Best machine for mowing 30 degree slope?

[rlphoto]

Hello all, I am looking for a solution for mowing 400ft by 30ft of roadside bank that runs in front of my home. The bank averages 30 degrees or less in slope. I am sick and tired of weedeating and most of the time I just let it grow which looks bad.

I would really like to mow sideways, and I was thinking about a gravely with a cutter bar till I found out that one cannot engage just one wheel only to help steer the thing. And some models have no brakes.

Any idea what I should do here?

Thanks!

Randy

 

[thatguy]

that is quite a large bank to mow.. I know I weed-eated my roadside bank (400x up to 7' tall) ONCE - and that was enough for me.. (Another lesson learned.. No matter how carefule you are to stay away from poison oak - weed-eater juice gets all over everything, especially a sleeve used to wipe your face).. what about a push mower?

What about planting some sort of perenial flowers? Or something that wont take a lot of upkeep..

Good luck..

Brian

 

[rlphoto]

that is quite a large bank to mow.. I know I weed-eated my roadside bank (400x up to 7' tall) ONCE - and that was enough for me.. (Another lesson learned.. No matter how carefule you are to stay away from poison oak - weed-eater juice gets all over everything, especially a sleeve used to wipe your face).. what about a push mower?

What about planting some sort of perenial flowers? Or something that wont take a lot of upkeep..

Good luck..

Brian

Hello, yes it is quite a bank. Township mows it off for me in the fall when they do all the back roads.

I was thinking about a troybilt sickle mower. Light weight and easy to control.

 

[krislu]

I was thinking about a gravely with a cutter bar till I found out that one cannot engage just one wheel only to help steer the thing. And some models have no brakes.

Randy

What do you mean ? - Kris

 

[DieselPower]

Sounds like a job for a TSM class PT slope mower. It can handle up to a 40 deg slope. TSM Class

 

[DieselPower]

Sounds like a job for a Power Trac TSM class slope mower. They can handle up to a 40 degree slope. TSM Class

 

[rlphoto]

What do you mean ? - Kris

I was looking at buying a 1963 model L convertible and the guy told me there was no brakes and you could not not run one wheel at a time. Is this not true? I would really like to have a gravely.

Also that TSM mower looks great but I bet it costs as much as my house! Pretty cool though.



Randy

 

[PBinWA]

Eastman industries makes a Hover Mower:

Eastman Industries :: HoverMower :: Eastman Commerical

 

[rlphoto]

Eastman industries makes a Hover Mower:

Eastman Industries :: HoverMower :: Eastman Commerical

That looks pretty cool, problem is I wont mow the bank often enough to keep the grass down enough to allow this thing to work right. I pretty much need a bushhog or a cutter bar type I believe. One thing I need to mention is my budget for this machine is around $500. I would like to have a BSC but I could not justify the money. Maybe I could go a little more $$ for something decent. I live in southwestern PA and could drive 150-200 miles if it was worth it. I have been watching ebay and local craigs list.

Could someone explain to me how the older gravelys operate? Like steer? and brakes?

I appriciate all the suggestions. Thanks!


Randy

 

[krislu]

Randy- The Gravely 2 wheelers DO NOT have brakes like a car. The older "L" models do not have brakes at all. The "pro" machines (some of them) have an optional steering brake. it works like a skid steer. It is great for turning the machine on a dime. Turns it into a zero turn. You could use it to help hold the tractor on a hill. The older "L" model is better for hill/slope mowing than the "pro" even with the steering brake here's why; The "L" model has an oil pump to lube the engine and tranny. The "pro" model does not have an oil pump. It is splash lubed. On a slope the engine does not get oil and if you run a long distance you can cease the engine. I always tell people to mow up and down a hill with the "pro" model and not across it. With the "L" model it does not make a difference. Gravely has axle extensions and dual wheels which do wonders on a hill. For $500 you will not get a "pro" model with a steering brake anyway, but you can get an "L". - Kris

In these photos are My "pro 12" with the steering brake.

Here is my "L" model with dual wheels.

If you look in the middle you will see the tractor with axle extensions and a sickle bar. You could also add dual wheels as well.