Pucker factor to the 10th degree !

   / Pucker factor to the 10th degree ! #31  
missourithunder
So you think the lack of rear wheel traction (aka no brakes) was caused only by the damp topsoil? Why would the FEL being barely off the ground not contribute to lack of traction? :confused:

It will, I turned a Deere with FEL over one time when I lost control of my rear axle traction because of front loader up with a log in the bucket. I Should have had 1500 lb on my 3 point to offset the weight on the front. It rolled down the hill while my 14 yr old Son and I tried to stay about 3 steps ahead of it. Ken Sweet
 
   / Pucker factor to the 10th degree ! #32  
MT: glad no real harm was done ...having experienced that sleigh ride myself more than once, the best answer is 4wd, as you said...but, your original analysis was flawed on two other counts: having the rear mower down on the ground took weight off the rear and the loader on the front (high or low) also helps to un-weight the rear wheels which are the only wheels with brakes (on most tractors with which I am familiar).

4wd gives you front-wheel braking (unless you push in the clutch or shift into neutral, of course)...if you still need the rear wheel brakes, raising the mower will help, as will having had the foresight to leave the loader home...but, I always mow with the loader on and welcome the front weight when coming UP my steep hills...wheelies, otherwise.

You've already figured all this out and the best advice is learn from your experience.
 
   / Pucker factor to the 10th degree ! #33  
Man, some of you guys are daredevils the places you take these tractors.!!

Yow-zaa.
 
   / Pucker factor to the 10th degree ! #34  
Read in the paper today of a local man who died in a tractor accident this weekend. Was the obit, it didn't give details.
 
   / Pucker factor to the 10th degree ! #35  
Not the same as your experience, However about 20 years ago, I was brush hogging a real steep hill side and could only mow going downhill. There were 2 multifloral roses that were taller than my 65 hp JD tractor that just had to go. I got to the top of the hill and centered up on the last one and headed off down the hill, The tractor went into a slide and as the rose bush came closer to me, I could see a gigantic snake coiled up in the top sunning. He was headed right for me, I stood up and he came slithering down the hood, hit the steering wheel and down beside my left leg and over the back axle. The brush hog got him. I had to go to the house and check my underwear. Funny now, looking back on it. Ken Sweet

In fact from my position it was very funny. :D
 
   / Pucker factor to the 10th degree !
  • Thread Starter
#36  
JoeL4330 & sweettractors,
Thank you for trying to explain this to Mr. rekees4300 but he obviously still doesn't get it so I'll dummy-proof it for him in his own language.

rekees4300,
I made a stupid mistake. I tried mowing down hill on a slick infested surface without the assistance of low range and 4WD. The FEL's weight had absolutely nothing to do with the sliding motion because the counter weight to the loader exceeded the loader's weight by 357 lbs. You seem to be mathmeticly inclined so take a look at my calculations and correct me if I'm wrong;

FEL weight - 617 lbs (straight from my owners manuel)


RFM weight - 494 lbs (straight from my other owners manuel)
Loaded rear tires - 2x 85 lbs = 170 lbs (straight from the MFA receipt)
Custom canopy - 70 lbs (I paid by the pound and I watched him weigh it)
My fat ***** - 244 lbs (you're gonna have to trust me on this one)
Total counter wt - 974 lbs

So, 974 - 617 = 357 lbs in total counter weight difference to the FEL

So tell me again you silly mathamatishin, how did the weight/distribution of the FEL contribute to my near fatal accident (focus on the message here not the grammer) ?

MT
 
   / Pucker factor to the 10th degree ! #37  
Haymaker,
I understand your opinion about taking off the bucket but what do you mean by "pick up mower?"


MT


"Drop" as in "push lever forward to drop bucket", meaning.... instant DRAG! Also transfers weight to the rear wheels.

Raise mower because it too will transfer weight to the wheels with brakes on them.

But, as said, lesson learned.
 
   / Pucker factor to the 10th degree ! #38  
JoeL4330 & sweettractors,
Thank you for trying to explain this to Mr. rekees4300 but he obviously still doesn't get it so I'll dummy-proof it for him in his own language.

rekees4300,
I made a stupid mistake. I tried mowing down hill on a slick infested surface without the assistance of low range and 4WD. The FEL's weight had absolutely nothing to do with the sliding motion because the counter weight to the loader exceeded the loader's weight by 357 lbs. You seem to be mathmeticly inclined so take a look at my calculations and correct me if I'm wrong;

FEL weight - 617 lbs (straight from my owners manuel)


RFM weight - 494 lbs (straight from my other owners manuel)
Loaded rear tires - 2x 85 lbs = 170 lbs (straight from the MFA receipt)
Custom canopy - 70 lbs (I paid by the pound and I watched him weigh it)
My fat ***** - 244 lbs (you're gonna have to trust me on this one)
Total counter wt - 974 lbs

So, 974 - 617 = 357 lbs in total counter weight difference to the FEL

So tell me again you silly mathamatishin, how did the weight/distribution of the FEL contribute to my near fatal accident (focus on the message here not the grammer) ?

MT

974 - 0 (no FEL) = 974
Doesn't 974 lbs on the rear wheels provide more traction than 357 lbs :confused:
 
   / Pucker factor to the 10th degree ! #40  
Pick up mower and drop bucket. You're lucky you didn't roll it.

But, that said, "lucky learning experience" to be had and won't make the mistake again. Been there, done that!

A little late to this thread, shows three pages already, but.....

I agree with dropping the bucket in a situation like this but why pick up the mower?
 

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