Pond Boss Forums GENERAL QUESTIONS Product sources Cub Cadet SZ Mowers

I'm considering a Cub Cadet Z-Force SZ Commercial-grade zero-turn mower for mowing my dams (and around my cabin). The SZs have four-wheel steering and are promoted as being excellent for slopes and grades. I've watched the Youtubes and I'm pretty impressed.

Has anyone else used one of these mowers for your dam? Anyone have a better suggestion?

Here's the link to the model I'm considering:

Cub Cadet Z Force SZ Commercial Mower

Sorry, no advice but a question instead... What is the max slope recommended?

I don't know much about the steering wheel type for 4-wheel drive mowers, but I did look at just about every make of zero turn mower for 2 years. My conclusion was that all the major brands of mowers were good and the decision just came down to personal choice. I ended up with a Gravely but almost got a Kubota. I wasn't sure about the zero turn operation since I had always used a lawn tractor type, but I love the thing - don't know how I got along without one before. Your Cub Cadet specs look good to me - I know the Hydro-Gear Zt3100 is a good transmission - hope it works for you.

I talked to a local Cub Cadet dealer to try to understand the sales pitch for the 4-wheel claims. The only sensible scenario where this made a difference was if you are trying to turn on the slope. Well, I have one word for you. DON'T. Go straight up and down it. Don't go sideways either.

My dam slope and others on the property are steep. My ZTR can go up it if I keep it slow and straight. My lawn tractor can't come close. Hitting a bump on the way up and having the front tires lift off is enough to scare the tar out of you. I've found that I'm better off going up the steepest parts and down the less hairy runs. Once you start sliding down with a ZTR, you are taking days off your lifespan. Oh and you're tearing up your grass too.

I ended up deciding which to get based on USA built, overall build quality & warrantee, not any individual feature. I went large enough to have the ROPS for safety. I went sturdy (commercial grade) because my land is a bit rough and a lot of hill. Broke engine mounting bolts on the tractor... no thanks.