the last 22 years. They are tough, and never a problem mowing 8 acres of rolling lawn.

Hope that helps your decision..

 

[TractorDale]

Thanks- great info. I had an older Deere riding mower- 2WD that got the job done most of the time without spinning the rear wheels. Even pullling a heavy core aerator did not seem to have a problem except if the grass was wet.

Appreciate the help.

 

[leonz]

Have you looked at thew Ventrac diesel?

 

[CADplans]

My diesel AWD lawn mower,,,

Go big, or go home,,,

I tried all those GT sized machines,, I still have several,
This burns less fuel, and does the cutting in half the time,,,:thumbsup:

 

[beenthere]

CAD
I have that size rig too, but don't use it for my lawn.. but use it for the fields that I mow. I like a well-manicured lawn.

 

[TractorDale]

I never heard of Ventrac before so I took a look. Looks interesting put pricey, no?

 

[chevy]

If I had to make a choice between the 2, I would take AWD over AWS. But that is because I have lot of hills that stay very wet in the spring. I also have lots of things to mow around. So I went with gas so I could have both.

 

[Deere Dude]

AWS works better for cutting around trees but AWD works better on any grades. AWD any day for me. But, I will have to live with my 2WD.

 

[beenthere]

DD
I have yet to find a grade that I cannot mow with AWS.. any steeper, and it would be a roll-over situation.

AWS sticks to a side hill very well. And so steep, have to ride side saddle with butt on uphill side fender/seat.

Snow and mud are different situations where AWD can shine.