Slope Mowing in NZ | Read This Guide Before You Buy

We love our acres of land, but we all know that mowing those slopes comes with unique challenges. Uneven terrain can make mowing dangerous, especially with standard equipment. If you’re dealing with steep slopes, thick grass, or rusted equipment that’s seen better days, it might be time for an upgrade. But before you think about buying, it’s important to know what to look for to ensure you stay safe and get the performance you need.

When mowing on slopes, never compromise on safety

Mowing on a slope is undeniably hazardous, but the job still needs to be done. Most standard mowers are designed for flat, even surfaces and can tip or lose traction when used on inclines. This includes both walk behind mowers and zero turn mowers. With walk behinds, you’re not only faced with pushing a relatively heavy mower, but you also run the risk of mis-stepping and falling over which is incredibly dangerous.

Zero-Turn vs. Ride-On: Why Steering Wheels Are Safer

Zero-turn mowers are popular for their speed and agility, but they are not designed for slopes. Without front brakes and with handles instead of a steering wheel, zero-turn mowers can lose balance and become unsafe on inclines. Imagine if your balance is thrown off when turning around a stubborn curve, then you’ll pull the bar towards you and sharpen the turn, potentially tipping over. Ride-on mowers with steering wheels provide the stability and control needed to navigate slopes safely. The ability to turn the wheels and stop securely makes ride on mowers the superior choice for uneven terrain.

At Parkland, we stock the Grillo and Ventrac brands which are dedicated for steep slope mowing, being approved for up to 30 degree slopes. The reason they’re able to do so well is because of their:

• Low Center of Gravity: Grillo mowers distribute weight evenly, with the engine at the back, the battery at the front, and the rider in the middle. This design keeps the mower grounded and stable on slopes.
• Steering Wheel Control: Unlike zero-turn mowers, which use handles, Grillo and Ventrac mowers feature steering wheels. This allows precise control on uneven terrain, making it easier to maintain balance and adjust direction.
• Front Brakes: Grillo mowers also come equipped with front brakes, providing additional stopping power on slopes.

Grillo: The Premium Slope Mower at a Value Price

Grillo mowers are the perfect choice for those who want a premium product at a competitive price point, offering durability, performance, and safety in one robust package. We know this from experience as we’ve visited Grillo’s factory in Italy. Italy’s geography is quite similar to New Zealand’s, a mixture of very wet, very dry, and hilly. Built for these conditions, the Climber excels in safety and performance. Some of the key features include:

• Super Strong Steel Decks: Grillo’s fabricated steel decks are highly resistant to rust and built to last, making them an excellent upgrade from older, rusted equipment.
• Powerful Engine: Equipped with a 22HP Kawasaki engine, the Grillo CL922 provides ample power for tackling steep slopes and thick vegetation with ease.
• Hydrostatic Transmission: Ensures smooth operation and precise control, even on uneven terrain, allowing the operator to adjust speed effortlessly.
• Adjustable Cutting Height: The CL922 offers cutting heights ranging from 25mm to 105mm, providing versatility for different types of grass and terrain.
• Versatile Cutting Performance: Grillo mowers excel at cutting through thick grass and rough brush while providing a fine finish for a polished look.
• Wide Cutting Width: With a 91 cm (36-inch) cutting deck, the CL922 delivers efficient mowing for large areas.
• Mulching Capability: With no collection bag required, Grillo mowers mulch grass efficiently, saving time and effort.
• Exceptional Maneuverability: Its compact design and tight turning radius make it easy to navigate around obstacles, even on steep inclines.
• Two-Wheel and Four-Wheel Drive Options: Choose the model that best fits your terrain and mowing needs.

Ventrac: The Versatile Tractor for Multi-Use Tasks

For contractors or homeowners who need more than just a slope mower, the Ventrac is an excellent option. This compact tractor unit comes with various attachments, making it a multi-functional powerhouse.

Why Choose Ventrac:

• Multi-Functional Attachments: Beyond mowing, Ventrac can handle stump grinding, mulching, fine cutting, blowing and so much more.
• Compact and Powerful Design: Despite its smaller size, Ventrac delivers impressive performance on slopes up to 30 degrees.
• Wide Cutting Widths: Ventrac offers a variety of cutting widths to suit different property sizes and needs.

If you’re looking for a machine that does it all, Ventrac is the way to go.

See the Machines in Action

Not sure which option is right for you? Parkland offers in-store demonstrations for both Grillo and Ventrac slope mowers. Visit one of our stores or give us a call to arrange a demo. Our friendly sales representatives will walk you through the features and benefits of each model, ensuring you make the best choice for your property.

Ready to Upgrade?

Say goodbye to rusted mowers and hello to durable, high-performance equipment. Whether you choose the Grillo for its exceptional slope-mowing capabilities or the Ventrac for its versatility, you’ll have the confidence and tools to tackle even the steepest terrain.

Contact us today to learn more or schedule a demo. Don’t let your slopes hold you back, invest in a mower that works as hard as you do!