#52 Cub Cadet Zero Turn on Dangerous Slopes

We take the Cub Cadet Z-Force SX54 out in the yard on some big slopes. Is this the best machine for slopes? I think so!
*Full Disclaimer*
Cub Cadet states to not operate this machine on any slopes greater than 15 degrees!
This is not an instructional video and I do not recommend anyone operate the machinery beyond what the owner's manual states.

[@Back2TheBike]

Nice review, thanks from over the Pond and happy July 4th 🇬🇧 I bought the Cadet XZ6 50" 2 weeks ago after my 15yr old Husqvarna got tired. You've nailed it with your assessment. I have 4.5 acres of mixed meadow and 3 lawns, a load of slopes similar to yours but much deeper, rougher grass. The Cub eats it all, no fuss and those huge, independently driven back tyres don't bog down and keep you stable when riding cross slope. On really steep inclines I either ride straight down or diagonally across, thus halving the slope, seems to work. I stress tested mine. After being without a machine for 5 weeks and a rainy few weeks, a 6' high mound (10 yards across) was covered in thistles, tightly packed, 5' high. The Cub chopped them down in 15 mins. I have no regrets and love the pure functionality of this machine. Keep those reviews coming.

[@BeginnerforBSeries]

Thanks for watching! I'm glad we share the same feeling about the Cub. It's a great machine.

[@lithgowlights859]

My new cub cadet ZTS says 20 degrees and that looks scary, but I have seen people on slopes 25-30 degrees and it seems so stable. Thanks for the review

[@BeginnerforBSeries]

That does seem scary but these mowers seem to hug the ground.

[@stanleynowak9325]

You are right! That machine is rated for a slope of 20 degrees.

[@BfSkinnerPunk]

So it's got to be more than just "low center of gravity".... what is it that makes this and especially the ZTS series so good on slopes?

[@BeginnerforBSeries]

I'd say it's the wide stance and mainly the front wheels being stationary

[@RayHarris-z5e]

Thanks for the review, I just bought the Toro Time Cutter version with the steering wheel (used). The Cub appears to have the superior deck, but the rest seems to be about the same. I'm really Looking forward to using it next season

[@BeginnerforBSeries]

I'll have to look that one up. I didn't know Toro made one with a steering wheel in a residential capacity. Toro is a great machine. Thanks for watching.

[@RayHarris-z5e]

@ Time cutter SW 4200. The big difference in yours and mine is the Cub has the superior deck. Toro says the 4200 just didn't sell, so they discontinued. I got it used for a great price, It runs great, its strong and it cuts so much better than my Husqvarna 42

[@OrangeismyNewGreen]

Just like Gary said below, that was impressive 👍🏻, I wouldn’t even try any of those slopes with my JD. Have a great weekend Dave 🙂🙋🏼‍♂️👍🏻

[@BeginnerforBSeries]

Thanks Luc! My first few times on those slopes were very slow and nerve wracking. Now I'm used to it. Have a nice weekend!

[@tractortalkwithgary1271]

Hi Dave, pretty impressive demonstration. I have a Kubota GR 2120 for my main mower. I have some really steep slopes that I have to mow and it does it with very little effort. Their Glide Steer function nearly turns that little tractor into a zero turn. I think Kubota should toot their own more about that feature. I think they have hit a home run with that.

[@BeginnerforBSeries]

Hi Gary, I'll have to check that machine out. I didn't even know about "Glide Steer". Thanks for letting me know and thanks for your support. Have a nice weekend.

[@ElementofKindness]

I bought a ZTS2 54, and it side slopes beautifully! Well beyond the lawyer CYA limit of 20°.

[@BeginnerforBSeries]

That they do. I think these things will actually slide before they tip. Awesome machines!

[@danielperez-wu6qq]

I have to say I have the RZTS 50 for years now, and I have slopes worse than that, and this thing is awesome.

[@BeginnerforBSeries]

Hi Daniel, These things stick to slopes. The only one that is sliding down that hill is me. Almost off the seat if I don't lean and hold. Thanks for watching!

[@nateo2131]

I have a SZ60 which is basically an earlier model as you have with a 60" deck. As with your home mine is built on the break of a sharp slope, too. Nothing handles like these CC's. I am sold.

[@BeginnerforBSeries]

So true

[@patmcbride9853]

Thanks for the video. I just ordered the 46" version because I have a section of hill that is about 25 degrees and mowing sideways on my brother in law's Deere lawn tractor was a no-go. Going downhill on the Deere was a wild ride, as the brakes and transmission did nothing to slow me down. I liked the idea of a zero turn, but the dual handle concept bothered me because of the caster action of the front tires.

[@BeginnerforBSeries]

Awesome, Pat. I don't think you will be disappointed.

[@patmcbride9853]

@@BeginnerforBSeries I wasn't. I went sideways on the 25 deg slope and the only issue was my own pucker factor. But I need to change the hard seat "springs" for something like the Harley springs others have used. And I got the hour meter kit and installed it.

[@BeginnerforBSeries]

@@patmcbride9853 nice!

[@bigsonslawncare]

Yes sir Team Cub✔️💯💪🏽

[@gavinelliot3564]

When mowing/you become geo/tactical.T800Aust

[@jaycounts4717]

Good video, I think that's the machine for me, I sort of adopted the highway right of way that run along my property and your yard is the exact same slope, the county brush hogs it once a year and it look terrible, that CC will make it look like a lawn.

[@BeginnerforBSeries]

It's a great mower. You won't be disappointed. Good luck to you.

[@bubbaknowsstuff]

I have a ZTS1 46" it is designed to mow a 20 deg slope safely

[@BeginnerforBSeries]

Nice. I'll have to look at that one.

[@eighties8]

Just need to add this to lap bar models - much prefer lap bar to steering wheel and foot pedals. Most likely one of the battery powered machines will be first to market with that as its all fly by wire. Just need to add DC motors to the caster wheel fork assemblies, synced in with the lap bar circuit.

[@eighties8]

Greenworks newly launched "Optimus Z" zero turns apparently now claim to support 25 degree slope performance (same as this model I think or maybe more?) with their latest "adaptive traction control" tech built into their new rear hub wheel motors - the key thing is it handles just like a zero turn and uses lap bars instead of steering wheel and foot pedals.

[@BeginnerforBSeries]

I personally like the wheel. I've had both but most importantly it's the front stationary wheels that really sells this product and I'm not sure you can control that with bars.

[@BeginnerforBSeries]

This I would like to see. This model is rated for 15 degrees max but does more as you can see.

[@eighties8]

@@BeginnerforBSeries On the battery powered ZTR's the lap bars are not connected to any mechanical linkages. They are basically joysticks connected to potentiometers. The position is read electronically and sent to the control circuit for the rear wheels and they turn accordingly. Once you place a small high torque DC motor inside the front caster wheel fork, it simply receives an electronic signal from that same circuit that tells it to turn the caster left or right and by how much and how fast. The end result is exactly the same as with the Cub Cadet mechanical linkage > traction control on slopes.

[@eighties8]

@@BeginnerforBSeries Just the ability to hold the front casters in line vs freewheeling as the traditional ZTR design allows, is enough to dramatically improve slope performance. Some of the "Z Turf" spreader machines actually employ manually operated "caster wheel locks" that engage the casters to hold them in forward position to allow the spreaders to track across slopes without drifting to the downhill side.

[@tomyoung1532]

The secret is know your area, no holes or rocks that would change the slope degree quickly.

[@BeginnerforBSeries]

True

[@jonruehle9186]

25 degrees on my ZTS1 46" is not an issue. It's a mountain goat.

[@BeginnerforBSeries]

They are beasts

[@tomayer-tt5yv]

Shift your weight a little in the seat to counterbalance. Go a little slower. Not for the uncoordinated.

[@alandrummond5890]

i take mine on some pretty wet gnarly slopes all good if you know what your doing lol... i am a kiwi though...

[@raymondcrew8785]

Why not just nit mow the steep sections?

[@BeginnerforBSeries]

🤔 pretty close the the house and other mowed areas. Could probably string trim it but much easier to stay on the machine.

[@sonsofliberty3081]

That's nothing. That mower will do way steeper slopes than that. I've used the crap out of mine on way steeper. I even filled the tires and mounted a counter weight on the front from a tiller. It's like a goat. I have horse pastures and steep yard. The thing is heavy. They also make a snowplow for it. I have over 500hrs of hard use in 4 years. The 15⁰ is just to avoid a lawsuit. It will do over 30⁰. It will slide before it rolls. Mine is more of a bank than a slope.

[@BeginnerforBSeries]

I love this machine. You are correct about the slopes it can handle. Not going to lie though, I get above 25 and I feel like I'm going to fall out. 😆

[@Midwestfan]

How has the mechanical devices held up, in regards to the gear assembly needed to make it all work? I have a gravely stander I’m thinking of selling to get a zts but have heard they get sloppy.

[@BeginnerforBSeries]

@@Midwestfan I've had no issues with this machine whatsoever. Everything has always worked as it should. I'd be interested to see what is mechanically failing for others though.

[@Midwestfan]

@@BeginnerforBSeries thanks! I’ve read that the timing mechanism for turning and adjusting the drives gets sloppy. I’m guessing most probably don’t experience this issue.

[@jgross1991]

Kentucky yards would destroy that machine

[@BeginnerforBSeries]

🤔

[@ara5823]

Does the back wheel tear up the grass when zero turning as with stick steer zero turn?

[@BeginnerforBSeries]

If you spin it on a dime it will leave a mark but not necessarily tear it up. I turn out of my cut slightly so I have a little wiggle room in my radius. Even when I don't do that though, you can't even see it the next day.