Best Mower

[roundupman]

I need the advice of you professionals out there. What is the best mower to use on hilly, uneven ground? I live in the woods in Central Montana, my "grass" is sparce and native. I want to keep it mowed to reduce fire danger not to make it look sculptured. I need to mow about 6 to 7 acres twice a year. I still have plenty of trees around so I would like to use a zero radius turn mower. Any suggestons you have as to deck size, brand names, grade, price range, etc. will be greatly appreciated. Thanks - Carl

[cutntrim]

60" deck is a good size. Wide enough to get a lot of grass cut quick, small enough to manuever around obstacles. All of the Zero turns I've used (Bobcat, Exmark, Walker) tend to want to turn downhill on a side slope because of the front castor wheels. Up here you'll pay $10,000 for a 60" rider new.

If you can cut up and down, rather than side to side then it's not as much an issue. For side to side cutting on a slope a walk-behind is more capable and safer. Unless you go to one of the mowers specifically made for slope cutting such as used by the highway maintenance crews.

[TrickyDick]

I would say you should get the biggest mower that you can fit in most of the places you need to go. For twice a year cuts I would get a used decent used commercial mower. As for brand I would just make sure that you can get repairs/ parts without having to drive to utah.