Altoz’s TRX mower is the world’s first tracked mower. By using tracks instead of wheels, the mower can tackle tough terrain easily. Got some swampy land or steep hills to mow? A tracked mower is exactly what you need.
If you’re considering buying or are a new owner, you may ask yourself, what are the most common problems with the Altoz TRX?
I’ve seen complaints about a steep learning curve, the heavy deck, cutting quality and turf damage, and concerns about the transmission’s longevity.
Read on for a look at some common problems with this mower and ways to solve them. While the Altoz TRX is one of the best mowers out there, it’s not perfect, but it’s pretty close!
Expert Tips: Always check your blades for debris and damage before you begin mowing. Check out my article on lawn mower blades to learn more.
The Learning Curve
Altoz makes four different TRX models:
- 354
- 561
- 766
- 766i
None of them are for the faint of heart. The Altoz TRX is definitely NOT for beginners. It takes a lot of getting used to before you can handle it well. The controls aren’t difficult to understand at all, but they are massive and much heavier than other mowers.
Solution
Give yourself adequate time and space for training yourself. Go slow, be patient and read the manual thoroughly.
Heavy Deck
This mower doesn’t have a hydraulic lift, so you must use your strength to lift the deck or operate the machine itself. This will require you to use a lot of force and pressure on your foot, which can be pretty uncomfortable.
Solution
The more you use it, the more comfortable it will be as you learn how to apply the correct pressure to get things done. In the meantime, be patient.
Cutting Quality
I’m seeing reports that people are unhappy with the cutting quality of the blades. It does a lackluster job of cutting your average residential lawn. I’m not sure why that’s surprising.
Solution
Don’t buy this machine to mow your run-of-the-mill, perfectly flat and level lawn. That’s not what it’s made for! This baby is for yards and fields with sharp slopes, uneven terrain, or swampy areas.
Turf Damage
The TRX uses tracks rather than wheels. They’re just like the ones you see on army tanks. If you’re not careful, the tracks can tear up your turf and cause a mess.
Solution
The only way to prevent this is to learn how to operate the mower correctly. The more you use it, the more comfortable you’ll be, allowing you to learn how to handle the tracks, so they cause minimal damage.
Transmission Longevity
The Altoz TRX has a transaxle. This means the driving axles and transmission are combined in a single case. The transmission is hydrostatic, and the TRX marks the first time such a combination has been used with tracks. This is prompting a lot of folks to wonder about the durability and longevity of the transaxle, especially since it puts pressure on the tracks.
Solution
There isn’t one because I honestly don’t believe it’s anything to worry about. Altoz is no greenhorn, they’ve been putting out top-quality mowers for a long time, and I’m confident that they’ve done the necessary testing and research to ensure the transaxle will have a long life.
Fun Facts: Altoz has been making mowers for over 30 years.
Is the Altoz TRX Still a Good Buy?
You can’t get a much better mower for your money than the Altoz TRX. It’s truly the best in its class and made for the toughest mowing jobs you can think of. Holes, steep slopes, swampy areas, or other unfriendly terrains, the TRX handles them all with ease. You’ll be hard-pressed to find another mower that can handle those mowing jobs.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How much does a Altoz TRX cost?
The MSRP is $15,999. You may be able to find sales and special deals at your local Altoz dealer.
Where are Altoz zero turn mowers made?
Altoz makes their mowers right here in the USA. Greenbush, Minnesota, to be exact.
How fast does the Altoz TRX go?
8-11 mph
Conclusion
The Altoz TRX is the best in its class if you’re looking for a mower that can handle the most challenging terrain or the steepest slopes. It has a bit of a learning curve, and it’s not beginner-friendly.
It uses tracks rather than wheels, so it can be tough on the turf until you get used to operating them.
The heavy non-hydraulic deck takes some time to adjust to, and if you use this to mow an average residential lawn, you will be disappointed. Still, it’s a great mower and highly recommended!
