Need some help deciding. 1998-3185 or 1999-3225

[Oak]

Yes, all 3000 series tractors have power steering, hydraulic implement lift and foot controlled hydro.

[J-Mech]

You should never mow up and down a slope. Only on the side. A commercial ZTR is usually much wider, and has a far lower center of gravity. Plus, it will have a ROPS, where a GT does not.

[Gardem]

I have another question for y'all, the seat does not have arm rests, does CC make kits to install arm rests on it? Just wondering to make mowing the hills a little easier and having something to lean against.

The dealer is having the mower transfered to another store for me to come look at Wed. I know the whole "don't always trust what the sales guy says about the products back story" but he claims that the mower was actually owned by the other stores owner. Which I might believe given the shape of the body being almost excellent condition! Anything else I should look for/listen when testing it out?

[Gardem]

Just a heads up for anyone finding this topic with similar questions, I found a jackpot of info (after searching forever thinking there wasn't much in the mower..)

http://service.mtdproducts.com/Train.../770-10227.htm

Found the manual, accessories and attachments list, full specs (was using tractor data and they didn't have too much for specs, this has the full deal!) They even have step by step guides for the hydraulics taking them apart as well as how to service the power steering ect!

[Leadslingingdaddy]

Search Epay I bought a nice ZTR seat for less than 150 with armrests...

[inspectorudy]

"You should never mow up and down a slope. Only on the side. A commercial ZTR is usually much wider, and has a far lower center of gravity. Plus, it will have a ROPS, where a GT does not."

That's just crazy! If you have a steep slope I cannot imagine cutting along the hillside instead of up and down it. No machine is comfortable with a lean while mowing. Also, most decks will not remain parallel to the ground when mowing cross ways on a steep slope. At least my 1811 won't. Up and down is no problem and there is no safety issues. I mow at a 45 degree sometimes to keep from creating ruts in the yard. I suggest that the guy interested in a ZTR on his property gets a loaner to use for a week before he buys it. You'll be surprised how much you hold onto that wheel when on a steep slope and with a ZTR there ain't no wheel!

[rwairforce]

That's what I was thinking about the hill too.
I've manged them going up and down much safer than hanging on to the fender going across.
Maybe Jonathan was confused.

I go up and down all the way up and all the way down. I never attempt a turn on the sloping section. I go to the top then turn and then straight down. I personally find this way much safer and more in control all the way around.

I attempt to avoid slopes. If it too steep I use the hand trimmer.

[J-Mech]

Nope. Meant just what I said. Operated a lot of equipment guys. When you go up the hill vertically you risk a tip over to the rear where you will be directly in line with the machine. If it rolls to the side, you usually have a shot at getting off, but not always. When going down a hill vertically, you can lose traction and the machine will become a sled with no hope of stopping. On a steep hill yes, it can roll. But that is where common sense plays a factor. If it doesn't look safe, or doesn't feel safe, it probably isn't.


Here is a short article confirming all that I have said in this thread:

1.) Commercial ZTR's have a low center of gravity and usually use a ROPS
2.) It is best to mow horizontally starting at the bottom and working up the hill.

http://grounds-mag.com/mag/grounds_m...itting_slopes/

[sir_lancealot]

Originally Posted by J-Mech

Nope. Meant just what I said. Operated a lot of equipment guys. When you go up and down the hill vertically you risk a tip over to the rear where you will be directly in line with the machine. If it rolls to the side, you usually have a shot at getting off, but not always. When going down a hill vertically, you can lose traction and the machine will become a sled with no hope of stopping. On a steep hill yes, it can roll. But that is where common sense plays a factor. If it doesn't look safe, or doesn't feel safe, it probably isn't.


Here is a short article confirming all that I have said in this thread:

1.) Commercial ZTR's have a low center of gravity and usually use a ROPS
2.) It is best to mow horizontally starting at the bottom and working up the hill.

http://grounds-mag.com/mag/grounds_m...itting_slopes/

Yes, mow horizontally on hills, never up and down. Don't stay in the middle of the seat when you do it, sit on the "high" side so your body is more verticle. This makes it easier to stay on the machine, and also shifts your weight to the "light" side to help you maintain traction and keep from tipping over. Just like Jonathan said, your machine can slip down the hill whether you're going up or down the hill. Especially on damp grass.

[Mcamp]

that tractor only has 1 hyd control,that is for deck lift.If you want to put a plow or blower on for snow duty you will have to find the extra hyd. controls and lines.