Zero Turn Mowers on Hills and Groomed Pastures

I'm in the market for a ZTR (60" or 72" Kubota) but I read in some reviews that these are less than ideal on sloped properties due to potential rollover.  I thought the ZTR's would have a very low center of gravity, but apparently that is not the case. My property is hilly and, currently, I'm mowing the 3 acres around my house with a 38" John Deere and the 5-acre groomed pasture with a Kubota B2400 pulling a 60" Landpride.  The JD mows fine but takes too long due to the small mower deck.  The Kubota/Landpride doesn't handle the hills very well as all as I have to mow up and down the incline and can only go about 1-2 mph uphill due to the engine being maxed out, which takes forever.

I'd like to know: (a)  if the rollover worry is legit and (b) whether a diesel ZTR would have any traction or power problems going up the hill instead of across it and (c) whether such a mower is ok to mow a groomed pasture.  Bottom line is that I'd like to cut my mowing time down, so feel free to offer any other options. Thanks!

GPW

Hanover, PA

GPW,

Welcome to the forum.

To qualify my thoughts, anything on wheels can rollover.

You mentioned Kubota mowers only.  I can't speak specifically about their ZTR's but do know that not all ZTR's are created equal when on hills.  As an example, I had a demo Dixie Chopper brought to my place for mowing and it couldn't hold a hill at all.

I would propose you try to get a demo brought to your place so you can try it on your terrain.  If the Kubota doesn't work for you, I found that the Country Clipper Charger holds a hill very nicely.

Brian

Just curious, what did you end up with?

 

Me too...

BTW, many people in the hilly areas have been giving the Kubota GR series tractors a good look instead of getting a ZTR. 

I have a small horse very hilly farm and use my Kubota ZD18 to mow the yard and pastures.  I have some slopes that are over the recommended angels and I never have a problem.  It's fast and effortless.  The only time it gets tricky is when the grass is wet. If you go to fast on slopes which by the way I go either up or down or sideways whatever I'm in the mood for you will slide on the grass.

The low center of gravity is great for slopes.

Mark