Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

A friend of mine has a house on a relatively steep hill and is looking for a mower.  He has a fair amount of land but not all of it is grass so he doesn't need anything too big.  In fact, he borrowed a 21" self propelled mower and said it only took him an hour or so but he also said it slipped quite easily when mowing across the hill and the wheel (rear wheel drive) spun often going up the hills.  He has no interest in riding and plans on mulching.  I don't think money (within reason) is an issue.

He also has a lot of shade so the grass doesn't grow all that fast.

Looking for suggestions.

Thanks.

LL

if the lawn is not so big i would go with the smallest self propelled mower i could find.

light and easy to control are the features needed here .

you dont want it coming back on your toes ...and it happens way to often.

might take a few extra minutes to mow but much safer.

later chris

Does he need to mow up and down or can he go side to side? The two stroke lawn boys were the thing to use but I don't know if you can get them anymore. Golf shoes? Toward the end of last year the OPE shop near me had a couple of Suzuki two stroke Toro mowers left. I think they were Suzuki. Anyway look quick. Soon they will all be gone forever, and for no good reason.

Normaly, I would reccomend a self propelled unit but they have trouble going up steep hills because they were never made for it. Because you have a small place and don't need anything big, I would reccomend Please Click Here  Or  Please Click Here  Or  Please Click Here  Or  Please Click Here  I hope that one of those mowers suit your needs. Post back and let us know what you bought!

I guess I'm different than Terms, I sure as heck wouldn't want to be pushing 70-85lb push mowers up hills. I like the Lawn Boy recommendation. Discharging or mulching might make it easier for him than bagging.

The problem is that a Self Propelled mower will slip if the hill is too steep and you will end up pushing it anyway, the only difference is you will be pushing 80 to 85 pounds of weight vs 50 to 70 pounds in a push mower. Plus, if the hill that you are mowing is wet, than the wheels on a self propell will deffinetly slip and you will be really pushing it. I don't know, if you are a old person than I guess buy a self propell, if you are young or middle aged, than a push is good. look at it this way, which ever way you will go, you will get excersise! The ultimate mower for a hill is a ZTR with ATV tires and a 54inch deck.

Terminator20 wrote:
Well lets see here Termy, the Troy Bilt you posted a link to is 85 pounds and seeing as how it's an MTD, so is the Yard Man.

I would rather have the assistance of the tires pushing up hill, even if slipping some, than the whole weight being left up to me. I don't think age is as important of a factor as you might think. I'm 46 yrs old, more than twice your age, about 170 more in dog years. Guess that could be middle aged or old to you but don't bet against me.

snowshoveler wrote:

I'm no expert, but this makes sense to me, from someone who is.  Self propelled.

                                                                                                       Kevin

I'd have to say 2 cycle is good, but if you don't want to mix, then buy another mower without Tecumseh engine. 

I vote for Snapper self propelled with Kaw power (full pressure lube) or the Toro super recycler with Briggs OHV and full pressure lube.

Old thread, but easy solution: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uz00uqWbdrI HTH, M

Try Ventrack. com they are designed for hills. Stiner.com is a cheaper version of the Ventrack by the sane designer. Both are great machines. Check them both out on u-tube