THERE is plenty of evidence that property owners, contractors and land managers want a safe ride-on mower that is purpose-designed for mowing on steeper gradients or hill slopes.
Which is why Italian manufacturer Grillo has released in Australasia, through its local distributor Agrigarden, its new Series 10 all-wheel drive climbing mowers.
Released as two versions, the mowers offer four-wheel drive, together with higher ground clearance, oscillating front axles, differential locks and wider decks.
The key benefits are a low centre of gravity together with smaller turn radius to offer the ability to mow in situations where the difficult terrain makes the safety of the operator a key issue.
New features include improved operator comfort, provided by an ergonomically-designed Grammer seat.
It is mounted on a suspended platform controlled by suspension struts and is standard on the larger of the two new models.
A comfortable and secure seated position is a key feature for a contractor or property owner who may need to spend long hours mowing - especially on sloping ground or to transform hill country up to an acceptable presentation or standard to reduce growth for fire prevention reasons.
The Grammer seat is also adjustable to match the weight of the operator.
Another feature is added protection provided by foldable roll-over bars.
The Grillo Series 10 is also supplied with twin LED headlights to suit operators or contractors wanting to work safely for longer hours, at dusk or similar times.
The two model choices are fitted with Briggs & Stratton Intek four-stroke engines.
The Grillo Climber 10.22 model is powered by a 16.5kW (22hp) Intek 7220 Professional series engine with a hydrostatic four-wheel drive transmission and a cutting deck of 93cm (37in).
The mowing deck has a well-proven electromagnetic clutch with blade brake to ensure a long belt and uses long life, quick change reversible blades with a step-less cutting height adjustment.
Rear wheel parking brakes and a differential lock add to the stability while the 13-litre capacity fuel tank provides a long operating time between refills.
The Grillo 10.27 uses a 20kW (27hp) Intek 8270 Commercial series engine, which has the added feature of a cyclonic air filter that makes this model ideal for mowing in dusty environments.
It also offers a slightly wider mower deck of 98cm (39in) that is likely to make this version the ideal contractor or land manager's choice.
The two models have the common transmission, safety, comfort and tight turning radius features.
More information: mariot@agrigarden.com.au or Agrigarden,
1800 182 383.