JD 455 Side Slope Mowing-32.6 degree's

[dirtworksequip]

Here are some pics of what a JD 455 w/54" deck, turf tires with chains,rear wheel weights and a couple of suit case front weights will do.

Below pic: Backside of pond dam.
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q259/dirtworksequip/P1010045.jpg

Below pic: JD 455 cross slope mowing
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q259/dirtworksequip/P1010040.jpg

Below pic: slope grade in degree's
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q259/dirtworksequip/P1010058.jpg

 

[deereguy]

Looks like it has a sever pucker factor!!

I don't mind mowing steep hills, not sure I would tackle that.

 

[hazmat]

Looks like you're about to get some "experience" per your signature Looks quite unsafe to me - one gopher hole & you're greasy side up.

 

[ovrszd]

I also have a 455, 54" deck, Ag rear tires loaded. Don't have a tilt meter on it so can't testify what slope it will operate on. My Kubota B2910 has a tilt meter that goes to 25 degrees and my road bank pegs it solidly. The 455 will handle even steeper slopes than the 2910. With cautious operation I believe the 455 will operate at 30 degrees with a comfortable safety factor. I also feel comfortable on my 2910 at 25 degrees whiling mowing with the MMM. All done with caution of course. Next time I mow I'll post some pics of the tilt meter pegged.

 

[scott_vt]

Evenin Dirtworkequip,
Too steep for me to do it that way, I would go up and down it but thats too much pucker factor for my liking !

Be careful !

 

[dirtworksequip]

While there is definately some risk involved.As there is in anything we do. I feel comfortable mowing across that particular slope with the JD 455. I do know every inch of that dam as I moved every pound of dirt on it. I always mow it when it is completely dry. Not even a hint of dew. The 455 holds on it real nice without even the hint of getting light. Its never gave me the slightist hint of a tight pucker factor. Actually you could not mow this slope with the 455 up and down. It may go up,but I can guarantee you would break traction going down and be in for a fast ride to the bottom with an uncertain stopping point.

Sincerely,
Dirt

 

[Ifixcars]

That looks like commercial walk behind territory to me.

 

[thingy]

Yeah from one hillbilly to another,,thats some steep mowing sideways stuff you are doing,,if you weighed 5 lbs less or scooted your rear end in 1/2 inch,,away you'd go,,,[course you knowed that],I never felt that lucky,,you a lucky man. thingy

 

[joes_427_vette]

The 455 I had included a 60 inch deck. When mowing extreme banks the wheels of the deck would hold it in place. I had to lock the differential for the side closest to the crest. This unit has a real low center of gravity.

 

[BeauMO]

That's a pretty good slope for your machine. Here's a pic of my dam- it's 34 feet high and about 270 feet wide. I wish I could use a garden tractor or something that worked well. I do the lower half with a JD 670 usually going up hill. Sometimes go slightly down crossways in 4wd low-low. But one time made the mistake of going pointed too much down and the rear ag turf/front turf tires let go (while still in gear) and I slid really fast down the dam jockeying and steering the dang thing the whole time and trying to brake until she stopped. Sat there awhile thinking how dumb that was then turned around and went back at it. Since then I only go angled up or slightly cross-down on the lower side. For the steep upper half I bought a DR brush mower. Thing works very well but about kills me in the process! Two to three times a year and it's a heck of a workout. This dam was covered in saplings, 6 foot poison ivy brush and briars a couple years ago, and I just cut down 24 willows off the other end, but it's getting better! Any advice besides my DR mower?