What Do You Think about Steering Wheel Zero Turns?

[slow84ta]

I've been shopping around all year for a zero turn and I plan to buy one next spring. I'm really leaning towards one of the newer style steering wheel zero turns. Personally I like Exmark Quest Front Steer the best. I have a lot of hilly parts on my roughly 1 1/2 acres. I'm looking to spend around 3500 bucks. Any thoughts is appreciated!

 

[ztrjim]

If your mowing a lot of uneven hilly terrain around 10-15 degrees of grade then a Steering Wheel Front Steer Zero Turn Is a good option for you. They do provide better control and stability over traditional zero turns that have front caster wheels. Traditional Lap Bar zero turns tend to want to dive downwards on hills which can be very dangerous. Even better most of the new steering wheel units also have foot brakes. A good rule of thumb to go by while mowing a slope with your zero turn mower is to first start at the bottom of the hill and try back the mower straight up the hill. If you do not have any issues then your machine should perform just fine. Try to mow diagonally downwards if you can to maximize safety!

Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt, Toro and Exmark all have decent residential units in your price range that should perform just fine for your situation!

Review Article: Do You Really Need A Steering Wheel Controlled Zero Turn Mower? - Click Here

 

[scoutcub]

I have a Cub SZ60 Tank with the steering wheel and it is fantastic on hills. I've used conventional lawn tractors/garden tractors/zero turn tractors/and conventional zero turns, but the 4 wheel steering blows them all away. It's incredibly stable even on side slopes, I mow a section that is a bit uncomfortable angle, and the machine performs flawlessly, even turning uphill on a sideslope.....the steering wheels are so much better than lap bars in my opinion.

 

[Monster5601]

Never drove one but if they provide the same level of control that the traditional zero turn does I want one, free up that hand for my cigar.

 

[MESSMAKER]

They look good to me except the Cub Cadet part. I just don't think that they are leading the race in the quality, durability race. I have to admit that most commercial mowers use the same components, more or less.

 

[AxleHub]

They look good to me except the Cub Cadet part. I just don't think that they are leading the race in the quality, durability race. I have to admit that most commercial mowers use the same components, more or less.

While cub cadet residential product is mostly mtd made now . . . Its important to recognize that design quality is as big an isdue as build quality. Cub cadets residential build quality isn't what it was . . They hve been a leader in design quality and innovation for years.

To me . . Its about testing a unit before buying a unit. Test it on your slopes and grass type. Recently I saw a lightly used high quality commercial grade zero turn cub cadet steering wheel model for sale for what your price range is.

 

[dragoneggs]

Never drove one but if they provide the same level of control that the traditional zero turn does I want one, free up that hand for my cigar.

Yeah I found my thirst quencher is getting too much seat time in its cup holder with my new Z turn.

 

[bsinhc50]

Attached is a picture of my Z-Force S commercial with a 48 inch deck and recently added sun canopy. I bought the machine in May and posted a brief review about it in the Cub Cadet L& G forum. One thing I didn't mention in that post was, I wasn't sure Cub Cadet could build a sturdy machine but, after watching it mow a 5 acre picnic grounds last year, which has some terrain like mine (hilly & rough) I was convinced it could handle my 3.5 acres with no problem and it has.

Another thing that impressed me was how well it performed after I found out who operated it. Initially, I thought there was one or two guys who mowed the grounds but was told by a member, being they're a volunteer organization, multiple folks use the Z-force S. He said some of them respect the machine and some don't and the ones who don't really used the Z-Force S to the max last year. But, it held up and didn't need anything other than the foot pedal repaired which was fixed by the dealer at no cost.

He said the JD zero turn they used to have cost them a bundle to fix each year before the mowing season started. He said so far, they're very pleased with the Z-force S and would recommend it to anyone thinking about buying one.

 

[4570Man]

How do these things work? I thought they still had swivel wheels on the front.

 

[ztrjim]

How do these things work? I thought they still had swivel wheels on the front.

How does it work? :drink:

Traditional lap bar zero turns have front caster wheels that spin around wherever the rear drive wheels go. In a steering wheel controlled zero turn the front wheels have a mechanism built onto them that are attached to the steering wheel. Along with the rear drive wheels still rotating as they would on a traditional zero turn. Essentially it is now a 4 wheel steering. Taken from:www.zeroturn.../do-you-really-need-a-steering-wheel-controlled-zero-turn/

 

[Texasmark]

I have a Cub SZ60 Tank with the steering wheel and it is fantastic on hills. I've used conventional lawn tractors/garden tractors/zero turn tractors/and conventional zero turns, but the 4 wheel steering blows them all away. It's incredibly stable even on side slopes, I mow a section that is a bit uncomfortable angle, and the machine performs flawlessly, even turning uphill on a sideslope.....the steering wheels are so much better than lap bars in my opinion.


View attachment 437624

Looks like about the slope on my pond bank.....back side.

Couple of questions.



First, I noticed you are running turf tires. You have no problem holding on that bank with the grass wet?
Second, Am I seeing a pair of foot brakes and assume that they are independently connected to each rear like a regular tractor?
Third, You said 4 wheel steering. Are you considering independent rear braking capability a steering mechanism? Makes sense if you do.

I know what CC used to look like but I have seen yellow next to red and orange and green and black and to me what they offer looks right in line with the times.

Thanks,
Mark

 

[scoutcub]

Looks like about the slope on my pond bank.....back side.

Couple of questions.



First, I noticed you are running turf tires. You have no problem holding on that bank with the grass wet?
Second, Am I seeing a pair of foot brakes and assume that they are independently connected to each rear like a regular tractor?
Third, You said 4 wheel steering. Are you considering independent rear braking capability a steering mechanism? Makes sense if you do.

I know what CC used to look like but I have seen yellow next to red and orange and green and black and to me what they offer looks right in line with the times.

Thanks,
Mark

Hi Mark -

I typically wait for the grass to dry out to mow..I have mowed with grass a bit wet, but on that particular slope I would c r e e p along to avoid sideslipping. Perhaps more aggressive rears would make a difference.

The twin pedals on the right are hydro pedals, forward/reverse. Once you let off the pedal, unit stops. Left pedal is deck raise. My only criticism of the unit is not having a foot brake. There is a parking brake by the seat you can use that de-links the drive pedals immediately, a foot brake might be a bit more convenient. Not a big issue IMO.

The unit has power steering.....and it is literally a 1 finger operation. So with using linkage in a turn, and the independent rear pumps also compensating for the turn, you effectively have 4 wheel steering.

I will admit I am biased in choosing of color and have not done any research or test drives on other brands. I've ran CC for 20 years now with great success. I know they have issues with certain models as does every manufacturer.

I'm sure other brands are very competitive with this level of mower. I do know CC was the first to introduce the steering wheel ZT, and others are now following....unsure if CC has a leg up on technology, but I will say on the machine's datapplate they list around a dozen patents regarding the machine.
At 1300 lbs, it is definitely a commercial duty mower. The frame is 1/4 true steel, the strong engine and HD drive pumps are just what I need for my sloped lawn.

Hope this helps!

 

[Texasmark]

Hi Mark -

I typically wait for the grass to dry out to mow..I have mowed with grass a bit wet, but on that particular slope I would c r e e p along to avoid sideslipping. Perhaps more aggressive rears would make a difference.

The twin pedals on the right are hydro pedals, forward/reverse. Once you let off the pedal, unit stops. Left pedal is deck raise. My only criticism of the unit is not having a foot brake. There is a parking brake by the seat you can use that de-links the drive pedals immediately, a foot brake might be a bit more convenient. Not a big issue IMO.

The unit has power steering.....and it is literally a 1 finger operation. So with using linkage in a turn, and the independent rear pumps also compensating for the turn, you effectively have 4 wheel steering.

I will admit I am biased in choosing of color and have not done any research or test drives on other brands. I've ran CC for 20 years now with great success. I know they have issues with certain models as does every manufacturer.

I'm sure other brands are very competitive with this level of mower. I do know CC was the first to introduce the steering wheel ZT, and others are now following....unsure if CC has a leg up on technology, but I will say on the machine's datapplate they list around a dozen patents regarding the machine.
At 1300 lbs, it is definitely a commercial duty mower. The frame is 1/4 true steel, the strong engine and HD drive pumps are just what I need for my sloped lawn.

Hope this helps!

Yes. Thanks. Seems like a good way to steer, both the wheel and running the pumps with your foot. 1300 # pretty much says it all on the thought that went into the design.....bang for your buck.

The reason for my curiosity is mowing my pond bank. I have a unit (conventional Husqvarna standard rider) that I modified to suit me and works well but always keep my eyes open for something better.

 

[semntrails]

With the steering wheel, if you do a tight turn does the inside back wheel stop and leave a pivot spot in the grass or have they compensated for that kind of like doing a K turn?