I did a quick search but I didn't turn much up. Is there a lawnmower that has 4 wheel drive that doesn't cost an arm and a leg? I saw the JD x700 series. Nice tractor but it's $12K. I was hoping there would be something around the $6K mark. I do like the JD X500 series but it's 2WD with the ability to lock the differential. That may be enough to meet my needs plus it's 4-wheel steer. I do not have a hilly landscape but I do mow enough ditches/driveways/culvert areas that I get stuck quite often just from being too light in the rear.
4x4 Lawnmower?
- Thread starter TheGoose
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There is the Husqvarna R322T AWD. It's all wheel drive and handles steep slopes very well. It's also very nimble around object (articulating steering) and the mower is in the front. However the mower widths that are offered are a 48" side discharge and a 41 inch Combi 103 deck for either mulching or rear discharge, and it retails for about $5400.
I got two of them and like them much better than the two Wheel Horse GTs they replaced. My WH GTs did not have enough traction on some of the steep slopes I mow, but the R322T hauls my 275# butt up and down those steep slopes, forward or backward and has plenty of traction and power. It's a lot of fun to drive too.
Not sure you'd want to mow two acres with a 48" or 41" wide deck though, but I bet it would be great for your ditches/driveway/culvert areas.
I mow at least 2 acres because of the two properties I mow, but I'm retired, and having two R322Ts so my wife is often mowing too.
I tried to find a video of a Husqvarna R322T AWD mowing some steep areas but could only find this articulating AWD Jonsered, which is basically the same machine as the Husvarna R322T AWD.
It will at least give you an idea how these machines do on steep slopes. The mowing deck on the Jonsered (in the video) is the same Combi 103 mowing deck I have on my R322T machines.
Part 1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMfAAoaLur0
Part 2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZQ3cbD0rPY
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Actually, even though the smaller deck takes much longer to mow I think it might work better in the ditches/culverts due to the curvature (the smaller deck mows a curve better). I did see these Husq. mowers somewhere else and wondered how well they work.
Sysop
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Have you ever consider loading the tires with fluid? I realize it is something generally reserved for large tractors that can hold a lot of fluid, but it is actually shocking how much can go in those little lawnmower tires. I put 15 gallons of washer fluid in my Craftsman tires the 2nd week after I purchased it and it is still going strong and pulls all the hills I got stuck on in the first week.
nybirdman
Super Member
Simplicity Prestige (4wd) with a 50" deck about $7900.Very well made mowers.
Here is link to an extremely long thread discussing the Husqvarna R322T AWD, if you wish to learn more about it.
http://www.mytractorforum.com/64-husqvarna-dixon/250230-husqvarna-rider-322t-awd.html
Edit....The Husqvarna R322T AWD in made in Sweden.
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houstonscott
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If mowing under trees is not an issue, go get a Yanmar YM1610d from Fredrick's and put a Coroni finish mower behind it, you'll never look back from a riding garden mower. HS
nybirdman
Super Member
I had a friend purchase a Simplicity Broadmore last year;I was super impressed with it.Lots of thought went into these machines.
. Welded fabricated deck,mesh seat,oil drain extension,locking rear end.His property has a quite steep hill and his machine walks right up it with no problems.
PapaPerk
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At the price of some of those Simplicity machines, I would consider buying a new Kubota BX or a used BX.
Sysop
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Some people still have an preference of an all American company over Japanese or others... Not to mention dollar for dollar they're a great value when everything is considered.
Simplicity Outdoor - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Creamer
Elite Member
Why would you not want a ZTR? You can control each wheel separately and can go almost anywhere a 4WD albeit tires are more critical without 4wd.
The video of the Husquvarna made me squirm when I saw him make a U-turn and he planted the inside front tire and just twisted it. That usually leaves torn-up sod but maybe not if you have very gentle turf tires on it. I noticed they did not zoom in on that area. With a ZTR you certainly can do this but it is very easy to not do this and still turn a tight corner - in fact I am sure a U-turn is much quicker on a ZTR and mowing time is often directly relative to amount and quickness of turns. Straight out speed of cut is only useful in large open areas.
The video of the Husquvarna made me squirm when I saw him make a U-turn and he planted the inside front tire and just twisted it. That usually leaves torn-up sod but maybe not if you have very gentle turf tires on it. I noticed they did not zoom in on that area. With a ZTR you certainly can do this but it is very easy to not do this and still turn a tight corner - in fact I am sure a U-turn is much quicker on a ZTR and mowing time is often directly relative to amount and quickness of turns. Straight out speed of cut is only useful in large open areas.
I have zero problems buying anything made from a country like Japan. I have major problems buying anything made in/for/by countries that use "slave labor" and usually end up with a sub-par product. This usually includes China, India, etc. Mexico I'm neutral on. I try to buy USA made first and then after that any "1st world" country gets my business.
PapaPerk
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I'm pretty sure the BX is made in the USA. I know my Kubota ZD326 is as well!
I hear you about buying American made. Just remember MTD is made in the USA. /0:
sklunk
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If money doesn't matter (but it usually does 
) get a Steiner 440:
Steiner 440 Tractor | Steiner Tractors
American designed and made, built like a tank, and tons of attachments. But they are expensive!
) get a Steiner 440:Steiner 440 Tractor | Steiner Tractors
American designed and made, built like a tank, and tons of attachments. But they are expensive!
lightninboy
Silver Member
I think Dixie Chopper had a 4WD, but they must not have sold many of them.
The few times I have used a ZTR (borrowed) I found they quite easily got stuck, especially in ditches. Also, I am leery of the fact that ZTR's will flip much more easily when moving forward uphill. I want to get my son to take over the mowing duties fairly soon and I don't feel totally comfortable with him on a ZTR. Maybe I'm wrong here but it seems like a traditional tractor would be better suited for my application. Although our terrain is perfectly flat here I have a lot of ditches and uneven terrain to mow around and I feel that a ZTR will not do as good a job.
Creamer
Elite Member
I am not sure what you mean by "will not do as good of job". I do not see any difference in mowing quality between the two - that is a function of the deck and float. Maneuverability - the ZTR is far better. Steep angles or rough terrain - the 4wd would probably be better. I do not know the ditches you are talking about but on side angles I much prefer a ZTR over a regular tractor in ditches around here. I have used both.
I do not know what type of ZTR you are thinking about but I am not a fan of the mid-mounts. I prefer the front mounts for the ability to trim around bushes and other obstacles plus better under deck access. If I had to use a mid-mount on my property, I would swear every time I used it.
I do not know what type of ZTR you are thinking about but I am not a fan of the mid-mounts. I prefer the front mounts for the ability to trim around bushes and other obstacles plus better under deck access. If I had to use a mid-mount on my property, I would swear every time I used it.
