2520 hill side sled run

[skidoo]

Well, late in the day today, I had about an hour available for seat time. Since the wildfire a couple weeks ago, I have been more concerned with the hill side closest to the house. So, I decided to take the 2520 and LX4 to cut some more of the brush there before it leafs out in a few days.

So, the story goes, I go around to the top of the hill, select my direction, set 4x4, aim to cover some of the brush, and start down the hill. So far so good, then about 1/4 the way down, I notice the LX4 starting to rise in the back. I figured it dug in the dirt a little, so I raised the 3ph a little. No difference! OK, so I try to back up; no go, its too steep and loose. So, I look down and discover that the LX4 is snagged on an old stump about 20" diameter and 8" high. So, I shut down the PTO and since it appears that the stump is coming loose, I decide the easiest way to go is straight down (forward). As I do, the LX4 lifts more and more vertical, almost to the point where the top is above my head and the rops. This does not look good! But, because the stump keeps moving, I continue. Finally that stump lets loose and the LX4 returns to normal position. A little shaken, I continued down the hill.

I looked back and thought well, that was not too bad considering. I'll just avoid that stump next time. So, I go around and back to the top for another run. This time I aim for a slightly steeper section with more brush. Got set, and started down the hill. It started slipping right away, applied brakes, not much help! It took off like a sled, about 30 feet vertical. There was no time to analyze the problem. So, I hugged the brake and steering wheel all the way down, not able to stop until reaching the bottom. I made it ok, but was shaken a bit more. After a few sitting there. I realized that I had forgotten to engage 4x4 again since I had disengaged it to go around. 4x4 makes a huge difference there! After that second run, I called it a day. Maybe again tomorrow...

I'll be glad when the brush is controlled so that the X749 can keep up. With that having full time AWD, It will never be in 2WD!

 

[RollTideRam]

Sounds like a thrilling ride. Sometimes it is better to drive down the hill instead of locking up the brakes and sliding. JC

 

[skidoo]

Well, driving down was my intent. But, as I release the brake, the faster I went, almost as if it was in neutral! It wasn't. The best thing I could have done was take the left foot and hit the 4x4 lever. But, that meant leaving the brake for possibly too long, and I did not realize that was the problem until I got to the bottom...

 

[Nuru]

Sounds like you won't need to go to the amusement park and pay to scare yourself anytime soon! glad you are okay.

 

[fountain42]

Sounds like one for the Biz Bag.

 

[skidoo]

Today, it snowed. So, I did not get any seat time.

But, the snow showed the tracks, so I thought I would share some pictures. The last picture is the stump that the LX4 got caught on. In the middle picture, the tracks on the right was the slide...

 

[Runner]

Good thing you were able to make that turn at the bottom of the hill, or those trees might have helped with the braking problem....

Glad you came out OK.

 

[RollTideRam]

That is a pretty steep hill to be cutting. You might be better off with a fence and a few goats. JC

 

[Nuru]

That is a pretty steep hill to be cutting. You might be better off with a fence and a few goats. JC

Or a used ZTR. An area in my backyard is that steep but it it is not that long, so I just go up and right back down. With the next tractor I will back up and right down

 

[skidoo]

Good thing you were able to make that turn at the bottom of the hill, or those trees might have helped with the braking problem....

Glad you came out OK.

Actually, that was a fairly straight run. The curve you see is a changing of the slope. In the top 1/3, it may be from 30 to 35 deg, and then gradually tapers down to just under 10 deg at the bottom. I made sure to aim where there were no trees until the bottom.