Posted: 3/16/2013 3:05:54 PM EDT
| Can anybody recommend a zero turn mower that handles well on hilly land? This mower will be used as a residential mower. I have looked at Ferris, anybody had any experience with them? Any info will be helpful. |
| Ferris is now owned by Briggs, so for me they would be a no go. How steep of a hill are we talking? The reason I ask is that Ztr mowers in general are not hill friendly machines. It's my job to know the limitations of what a mower can and can't do, hills are the domain of the walk-behind mower or what's known as a stander. I would look at bobcat, exmark, scag,and some commercial John Deere products. What ever you do, don't buy a mower with a Briggs engine. |
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I've got a Scag that I have had for 5 or 6 years and really like it. It does good on hills up to a point. If too steep, it can start to slide side ways. Also, it can be hard to stop or turn if you are going down a hill that is too steep. It does best going up hill.
You might look around to see if you can rent one somewhere to try out on your property before you buy. I had a coworker do that and decided that it would not work on his location. |
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I like my Dixie Chopper. I got it used 5-6 years ago. Still runs strong. Gas, 24hp generac, 60" deck. I've cut 3 acres in 45 minutes before. I usually take my time and do it in about 1-1/2 hours. I've had to replace a couple of spindles. My fault, i wasn't greasing them enough. Once i got a good maintanence schedule going, its had no issues.
I think any of the good zero turn manufacturers would be a good purchase. edit: They are very expensive. I would try to find a good trade in at the local zero turn dealer. |
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Quoted: I've got a Scag that I have had for 5 or 6 years and really like it. It does good on hills up to a point. If too steep, it can start to slide side ways. Also, it can be hard to stop or turn if you are going down a hill that is too steep. It does best going up hill. You might look around to see if you can rent one somewhere to try out on your property before you buy. I had a coworker do that and decided that it would not work on his location. That's a great idea. Thanks for all the info. |
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I run a mowing business for my side job and I have used John Deere, Toro, exmark, and scag. The scag turf tiger is hands down the best mower out there. With that being said you must understand it is not the fastest or the cheapest. The Turf Tiger is a mountain goat compared to other mowers, you can mow in extreme confidence on hills once you learn what to and not to do. My second choice behind the turf tiger would probably be the hustler z. I personally used one but people I personally know and respect say they are about is good as a turf tiger. but they are faster. A scag TT is made to last I have to one is 12yrs old and still used as a back up to the newer TT with a 35 hp briggs. THey are easily the best built mowers out there. My dad has a Scag walk behind that is 20 years old changes the oil and replaced the Hydro fluid and hoses. You can't go wrong with the TT. Also the 35hp B&S sucks gas so unless you need that I would steer you to a smaller motor.
ETA: There isn't a "residential use" zero turn that I would use on anything that is relatively steep. |
| I got a Bad Boy 31hp 60" that came with the house we bought in October. I've used it once last year but just got it out last weekend to get ready for this year. It's built heavy duty and I like it but it's my first zero turn so I have nothing to compare it to. Plus my yard is dead flat (which I hate when it rains) with surface rocks. This thing has a suspension system that helps with those bumps considerably. |