ZTR Technique

[Phil_VA]

Not sure if this is the right forum for this question, but here goes.

I have a Toro Z553 ZTR that I've been using for just over a year to cut about 5 acres of grass.

My current technique is to run two passes around the perimeter of the area being mowed, followed by going back and forward in alternating directions (north-south one week, east-west the next for example). I started with just one pass around the perimeter but found the inside wheel was tearing up the ground too much when making the turn. I went to two passes on the perimeter, somewhat less tearing up of the grass, but it doesn't seem much better.

What is the best technique for turning 180 degrees without tearing up the grass? Should I have the inside wheel moving forward slightly, in neutral, or slightly in reverse? I feel like I've tried all of them, but don't seem to get much better result. Most of the yard has a slight slope - when I'm mowing side-to-side, should I start at the top or the bottom of the hill? Again, I've tried both with mixed success. I'm not racing around the corners, but I figure the whole purpose of the zero-turn is to be able to do this so I figure I'm missing something.

Some spots are worse than others, but in some areas I can see a line of divots along the edge where the mower has turned. I'm not sure if it's my technique (operator error), environment (slopes), or possibly something wrong with the ZTR (doubtful).

Any suggestions are welcome.

Thanks,
- Phil

 

[Phil_VA]

Oh, a couple of other points - I have the tires at the factory recommended setting (13psi if I remember it right), and have checked the transmission adjustment (wheels run just slowly in reverse when in neutral and the back of the machine raised off the ground)

- Phil

 

[Spiffy]

If I'm reading your question and situation right, you might get better results applying even more reverse to the inside wheel.

I only seem to have trouble with the Snapper is if I let the inside run neutral. But my lawn has more weeds than grass, so I don't know how the damage compares.

Have fun!! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Spiffy]

Seen your second post. I mean during operation not adjustment. Really they should have no action in neutral, but if they're set even and it doesn't move when it's on the ground [in neutral positions] I wouldn't worry too much.

 

[Gatorboy]

You may want to try doing a Y-turn at the end of each row.

SEE ATTACHMENT:
You go up and start your turn in the direction of the <font color="blue"> BLUE </font> arrow. Once stopped you start reversing in the direction of the <font color="red">RED</font> arrow. Then you proceed out in the direction of the <font color="purple">PURPLE</font> arrow and your going down the next stripe.

Never just do a turn while sitting still -- you'll almost always tear up the grass.

You could also try to take the turn slowly or make wider turns. You can practice in gravel, that way you'll see if you are going to make a divot without tearing up the yard.

 

[Phil_VA]

Thanks for the tip on trying on gravel - should be able to practice quite a bit - and with all the grass on the driveway it might even help clean it up while I learn!

- Phil

 

[bczoom]

Phil,

Having both tires turning is key. Whenever a tire pivots in 1 spot, it's going to leave a mark.

When I make a U-turn, I have 1 wheel traveling forward, the other traveling at the same speed backwards.

For a sharp turn, the inside wheel is spinning forward but obviously slower than the outside one.

BTW, are you striping or something? I've seen a lot of ZTR drivers going back and forth but I still do the perimeter approach. Not as pretty but much faster since I'm not making a lot of u-turns.

Brian

 

[Dargo]

What gatorboy showed you is what I do. I've found that is the best way. However, I've tried in vain to teach my wife how to do that for over 10 years now. It ain't happening! /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

 

[Phil_VA]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( BTW, are you striping or something? )</font>

Yes, it really looks so much better to me (assuming I can get rid of the tire marks!) Plus, I figure that's why I bought the ZTR in the first place.

- Phil

 

[Nasty135]

Phil, I do my turns as Gator has shown you in that rembrant he painted for you /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

I also like the way you can make your yard look like a lawn /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

I have noticed when I get close around my trees that don't have any mulch around them ,as the tire kinda twist around the tree the grass(weeds) is ripped out and now most of my smaller trees have a groomed looking dirt ring around them,which really cuts down on the weed whacking /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

But certain areas you won't be able to save the turf...just try to keep the tires rolling