Right model for 30% grade hill

[cafeholic]

Hello,

My lawn is only 0.25 acre, but about 40% of the lawn is 30% grade hill (or 17.5 degrees). Also I have 12 trees on that hill about 8 ft apart from each other.
I was looking at the D140 from Lowes, but was wondering after reading some posts here if there would be any issues with transmission because of the hill.
Since I am new to riding mowers, anything would be an upgrade to my push mower. However, I do not want the new riding mower to break after only few seasons.
I would really appreciate any advise.

Thank you!

Cafeholic

 

[rekees4300]

I would really appreciate any advise.

You really don't need a riding mower for .25 acres. Also a riding mower on a slope > 15% can be dangerous, especially with trees. My advice is to use a walk behind mower. If your current push mower isn't a self-propelled then take a look at the new innovative Husqvarna model for $499 that has all wheel drive.

HUSQVARNA HU800AWD - Lawnmowers

 

[cafeholic]

Sigh... That is another chain of thought. It does sounds like an overkill. But the hill and trees make it really hard to cut with my back and paying someone to cut will add up. Thus, started looking at riding mowers.

 

[rekees4300]

Okay you didn't mention a bad back. That justifies a riding mower. For your situation, I'd avoid the D series mowers. Take a look at the X300 series. I wouldn't buy anything less than an X320 since that's the model where the reliable K58 transmission starts. You're looking at $4K but it will last for decades. Also buy it from a JD dealer and get it with HDAP knobby rear tires to handle those slopes safely.

 

[aczlan]

If your back and wallet are up to it, I might look at a stander type zero turn such as Toro 52" Grandstand Mower
Easier to get around trees and if something happens on the hill, you can jump clear...

Aaron Z

 

[cafeholic]

I wouldn't buy anything less than an X320 since that's the model where the reliable K58 transmission starts.

First of all, thanks for the advice! How about X310 compare to X320? That one seems to come with the better grade transmission and is couple hundred dollars lower in price.

 

[cafeholic]

If your back and wallet are up to it, I might look at a stander type zero turn

I was able to try a zero turn mower owned by neighbor on my hill and it did not feel safe. Flexibility seemed wonderful on flat ground, but was too much chance to spin on the hill. So, I decided to only look at the tractors. Thanks!

 

[94BULLITT]

I think you need something with 4WD. A large garden tractor or a SCUT should handle the hill.

 

[jenkinsph]

First of all, thanks for the advice! How about X310 compare to X320? That one seems to come with the better grade transmission and is couple hundred dollars lower in price.

In your case with a small lot to cut the x310 could be a good choice. The x320 would be a better choice for larger lots with the wider cut options. Up until recently the x320 is where the transmission was upgraded to the k58. The x310 has the k58H transmission with extra hydraulics for the power steering and deck lift with a 42" cut.

I would see if I could get the x310 demo on your lot to see if it is right for you.

 

[94BULLITT]

I think you need something with 4WD. A large garden tractor or a SCUT should handle the hill.

Edit I read wrong, I thought you said 30*. Either mower will do the job. The X300 series is nicer.

 

[cobracnvt]

I have a similar situation. My advice is to replace the grass on the hill with low maintenance plantings that don't need to be mowed such as junipers or other ground cover instead of looking for a machine to mow it. I did this after several years of trying to mow the steep hill in my yard and haven't regretted it one bit.

 

[ILLUMN8R]

Sounds allot like my situation but I have a little more of it, under an acre though, i have the hills, 16 trees, several bushes & flower beds and the play set I have to mow around, I bought a 2011 Cub Cadet GT2100 and it handles it perfectly, tight 18" turning radius also. Cub uses a Kohler OHV V twin with full pressure oil system (a must for operating at angles) connected with a drive shaft (no belts to slip or break) directly to a heavy duty cast iron hydrostatic transmission with large fluid capacity and spin on filter. Cub sells the decks separately so you can buy the one that best fits your needs, I have the 42" stamped deck with the mulch kit, that might be a good option for you also. Just make sure you can mow up and down the hills & make your turns on flat ground, don't side hill it if you can help it, tip hazard. I did liquid fill my rear tires and it added some stability for me and helped with traction also. I would avoid anything from a box store, go to a real equipment dealer, they will have the better quality units, have them set up properly and actually have some product knowledge. My unit with the deck cost me about $4000 and has an up to 5 year 500 hour warranty, the closest comparable green tractor I found costs twice as much. The GT200 series is a well made stable machine, with the deck it weighs about 1/2 ton, check them out, I believe them to be the best deal for a real "garden tractor" out there. I also use mine for towing a dump trailer, aerator and clearing snow with my 46" snow blade. (See photos :~)

 

[cafeholic]

All, I finally did it. I just placed an order for the Husqvarna YT46LS from the local dealership. It will come with Kawasaki v-twin engine, k46 transmission with differential lock, and 46 inch 2 blade stamped deck with enforcement on the edge. All this at $2199. I thought I would buy one from the JD, but was not able to get over the fact this model really has everything I would need and is substantially lower in price compared to JD with similar offering. It will be delivered in about 10 days. Thanks for all the advise!

 

[Voyager6]

All, I finally did it. I just placed an order for the Husqvarna YT46LS from the local dealership. It will come with Kawasaki v-twin engine, k46 transmission with differential lock, and 46 inch 2 blade stamped deck with enforcement on the edge. All this at $2199. I thought I would buy one from the JD, but was not able to get over the fact this model really has everything I would need and is substantially lower in price compared to JD with similar offering. It will be delivered in about 10 days. Thanks for all the advise!

I was browsing through the Kawasaki operator's manual for the FR600V today and noticed that it stated a limitation of 25 degrees any axis of operation.

 

[murphy1244]

You need a steiner or a ventrac to do a 30% grade with double tires.

 

[DT86]

You need a steiner or a ventrac to do a 30% grade with double tires.

30% is not steep. 30* is steep.

Hello,

My lawn is only 0.25 acre, but about 40% of the lawn is 30% grade hill (or 17.5 degrees).

 

[94BULLITT]

You need a steiner or a ventrac to do a 30% grade with double tires.

A Kubota BX will handle 30* easily up and down. 30* about the limit for it going across.

 

[bcp]

Handy diagram for grades:



30 degrees is almost twice as steep as 30 percent.

Bruce

 

[94BULLITT]

Handy diagram for grades:

View attachment 319779

30 degrees is almost twice as steep as 30 percent.

Bruce

That is a nice chart. If you could print it on a something clear you could look right through it to determine the grade/ angle. Now I wonder if there is a App for that?

 

[BigMike50]

Kubota grand L420 with acab of course. never look back