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A zero-turn lawnmower positions caster wheels at the front of the machine, providing effortless maneuverability and a fast and efficient work rate. A zero-turn lawn mower can cut and trim your lawn within a matter of minutes, covering large outdoor spaces quickly and conveniently. However, are zero-turn lawnmowers good for use on hills?
Hills and Zero Turn Mowers… Are They Compatible?
Steering Up Hills
Offering caster wheels at the front of the zero turn lawn mower means that the rear wheels of the machine are then predominantly used for steering. Steering a zero turn lawn mower can prove difficult and may require a degree of training so that you can operate the machine efficiently.
The steering utilized on a zero turn lawn mower is similar in part to steering a boat and a rudder and failing to operate the machine fully may result in diagonal motions when steering up a steep hill or slope. Additionally, a reduction in traction across caster wheels means that when turning corners, a zero turn lawn mower moves very quickly.
This is great when steering on a large flat lawn although problems may arise when maneuvering your way across hills and bumpy terrain. As your rear wheels are the only support and traction which your zero turn lawn mower will experience, it is important to ensure that the wheel tread is sufficient, possibly opting for wider rear wheels to achieve a larger surface area.
Safe Operation
A major advantage of the zero turn lawn mower is the speed that the machine offers. However, when steering a zero turn lawn mower up and down a hill, speed is not always the best option and may prove dangerous in some instances. For the safest operation when steering a zero turn lawn mower up a hill, your speed should not surpass 5 mph at the most.
A moderate speed such as this will ensure successful traction and positive lawn trimming, avoiding any possible skidding or rolling over. Furthermore, to limit the weight of your zero turn operation, remove any build-up of clippings, therefore reducing further chances of slipping when steering up a hill.
Overall Effectiveness
A zero-turn lawn mower is an effective gardening machine that can trim and cut your lawn quickly, easily, and with excellent maneuverability. However, extreme caution should be exercised when steering and operating a zero turn lawn mower up and down a hill. Prepare your machine fully by checking the rear wheels for condition and traction, opting for wider wheels if possible to achieve a larger surface area. Dispose of any clippings to minimize the weight of your machine. If you’re looking to mow your yard, and don’t need something commercial, take a look at our riding lawn mower reviews.
Conclusion
Overall, operate your zero turn lawn mower carefully and slowly when moving up and down a hill, reducing your speed and steering cautiously to prevent injury to yourself or your machine.
