My zero turn makes my shoulders ache

[2muchgrass2mow]

Greetings and thank you for welcoming me to your forum.

My 16 year old Toro zero turn and my shoulders are no longer compatible. I anticipate having to replace it and am looking for something that is easier on my aging shoulders. A smoother ride would be a bonus. I'm mowing about 2.5 acres with lots of trees and a few hills. I'd like to stick with a zero turn, but one that's more ergonomically designed. Perhaps something that has more support for my arms. I have several pine trees and bushes so being able to more easily mow under low branches would be great, but not a must have.

I'd appreciate feedback from anyone who knows of a mower that will fit my needs.

Thank you!

Welcome Longarm:
I am 72 and have osteoarthritis in my fingers, wrists and left shoulder, as well as in my lower spine. I also have a reverse shoulder replacement of my right shoulder (titanium), so I feel you. My Husky YT42DXLS eventually became so painful to steer (in addition to severe and recurrent tranny problems) that I got rid of it. Because I was advised that a 0-turn would actually be dangerous (little weight in the front) for mowing my 1.5 acre yard and field due to the fact that about 25% of the field is quite steep, rocky and unlevel, I did some research and bought a Deere X-370 and added armrests, bumper and two 45# weights on the rear. But most importantly, this machine has hydraulic power steering - what a joy!!! No pain . . . And the turning radius is amazing - next best thing to the mobility of a 0-turn and doesn't require both arms to be up in the air or both hands to steer. I love it! It was pricey at 6K+ with options, but it's a gem nonetheless. I don't know if you're set on a 0-turn, but if not at least check the X-370 out. The power steering and hydraulic deck lift are standard. Go to a JD dealer and putz around on one. Mine is a 42 in. cut, and that may not be to your liking, but I would suggest you at least look into it. You won't need weights, but for me they substituted for the auto-locking differential I sacrificed when I sold the Husky.

 

[Longarm]

Welcome Longarm:
I am 72 and have osteoarthritis in my fingers, wrists and left shoulder, as well as in my lower spine. I also have a reverse shoulder replacement of my right shoulder (titanium), so I feel you. My Husky YT42DXLS eventually became so painful to steer (in addition to severe and recurrent tranny problems) that I got rid of it. Because I was advised that a 0-turn would actually be dangerous (little weight in the front) for mowing my 1.5 acre yard and field due to the fact that about 25% of the field is quite steep, rocky and unlevel, I did some research and bought a Deere X-370 and added armrests, bumper and two 45# weights on the rear. But most importantly, this machine has hydraulic power steering - what a joy!!! No pain . . . And the turning radius is amazing - next best thing to the mobility of a 0-turn and doesn't require both arms to be up in the air or both hands to steer. I love it! It was pricey at 6K+ with options, but it's a gem nonetheless. I don't know if you're set on a 0-turn, but if not at least check the X-370 out. The power steering and hydraulic deck lift are standard. Go to a JD dealer and putz around on one. Mine is a 42 in. cut, and that may not be to your liking, but I would suggest you at least look into it. You won't need weights, but for me they substituted for the auto-locking differential I sacrificed when I sold the Husky.

Thank you so much for your input! I was a bit surprised that nobody here mentioned John Deere until now. If I go to a dealership to look at their zero turns, I'll check out the X-370.