Zero Turn Selection Help

[pinkstonm]

I am looking to replace my Husqvarna Garden Tractor with a zero turn, I have hilly conditions but have had a loaner the past week and can get most of the 3 acres.

Looking at
Husqvarna(M-ZT52), Simplicity(Champion XT), Bad Boy(Maverick) or Dixie Chopper(Magnum HP)... I like the idea of a Kawasaki engine but could be convinced out of it, just know that most the commercial guys around here use Kawasaki...

My real question is with the hills what should be my minimum configuration with regards to transmission? The tractors I am looking at range from Hydro Gear 3100, 3200 or 3400... Is it worth it to bump up to 5400?

Also is it important that the spindles be greasable cast iron?

Are any of the above mentioned tractors better on hills than others? or do you have another ZT in this range I should be looking at?

Thanks for the help......

 

[Carscw]

I am looking to replace my Husqvarna Garden Tractor with a zero turn, I have hilly conditions but have had a loaner the past week and can get most of the 3 acres. Looking at Husqvarna(M-ZT52), Simplicity(Champion XT), Bad Boy(Maverick) or Dixie Chopper(Magnum HP)... I like the idea of a Kawasaki engine but could be convinced out of it, just know that most the commercial guys around here use Kawasaki... My real question is with the hills what should be my minimum configuration with regards to transmission? The tractors I am looking at range from Hydro Gear 3100, 3200 or 3400... Is it worth it to bump up to 5400? Also is it important that the spindles be greasable cast iron? Are any of the above mentioned tractors better on hills than others? or do you have another ZT in this range I should be looking at? Thanks for the help......

I feel the bad boy is the better mower for the money.
I run the 3100 hydros and have never had a problem. I cut a lot of hills.
I went with the Kohler on my 4 mowers.
I feel the Kawasaki does not like hills.

 

[dana a]

I've never use a zero turn. Read this thread, http://www.lawnmowerforum.com/showthread.php/39416-Hustler-X-One-tire-pressure I then watch a youtube video about the X-one and the guy said it wouldn't slid on a 15% plus grade.

 

[RDA.Lawns]

All of my mowers have weights on the back of them . They are suppose to make them do hills better. Since I've never ran any without I can't say helps or not. I will say my mowers will mow some serious hills .