ZTR slides down hill and over wall, driver was saved- very lucky
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dragoneggs
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I like his design. I have to say though I am not sure how effective it would be on my ZTR... it seems my fore/aft CG is too close to the rear wheels. I'm thinking it wouldn't make a difference. Could be wrong.
to me the question is not an effective mechanical way to lock ft. swivel wheels on a ZTR. the above utube is a good example of an owner modified way of doing it. if that modification is an effective & safe solution in solving a slope problem on a ZTR, then the many ZTR manufacturers would include it in their design.
that being said, why don't you see it in the many models available?
my take is that it will put many consumers at risk on slopes with false confidence of rollover. sure, for the few skilled, this would be an advantage....but for many, another risk...
just my humble opinion. bottom line?.....get the job done safely....
that being said, why don't you see it in the many models available?
my take is that it will put many consumers at risk on slopes with false confidence of rollover. sure, for the few skilled, this would be an advantage....but for many, another risk...
just my humble opinion. bottom line?.....get the job done safely....
aczlan
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I wouldn't buy it for three reasons:
1. You have to install tracked wheels on the front for it to work (after installing them, going from straight forward to straight back (such as driving up to something, then backing straight up) WILL cause the front wheels to spin around in place and WILL rip up the yard.
2. If you don't remember to unlock them before turning around at the end of the pass, you WILL rip up your yard.
3. I could see that getting bumped to where it randomly locks on while driving, that would make things interesting.
If you want that feature, get a Cub Cadet SZ60 (http://www.cubcadet.com/equipment/cubcadet/tank-sz-60) which is built from the wheels up to work that way.
Aaron Z
1. You have to install tracked wheels on the front for it to work (after installing them, going from straight forward to straight back (such as driving up to something, then backing straight up) WILL cause the front wheels to spin around in place and WILL rip up the yard.
2. If you don't remember to unlock them before turning around at the end of the pass, you WILL rip up your yard.
3. I could see that getting bumped to where it randomly locks on while driving, that would make things interesting.
If you want that feature, get a Cub Cadet SZ60 (http://www.cubcadet.com/equipment/cubcadet/tank-sz-60) which is built from the wheels up to work that way.
Aaron Z
4570Man
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It clearly was effectively. Safe??? Rather or not it is considered safe, it is an improvement over factory wheels. I'm not worried about a rollover. These machines have a very low center of gravity, and slide down a hill long before a rollover happens. Manufacturers don't include lots of things that are a good idea. Like lights that aren't obstructed by the loader and a chainsaw holder on tractors.
GolfAddict
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Interesting! I wouldn't be surprised if we see other brands come up with similar offerings.
truckdiagnostics
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I agree with both statements the locking wheels is a risk cost issue and it is not to far off until there is a slop alarm shut off/timer over ride. It is the lawyers and bean counters and people after they do something stupid that don't want to admit it and go hire a lawyer. Manufacturers are in business to make money. I have worked for a manufacturer and seen how they wrestle over just putting the warning labels on. believe it or not the warning label is admitting that you know and could increase or decrease you liability if you don't show that you went through the steps as a manufacturer to decrease those risks. So, a chain saw holder has to go through that process and chances are they are not going to make enough money on it or there where risks involved that we don't see. It bites. It is my "be aware of dog sign" theory if you put one up your dog best be harmless, because if you do an he is not, then you just admitted you knew the dog was dangerous and you just gave the lawyers a bunch of fodder. not saying it is right or that I agree with it, just what things have turned into.
timswi
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Many manufacturers are beginning to offer front steering on ZTR's like the Cub. We have a Cub at the gun club and it is very easy to drive and holds hills very, very well. I had a lousy experience with Cub, so I opted for a Kubota.
dragoneggs
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My little Kubota Z122R with 42in deck does not hold side hills well.... it is quite maneuverable otherwise. Love it for my needs except I have a couple areas (above and around a retaining wall) that I just don't risk it and push mow instead.
guess my point all along is that smaller ztr's just don't do well on slopes, & to modify one would put someone at risk. larger ones with a wider wheel base, perhaps...just be sure your life/health insurance is paid up. mow safe!
