Best Inexpensive Riding Mower

S

SallyA

Active Member
I need a riding mower to mow one to two acres on a hillside. I don't have a whole lot of money to spend, but I want one that will be as safe as possible on the hill, which gets a little steep, but not so much that it can't be mowed. What brand would be the best?
 
There's lots of choices available, just be sure to check your local Outdoor Power Equipment Servicing dealer, Lawnmower shop etc. Price isn't everything. Service & parts availability are VERY important.
 
Really depends on how steep the hill is, you may need 4x4 and good brakes for this. Any idea what the steepest angle is?
 
Really depends on how steep the hill is, you may need 4x4 and good brakes for this. Any idea what the steepest angle is?
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I'm just guessing, but I'd say the steepest angle is 33 degrees to 45 degrees. I think instead of mowing that part, I'm going to buy wildflower seeds and broadcast them there. The part I'd be mowing if I do that will be a lot less steep and easily mowed with a riding mower.
 
SallyA said:
I'm just guessing, but I'd say the steepest angle is 33 degrees to 45 degrees. I think instead of mowing that part, I'm going to buy wildflower seeds and broadcast them there. The part I'd be mowing if I do that will be a lot less steep and easily mowed with a riding mower.
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When I cut a hill like that, I cut straight downhill, then drive, not mow, back uphill. Likewise road ditches that are mowable. I always go down hill to the middle, get back on the road and cut again, next to the swath I just mowed. Unless I can go straight across both sides of the ditch. Always go downhill on the steepest side. If both sides are steep, do them one at a time, always coming out on the bottom, going down the floor of the ditch until you find a spot where the side of the ditch is shallow enough to climb out. I dis-engage the mower deck when climbing out so as not to overload the engine. :laughing:
 
SallyA said:
I need a riding mower to mow one to two acres on a hillside. I don't have a whole lot of money to spend, but I want one that will be as safe as possible on the hill, which gets a little steep, but not so much that it can't be mowed. What brand would be the best?
Click to expand...

SallyA said:
I'm just guessing, but I'd say the steepest angle is 33 degrees to 45 degrees. I think instead of mowing that part, I'm going to buy wildflower seeds and broadcast them there. The part I'd be mowing if I do that will be a lot less steep and easily mowed with a riding mower.
Click to expand...

What kind of budget are you talking about and what type of mower are you interested in, a ZTR or Lawn Tractor? Be aware that most manuals will tell you the maximum slope you can safely operate those machines on is 15 degrees and to always mow side to side or across the slope and never up and down a slope. If you don't have a lot of money to spend you may want to consider something used, maybe off of Craigslist.
 
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