Looking for a mower that is great on hills [Archive] - LawnSite.com™

Brieldo

06-13-2002, 06:22 PM

Well, if you had 72" to work with, I'd say go with the Hustler 6400 Hillsider. It's made specifically to conquer the hilliest of hills. Um..ZTR's are stable on hills if the decks control roll...as in, the decks are wider than the wheels. My JD 445 can take any hill and it's just a big lawn tractor. I'd just make sure whatever you get has a wide deck, wide stance in the rear end and enough power to get you up and down them.

MOW ED

06-13-2002, 06:26 PM

My Walker has a 52 SD deck and does real well on the hills. It doesn't go straight up and down them but it goes great on the angles or sideways. I'm not on little hills either. I don't have any pictures but I know its steep.

grasscutter

06-13-2002, 06:28 PM

i currently have one ztr and one small lawn tractor. this is my first year on the z, but i have found it much easier to do the steep hills on the lawn tractor. i just slide my but from one fender to the other. it doesnt look too safe but i have yet to turn over or slide to the bottom. i dont think the z will turn over going across the hill but it sure will slide to the bottom real quick.

Jason_S

06-13-2002, 06:42 PM

We have lesco's .... a 52 and a 48 incher and they handle huge hills!

I am walking behind the 52 inch and I see my trimmer guy fall over on this hill I mow almost every week

awm

06-13-2002, 07:02 PM

with a little time u can take a 52lazer on just about any hill that u can mow. but
dont do it if theres something dangerous at the bottum of the hill. u can turn loose of a walkbehind. now i know for a fact im gettin off my lazer if she gets loose .
but i got a little hang time in my jump.
im gonna land on her ,instead of the other way arund.:)

Ajays

06-13-2002, 07:32 PM

I have a lazer 60 and I would not recommend it for hills. I have had many problems with the lazer on hills. I would definately go with a walkbehind of any type if you are going to be cutting steep hills.

TJLC

06-13-2002, 08:19 PM

Now that I own both an Exmark 48" hydro w/b and an Exmark Lazer Hp 52" z, I can compare the two on hills. IMHO the w/b beats the z hands down on slopes. Wide open level areas, z hands down. I feel each has it's place. Put the two together and I feel you can take on just about any property.

Shawn Burns

06-13-2002, 08:34 PM

Hustler z.
Mine will hold any hill that i dare put it on. It will hold hills better than my w/b hands down.The 60" is the best, because the wheels are wider. The 54" is still a real good mower for hills. The 54" is the smallest that they offer for now.

Ajays

06-13-2002, 08:41 PM

I have wide a$$ wheels on my lazer too but if I'm on a steep slope mowing side to side the mower tends to slide sideways down the hill. If I go up and down I scalp coming over the top of the hill.

Shawn Burns

06-13-2002, 08:44 PM

Ajays, go on over to Right Of Way Equip. Co. and strap on a Hustler for a few minutes. You will be amazed at how well they hold hills, and how well they ride in general.

awm

06-13-2002, 11:26 PM

now wait a min. the d-- lazer will hold a hill well if u know what u doing. i like the hustler a lot. but good tires and ill mow hills with any ztr.like i said the advantage of a walkbehind is being able to turn it loose ,and thats the only one from my experience. and i had a good little 36 kees ,that in my opnion was second to none for cut quality and cutting hills.
course this is . JMHO

65hoss

06-14-2002, 09:25 AM

The eXmark Lazer HP 52" is made for this type of thing. Low center of gravity to help hold hills. I feel much more secure on my HP on hills than my 48" hydro w/b. Yes you can just let go, but the w/b just doesn't feel as "solid" on the hills as the Z. As stated above also, experience makes a big big difference.

KLMlawn

06-14-2002, 02:38 PM

You might want to look into a Wright Stander or their Sentar. I have a Stander and have found it does well on hills ... because you are standing, you can "lean" left or right more to offset the effects of gravity. Both are made in 52" decks....

Rodney Johns

06-14-2002, 04:46 PM

The SD Walker mower with a 52" SD deck on it is the way to go. Put a set of all terrain tires on it and I mean if you can walk on it than you can mow it. I have found a couple of instances where the mower slide down a little bit but a guy could not have stood on that bank with a trimmer. Give one a try at least before you buy anything

Cut 2 Please

06-14-2002, 05:04 PM

Look into the Ferris IS 1000z. The front suspension makes it hold on hills much better. It allows for better traction because all 4 wheels stay in contact with the ground when hitting small dips and holes. This allows the operator to feel more comfortable on hillsides because you do not feel like you are loosing traction. Think about it. Tractors use this same type of set up. Suspension in the front and none in the rear. We have all seen the big tractors cutting around interstate overpasses and those are some pretty nasty hills. The IS 1000z is available in 48" w/21 Kaw or 52" w/23 Kaw. I have the base model 1000z without the suspension and love it. It does well on hills. I actually just sold my WB because I was using my Z on the hills instead. I would have bought an IS but they were sold out in this area for this year. Will look into buying one next year.

Flex-Deck

06-14-2002, 08:25 PM

I will take my JD 455 with 54" deck and differential lock any day of the week
http://Flexed Up in Ditch-large

AltaLawnCare

06-14-2002, 08:44 PM

I am amazed at how my Lazer does on hills. I sold my Toro 52" Pro Line, and I'm not probably not going to replace it!

The Toro would always slide the uphill tire, with the T-bar, the more you hold against it - the more brakes you apply on the uphill tire.

I have a JD345 with bar tread fluid filled tires, it feels like its on the verge of turning over, even on small slopes.

I have one hill - pretty steep, I don't know the angle, it has a gully filled with "Riff-Raff" at the bottom. I come down the easiest side first, mow along the border to the riff-raff to the steepest side. Then go straight up, then back down 4 times. After that, I zig-zag side ways working my way back up the hill. Before I know it, I'm finished!

I used to hate that hill. Now I look forward to mowing it! :D
The Lazer never gets squirrelly, or loose feeling.

Make no mistake, if it ever noses down hill - and you have much speed up, you won't recover it - it will slide straight to the bottom.

I "played" with mine on a safe slope to see at what angle I could recover it from, and learned the feel of it. ;)

scottb

06-14-2002, 08:59 PM

See if you can demo a stander which ever one you can get. The dealers say that they are the best there is on hills,I am very interested in these myself and will be demoing before next season. Let us know what you decide.

MowForReal

06-15-2002, 09:12 AM

a hydro walkbehind will be the safest and most managable on steep hills. the brand is up to personal preference. --much safer and less stressful to use a hydro walkbehind than any sort of rider.

John DiMartino

06-15-2002, 10:42 PM

Im not sure of his budget,but a Steiner 230 or 430 is the best hill holder iv e ever used,even better than WB's.You can get a 48,60 or 72 " deck . http://www.steinerturf.com/products.htm I have an older 420 4x4,it is an animla on hills,it can climb hills you cant even walk on.they also have a full width rear roller,dfor the best stripe and cut good down to 1" height,without scalping due to the roller.

sheppard

06-16-2002, 07:43 AM

I've got some dangerous slopes on a few of my accounts. I've demo'd several seated z's but nothing gives a sense of security like the Stander.

Leaning in to the slope gives greater stability. If you start to slide or roll you can quickly jump off the system. Try doing that on a seated ztr.

Highly recommend you check one out!

Cordially,
Sheppard

mowerconsultant

06-20-2002, 06:37 PM

Here is 1 of the best if not the best Z's for cutting slopes.

bubenberg

07-31-2002, 07:02 PM

a search would have given you allot of answers on this subject. anything can mow on a hill but all depends on the operator and the oil pan dept of you engine. most manufacturer have a 20 % limit.

we use walkbehinds n steeper hills until such time we can either afford an AEBI tractor from Switzerland or upgrade our power trac 425 to an 1845 good for 40% or 45% an pt 186

Potomac Lawns Inc.

07-31-2002, 07:29 PM

I like my JD f620 I have ben on some steep hills and it just stays there now my a** on the other hand likes to try and slide off but the tractor itslef is great 54" deck.

Steve

olfrt

07-31-2002, 08:24 PM

Ditches in Fla. are often a 20 degree slope.

The over passes on I75 are 20 Degree slope (determined by putting and angle finder on a flat surface of deck to determine angle of machine on slope.

Lawn tractors are great because you can put your weight up on the wheel that needs traction and you can get off the machine easily.

ZTR's with twin sticks trap you in the seat. Not a good feeling for me

Walk behinds will hold a hill the best due to less weight and lower center of gravity (no seat and a 200 pounder on top).

The Wright stander will take you up a hill and mow it better than any thing I have ever ridden or seen to date.

Heck I don't like riding the blasted thing up hills it will take easily.

I watched a salesman at a show in Orlando take it up a hill that only a deweze would climb.

I watched Scags, Grass Hoppers, Walkers, Exmarks, Great Danes,
Toros, Try it and none could come close to the Stander.

All of this was done on an over pass slope!!!!!!!

:dizzy:

UGA

06-20-2003, 11:16 AM

Joe did that include a Great Dane Surfer? It is after all very close to the same design as the Stander. I have learned alot about mowing steep slopes with this unit and IT WILL HANDLE most anything I've come across so far. It depends as much on the operator as the mower imo however I would much rather be trying to tackle hills with one of these or a WB than a rider only because I don't have the experience with a rider but have several friends that do who tell me mine is much better on the steep slopes than theirs (60 lazer). I really want a Super Z with the 28hp diesel coming out in Jan 04 but I'm afraid the extra weight would make its stability even worse.

teeca

06-20-2003, 12:00 PM

uga

how do you like your great dane surfer? i demoed one with a 52" 23hp kaw and is seemed pretty awsom, how many hrs do have on yours?

The Lawn Boy Pro

06-20-2003, 12:07 PM

I wouldnt personally recommend doing LOTS of hilly terrain with a ZTR. Because of all the weight the hydros have to deal with, they will wear out a LOT quicker than expected. My 2 cents.

Bluesteel

06-20-2003, 12:18 PM

sheppard

06-20-2003, 05:48 PM

Demo'd everything Tallahassee had to offer and bought a Wright Stander. Have had it for almost 2 years. It is the safest thing on slopes and hill period.

Leaning into the hill or slope adds to the safety.

If one gets into trouble one can quickly get off the Stander where as on a seated Z you're stuck- and along for the ride!

Cordially,
S.

Ferdelance

06-20-2003, 08:49 PM

Another vote for the Wright Stander

Five Star Lawn Care LLC

06-22-2003, 01:58 AM

as far as quality of cut on hills i dont think anything can beat dixie chopper on a moderate slope. WBs deffinatly must on the steep ones

Bluesteel

06-22-2003, 02:19 AM

so where are the hills? behind that building?

Envy Lawn Service

06-22-2003, 02:47 AM

Well, I'll just tell it like it is.... The only sit on ZTR I KNOW will hold hills great is my Yazoo/Kees mini z. I don't have a walkbehind and don't need one period. If my Z won't cut is I sure as heck ain't wrestling to keep a dang WB on it. I'll push it or whack it depending on how it's laid out and sometimes if I have the lawn tractor with me, I can get some places with it.

Keep in mind though, we are talking stuff over 35 degrees or wet. Personally I don't have the balls to try some things and that's because I got scared a few times when I was very green on the machine. Plus I don't like being "trapped" in by the steering levers.

However, this machine does not like going downhill diagonial. Especially if the slope is steep and arched like so ). But it will go up, down and across the same hill without a problem.

If my mower is not an option, the first one I'd demo is Ferris. Thats because the independent suspension is one of the only things I think would really make any improvement to my machine.

The Hustler mini z is similar in design to my z. I'm not sure of the performance, but I think it's worthy of a demo. PJ could tell you better there about the beter Hustler. Otherwise I don't know as far as sit downs go.

I've heard good things about the Grasshoppers and the Great Danes "look" like they might do OK.

David Haggerty

06-22-2003, 09:51 AM

Bluesteel;
Where are you located? Pennsylvania? You have this hill thing figured out.

I have a 72" Toro Groundsmaster 4WD for the steep stuff. Had to take off the roll bar though. It made it top heavy. The mower came from the Cleveland area. Had a sticker on it that said Rock City Ohio.

You need to consider what AWM said about tires too. Carslile turf masters hold better than turf savers.

Dave

Lombardi

06-22-2003, 01:14 PM

Lawnkid,
Can you post a picture of the hill you are talking about? The two pictures I have seen here are not considered hills IMO. Flexdeck is showing a small ditch. The other one seems to be of a very minor slope that most mowers would conquer with ease and no threat of roll-over.
I mow pond banks that have an extreme slope of near 45 degrees. And yes Bluesteel, I will post some pics as soon as I get time. Hopefully by this evening.
I would not even consider using my ZTR or F-935 on these hills. I use a Polaris 4x4 with a 44" Swisher Brushcutter. I will attach a photo of these.

Envy Lawn Service

06-22-2003, 02:15 PM

Originally posted by Lombardi
I would not even consider using my ZTR or F-935 on these hills. I use a Polaris 4x4 with a 44" Swisher Brushcutter.

Ah Hah!!!!! There's the excuse I've been needing to buy a new ATV!!! :laugh:

Nah really the JD utility is getting tired. Thinking about buying a double duty ATV as a replacement. Work and fun! I was thinking of rigging up a tank sprayer for it and putting on a hitch to use it to tow stuff.

Still tax deductable?

Envy Lawn Service

06-22-2003, 02:18 PM

Aren't these about the same? Titan Multi Trac C/S.
Or is the pattern a bit more open on the Turf Masters?

Lombardi

06-22-2003, 04:35 PM

Yes, it is tax deductible. I use it for mowing, dethatching, aeration, new lawn installs, pulling out small shrubs, snow removal, etc. For non-business, I use it to haul my deer out of the woods a couple times a year in the Fall.

Bluesteel

06-23-2003, 12:16 AM

Lombardi,

I’m in Oklahoma. If you can mow on a 45-degree slope with a conventional ZTR, bring your stuff down here and show me. Why? Because I’ll give you all my stuff IF you can do it! What’s the catch? If you can’t mow on that steep of a slope (which EVERYONE knows you can’t) then I get to keep all of your stuff; truck, trailer, mower, and everything else (because your mower won't be worth much after rolling and crashing, and you'll probably be dead anyway).

I’m not talking about skidding down a terrace grade from one plateau to another. Nor am I talking about mowing the low section of a ditch where one tire is jammed against the bottom. I mean a full 45-degree slope, measured with a level and protractor, where you’re negotiating that angle the WHOLE time. You can try to go back and forth, up and down, diagonal up or down. It don’t matter because the end result will be the same disaster. LOL

Prolly ought to measure your steepest slope first ... I'm guessing it's less than 25-degrees.

Envy Lawn Service

06-23-2003, 01:44 AM

Originally posted by Lombardi
I mow pond banks that have an extreme slope of near 45 degrees. And yes Bluesteel, I will post some pics as soon as I get time. Hopefully by this evening.
I would not even consider using my ZTR or F-935 on these hills. I use a Polaris 4x4 with a 44" Swisher Brushcutter. I will attach a photo of these.

Bluesteel, you might want to slow down and read.

Anyways, you won't have any trouble getting me to believe the part you said about less than 25 degrees. For a Z that is real steep. It starts to get hairy on anything much past 15 degrees on most Z's and that's just the truth of it.

25 degrees can easily feel like 45. A slope finder like I have is the best way to judge just how steep a slope is. Most of the time it feels steeper than it actually is, atleast to me it does.

The big thing that can limit just how far you can go safely is how smooth the slope is. A slope that is not a flat plane across or one that's a little rough can get dangerous quickly without a lot of warning.

TJLC

06-23-2003, 07:31 AM

I use my TTHP 48" with an Exmark sulky attached. I just pop it off for steep slopes. Until I find something better this works best for me.

Lombardi

06-23-2003, 09:23 AM

BS,
Please read the previous post by Envy. I DID NOT say I use a ZTR. I also said the slope is approaching 45 degrees. I will post some pics, but it still won't prove what the slope really is. I will try to get them measured this week.

Lombardi

06-23-2003, 09:24 AM

Another angle. Different hill.

Lombardi

06-23-2003, 09:27 AM

Another angle.

Lombardi

06-23-2003, 09:29 AM

One more.

Bluesteel

06-23-2003, 10:46 AM

LOL,

What’s the point of calling my attention to your 45-degree (not) slope, if not to prove me wrong. Let me repeat, ANYONE who uses the mythical 45-degree number doesn’t know what they’re talking about. Oh wait, you said “approaching” but “near” 45-degrees.

Lawnkid’s post: “My boss is looking for a mower that is great on steep hills, (preferably rider), is quick, good cut quality, nice stripes. Can be no larger than a 52". He left it up to me to find one for a good price.”

Am I wrong, or would his boss find your solution totally laughable? Maybe you use that rig full time? Yes your ATV-Pull-Behind is a rider. Quick? Not in grass-cutting production. Good cut quality? Not. Nice stripes? I don’t think he was talking about tire marks. Forgive me, but I have this nasty tendency to stick to the main thread.

Lombardi

06-23-2003, 11:42 AM

BS,
My point was to call your attention to the fact that you slammed me for saying that I used a ZTR on steep slopes when my post clearly states the opposite. Even bobbygedd apologizes when he makes a mistake.
Since the angle of slope from the original post is not clear, I am merely trying to show other options available. Your attempt to start an argument with me is unwarranted and unprofessional. I didn't join this site to deal with people of your caliber. The only reason I am even responding to you is that it is raining here and I have some time to kill here in my office. Have a good day.

Bluesteel

06-23-2003, 11:51 AM

I’m sorry you’re so upset. LOL

teeca

06-23-2003, 01:50 PM

if the slop is steep, a w/b is the best investment (price&safty). it will mow it better and safer. it will also mow it when its wet, and not slide as much. better safe then sory. make it a hydo not belt drive. and you can always get a sulky for it.

just because the speedometer say 100mph in your car, dosen't mean that its safe or a good idea, even though it is fully capible.

AltaLawnCare

06-23-2003, 10:15 PM

Originally posted by AltaLawnCare
I am amazed at how my Lazer does on hills. I sold my Toro 52" Pro Line, and I'm not probably not going to replace it!

The Toro would always slide the uphill tire, with the T-bar, the more you hold against it - the more brakes you apply on the uphill tire.

Well about a year later, I did get a 48" Metro. :rolleyes: It dos better than the Toro, but its still a hand full to control...

Really steep hills...25% or more are probably just better left to 21 inchers and trimmers.

thartz

06-23-2003, 10:58 PM

I'm glad these people who argue about slope degrees don't live near the Blue Ridge Parkway;they would cry if they had to mow the 35 degree-ish slopes the DOT grades for us to mow.My accounts average 30ish and I use a Sentar.It will pick the front end up a little but if you shift your weight it will mow and hold.I know Bluesteel won't believe this but that's okay.I measured and they are 30 plus.TPI will vouch for me; he has seen me do them.

Mowingman

06-23-2003, 11:06 PM

for hillside mowing, the ultimate machine is the Kut - Kwick, Slopemaster. They are designed to operate on slopes as steep as 40 degrees. They have specially modified engines that provide proper lubrication on those steep slopes. Check them out at www.kutkwick.com:)

FrankenScagMachines

06-23-2003, 11:10 PM

Originally posted by AltaLawnCare
Really steep hills...25% or more are probably just better left to 21 inchers and trimmers.
Or hydro drive walks. I'm constantly amazed where I can put my hydro w/b and sulky with minimal effort (only to hold on :) ), some of the same places my 21" rear wheel drive won't even hold without slipping... some places are hard to stand on to trim. With a w/b you have something heavier than you to hold onto to stabilize yourself. I've tried a belt drive pistol grip and it's worthless on hills... go hydro never look back! They're awesome on slopes, banks and hills :D

UGA

06-24-2003, 04:01 PM

I saw a guy on the side of a local highway yesterday with a 21" push mower with the bagger and handles removed that was rolling it down a steep bank and pulling it back up with a small but long rope attached:) It seemed to work for him.

crazygator

06-24-2003, 05:01 PM

Originally posted by Big Bad Ram2500
as far as quality of cut on hills i dont think anything can beat dixie chopper on a moderate slope. WBs deffinatly must on the steep ones

Those are not slopes, at least not like we have. And I had a Dixie....biggest piece of craap on hills of any size.

Now I have the Exmark Lazer HP 52" and it is awesome on any hills, slopes, and anything that you would have the pucker factor. Very well balanced machine too.

If you have stuff that is really steep then you must get a true hill side mower, like the Hustler.

mowerconsultant

06-24-2003, 05:18 PM

Originally posted by crazygator
If you have stuff that is really steep then you must get a true hill side mower, like the Hustler.

I have yet to find a hill this mower wont do.
And I have been all over the east coast doing demo's.
..
Later
Pj
.
.
http://www.hustlerturfequipment.com/6400/6400.JPG

2 clowns mowing

04-04-2006, 06:42 AM

we never said 45 degrees

thartz

08-30-2006, 10:46 PM

Envy Lawn Service

08-31-2006, 12:14 AM

Wright Sentar . Can always bail off and pull the brake while exiting. Can climb with front 2 wheels off the ground . I have a digital camera and will post pictures tomorrow of the lawns I mow in the Blue Ridge Mountains . No I was mistaken at one time about the 45 degree but I know I can do 30 degrees . Anyone who wants to fly down here can feel free to watch . It will go where the extended Hustler frame unit will go with properly equipped tires .

I'm in the same mountain chain... so I can't wait to see the pics!!!!!

I'm doing really well with the Lesco Ztwo now. It's the best 'sit-down' zero turn rider I have used so far. I think in most situations it has more ability than I have nerve left after experiences with other ZTR's. It takes me to the limit where I've reached an angle where I'm uncomfortable sitting on it and trying to stay upright... LOL...

MJB

08-31-2006, 12:15 AM

I have wide a$$ wheels on my lazer too but if I'm on a steep slope mowing side to side the mower tends to slide sideways down the hill. If I go up and down I scalp coming over the top of the hill.

Put on a stripe roller and you won't scalp toping the hills anymore.

thartz

08-31-2006, 08:27 AM

Ernesto came early, so got rained out. Will post pictures as soon as we dry out.

Envy Lawn Service

09-01-2006, 10:14 PM

Ernesto came early, so got rained out. Will post pictures as soon as we dry out.

You WUSS... I mowed all day in the rain... LOL

Ernesto and I did battle...
I got hosed... but the work got done.

We had rain earlier in the week too, so my sinuses are killing me... I guess from all the mold spores down in the wet drought-stress debris I've been stiring up.

I had to let the hills and steep ditch lines go wednesday and thursday though.
Some of it I whacked with the trimmer... some I said screw it until next week.

MJB

09-01-2006, 10:57 PM

You WUSS... I mowed all day in the rain... LOL

Ernesto and I did battle...
I got hosed... but the work got done.

We had rain earlier in the week too, so my sinuses are killing me... I guess from all the mold spores down in the wet drought-stress debris I've been stiring up.

I had to let the hills and steep ditch lines go wednesday and thursday though.
Some of it I whacked with the trimmer... some I said screw it until next week.

Gosh..... I was going to complain about mowing in the heavy due this morning. I guess that wasn't so bad after all...........:laugh:

Envy Lawn Service

09-02-2006, 12:11 AM

Gosh..... I was going to complain about mowing in the heavy due this morning. I guess that wasn't so bad after all...........:laugh:

Yeah... I just left my mower out in the rain Thursday night and when I got up Friday morning it still looked atleast twice as bad as it does in my avatar pic.

I gotta clean up the green monster sometime this weekend.

edit:

I enjoy the rain days like that though in a way.
Those are the only days I don't have to look at another single mower in transport.
I'm the ONLY guy out there.

MJB

09-02-2006, 12:49 PM

Yeah... I just left my mower out in the rain Thursday night and when I got up Friday morning it still looked atleast twice as bad as it does in my avatar pic.

I gotta clean up the green monster sometime this weekend.

edit:

I enjoy the rain days like that though in a way.
Those are the only days I don't have to look at another single mower in transport.
I'm the ONLY guy out there.

Fortunately we only have to work in the rain maybe twice a year. If it's a downpour then I pack it in until it lets up I don't like getting drenched. I get out the side discharge mower with high lifts and do what I can. The grass up here is so fine it will turn to mush in no time, and big green soupy blobs. Thats when I say I can only stand so much fun for the day.

lawnpro724

09-02-2006, 05:35 PM

Envy Lawn Service

09-02-2006, 10:17 PM

We mow alot of homes around the lake in this area and the hills are very steep if not dangerous. I have used ztr mowers on hills but if there steep always use a good heavy lawn tractor. ztr mowers are not as steady on steep hills.

I have to agree... been saying that on here for years.

The Lesco Ztwo along with some accounts that have fallen by the wayside has put me in a position where I really don't "have to" take a lawn tractor along... which I like because I can run lighter and smaller.

CutNLawns

09-14-2006, 01:15 AM

Steep? What’s steep? I assume you’re talking about using a conventional type wide-area mower. If the slopes are no steeper than 20-degrees, you can use a ZTR. With PRACTICE, you could use a Stander (or Surfer) on slopes up to about 25-degrees. Walk-Behind mowers have the lowest center of gravity and might be able to operate on slopes approaching 30-degees. Any steeper than that and you’ll have trouble standing on it with a String-Trimmer.

Some clowns on here actually believe they can mow a 45-degree slope. Discount ANYONES advice that uses that number because they don't know what they’re talking about. There are some special mowers designed to handle “steep” slopes that can safely operate on slopes approaching 30-degrees. But those mowers are not practical for mowing anything else.

Not many manufacturers dare to mention a number when they use the word “steep.” Hustler makes the “6400 Hillsider” and that new “ATZ,” both specifically designed for mowing slopes, but they don’t talk about how steep.

This is my 61" bobcat Predator Pro on a hill side we mow weekly. When it is dry we can drive up and turn and run the length of the hill which is approx 200 yrds. The 61" will almost make it to the top but my 72" has no problems running the top. Not sure on the angle but the tree is growing straight up. When it is damp we have to run up and down to cut. Trimming this hill with a trimmer will kill your ankles and you will slip and fall on your butt a few times.
http://www.realtree.com/img/500/Bobcat_on_hill_1.jpeg

lsylvain

09-14-2006, 09:49 AM

How steep of a hill? Are we talking Texas steep or WV steep. What you call a hill in WV would probably be called a cliff in most places. I never had a ztr for that reason, I figure it is easier and safer just to let go of a $4,000 walk behind and let it crash to the bottom than to have to jump off a $10,000 ztr and watch it crash to the bottom. You want something with a wide stance and wide tires with good tread on them. I found that the biggest part of the hill is the turn at either end, when you turn and you loose traction and that mower starts to bounce you are screwed.

my 2 cents

PTOhioMower

09-14-2006, 10:25 AM

4 years old and still tickin!!

RD592

09-14-2006, 10:35 AM

go to this web site http://www.kutkwick.com/superslopemaster.htm these are the types of mowers they use to cut the tops of the levees on our job site. The tops of the levee are a 1:1 slopes. The mower they use has 8 tires and the turing pivit point is in the center of the mower.

Envy Lawn Service

09-24-2006, 09:18 PM

thartz,

Did you ever get any pics? Someone else is on here in another thread asking about the slope performance of the Wright mowers......

Josh.S

09-24-2006, 11:50 PM

I dont have a sugestion, but I can tell you what not to get..

Dixie Choppers.. they SUCK on hills...

MTR

09-25-2006, 01:41 AM

This is my 61" bobcat Predator Pro on a hill side we mow weekly. When it is dry we can drive up and turn and run the length of the hill which is approx 200 yrds. The 61" will almost make it to the top but my 72" has no problems running the top. Not sure on the angle but the tree is growing straight up. When it is damp we have to run up and down to cut. Trimming this hill with a trimmer will kill your ankles and you will slip and fall on your butt a few times.
http://www.realtree.com/img/500/Bobcat_on_hill_1.jpeg

Do you cut that when grass was wet from rain? I saw mud and sand already stuck to your tire's tread. Take good care on that hill. I for sure, will use WB on that hill not the Z.

CutNLawns

10-03-2006, 10:33 PM

Like I said when it is damp we run it up and back. Way too hard to hold when it is wet. It was wet when I took the pic. This is the 61" and it holds OK but the 72" has no problems holding.

steinerd

02-22-2010, 05:07 PM

If have hills to mow, you should check out Ventrac Slope Mowers (http://ventrac.com/advantages/slopemower/). Ventrac's articulating frame and low center of gravity really give it an advantage to safely mow on slopes up to 30 degrees.

http://ventrac.com/images/advantage/slope_test.jpg

Envy Lawn Service

02-22-2010, 09:16 PM

steinerd

02-22-2010, 10:21 PM

Those things are nice.

Couple other companies make similar ones don't they?
I bet they are really expensive.

They are not real cheap. You pay for a quality tractor. The smaller Ventrac 3000 series (http://ventrac.com/products/tractors/3000) starts out around 10k for the tractor. The 4000 series (http://ventrac.com/products/tractors/4000) (pictures in my previous post) range from 16k to 21k new.

The biggest advantage over a ZTR is not only will it stick hills incredibly well, but you can do much more then mow. At home I have a slip scoop and blade in addition to my mower, and rent a tiller in the spring to do my garden and tough cut later in the summer to knock down my brush. They make over 30 attachments (http://ventrac.com/products/attachments/) for it. I've also seen their 84" contour deck (http://ventrac.com/products/attachments/MJ840/) in action. It's an excellent choice if you are mowing on hillsides and uneven terrain. It has three independent decks that float. This configuration seems to eliminate scalping and gives a nice even cut.

There are a few other compact center-articulating (http://ventrac.com/advantages/articulating/) tractors out there that I am aware of. Steiner is probably the closest to a Ventrac. The original owners of Steiner sold the company in 1988 and started Ventrac in 1998 improving features such as better hand controls, more power, and weight transfer for improved slope handling.

Again if you are looking at serious hills, you should at least consider a center articulating tractor with a low center of gravity and equipped with dual wheels.

MONTE

02-22-2010, 10:37 PM

Best hillside mower I have ever seen on a hill is a twin stick country clipper charger. They call them spiderman around these parts. Amazing machine on a hill.

Envy Lawn Service

02-23-2010, 12:24 AM

Best hillside mower I have ever seen on a hill is a twin stick country clipper charger. They call them spiderman around these parts. Amazing machine on a hill.

Yes, those are VERY good on slopes, AND can also handle the uneven contours often found on slopes with ease.

I never had a chance to get one extremely steep... but steep enough to be beyond what most ZTR's can do. Heck, somehow those things can back up slopes most ZTR's can't handle going across.

dishboy

02-23-2010, 08:15 AM

Yes, those are VERY good on slopes, AND can also handle the uneven contours often found on slopes with ease.

I never had a chance to get one extremely steep... but steep enough to be beyond what most ZTR's can do. Heck, somehow those things can back up slopes most ZTR's can't handle going across.

It appears CC has a interesting new deck in the works , check out this patent application;20090266043

demhustler

02-23-2010, 09:36 AM

It appears CC has a interesting new deck in the works , check out this patent application;20090266043

hmm.... may be, - feeld will tell; more importantly - how deep this deck gonna be?

demhustler

02-23-2010, 10:08 AM

....
There are a few other compact center-articulating (http://ventrac.com/advantages/articulating/) tractors out there that I am aware of. Steiner is probably the closest to a Ventrac. The original owners of Steiner sold the company in 1988 and started Ventrac in 1998 improving features such as better hand controls, more power, and weight transfer for improved slope handling.

Again if you are looking at serious hills, you should at least consider a center articulating tractor with a low center of gravity and equipped with dual wheels.

weak point of ventrack - high center of gravity and turning radius,
need additional wheels for hillside sideways stability - not good on regular lawn
178470
mowers with 4wd or steering would provide increased stability on hills and maneuverability on regular lawns;
for serious hills - serious articulating frame and deck
http://www.deweze.com/deweze/ATM/ATM.html

demhustler

02-23-2010, 11:27 AM

harper ind. vid: http://www.deweze.com/video.html
178478

tilting - good for cornering, eh? : ))))

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWrVgJeXcuE&feature=player_embedded#

Envy Lawn Service

02-23-2010, 12:14 PM

Mowdercycle... lol....

demhustler

02-23-2010, 12:27 PM

Mowdercycle... lol....

more correct: mow-tricycle
trike AWD (3WD) or reverse loader - for short : ((((
: ))))))

demhustler

02-23-2010, 12:49 PM

here's the full version - 4wd (w/o deck)
: )))))
178487

demhustler

02-23-2010, 12:58 PM

and here's the w/b version (tecnically, you can walk-behind with remoted controls) : )))

JackIL

02-24-2010, 08:33 PM

I have owned several Steiners and Ventracs and currently have a Ventrac 4231 Turbo Diesel. My primary reason for owning a Ventrac is to safely mow my slopes that range up to 30 degrees. Operating on slopes above 20 degrees requires dual wheels so I run duals most of the time. I remove them for snow and loader work. When running duals, the inside tires are specified to run at 8 psi and the outside tires at 4 psi, so there is not problem of turf damage at all with these low pressures. Furthermore, the front and rear tires on each side follow in the same tracks because the steering articulation is in the center of the wheelbase and the front and rear tread widths are the same. In addition the tires are all of the same diameter AND on each side of the tractor they rotate at the same speeds. Thus there is no scuffing of the turf in turns.

In addition to using the tractor for basic mowing, I use it for numerous other applications. After all, it is a tractor--not just a mower.

On the Ventrac Website www.ventrac.com there are several photos and videos showing my various applications.

JackIL