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ZTR recommendations

Daver

Daver

PMA Member
Gents - I intend to get a new ZTR sometime soon and would like to hear your input on this. I have, or have had, and been happy with, Toro Timecutters. I gave one to my son, we still use the other one. I would buy another Toro, but...I have one problem at our new place that I would like to address, if possible.

I have a nice pond built there, about 2 acres, which is still filling, come on rain, and I would like to be able to safely mow the face of the dam between the waters edge and the top, where it is flat. Are there any types of mowers, or brands, etc, that allow me to safely operate on that slope? I suppose I could get a sickle mower or offset 3 pt mower for a tractor, but even then I think I would only be able to reach down the face of the dam so far and then still have tall grass left around the pond perimeter.

Is there a ZTR that is part billy goat and would be safe to use there? Another maybe, possible idea would be a mower attachment for a skid loader. Thoughts, ideas, suggestions are welcome. TIA.
 
Altoz is where I would look first depending on budget. They make great mowers and mine has been terrific. The track machinesbthey make are awesome. Make sure you get more HP than you think.

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Im thinking with most heavier zero turn if you make sure grass is dry you shouldn't have an issue? Heavy machine low center of gravity i think u be good??

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I can only speak about Grasshopper. Per my experience they are great on flat but a terrible unit for slopes. I have been a Grasshopper user for 20 years because my dad started a lawn business in retirement and I always bought his used units. My opinion is based on having units in need of repair due to heavy use in their commercial duty life so a brand new unit might be different.

Just my personal opinions:

- They have several variables to keep them mowing well. Very sensitive to keep mowing well if you like a manicured yard.
- Never had anything get stuck like these units. I would not get anywhere near my pond with it unless it stays extremely dry. (ZTR issue overall IMO)
- I assume it's related to weight distribution but tears turf very easy if you have a habit of pivoting on one side.
- Great parts availability and ease of repair.
- Built like a tank.
- American made.
- Tall inner deck area. This helps to mow taller grass and weeds. (distance from bottom of deck to top)
- Back killers on rough terrain compared to units with suspension.
- They scalp very easy if you don't use the anti-scalp kit.


If I were buying a new unit I would opt for a trail period just to see if they can more tall grass/weeds, have good suspension, and get a feel for weight distribution. Considering the price of these units they are approaching the price of a good used car.

Just my opinions...
 
I have a Ferris Zero Turn and love it due to the suspension on all 4 wheels and the suspension seat. I tackle some hills with it, but would never do what you are describing. Never go on a side hill that you don't have room to run if that thing heads downhill. No ponds, no fences or no drop offs. I would do it with a regular riding mower long before a zero turn. A DR walk behind weed eater might be an option.
 
While an Exmark employee was dropping off a mower for us to test, he got a call from another demo customer who put that one in a pond. LOL Don’t recommend an Exmark for that application, though very happy with it for our use.


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I saw a newer New Holland tractor with a rear mounted “boom” mower for sale just south of the Kirkwood campus south of CR last Sunday. I’ve seen countles use these for brush in ditches. I thought it would be great for mowing the face of our dam, but too much cash for such limited use.


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I have a country clipper charger. Has a kawasaki engine and a very heavy duty deck. It has single joystick control. I mow my dad's pond dam with it going side to side no problems at all(unless it is pretty wet out). Country clipper is made by shivers grain bins. Love mine for sure. If you wanted to take a road trip to try it out you sure can.
 
Depending on budget VenTrac mowers are made for what your describing. We sell quite a few to golf courses in our AOR.
 
John Deere Z Trak 997.
Pricey but gets it done. I do several hills and slopes with no problem just so it’s dry. Mine is a 34 hp diesel. Beast of a machine.
 
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I put aggressive tires on my zero turn. What a difference. Would tear up a manicured lawn tho.

As far as brands.... exmark or scag imo. That's coming from a deere owner.
 
Zero turn mowers can flip over. If you know anyone that is using one without the ROPS or not using the ROPS, please talk to them. Mowing around ponds is inherently and especially dangerous. I apologize if I am preaching to the choir. Looks like there are some better options…
 
I’m a Deere guy but have had a Ferris with four wheel suspension for 8 years. Wanted suspension. 37 efi engine. I’m very happy with it. I do some side hills but its got to be dry. I did switch to more aggressive tires when I wore the first set out but kinda wish I would not have. Neighbors are a mix of Ferris and Grasshopper. All good machines. Used to be some Grasshopper front mounts but I think all are mid mounts now. If you decide to go that route there are some great machines out there, Exmark and Scag have good reputation.
 
Depending on length of your dam and height...I'd say get used Hog Slats. Put some good roof felt down. Not that cheap asphalt stuff and then lay the hog slat on that. Works great..keeps the trees out, great for fishing as well because had some traction on them.
 
I stopped by the semi-local (North Liberty) multi-brand heavy duty mower dealer today at lunch only to find that they are not currently in their North Liberty facility, but rather Hiawatha. So, strike out. Harrumph.

I appreciate the input and am not ignoring the warnings on slope and ZTR's, etc. I really am too old to deal with sliding into the pond, etc. But, I have seen several pond dams of similar slope well mowed...so I assumed that there was some sort of safe way to go about it. Maybe not.

I don't feel the need to have a well manicured lawn on the whole dam face, just a band where the grandkids, etc, can walk and fish around the perimeter. I am now thinking about cutting a small "bench" around the perimeter that is about 4' wide that is level enough to mow safely. But I will talk with pond builder prior to doing anything. My thought would be that this wouldn't weaken the dam, but we will see.
 
Daver said:
I stopped by the semi-local (North Liberty) multi-brand heavy duty mower dealer today at lunch only to find that they are not currently in their North Liberty facility, but rather Hiawatha. So, strike out. Harrumph.
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I go to Rexco/Bobcat west of 380 up by CID for my Exmark parts since they are no longer on Highway 1W in IC.
 
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