[SwedishRider]

Hello all,

I'm looking to poll the wisdom of the MTF forums. I currently own a (broken) R322T AWD Rider. I've owned and operated it for 300 hours (9 years), and up until now, it's been a rock solid machine. The steering wheel shaft snapped clean in half, leaving me no way to steer the unit. My Husqvarna dealer has the part on order, and I'm cautiously optimistic that this can be fixed.

With all of that said.... it's important to note that these machines have been discontinued in the US. Dealer is saying that parts should be available until 2029, but there's no way to know if that will really be the case. It's got me thinking about what I would need to buy to replace what I have.

For quick background: My home is built into a relatively steep slope with weird obstacles, and a fairly large section with a hill that peaks with the steepest slope at about 20 degrees (35% slope). My AWD Rider is technically rated for 10 degrees, but I've used it on those slopes without issue for almost a decade. Since they are no longer available, and parts scarcity is inevitable, what could be purchased to replace this machine?

My thoughts:

1) Cub Cadet Pro Z 148 S

My thought on the CC zero turn with steering wheel is that it's the closest thing to my Rider, both in terms of capabilities and price (Rider was about $5K when new 10 years ago). It's rated for 20 degree slopes, and has front turf wheels that work in tandem with the rear wheels to steer the unit (unlike a traditional zero turn with just caster wheels in the front). Theoretically, I should be able to drive straight up and down, or even horizontally, and mow these hills (remembering this is not a traditional zero-turn unit).

2) Commercial Walk Behind with sulky

This was my other thought. Oddly though, these units are rated for only 15 degrees even though they are essentially push lawn mowers. I would have thought they would be rated for much steeper slopes, but apparently not. With a sulky, I could ride for the lesser sloped areas, and then hop off for the more inclined areas. This isn't nearly as convenient as the CC Pro Z, but it could work.

And beyond that... I'm at a loss. I'm really disappointed in how ridiculously expensive slope mowing equipment can be (Ventrac, CC 972 SD), and how few options are truly out there for sloped mowing. The R322T has been an excellent machine for my property, and I'm so sorry to see it abandoned. But it is what it is, and somehow I still need to mow my hills.

I'm curious for al your thoughts. Thanks in advance for your feedback!

 

[steddy]

The ultimate tractor for slopes would be a Ventrac.
I’d also try a commercial stand on zero turn as opposed to a walk behind/sulky.

 

[Alien5044]

Regarding the rated inclines, I don't think there are many manufacturers willing to exceed a 15 degree recommended limit for legal reasons. Others like Ventrac have designed models for up to 30 degree slopes. But their $25k tractor only base price reflects the added capabilities.

300 hours doesn't seem like a lot of hours on a decent Husqvarna machine that is doing a good job for you now. Maybe keep an eye out for new or used slope mowing equipment while you use your Husqvarna in it's usual role?

Good luck with your repair and search.

 

[SwedishRider]

Thanks. Ventrac makes great stuff, but way too pricey for my limited homeowner use. If I can get my Rider back up and running, I plan to resume use for the foreseeable future.. but the writing's on the wall with longevity of service and parts. They discontinued the units, and will at some point no longer provide support.

I looked into the stand-on zero turns, and they are pricey ($8K+). My Rider mows the 20 degree slopes in an up and down motion without issue. I don't know how a stand-on unit would accomplish that, or if it would mow across the slope in a way that my Rider isn't able to do.

Technically, the CC Pro Z 148 S is rated to mow 20 degree slopes horizontally. Seems really sketchy, but it's possible I guess?!? Here's a video of a similar unit for reference:

I'm not a pro at using zero turns or other equipment, so as an amateur, I have to consider safety. I don't mind spending for the right tool... but nothing so far has jumped out at me as the "answer".

I'm curious as to your thoughts. Thanks.

 

[steddy]

Thanks. Ventrac makes great stuff, but way too pricey for my limited homeowner use. If I can get my Rider back up and running, I plan to resume use for the foreseeable future.. but the writing's on the wall with longevity of service and parts. They discontinued the units, and will at some point no longer provide support.

I looked into the stand-on zero turns, and they are pricey ($8K+). My Rider mows the 20 degree slopes in an up and down motion without issue. I don't know how a stand-on unit would accomplish that, or if it would mow across the slope in a way that my Rider isn't able to do.

Technically, the CC Pro Z 148 S is rated to mow 20 degree slopes horizontally. Seems really sketchy, but it's possible I guess?!? Here's a video of a similar unit for reference:

I'm not a pro at using zero turns or other equipment, so as an amateur, I have to consider safety. I don't mind spending for the right tool... but nothing so far has jumped out at me as the "answer".

I'm curious as to your thoughts. Thanks.

Stand on zero turns are pretty easy and safe to use. If control is lost, just step off the back. I’ve seen my friend, a pro landscaper, get into some pretty dodgey areas with his. There’s a pretty good amount of weight over the drive wheels for traction. If it gets REALLY scary, fold up the operator’s platform and walk behind it. They aren’t hard to learn, even for a novice. As simple as it gets- each stick controls the corresponding wheel. You figure it out REALLY quick. Almost as intuitive as a steering wheel.