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I have a Stiga 4wd [740 pwx] and a John Deere zero turn [Z535m]. Looking at the slope in the picture I would say don’t buy a zero turn. You might get away with using one of the Cub Cadet zero turns that have the steering wheel rather than the levers. I am told that they are quite good on slopes as the front wheels are directed and not just castors.
Having said that a four wheel drive would serve you much better. The Stiga 4wd machines are like mountain goats, they will climb anything. Also, they won’t slip and slide going across and down the slope like a zero turn definitely will. Even in these current dry conditions, the Z535m will at times lose traction when turning around on gentle slopes.
The Stigas also come with better tyres as regards grip. It is strange that the zero turns which would benefit greatly with better gripping tyres come with tyres with closer tread patterns, at least on the JD’s.
Judging by the sheer amount of grass in the pictures, I would say you would need one of the higher end 4wd Stigas and go for the 125 deck.
I have had three Stiga 4wd’s and they are invaluable in old churchyards, cemeteries and tight restricted areas as they are so manoeuvrable. The rear wheels follow in the same track as the front wheels. They are fast machines also in open ground and as I said they will climb slopes that are difficult to walk up.
Remember that a good dealer will give you about 15% off a Stiga 4wd. I paid £4800 for the 740 Pwx in 2018, but that is just for the machine and didn’t include the deck, I already had the deck. They have gone up since then to just under £6k [machine only] list price.
Thanks for that - I was hoping someone might say this! I use a stiga 520 on another site which is excellent apart from its traction - which is pretty poor - but its not a 4 wheel drive. I'm trialling a 740 pwx on antother site so will definately look at this. Thanks.
The Stiga is ideal in challenging places like this where there are slopes into tight corners and dead ends where you absolutely can’t afford to get stuck.
This is the kind of finish the Stiga produces. This was twice over though [with a very fast second pass with the deck slightly higher] as the mulching here has to be perfect. It has to look like collection, which it does.
I have a park pro 740 IOX and it is brilliant on hills
Thanks for the replies. I do like the Stigas. On another flatter site the clients wants to get a Husqvarna rc320t awd . Have you had any experience of this machine?