Zero-Turn or Riding Mower for hilly property?

[7mmrum]

Total acreage is 7, but we have a farm tractor with 5-foot brushog to mow the fields and do the brute force work around the property. Basically, that leaves about 1.5 acres to mow the front and back yards near the house with a mower of some type - garden tractor or zero tur? We have an aging Cub Cadet, bought used, needs to go. For that reason we're looking at NEW. Front and side yards have steep slopes and perhaps one day we'll get some nice groundcover going for that front slope ..... but for now I need a mower with a strong frame that can handle the bumps and the hills and last many years. (And not bounce me around too much.) 48/50 inch deck, is best. Snowblower attachment is nice, but wouldn't need any other attachments really, since we have a tractor. I'm concerned about traction with the hills, but don't want to spring the $ for 4wd. The cub cadet has chains now, and it does ok.

Attached is one picture of the hill, it isn't the best pic and hill doesn't look that bad in the picture but sitting sideways on a riding mower, it is quite tippy.

Thanks,

 

[jcmseven]

I think a ZTR would handle that OK. I think a 595 (728) John Deere would do better, or one of those little Kubota FWD's. All said, I think you could do either. If you have a lot to mow and you have a dedicated tractor to do the heavy stuff I think a ZTR would do fine. I would though try the machine out you are wanting on your property because your comfort and safety is what really matters.

John M

 

[JJT]

A ZTR and a riding mower are world's apart on stability. I have hills that I mowed up and down with the rider, I now go across them with the ZTR. The ZTR s also 3 times as fast, I went from a 48" rider to a 60" ZTR and cut my mow time by 2/3's.

 

[acs55812]

I had a zero turn, it was wonderful in concept---just don't get an Areins

 

[JoshJ]

The "rule of thumb" I've found is that a ZTR will cut a lawn in half the time (or less) as a regular rider. I guess it might depend on the number of obstacles. Try one out if possible. Traversing hills sideways can be tricky (especially when you try to turn uphill) as you need decent traction on both backwheels to convince it to turn (as opposed to just have traction on one front and one back wheel on a regular rider). Also, high centering the drive tires at the bottom of a hill is another thing to watch out for. See if a particular mower can handle your terrain (and that you are comfortable with its capabilities) before committing.

 

[bontai_Joe]

One caution about using a ZTR on hilly property, especially with front caster wheels. If on a slope,, and one rear wheel looses traction, gravity will cause the front casters to swivel down hill and there is nothing you can do to stop it. If you are lucky, you won't go too far, if you are unlucky, you end up with a ride requiring you to change your shorts.

 

[Nasty135]

7mmrum, Are your hills long or short? A long hill can be a little challenging , but technique and experience will make a difference...Also all Z's are not created equal...A ZTR will definately be faster , It will also have a learning curve when turning to keep from tearing the grass with its zero turning ability... Constant patterns in mowing can and probably will create bare spots in your lawn. But for myself the time savings is worth it and my yard looks like a lawn now just from the help of the Z..

Hope this helps...

 

[7mmrum]

Nasty135,

Most of the hills are somewhat short, mainly the slopes level off at the bottom and top, but some require weed wacker and push mower. Common Sense says don't go over certain areas. As soon as one of the Cub's rear wheels loose traction, that's about the limit that I push it to do.

Thanks for all of the replies and feedback, I think we are going to go with a ZTR, still in the early stages of research though on models, etc.

 

[BLUEBONNET2]

good morning,
i have the "hustler 52"w/ honda 20hp and i have a few steep slopes that it handles real well. i don't know what you mean by "hills". a couple of acres would have to be very severe for a ztr not to work. i have over 60 hrs on mine with no flames here. cut 4 acres plus in about 2 hrs. 15 min, excellent fuel economy.,,, also a low center of gravity helps.

good luck in your search,
bluebonnet2

 

[BLUEBONNET2]

i forgot to add, it will take a bit of practice to get good with a ztr, so go slow and be safe...most have a kill switch of some sort....

gary