Z-turns take getting used to on slopes, picture a shopping cart in a sloped parking lot. The front wants to obey the law of gravity and point downhill so extra power needs to be applied to the rear wheel on the low side to keep things straight. Do you have a lot of obstacles such as shrubbery or trees to work around? These machines really shine here for maneuverability. They also generally cut at a higher ground speed so mowing time is shortened. Best to demo one on your property before laying out the cash if possible.

It really pays to buy one from a reputable dealer, the box store people generally are not sufficiently knowledgeable on z-turns. Toro makes a fine line of commercial z-turns, by far the most popular brand in this area. The serious landscapers won't look at a C/C, they are not nearly robust enough. If you have deep pockets and want the best by all means go commercial but IMHO they are overkill for most home owners.