How Far is Too Far??

[2manyrocks]

I know it's not every case where this is true, but some of the fields around here were cut with mule drawn sickle mowers in the days where they worked as much land as they could to produce hay. The center of gravity was fairly low compared to a tractor.

The mule drawn equipment pretty much disappeared by the late 70's, but people keep thinking they've got to cut hillsides that ought to be let grow back to timber. It may be a more productive use of land, money and time than cutting a steep slope with a tractor just to keep up appearances.

The problem with measuring tilt is that most terrain has so many dips and bumps that a tractor can move several degrees in a heartbeat just because one wheel goes down in a dip while another goes up on a bump.

Then we have these relatively narrow wheelbase CUTs thrown in which makes it even more tricky. There are some slopes that we ought to plant in trees and forget about.

[AndyinIowa]

When talking about mowing slideslopes, a good reminder is DON'T USE DIFFERENTIAL LOCK OR 4WD. Let the tractor run out of traction as a guide when its time to turn downslope.

Now, once you are more experienced and comfortable, you can be more aggressive if you wish.

I've lifted up on the mower deck several times, and every time it was when I was pushing for more traction with diff lock or 4WD. I have extreme slopes to contend with, so its a way of life for me.

[dirtworksequip]

No one can say what is SAFE for someone else. You have to take responsibilty for yourself and make that determination yourself. There are just to many varibles to consider. If you are not comfortable..... back off, or it will get you in trouble everytime.

Sincerely, Dirt

JD 455 on 32.6 degree slope
P1010040.jpg - Image - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

[FatCop]

Just mowed for the first time with my first tractor (Kioti 25-HST.) Using the tiltmeter I found that 10 degrees was my personal cutoff. At 10 it was a little spooky, above 10 I switched over to forward and reverse mowing. I'm sure after a little more "practice" I'll be comfortable squeezing in a couple more degrees.

[Runner]

This is my worst cross slope. I measured it at 20 degrees. The tractor feels stable on this, however the rear finish mower tends to drag the back end sideways somewhat.

Nevertheless, I take it nice and slow in this area and only when it's dry.

[godflesh]

All of those tractors you see mowing the interstate right of ways are 12 ft wide machines, at least, and are dragging 2 tons of batwing mower low to the ground. There is no way anything any of us have can hit the tilt those machines hit. All of us normal folk need a ROPS, seat belts, tilt kill switches and a VERY low pucker factor if we expect to live through the job. There is no amount of wheel weight, tractor weight or implement weight that can overcome the high center of gravity and narrow foot print of a compact or sub-compact tractor. I have a mitsu that is 49" wide that I absolutely will not trust beyond 0 degrees incline. If you see an incline, stay off of it and live to brag about not getting on it.

[PAB_OH]

Originally Posted by godflesh

If you see an incline, stay off of it and live to brag about not getting on it.

Sage advice for flatlanders. I don't have the luxury of avoiding slopes. The first pic is my side yard, the 2nd shows the drop in my front...

[Soundguy]

Originally Posted by godflesh

There is no way anything any of us have can hit the tilt those machines hit. .

Plenty of the people here use 10-12-15-20' mowers..

Here's my NH 7610s and jd 1517 15' batwing.

soundguy

[Charlesaf3]

I'm with Islandtractor. I'm basically doing everything on a hillside, but some areas are meant for a 2 wheel walk behind gravely. I find over 10 degrees side slope is enough to keep me very focused on life. Over 15 side feels very very bad.

I back up hills for obvious reasons - surprised some of you drive up them front first. Even with the loader on that sounds iffy.

And for Tony, way back, doesn't look like he has a ROPS. No way I'd go on a hill on a tractor without a ROPs. In fact, no way I'd get on a tractor without a ROPS - I know of far too many people killed by rotating the tractor onto them

[woodlandfarms]

Originally Posted by godflesh

All of those tractors you see mowing the interstate right of ways are 12 ft wide machines, at least, and are dragging 2 tons of batwing mower low to the ground. There is no way anything any of us have can hit the tilt those machines hit. All of us normal folk need a ROPS, seat belts, tilt kill switches and a VERY low pucker factor if we expect to live through the job. There is no amount of wheel weight, tractor weight or implement weight that can overcome the high center of gravity and narrow foot print of a compact or sub-compact tractor. I have a mitsu that is 49" wide that I absolutely will not trust beyond 0 degrees incline. If you see an incline, stay off of it and live to brag about not getting on it.

You gotta spend some more time on this site. My tractor goes to 45 degrees... My personal pucker meter fails at 30... Even thought the seat automatically levels.....