Mowing Slope Mowing

[KB9UDE]

Hello all,

I have some fairly steep slopes I am mowing and would like to get some opinions on what you guys think would be the best machine for the job, as far as safety.

Would it be safer to use a garden tractor (Simplicty Sunstar) or my CUT with finish mower (JD 3320)

John

 

[orlo]

Hi:

I would say the garden tractor if you are going sideways. I have a Garden Tractor (Sears GT5000 - 50" deck), a 2305 (62"mmm), and a 3320 (72"MM). The 2305 feels far more stable on side slopes than the 3320 (The 3320 still makes me nervous). But in your case I'm sure the Garden tractor will feel more stable. Also, if the worst were to happen and it flip the garden tractor won't kill you and you can right it without a crane...

If you are going straight up and down I think they are all good. In fact for traction the 3320 with 4wd and a locking diff will be much better than a 2wd tractor with an open diff.

I've been looking at those unverferth 4" wheel extensions for the 3000 series. Then I might feel stable.

 

[Nuru]

Actually, it depends on what you hit when you flip and if you neck can take the weight of the garden tractor if you go over on your head, and depends how far tyou tumble - no ROPS, no seat belts, no jump off, and you could snap your neck with a 200 - 700 pound garden tractor falling on top of you. - Ouch!

 

[LWB]

Like the other guys pointed out, it sounds like you have a signifigant risk factor to be taken into account. When a tractor tips there is little or no warning. The most I ever had (and needed) was when mowing roadsides with an old Farmall M. She started to slip and I was able to turn down quick enough to get her straightened out. I credit the fluid filled tires. My suggestion would be to make a project out of it on some of the less steep slopes and try out everything you have to get a feel for what works best. You could gradually increase the slope as you go until some solid determinations can be made. Just my opinion.

 

[DrainPondDesign]

How about a motorcycle tractor where you stay upright on the slope?

See our 72LC Hillside Mower

Saw one cutting a highway slope & wondered what I was looking at.

Looks expensive for limited utility but still interesting to watch.

 

[orlo]

That's cool. Did you notice how wide the rear wheel spread is also? I'd feel safe on that.

 

[HillbillyFarmer]

Here in WV we know "slopes." We call them "hillsides."
When a farmer dies on the farm around here, it's usually from mowing a hillside.
Always mow up and down.
4WD w/ filled tires is the best config.
Never do anything that feels uncomfortable.
Be afraid. Always be afraid.
Always have your seatbelt on and your ROPS in place and secured.
Don't be in a hurry . . . mowing hillsides is not efficient. Sometimes you've got to mow a small area, go out of your way to turn around and then come back up and around to mow another small area.
THINK before you do anything while on a hillside.

 

[BloomingtonMike]

How about a motorcycle tractor where you stay upright on the slope?

See our 72LC Hillside Mower

Saw one cutting a highway slope & wondered what I was looking at.

Looks expensive for limited utility but still interesting to watch.

That is a crazy mower. Anoyone own one of these???!!!

 

[Thomas]

How about a motorcycle tractor where you stay upright on the slope?

See our 72LC Hillside Mower

Saw one cutting a highway slope & wondered what I was looking at.

Looks expensive for limited utility but still interesting to watch.

Now thats little different,but I would still be tad nerves mowing as such...drain ditch,high side tire lifting over rock etc..

 

[Harvey7]

Hello all,



Would it be safer to use a garden tractor (Simplicty Sunstar) or my CUT with finish mower (JD 3320)

John

KB9UDE

There is some excellent responses to your post, if I had to pick I'd use the garden tractor.