Best Mowers for Slopes: A Comprehensive Test
If you’ve ever had to mow a steep hill, you know how critical it is to have the right equipment. Today, we’re evaluating five different types of mowers to find out which one performs the best on inclines. Whether it’s a sit-down rider, a stand-on like a grandstand, a commercial walk-behind, a push mower, or custom-made machines, we’ve got you covered.
Set against the challenging backdrop of one of Florida’s steepest hills, we’ll put these mowers to the test at different incline levels—ranging from 11° to 25°. All tests were conducted with safety precautions as these slopes are beyond the recommended limit of 15° by most manufacturers like Toro.
Testing the Mowers on a 11° Slope
Commercial Walk-Behind with Aftermarket Velky
The commercial walk-behind struggled significantly on the 11° slope. With its skinny tires and aftermarket Velky, maneuvering was difficult, and it felt unstable. This setup clearly isn't suitable for inclines, especially when tailored with inadequate components.
52-Inch Grand Stand with 22 Horsepower Kawasaki
The grandstand excelled at this incline. It offered stability and safety, largely due to the ability to adjust your stance and balance. The rider could stay upright without straining the body.
Sit-Down Rider
This option also provided a stable ride and felt safe on the 11° slope. Its broader wheelbase made it a better choice for slope mowing compared to narrower models.
Push Mower
With the personal pace self-propel feature, the push mower handled well. However, it’s inefficient for large areas due to its small cutting deck.
Moving to the 18° Slope
At this point, caution is critical as this exceeds safe operating angles for many machines.
Commercial Walk-Behind
This was out of its depth at 18°—unwieldy and insecure, proving its unsuitability for steeper hills.
52-Inch Grand Stand
The grandstand maintained its ground, allowing for tight maneuverability even at this steeper incline. Safety features like the ability to step off easily provided extra peace of mind.
Sit-Down Rider
The rider continued to perform well, with a stable feel and effective handling. The broader frame gave it a strong advantage here.
Push Mower
Despite being less efficient for large areas, the push mower managed the incline without issue, thanks to its light frame.
Pushing the Limits at 22° to 25°
These steeper slopes truly tested the mettle of each mower.
Grand Stand
Performance started to wane. While it was still functional, the difficulty increased especially in turns, where careful maneuvering was required.
Sit-Down Rider
It tackled the incline satisfactorily. The mower's design allowed it to maintain traction without much struggle.
Custom-Made Machine (X-Class)
This was the standout performer at extreme angles. Custom modifications, including dual wheels and added weight for stability, made it unbeatable on steep slopes. However, this option involves significant walking effort.
Vent Trak: The Unmatched Solution
While not tested in this session, the Vent Trak—with its ability to handle inclines up to 35° safely—is the ultimate slope mower for those needing to manage challenging terrains. Its specialized design ensures maximum safety and efficiency.
Conclusion
For those tackling large, sloped areas, consider options that offer stability and safety. A grandstand is versatile, providing both functionality and safety, while a wide-area zero-turn mower offers unparalleled comfort for lengthy sessions. Custom solutions like the Vent Trak are industry-leading for extreme slopes.
Ensure to match your mower choice to your specific needs and environment. Safety should always be a priority when managing steep inclines. If you have more demanding terrains, modified or specialized equipment might be necessary. For those in Florida seeking top-tier equipment, options like Vent Trak offer unparalleled safety and efficiency, ensuring a job well done without the risk.
Products Discussed In The Video
- TORO Z Master 6000 Series 72 in. (183 cm) Zero Turn Lawn Mower (72961)
- TORO GrandStand 52 in. (132 cm) Stand-On Lawn Mower (72519)
- TORO Super Recycler 21 in. (53 cm) Lawn Mower (21565)
- TORO PROLINE 36 in. (91 cm) Mid-Size Commercial Walk Behind Lawn Mower (44410)
- Ventrac 4520 Articulating Tractor
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