ZTR or Rider?

[Pixguy]

My lawn company dropped me two weeks ago due to losing employees to a competitor and I've been mowing my 1 acre lawn with lots of buildings and berms with my heavy duty 20yo Cub Cadet rider.
My lawn specs.
Very hilly 12' hills with steep grade, which I've mowed across but lean way over and have puckered a few times to get ready to roll. I've mowed up and down but can't control speed coming down with road at bottom and I spin tires going up if damp at all.

Lots of trees, flower berms, patio etc.

I don't mind spending up to 6k but I'd like some advice. ZTR with steering wheel as one dealer advised? 4wd rider?

 

[mikester]

I'd find another company to do the work for you. You won't get far on 6K budget.

 

[Pixguy]

I'd find another company to do the work for you. You won't get far on 6K budget.

I've called 6 other companies and they've told me they're not taking on any more customers.

 

[Pixguy]

The Cub Cadet dealer recommended this but can't get them til spring.

 

[4570Man]

I’d try spending $200 to put some AT101 tires on your current machine and possibly wheel weights. And if you decide to go a different route I’d still highly recommend you throw the turf tires in the trash and put at101s on it.

 

[Midniteoyl]

Add wheel spacers and 2nd set of wheels to make that cadet a dually. Will be very stable then.

 

[shooterdon]

What did the lawn company use? Did they ever have a problem?

Both 4570Man and Midnite offered good suggestions that will not be too expensive to try out.

 

[Thomas]

About 2 1/2 months mowing just about done so I would use what you have,and during the off months do some homework also add more coins to the piggy bank for next spring.

 

[Pixguy]

All good ideas guy, thanks. I googled dual wheels for cub cadet 2180 and didn't see anything.

 

[Pixguy]

I'll look further into weights and at101 tires as well

 

[RalphVa]

Wheel weights and at101 tires, agree. I've a $4,500 Ryobi ZT480e. It would mow the acre but does not have the grip. I went skidding down onto the neighbor's grass down our back hill where there's a compound slope, e.g. sideways and down. It climbs like a billy goat, but you have to back down hills to be completely safe.

That Cub Cadet with the steering wheel would be easier to learn how to use it, but I'd be skeptical that it has any more grip than the Ryobi does. You almost need a tracked Altos ZT. Think they're pretty steep.

 

[jerrybob]

I run chains on my JD LT180 year around....steep hills are not a problem.

 

[Midniteoyl]

All good ideas guy, thanks. I googled dual wheels for cub cadet 2180 and didn't see anything.

Couple different types, and they probably wont be listed by tractor, but by rim size and/or bolt pattern.

More expensive type, bolt on 2nd tire:

Less expensive, 'clamp' on 2nd tire:

You can also just get spacers to push your current tires out a couple to few inches.

Here's one place to get either: Xtreme Motorworks - Your Headquarters for Custom and Obsolete Cub Cadet and Garden Tractor Parts

 

[Pixguy]

Couple different types, and they probably wont be listed by tractor, but by rim size and/or bolt pattern.

More expensive type, bolt on 2nd tire:

Less expensive, 'clamp' on 2nd tire:

You can also just get spacers to push your current tires out a couple to few inches.

Here's one place to get either: Xtreme Motorworks - Your Headquarters for Custom and Obsolete Cub Cadet and Garden Tractor Parts

That's a great source midnite! I am wondering if turning would be any different with dualies and if all four tires would have to match.

 

[Midniteoyl]

The tires would have to match in diameter, but you could use a skinnier wheel and tire as the seconds. Putting the tires farther out does mean the inside tire tends to 'scrub' more on tight turns, so need to watch for that with more aggressive treads. Youtube has lots of dually lawn tractor vids and how to make your own from pipes or old rims.

 

[Rdrcr]

I highly recommend the Cub Cadet ZTR with steering wheel….if you want to spend the money.

They are a fantastic mower.

Mike

 

[oldnslo]

Duals can be a little smaller in diameter can run half inch or more off the ground on pavement. This applies more weight on drive wheels for traction and still provides stability

chains provide best traction but will tear up lawn if you spin

 

[stevem5215]

I have no problem going sideways on our 15 degree slope behind the house on the Simplicity Citation XL with a 61" deck. Weight is a plus at 1000lbs. The extra width tires that look like M60's help a lot too. I have a Steiner 420 for slopes and haven't used it since getting this Simplicity. It works just as good with a better cut and much faster at 11mph with full suspension. Good equipment goes a long way to solving problems compared to cheaper equipment.

 

[9973720wb19]

Stand on Mower will be your best option. I have hills as well...

 

[sklunk]

I just put these tires on my Deere Z900 and LOVE them:

Versa Turf Tire

Versa Turf Tire is a radial construction for improved flotation, maximizing traction, superior mud-shedding performance. The tire to have in snow and ice.

www.carlislebrandtires.com

A great compromise between turfs and bar tires. Also they are radial so you can run them at lower psi so they are easy on your turf and give you a smoother ride at the same time.

They are a new design so I haven't seen anyone running them as duals yet but I guess you could try ...