ZTRs on hilly terrain

[NYBOB]

My neighbor is looking at ZTRs and wanted to know if there were certain manufacturers/models that are better on hills. His slope is like mine, 5-15 degrees and he plans on mowing 3-4 acres. He said his budget is 5-8K. He would probably want a rugged one.

He likes my JD stuff but I don't think he cares about the mfg. Are JD's ZTRs known to be good ones?

Thanks
Bob

 

[AlanB]

Hilly terrain, a ZTR and an inexperienced operator, throw in a little dew or dampness and you have an almost guaranteed quick trip to the bottom.

I usually reccomend folks with hills stay away from them (just did to a very close freind of mine)

That said, the wider the rear tires, the lower the weight the better they will hold.

I like the exmarks, but it is kind of the Ford, Chevy, Dodge debate. All the big names are pretty good, and they all have some pro's and con's.

For Reference, my better half regularly mows a particular customers slope, two employees' tried it week before last on the same mower (wife was out of town) and they both ended up stuck at the bottom. (and they both have a year or two experience) There is a touch and a feel, I don't have.

 

[wushaw]

I belive Dixie Chopper has some models with really wide wheel base more suited for hilly terrain.