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re: Best zero turn or lawn tractor for 1 acre yard with slopes?
Posted on 3/21/24 at 2:14 pm to keakar
Posted on 3/21/24 at 2:14 pm to keakar
I've been watching this thread to see what recs come. I have a little less than an acre with a big slope, and it's been treacherous at times on the Husvarna 22v46. That thing isn't good being sideways on a slope, and the brake isn't beefy enough to stop it from going straight down. I've worked out an approach to minimize the craziness since I almost flipped it, but it's not ideal on the big hill. I don't really want to spend $3k plus on a mower though.
Posted on 3/21/24 at 4:35 pm to GeneralLee
I’ve been very happy with my 54” Spartan RZ-C on a two acre yard.
Posted on 3/21/24 at 5:19 pm to calcotron
quote:
I've been watching this thread to see what recs come. I have a little less than an acre with a big slope, and it's been treacherous at times on the Husvarna 22v46. That thing isn't good being sideways on a slope, and the brake isn't beefy enough to stop it from going straight down. I've worked out an approach to minimize the craziness since I almost flipped it, but it's not ideal on the big hill. I don't really want to spend $3k plus on a mower though.
i believe the zero turns with round steering wheels have 4 wheel control and a much improved steering capability and have much better traction from what i have read about them LINK
quote:
The ultimate all-around mowing experience now comes with professional-grade Synchro-Steer technology, providing 4-wheel control for unrivaled stability while mowing on hillsides and slopes up to 20°. The Cub Cadet ZTS1 42 zero-turn mower was engineered to be every bit as strong as its Ultima Series counterparts and features a 22 HP/725 cc Kohler twin-cylinder engine that delivers high-performance power for a consistent cut. The 42 in. AeroForce fabricated deck features a cutting system that delivers a signature cut, with fewer clumps and stragglers, finer clippings and increased evenness of cut. Ideal for mowing rolling hills and several obstacles up to 2 acres.
This post was edited on 3/21/24 at 5:23 pm
Posted on 3/21/24 at 6:15 pm to keakar
My main problem with that Cub Cadet is that it’s from Home Depot. The universal most consistent advice you will find in these threads is to buy from a local dealer that also services the mowers. Home Depot ain’t that. Maybe there are local Cub Cadet dealers but I have not seen any except for the big box stores.
I am not pedaling any particular brand but I can assure you that Cub Cadet isn’t the only brand that has a machine designed for slopes.
I am not pedaling any particular brand but I can assure you that Cub Cadet isn’t the only brand that has a machine designed for slopes.
Posted on 3/21/24 at 6:19 pm to GeneralLee
Get a lower commercial grade like a gravely.
Posted on 3/21/24 at 6:25 pm to Mister Bigfish
quote:There are definitely local cub cadet dealers out there. They will have the higher end machines like the XT2 vs the XT1 lawn tractor.
Cub Cadet dealers but I have not seen any except for the big box stores.
Posted on 3/21/24 at 6:53 pm to slacker130
quote:
Kawasaki. I babied this motor, always blew out the air filter before every mow, changed oil & filter well before the manufacturer recommendation. It has 300hrs on it and smokes like a mosquito truck fogging the neighborhood.
What color smoke?
Does it have good power or short on power? Does it bog down in heavy grass?
What oil do you use? Is it filled to the proper level (not over-filled)?
Does it smoke more when the engine is cold or hot?
Posted on 3/21/24 at 8:10 pm to ozktgr
quote:
kawasaki engine
Yes
quote:
badboy zt elite
No
Unless they've corrected the issue, BB has/had a reputation for crappy blade spindles.
Love my 54" Hustler with a Kawasaki FR691V 23 HP engine
Posted on 3/22/24 at 6:56 am to keakar
quote:
that could be as simple as carb flooding
It's oil. It burns it like a 2 stroke. I think it's valve stem seals, but I'm not sure. It'll eventually foul a plug every so often.
Posted on 3/22/24 at 7:07 am to Squirrelmeister
quote:
What color smoke?
White
quote:
Does it have good power or short on power? Does it bog down in heavy grass?
Good power on fresh plugs, I can tell when it's about to foul the right cylinder's plug, it'll start bogging a little. It always fouls the same side's plug.
quote:
What oil do you use? Is it filled to the proper level (not over-filled)?
Recently been using Shell Rotella SAE 30w. Never over filled.
quote:
Does it smoke more when the engine is cold or hot?
It smokes pretty good cold, which is why I've thought valve stem seals, but ocassionally it'll start chugging some smoke hot, and that's when the plug is about to go.
Kawasaki 651v (pretty sure, too lazy to go look right now )
Posted on 3/22/24 at 7:09 am to GeneralLee
I bought a BB Maverick HD with the iGXV700 Honda and it’s for a rough 3 acres with levees and treelines. I did a lot of research and had it down to that one and a Gravely ZT HD. Both seemed like quality machines. Picked the BB for a few reasons - close service and a great discount on a 2023 model were factors.
Posted on 3/22/24 at 11:05 am to slacker130
Well sounds like you are f’d. I’d maybe tear it down and pull out the pistons, inspect the cylinders and at least try some new rings.
I kind of doubt it is valve related just because you wrote it makes good power until the spark plug fouls. The rings might fix your issues unless the cylinder walls are scored…
Why are you using SAE 30 instead of the T6 5W-40 full synthetic?
I kind of doubt it is valve related just because you wrote it makes good power until the spark plug fouls. The rings might fix your issues unless the cylinder walls are scored…
Why are you using SAE 30 instead of the T6 5W-40 full synthetic?
Posted on 3/22/24 at 11:10 am to Mister Bigfish
quote:
I am not pedaling any particular brand
neither am i, i was trying to show you the new steering design and 4 wheel control which other mower brands have as well
that is what i wanted to show the OP that options are out there that fit his needs
This post was edited on 3/22/24 at 11:32 am
Posted on 3/22/24 at 2:09 pm to calcotron
quote:
Best zero turn or lawn tractor for 1 acre yard with slopes?
have you looked into having the yard regraded and leveled as much as possible? that might be your best solution if the hills are enough to worry about sliding down them
Posted on 3/22/24 at 2:25 pm to keakar
quote:
have you looked into having the yard regraded and leveled as much as possible? that might be your best solution if the hills are enough to worry about sliding down them
No, but it would require lots of blasting. Some rocks are already at the surface, but there's basically a point of a hill in one corner of the yard. Right at the intersection of 3 lots, so others would be affected.
Posted on 3/22/24 at 3:31 pm to slacker130
quote:
I did exactly this and have been disappointed in the Kawasaki.
I babied this motor
Maybe thats the problem, i treat mine like dog shite and its been going strong ~15 years and 1000 hours
Posted on 3/22/24 at 4:36 pm to iwyLSUiwy
I’ve been a gravely guy and like the residential mowers at or in the commercial grade. But I don’t like the new gravely engines that are made in China. Been through a starter in the warranty period and the engine takes 4-5 turns to start when you refill gas tank. I prefer the Kawasaki engines much better.
Posted on 3/22/24 at 4:45 pm to Sixafan
I have the Kawasaki gravely 52”. It’s alright but the seat isn’t a suspended seat and beats the hell out of my back. I’ve mowed a gravely with the suspended seat and it’s a much nicer experience. Same with the toro.
Two things to mention on big box vs mower shop. Generally the front spindles on big box stores are not sealed and that causes problems. The other thing like someone mentioned is the thickness of the steel used on the big box brands vs shop. They use thinner steel on big box brands to get the price down. You’re going to hit stuff and the thinner steel bends so much easier than thicker steel. I know you say your budget is $6k but if you find something a little more for better quality I wouldn’t hesitate to stretch that if you can. At least for me it’s a buy once cry once scenario.
Two things to mention on big box vs mower shop. Generally the front spindles on big box stores are not sealed and that causes problems. The other thing like someone mentioned is the thickness of the steel used on the big box brands vs shop. They use thinner steel on big box brands to get the price down. You’re going to hit stuff and the thinner steel bends so much easier than thicker steel. I know you say your budget is $6k but if you find something a little more for better quality I wouldn’t hesitate to stretch that if you can. At least for me it’s a buy once cry once scenario.
Posted on 3/22/24 at 5:09 pm to GeneralLee
My old man has had a John Deere zero turn forever. Changes the oil once a year and it's good to go. Gotta be 15 years old now. It's a JD dealer model, not a big box model though.
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