another tippy tale (with pictures)

[RoyJackson]

The only problem is that is much slower that just driving forward across the slope. Tightening up the three point is a good point - it was tight when I started, but seems to loosen up after a few hours of mowing.

On a slope, slower is just what you want...unless the grass is wet...then it's "WAIT".

Tightening the anti-sway links is probably a good idea, but they shouldn't be loosening. I suggest, after tightening with the cutter on the ground, you lift it and recheck the sway (retightened or adjust as required).
Sometimes what feels tight when the implement is stationary on the ground turns out to be not so tight when in operation.

 

[snpower]

I agree. Although I have not yet weighed my wheels I can tell anyone that using the BX on an incline can be a harrowing experience. I have a bank out front and more than once have lifted one wheel off the ground with only the MMM attached. The FEL is a "no go" item when I mow as a result. You can really feel the high CG on these units.

I've found with my BX2660 that it is FAR more stable with the MMM and no FEL than with the rotary cutter and the FEL. That lower center of gravity makes a big difference. Loaded tires are a must on any BX, IMHO. Obviously, the whole unit is far more manouverable without the FEL and Rotary Cutter. It all depends on what you are cutting. It looks pretty much like you're just mowing grass, unless there's hidden rocks and stumps. It might be worth getting the MMM, assuming you don't have one, just to prevent a reoccurance.

Glad to hear you made it out OK.

 

[SandburRanch]

That tractor has been ask to do way more than it was designed to do. Sell it before you hurt yourself or someone else.

 

[crbr]

Glad everything worked out well. I find my tractors to be more stable on side hill mowing without the FEL though more stable going up or down hill unless you add weight to the front.

Indeed. Basically a law of physics.

 

[Wacky]

That tractor has been ask to do way more than it was designed to do. Sell it before you hurt yourself or someone else.

Oh, come on. I don't know anyone that has not had an experience with a tractor that after the fact, said or thought "Darn that ranked pretty high on the pucker factor, won't be doing that again". I think the OP was doing just that, asking for a way to avoid this happening again. He sounds like he is learning about the machine and its capabilities. Everyone learns something new on their machines from time to time.

 

[RoyJackson]

That tractor has been ask to do way more than it was designed to do. Sell it before you hurt yourself or someone else.

You are jesting...right??

Not really a tractor problem...just a little technique problem.

 

[dougtrr2]

I wonder about BACKING down a hill. For me the pucker factor would be unaccecptable. I would much rather go forward down and back up a hill. If anything goes wrong I feel much more comfortable and safer facing down hill.

Take Care
Doug in SW IA

 

[RoyJackson]

I wonder about BACKING down a hill. For me the pucker factor would be unaccecptable. I would much rather go forward down and back up a hill. If anything goes wrong I feel much more comfortable and safer facing down hill.

Take Care
Doug in SW IA

It's not bad at all...but I suppose that's an individual feeling. There are a few sections I have to back down...
Have you ever tried it?

 

[devildog1]

Thank you for posting, you did it all right! You stopped thought and then reacted, good for you everything came out ok.
Devildog

 

[crash325]

I wonder about BACKING down a hill. For me the pucker factor would be unaccecptable. I would much rather go forward down and back up a hill. If anything goes wrong I feel much more comfortable and safer facing down hill.

Take Care
Doug in SW IA

Some of the old Ford's & Ferg's were well known for going over backwards.

 

[SandburRanch]

You are jesting...right??

Not really a tractor problem...just a little technique problem.

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For GAWD sake, they make measuring devices for slopes. No I'm not jesting. Measure the angle, read the manual, subtract some for sudden surprises in the terrain and see if I should be jesting. And you guys that are having to maneuver in a specific way on slopes to keep from tipping aren't learning a dam thing from others mistakes.

I just tell it like I see it and that's how I see it.

 

[Grandad4]

I agree. Although I have not yet weighed my wheels I can tell anyone that using the BX on an incline can be a harrowing experience. I have a bank out front and more than once have lifted one wheel off the ground with only the MMM attached. The FEL is a "no go" item when I mow as a result. You can really feel the high CG on these units.

Filled tires + MMM makes the BX a pretty stable platform in my experience, but mowing side slopes is not fun just the same. Removing the FEL is the smart thing to do for several reasons (CG, maneuvering, wear on front axles, comfort, etc.). Speaking only about myself, the only reason not to remove it that I can see is laziness... of which I have been guilty from time to time

 

[zzvyb6]

I am astonished by how high your canopy is. That's a contributor to the tippiness. It looks like a dirt modified car with a serious wing. I just don't view that slope as being severe. I cut my side hill at a much higher angle without any hint of wheel lift. It will slide the front tires on occasion. That's what brake steer is for.

 

[JoeL4330]

Perhaps I missed it ...were the rears weighted? Hard to tell from the armchair, but that slope doesn't look all that steep ...and, might you be able to space your wheels out? I have wide turfs, which helps on my side hills.

 

[Boeing]

Your second photo is almost EXACTLY what I encountered on my slope when the dirt got softer on the low side. Scary. I was able to steer downward and it stabilized. I learned to mow just slightly downward rather than a true "cross slope" path. When my path reached the bottom I would mow slightly upward resulting in a slight figure 8. I have fluid in the rear wheels and was carrying a FEL. Might try removing it next time.
Did someone mention SPACERS to widen out the FRONT wheels? That sounds like a great idea. Who sells them?
Thanks for sharing those photos......
"brother in pucker":ashamed:
Rob

 

[RoyJackson]

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For GAWD sake, they make measuring devices for slopes. No I'm not jesting. Measure the angle, read the manual, subtract some for sudden surprises in the terrain and see if I should be jesting. And you guys that are having to maneuver in a specific way on slopes to keep from tipping aren't learning a dam thing from others mistakes.

I just tell it like I see it and that's how I see it.

OK, but that slope to me, isn't that bad for traveling up and down (which is what apease appears to be attempting (as shown in the pictures)). He might have been OK if the cutter hadn't slipped sideways.
I back down a slope (no turnaround area at the bottom) that's at least as steep as that shown in the pics everytime I mow my lawn. I don't think my slope has near the length of the slope apease was working though.
So, based upon what we see in the pictures (in post #1), I'd have to say the slope can be mowed...as long as the grass is dry.

BTW, the measuring device is called a tiltmeter. One of TBN's approved advertiser sells them. I have one (not mounted on the tractor I own now though).

 

[RTII]

That tractor has been ask to do way more than it was designed to do. Sell it before you hurt yourself or someone else.

Absolutely wrong. Tractor can do the job. Been there and that's how I see it. Different folks, different experiences, equals different opinions.

You are jesting...right??

Not really a tractor problem...just a little technique problem.

You got it Roy. The man's learning, both from his experience and others. He'll likely not get in the same situation again. A lot of us learn this way.

I wonder about BACKING down a hill. For me the pucker factor would be unaccecptable. I would much rather go forward down and back up a hill. If anything goes wrong I feel much more comfortable and safer facing down hill.

Take Care
Doug in SW IA

I agree with this. On the steepest slopes that I'm going to work on I've learned for me that backing up seems to be the most stable.

 

[IdahoTractor]

I have a DR Mower for slopes like this. It's simply not worth the risk of tipping over the tractor and potentially injuring/killing yourself. I'm willing to bet your significant others would much rather have you uninjured and alive rather than having that hillside's grass mown.

Also, you should consider putting a heavy coat or blanket over the tie-down when pivoting. If the tie-down suddenly failed, it could snap back toward you causing severe injuries.

 

[riptides]

I have a DR Mower for slopes like this. It's simply not worth the risk of tipping over the tractor and potentially injuring/killing yourself. I'm willing to bet your significant others would much rather have you uninjured and alive rather than having that hillside's grass mown.

Also, you should consider putting a heavy coat or blanket over the tie-down when pivoting. If the tie-down suddenly failed, it could snap back toward you causing severe injuries.

Best idea so far.

I'd say with the trees, too many obstacles to operate around. Too many distractions with the slope in the picture.

 

[TripleR]

I am astonished by how high your canopy is. That's a contributor to the tippiness. It looks like a dirt modified car with a serious wing. I just don't view that slope as being severe. I cut my side hill at a much higher angle without any hint of wheel lift. It will slide the front tires on occasion. That's what brake steer is for.

If you are referring to split brakes, as mention the BX doesn't have them.

I have a DR Mower for slopes like this. It's simply not worth the risk of tipping over the tractor and potentially injuring/killing yourself. I'm willing to bet your significant others would much rather have you uninjured and alive rather than having that hillside's grass mown.

Also, you should consider putting a heavy coat or blanket over the tie-down when pivoting. If the tie-down suddenly failed, it could snap back toward you causing severe injuries.

I have to agree with Roy and others as I mow stuff this steep and worse, it is just a matter of knowing your tractor and using it correctly.