[AT] mowers - ztr vs tractor style

[Brad Gunnells]

I didn't see the original post so I'm not sure all the questions.

Considering ZTR mowers only use the back two wheels to control the  
speed and direction (the front two are just along for the ride!) of  
the mower, slopes are an issue. I clipped the side of a building with  
the chute when mine slid out of control down a wet slope. It was  
partially operator error. It was new and I didn't have much seat time  
to know it's characteristics. But when they slide you loose pretty  
much all control where as a tractor style likely will still allow a  
little steering. Kind of like a car where it slides and you can  
counter steer vs. locking the brakes. My instincts were to try to  
stop instead of full speed ahead and try to regain control.

Once you get past that and the fact they "may" (depending on size,  
tires, etc.) ride rougher they are very maneuverable and generally a  
time saver.

I got a demo unit from the dealer to see how well I liked it first.  
So a rental/demo unit would be a wise choice as you investigate your  
options.

Brad

On Jun 8, 2009, at 2:55 PM, Mike Meulenberg wrote:

> I personally don't think the slopes will be an issue. Around here  
> all the lawn companies use them and there are some pretty steep  
> hills. I have noticed a few that switched the rear tires to the ATV  
> style, more than likely for wet conditions, these guys mow rain or  
> shine, although in rain they just make a big mess. We had a rental  
> house that we had mowed the front yard was very steep, and they  
> could mow it with no problem, either straight up and down or  
> crosswise, they alternated every week. Mike
>
> ---------- Original Message ----------
> From: Stephen Offiler <soffiler at gmail.com>
> To: Antique tractor email discussion group <at at lists.antique- 
> tractor.com>
> Subject: Re: [AT] mowers - ztr vs tractor style
> Date: Mon, 8 Jun 2009 15:30:42 -0400
>
> Good thought, rental... now why didn't I think of that?  :-)  Thanks
> Dennis.  I'll have to make some calls...
>
> SO
>