Homeowner needing commercial advice!

[slu2383]

:drinkup:Someone Please help!!!

I can't decide between a Redhawk 36" Belt-driven WB or the Ariens 34" zoom ZTR. My yard consists of 3/4 an acre with the majority being in the backyard. I have a standard gate so i cant be to wide but my problem is the slope in my backyard. it is approx. 250 feet long with a 15-20 % slope. Some people have told me the ariens will work perfect and others say no way and to stick to a WB. I would only be putting a few hours on the machine a week and my current 15yr old 20" push won't cut it anymore.

Will the ariens 34" zoom ZTR take this degree of slope w/ a 10.5 HP B&S Engine or should I stick with the redhawk 36" Belt-Driven WB and attach a sulky? Any suggestions would help me tremendously.

Redhawk/Bradley WB:
http://www.rcpw.com/equipment/redhawk/36K015OB.htm

Ariens 34" Zoom ZTR:
http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1vZ1xr5/R-100661988/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

[93Chevy]

First of all, I don't know any commercial guys that run either of those machines. Not trying to be critical, but I wouldn't put either of those machines as my front runners.

Second of all, a 34" ZTR isn't going to have the hillside stability of a 48", 52", or 60" ZRT. A 15%-20% slope can be handled by most ZTR's. However, there's a difference between a gradual slope, and a short, steep bank. I've run a 52" Exmark Lazer on some pretty damn steep stuff with no problems. However, I'm actually more afraid of long gradual slopes. You have more length to pick up speed and slide. Proper handling of the machine will prevent this. I was at the top of a VERY steep backyard, so steep that when I was going up, the front wheels weren't touching the ground the whole way up. I was trimming around a tree at the top where's it's a little more level, and the back tire broke loose. Instead of panicking and pulling back on the sticks which would induce a slide that much quicker, I pointed the nose down the hill and held a stead, slow speed the whole way down. If I had pulled back fast, I most certainly would have gone into a slide, and damaged the turf, machine, or myself.

What I'm trying to say is this: it's possible to do a slope with a ZTR, but they're better done with a hydro WB. If you know what you're doing, you can do a lot with a ZTR, but NEVER push the envelope of safety.

[slu2383]

Thanks Tim.

I'd like to say the slope is more gradual as it climbs at thsi degree for about 40 to 50 ft until your at the top which is flat. I am also going to try and post a picture fo the hill to see what people think as I might be wrong in my estimate. (Should have a pic by tonight). I see my neighbor with the same slope using a WB, looks like a scag w/ sulky, as he is a cuts commercially.

If I do go with the WB would the 36" or 32" be capable of pulling a 2-wheel or 1-wheel sulky? I have heard form other posts that if your sulky is as wide or wider than your wheel base then it can cause problems with steering. Anyone ever heard of this problem?

By the way thanks to anyone leaving comments as this has been driving me nuts as I don't plan to put a lot of hours on the machine.

[93Chevy]

Once you post a pic, I'll be able to tell better.

I can ride a sulkey across almost any hill. Up and down, I'll have to step off sometimes. It's hard to push the front end down with your weight on the sulkey, and the WB will slide down a steep hill if you're riding a sulkey.

[slu2383]

Finally able tp post some pics of the slope in the backyard. Let me know your thoughts on the best way to tackle this problem.

[slu2383]

If these 2 mowers arn't the best can anyone suggest some options that won't break the bank? Since this is for residential use with at most 2-4 hours a week I would like to stay under the 2k mark but would be willing to go up to $2500. I also need the mower deck to stay under 36" due to my standard gate. Thanks again everyone for your help.

[shovelracer]

Hydro WB simple as that. The ZTR will most likely be OK, but you will be limited to across or up down on most days. I belt drive WB is not much better, but is lighter so less turf stress. If you can swing it a dual hydro WB should be your first choice. You can mow that hill any way you like. The thing to look at is parts and service availability and resale. Your 2 choices most likely wont have much in that way. Perhaps visit a commercial equipment dealer and look for left overs or trade in machines. You should be able to get into a 36 dual hydro for under 4K.

[shovelracer]

You beat me to it. You can get a new commercial 32 belt drive for your budget. Still better than your 2 choices. Also remember your choices will have a resale of next to nothing cause no one will want them. A commercial unit will get a much faster and higher dollar sale regardless of age.

[slu2383]

Thanks for the info everyone. All i do know is I would prefer to go across the slope which I might get some trouble for and secondly I am not worried about resale. My main goal is to find a good mower that will help me limit my 3 hour weekly ritual of using my 20" push all over the yard.

As i learn more can anyone help explain the difference and advantages between the gear driven and the hydro? I think as of now i am leaning more towards a WB and might have to put the dreams of owning a ZTR a side for a few years.

[93Chevy]

Get a wider gate, and you'll find that mowers with 48" - 60" decks have better hillside stability, in WB or ZTR.

[GraZHopA]

I see my neighbor with the same slope using a WB, looks like a scag w/ sulky, as he cuts commercially.

The first thing that I would do is talk to him. He can explain and probably show you the difference in wb's. He probably even knows where a good used one can be found. Just my $0.02 worth.

[EastCoast]

I know you have a 2K limit, but I would spend some more $$$$ and buy a Scag SW 36 w/Kawi 16hp Belt WB, it will last forever and if you ever needed to sell it, there would be a lot of interest, good resale.

[93Chevy]

That hill is by no means too steep to ride a sulkey on.

[topsites]

Just to ask a dumb question, have you any idea how much this is going to set you back?

[ALC-GregH]

That hill is by no means too steep to ride a sulkey on.

or use a ztr on. That hill is nothing plus you have plenty of room at the bottom. Look for a good used ztr. When you find the right one, widen the gate so it will fit through it and be done.

[cgaengineer]

The problem with going across that slope on anything will be the downhill side cutting lower and possibly scalping the slope.

[slu2383]

How would you guys use a ztr or WB to cut that hill. WOuld you go up and down the across? The one thing I saw my neighbor doing was going across on his WB with sulky but he would be going up and down at only the ends. For example he would go up and down at the ends but would cut across the hill where he left off basically making a 90 degree turn throughout the hill.

[93Chevy]

How would you guys use a ztr or WB to cut that hill. WOuld you go up and down the across? The one thing I saw my neighbor doing was going across on his WB with sulky but he would be going up and down at only the ends. For example he would go up and down at the ends but would cut across the hill where he left off basically making a 90 degree turn throughout the hill.

I did some work to one of your pics below.

The red lines represent the perimeter. I usually make 2 passes, but you may be able to get away with one.

The yellow lines represent the stripes going across the slope. Do this the first week. It doesn't look to be that bad of a hill, so going across should be easy with a sulkey.

The purple line represents where the flat bottom and the hill meet. You always want to ride your deck edge along that "valley." That way, you'll be able to cut all the grass in the "valley," and it will look cleaner.

The brown lines represent the stripes from the next week. It looks like the gate is in the bottom corner where the brown lines are angled. You want to angle them this way so that you can see them as soon as you enter the gate. Where the gate is (assuming I wasn't mistaken) the best combination of striping is across the slope and diagonal away from the gate. That is the most easily viewed from where the gate is. (assuming I wasn't mistaken in my placement of the gate.)

If you're concerned about going up and down the slope, just step off the sulkey and take it slow. Believe me, you shouldn't have any trouble going up and down that slope, especially diagonally. It make take a bit to get used to, but it's not dangerous once your comfortable with the machine.

[KGR landscapeing]

My 32inch redhawk belt will go up and down that all day even wet just saying 1600 with a bagger out the door

[slu2383]

I was talking to some people yesterday and I heard mixed reviews. I found 2 machines and was wondering if anyone thinks these might work in my situation. the first is a 2006 gravely ZT1534 with a 15.5hp Brigss Intek. The second option is a 2007 Ariens Zoom 1840 with an 18HP Kohler Courage. I knw these machines are basically one in the same but hoping to get some mroe feedback from people here instead of a salesman trying to give a pitch.

I know I would prefer a ZTR over a WB specifically the Ariens Zoom 1840 but I hate tp make the wrong decission and regret it later. In case anyone didn't read the earlier threads this is for Residential use with 1x per week.

Links:

Gravely ZT 1534:
http://www.machinefinder.com/ww/en-US/machine/983620

Ariens Zoom 1840:
http://www.machinefinder.com/ww/en-US/machine/983668:dizzy:

[slu2383]

I think i am out of the running with a ZTR. I did some old school math and used some triginometry to find the angle of the hill. From what I can gather the slope is closer to 22 degrees so I am going to now ask this question.

With the degree of slope being higher than I thought, do I now need a walk behind mower and if so can I still manage this slope with a 36" or 32" deck?

[93Chevy]

I think i am out of the running with a ZTR. I did some old school math and used some triginometry to find the angle of the hill. From what I can gather the slope is closer to 22 degrees so I am going to now ask this question.

With the degree of slope being higher than I thought, do I now need a walk behind mower and if so can I still manage this slope with a 36" or 32" deck?

Get a 36" Hydro with a sulkey and you'll run that hill all day long. I know what the manufactures say, but, well, I'll leave it at that. Somebody who runs a mower 30-40 hours a week is much more apt to handle the machine in tricky situations than somebody who runs it an hour a week. That's all I'll say.

[LarryF]

I'm another homeowner, but I'm a bit surprised that none of the pros have mentioned the BOP products. I have hills that are steeper than what has been shown in this thread, and my Quick 36 (single hydro) is being used on them. Some are so steep, I have to use a string trimmer, but the slope of others are about what is shown in above pictures, and I use a ZTR for them, mostly by mowing across but sometimes up and down. I may not have the experience of the pros, but I've been doing it for years.

[slu2383]

WHat size deck do you have on your ZTR Larry?

[LarryF]

WHat size deck do you have on your ZTR Larry?

My ZTR is an Exmark with a 52" deck and a 23HP Kawasaki. Some would say that's and overkill for a homeowner mowing only his own lawn, but in my neighborhood it would cost me a hundred a week for mowing, so in the long run it has actually saved me thousands over the combined costs of the Exmark ZTR and the walk-behind Quick 36 I bought a few years after getting the ZTR. Incidentally, BOP usually has end-of-the season sales which may be starting soon, so I suspect you might be able to pick one up close to the $2500 budget you indicated you have. That would be for a single hydro, of course, but the dual hydro would be only a few hundred more. Good luck to you.

[slu2383]

Thanks Larry. I think I have realized I am caught in the middle. If I want a ZTR to tackle the 22% slope then I need to go up in the mwoer deck to at minimum 48" to stay safe. This of course means I need to alter the gate opening as it is a standard sized gate. My second option is to find a good walkbehind mower. I hear mixed reviews on the mid-grade machines that are in-between homeowner and commercial. Unless I want to step up in price to an exmark or a hustler ZTR for the original deck size of 36" there isn't much i can do. Thanks again everyone and feel free to provide more commetns and feedback. i will keep you all updated on what I choose to do.

[slu2383]

Well the verdict is in. I actually went opposite from what everyone was saying. I went to my local gravely/ariens dealer and talked with them. They were fantastic and actually brought out a Gravely 34Z to my house for me to try out on the hill. They went over it first and gave some suggestions but said that the hill wasn't as bad as i thought. In the end I drove my new toy up, down and around for 2 hours getting a feel for the controls. Thanks again to everyone for your suggestions. Ill try and post some follow up pics of the finished product. :drinkup:

[93Chevy]

Congrats on your purchase. I'm glad you found a good dealer. Looking forward to pics!

[LarryF]

Well the verdict is in. I actually went opposite from what everyone was saying. I went to my local gravely/ariens dealer and talked with them. They were fantastic and actually brought out a Gravely 34Z to my house for me to try out on the hill. They went over it first and gave some suggestions but said that the hill wasn't as bad as i thought. In the end I drove my new toy up, down and around for 2 hours getting a feel for the controls. Thanks again to everyone for your suggestions. Ill try and post some follow up pics of the finished product. :drinkup:

I don't think you will ever regret the decision to go with a ZTR. I'm sure the money you save by using it for a few years will more than pay for what the machine cost. If I had been in your shoes, I would have changed the gate and gotten a wider deck; nonetheless, I applaud what you did. I also noticed quite a few trees on your lot which translates to perhaps a lot of leaves to pick up when they fall. Another nice thing about having a ZTR is that it can function as a tow vehicle should you buy a cyclone rake. That was another purchase of mine that just about paid for itself the first year I had it, since leaf pickup for my lot would be $700 in the fall and the same amount in the spring.

[KuttinKyle]

i have a gravely mini zt34 inch which is pretty much the same as the ariens, and it is deffinetely not a hill climber. its great for everything else though. it works great for gates.