Creamer
Elite Member
People seem to think the mid-mount Zero Turn is the only style of Zero-Turn there is which I agree will flip over backwards going uphill. They are kind of like an old M or H tricycle style they tend to flip themselves with the torque in the drivewheels going uphill.Well, Indiana isn't exactly known for its mountainous terrain, but your mower must be unique among zero turns, if it is impossible to flip it over backwards. Most zero turn mowers are stable side to side, and facing down hill, but can tip over backwards relatively easy when facing up a hill. If you haven't seen this, or aren't even aware of it, then you would do well to read up on it before ever bringing it east. Many add suitcase weights to a weight bar bolted between the front caster arms, for this very purpose, but it limits the mower's float performance on soft or wet areas.
I live adjacent to a ski resort, and while the foothills of the Appalachians are not exactly the Rockies, it is very hilly here. Likely much more so than any place in Indiana.
I stated my "front deck" zero turn will not flip in any direction. If you want something for a steep hilly area that is truly safe get a front deck Zero-Turn machine. Mine is a Deines but Grasshopper, Woods, Deere, Toro, and a few others make them. The only dangers you have is losing traction and sliding somewhere you do not want to be or sliding out of the seat with no seat belt. My true preference is a Grasshopper or Woods because the lower center of gravity and ease of mounting and dismounting but it is not what I have. And while Indiana is not known for its steep slopes there are plenty of places where developers put in some steep slopes as they graded their building pads or in my case a pond bank. And yes I have slid down a few of them and it can be a little exciting but no injuries or damage - I did get very wet one time though.