JD X584 4 wheel turn for 20 degree incline

[cjodonnell]

I'm new to the group and looking for some input on a new JD x584 or X580 tractor. I have read mixed reviews about mowing on inclines. My property is split up into several areas that are pretty flat except for the front of the house. The majority of the incline is 10 - 15 degrees (measured with a 3-4' board with a angle scale). I do have one area that measures 20 degrees and was wondering how the X584 with traction control, 4 wheel steering, and turf tires will fair on the slope?

Looking in the JD manual the X580 shows a max 18 deg slope and the X584 shows only a 15 deg slope max (why different?). Talking to my local dealer and stressing several time about the 20 deg incline they said the X500 series would handle that without an issue. Maybe I'm over thinking this but I want to make sure I purchase the correct tractor for the job and still be safe.

The 4 wheel steer unit only comes with turf tires. Will the turf tires track up the incline with the traction control without issue? and is the 20 degree a safety concern?

Attached are a few photos, the area to the far right near the small white pine leading to the right rear of the property is the 20 deg angle.

 

[beenthere]

The AWS will be much better than just front wheel steer, at least that is what I find with my AWS tractors and similar slope.
But ask your dealer to demo a unit to be certain, and verify what the dealer/salesman says.

Other than walking it behind a push mower, you cannot get anything better IMO.

My AWS mowers will stick to my steep slopes (appear more than yours) that I cannot stay in the seat, but have to set over on the fender/seat edge to mow.

What do you mow it with now?

 

[Spindifferent]

Welcome to TBN!

I have a 2016 X584. While I can't answer your slope questions, I can say that the 4-wheel steer works very well along serpentine edges. My mowing area is all flat except for a short berm up to a road. Have been very happy with the X584 so far.

On slopes, low center of gravity weight is likely important, and I do know that you can add weights to the front and back. I think that this would help with traction, if needed.

Perhaps your dealer has a rental or demo unit that could let you test on your slopes?

Watching the thread for responses, out of curiosity...

 

[Deere Dude]

Nice picturesque place you have.

Pictures don't seem to show angles as steep as they actually feel when riding crosswise on them. It doesn't seem like that angle is severe enough to worry about while using necessary precautions like speed and jerky movements and watching for dips or holes.

I would suggest that the degree slope in the owners manual would be a very conservative estimate. If you can walk the hill comfortably, a X5XX shouldn't have a problem mowing.

I have a X740 and mow sideways on a ditch bank that would scare the starch out of folks and can hardly sit on the seat without sliding off. I loaded the tires with windshield washer fluid and put 2 50# wheel weights on each back tire. And is still a little worrisome. I really don't think I could do mine without those additions.

I would think turf tires or any tires be fine except when changing course horizontal to vertical positions. 4WD would work better for that, no doubt. At the end of the row possibly turn uphill a little and then back up downhill to get a straight run uphill. Then 2 WD wouldn't be a problem.

 

[cjodonnell]

We moved in last August and used my existing Toro 30" Turfmaster. Work just fine going up the incline with self propel but it was still and effort to walk up and take me about 2 hours with this machine plus I think I want to add the MC519 to pick up the leaves and pine needles in the fall. I was shocked how much of the needles and leaves we had to deal with by hand.

 

[cjodonnell]

Nice picturesque place you have.

Pictures don't seem to show angles as steep as they actually feel when riding crosswise on them. It doesn't seem like that angle is severe enough to worry about while using necessary precautions like speed and jerky movements and watching for dips or holes.

I would suggest that the degree slope in the owners manual would be a very conservative estimate. If you can walk the hill comfortably, a X5XX shouldn't have a problem mowing.

I have a X740 and mow sideways on a ditch bank that would scare the starch out of folks and can hardly sit on the seat without sliding off. I loaded the tires with windshield washer fluid and put 2 50# wheel weights on each back tire. And is still a little worrisome. I really don't think I could do mine without those additions.

I would think turf tires or any tires be fine except when changing course horizontal to vertical positions. 4WD would work better for that, no doubt. At the end of the row possibly turn uphill a little and then back up downhill to get a straight run uphill. Then 2 WD wouldn't be a problem.

Thank you. The photos don't really do the incline justice. I'm sure I'm just over thinking the whole thing but want to make sure I'm make the correct purchase. Some times it hard to trust some sales people and would prefer to hear comments or suggestions from actual users. I appreciate the input.

 

[kevin37b]

20% is a 5 to 1 slope . 5 ft of run with a 1 ft rise . That tractor will handle that easy . However , that collection system is adding a bunch of weight on the tail end of things especially if getting full . They are hooked rigid to the tractor and ride on casters . If that dealer says no problem , have him come out and prove it . I would get a rake, 3pt, and drag pine needles out to a more level surface and then collect them . Just trying to spend your money , Kevin .

 

[cjodonnell]

The AWS will be much better than just front wheel steer, at least that is what I find with my AWS tractors and similar slope.
But ask your dealer to demo a unit to be certain, and verify what the dealer/salesman says.

Other than walking it behind a push mower, you cannot get anything better IMO.

My AWS mowers will stick to my steep slopes (appear more than yours) that I cannot stay in the seat, but have to set over on the fender/seat edge to mow.

What do you mow it with now?

We moved in last August and used my existing Toro 30" Turfmaster. Work just fine going up the incline with self propel but it was still and effort to walk up and take me about 2 hours with this machine plus I think I want to add the MC519 to pick up the leaves and pine needles in the fall. I was shocked how much of the needles and leaves we had to deal with by hand.

 

[Eric102]

If your budget allows the X739 would be perfect for your property. All wheel drive with HDAP tires plus 4 wheel steer, no worries about spinning tires while making turns on steep slopes while dragging that MC519 cart.

I use mine on steeper slopes than yours and have never slipped a tire even when the grass is wet, have never needed the diff lock.

 

[beenthere]

I use an MC519 cart but don't get the leaves on my steep banks.. seem to blow off. But regardless, if hand raking them down to where you can snarf them up with the 519 will still save a lot of work
I added a hydraulic lift to my 519 and picking up about 4 acres of leaves is no big deal. I have one 425 AWS dedicated to just the MC519. Always ready to go to work.