Mowing Mowing Tip

[Mculby]

Last night I was mowing and was thinking about one of those degree indicators to tell you how close you are to tipping over then I looked and it seemed that the key on my L4400 in the run position was about 15 degrees. And from most everyone at TBN I know that 12-15 degree's is the most you would ever go. So I measured it and it is right at 15 degrees. Now if most of you have another key that hangs below the other key in the ignition then by looking at how that key is in relation to the one in the ignitionm, you can tell when you are approaching 15 degrees but only leaning to the left. But since I am cheap it makes for a good judgement check. Don't know if this would work with any of the other XX10 xx20 xx30 xx40 series or not.

 

[Ken45101]

That's an interesting observation. A safe angle depends very much on the particulars. Tire loading, tire width setting, tractor center of gravity, type and weight of mower, etc.

I'm always worried about one wheel dropping in a hole while the upper wheel rises on a rock. Maybe you have nice smooth hills. I don't

 

[aggiehortguy91]

Last night I was mowing and was thinking about one of those degree indicators to tell you how close you are to tipping over then I looked and it seemed that the key on my L4400 in the run position was about 15 degrees. And from most everyone at TBN I know that 12-15 degree's is the most you would ever go. So I measured it and it is right at 15 degrees. Now if most of you have another key that hangs below the other key in the ignition then by looking at how that key is in relation to the one in the ignitionm, you can tell when you are approaching 15 degrees but only leaning to the left. But since I am cheap it makes for a good judgement check. Don't know if this would work with any of the other XX10 xx20 xx30 xx40 series or not.

Please be careful!!! I've found that thinking while mowing can be dangerous I've come up with some real doozies while mowing!

Sounds like a reasonable point of reference but I have to agree with Ken45101, my keys are usually bouncing around quite a bit when I'm on the tractor. Heck, sometimes I'm bouncing around too much to notice the keys. I'm not sure how I used to operate tractors without seatbelts.

 

[ccsial]

Only problem I see with this is that if it is a bit bumpy the keys are always swinging and it's hard to get a good reading. You may be staring at the keys trying to get a reading and, well....... The Tilt meters have some damping in them to prevent this so you can just glance at them.

 

[Firefighter Kubota]

I have been reading the threads on angles...and I finally picked up the inclinometer, because I was curious about a small 30 x 8 foot section on the back side of my raised leach field. I have to mow across the grade because of the trees at the bottom, so no verticle mowing....

It was 18*. I have a 7510 with the 60 mmm and loaded turfs. VERY stable. I even stopped and gave the tractor a few shakes from the high side and not a budge. I'm not too worried about my 170 lbs sitting in the seat changing the center of gravity too much... I feel very safe mowing at 18* in THIS application. the ground is hard and good traction.....

On another hill, that may be a different story..

 

[Modn]

Only problem I see with this is that if it is a bit bumpy the keys are always swinging and it's hard to get a good reading. You may be staring at the keys trying to get a reading and, well....... The Tilt meters have some damping in them to prevent this so you can just glance at them.

The OP is referring to the key in the ignition, which will not be bouncing around. The position of the key in the run position is at 15°. I will have to see where mine ends up or just buy a meter.....

 

[BigD23]

Afraid I'm chicken little when it comes to "steep" side hilling...I'm never in a hurry so a few passes up and down, forward and reverse, have helped keep down the pucker factor.

Don

 

[ccsial]

Now if most of you have another key that hangs below the other key in the ignition then by looking at how that key is in relation to the one in the ignitionm, you can tell when you are approaching 15 degrees but only leaning to the left.

Modn: I thought he was referring to the key that hangs below. Maybe I'm confused.

 

[TripleR]

Where can you get an incline-o-meter? Have to agree though what works for one won't with another. I have an "Orchard Model" that is low slung and you wouldn't believe what it will do, but another one scares the snot out of me.

 

[smitty9266]

I spent 15 years mowing roadsides never came close to rolling a tractor on a side hill. could it happen.. YES... if you mow to fast, you must mow SLOW with a split brake and be ready to crab the tractor. For those that don't know it is when you use the brake on the high tire and turn the steer tires in the opposite direction of the brake. Doing this will make the tractor want to turn uphill but the steers keep it some what straight. You go sideways across the slope but the tractor will be turned 15 degrees uphill. Wish I had a picture.

Jeff