Am I Crazy???

[ihookem]

You won't roll the tractor on that hill. I have a b7510 and cut my mound that is steeper. It's good you are uncomfy about it though. I spaced the rear wheels a far as I could. I noticed once that my rear wheels slid down a little and it still didn't roll. Cut up and down though cause it's still safer. I think the bx is a better grass cutter though.

 

[RayCo]

I also have to suggest giving it more time. I have a BX24 and live on a very hilly property. When I first got the machine, I was very nervous many times driving around or getting out of areas that I was excavating. I have about 125 hours on the machine now, and I feel much more comfortable on it, but there are some hills on my property that I would not dream of driving on sideways; there's even one that I feel that I have to back up when I have my backhoe on to avoid my fear of having the front wheels come off the ground.

Also, I've accepted that I may topple over onto my side one day. I feel that I've mentally prepared myself to not instinctively put my hands down to break the fall or anything, kinda like how you train yourself not to just slam on the brakes in any traffic condition, but react properly, be it brakes, gas, steering, accepting you're going to hit something but aim for the non-living thing, etc. I've read a few threads now about people tipping their BX's. It happens, so I always hold onto the opposite handrail and am prepared to fall and shut off the engine quickly. And my ROPS is always up, seatbelt on.

As for the ROPS, mine doesn't clear my garage either. I drove into the frame twice when I first got the tractor, and I won't be surprised if it happens one more time. It's not a big deal for me to fold it down when I put it away. It's just part of my routine. I fold the ROPS, drive in, park, idle down, turn it off, caress the steering wheel, kiss the loader, hug the backhoe, and go inside cursing the clock.

Definitely give it more time. If you got the tractor that best fits your needs, you should keep it, imo. You'll get used to it and feel better in time. Just don't try to force bravery on yourself or something. If you're not comfortable doing something, don't do it. Try it another way.

 

[Charlesaf3]

I wouldn't side mow a 15 degree - do it safe, up down. The faster speed of the tractor will make up for it.

I've actually found the bigger machines are more stable, and am jumping up from a b3030 to an M59 for that reason.

 

[RayCo]

Also, if you put your location in your profile, maybe someone will come across this thread who has a BX and lives near by and will offer to stop by. You never know.

And the other thing I forgot to suggest. Get a flag or something of that nature and attach it the inside of your garage door at the bottom so that it hangs in the open area when the door is open. Then when you return after motoring around for the day and are about to drive in, hopefully the large obstacle in your path will remind you to put down the ROPS.

 

[CinderSchnauzer]

If you can't get the 3/4" with the tires consider this. the trim framing around a door is often 3/4" or so. Take off the upper trim and replace with something real thin. Move the whole door track up 3/4" - 1" if the bottom of the door still creates a clearance problem or depending on relationship of the track readjust so the door rolls back further to clear height required.

 

[mcrame01]

I know what you are going through. I used to mow with a typical JD 48 inch mower and was very used to it. I even put my foot down to the ground a couple of times to stop the mower from rolling. When I got my new B2320 I felt like I didn't have any control. The higher seat and bigger machine made me feel very uncomfortable. After just 20 hours I have already made great strides in my comfort level. The mower already feels smaller and more manageable to me and I'm glad I didn't make any rash decisions. I have some hills very similar to yours. Trust me when I say that I said "oh crap, this won't work" too

I also mow with my loader on most of the time which makes it worse. Unfortunately my driveway goes up one of my big hills and I like to smooth the gravel out every time I mow. The hill is steep enough that peoples tires spin as they try to climb the driveway and it make holes. The gravel is new and and the problem gets better and better as the gravel packs but that still gives you some insight as to the incline. Good luck and enjoy the purchase.

 

[TPS]

Hello,
I agree with the stay with the tractor side. You will get used to it in time. I have a BX1500 with a 48" MMM and mow side to side down to about 22 percent grade. I mow up and down past that. The BX has a lower center of gravity and that does make it seem more stable going sideways and in addition I have the rear tires filled and that makes a big difference. If it is wet be very careful but I think you would slide rather than roll unless ground gave way beneath you. One thing for sure be very careful using a FEL on the hill and go up and down keep it low and go slow. Anyway, enjoy your tractor and place, you will be surprised what all you will be doing with it in a few hours of seat time. Be careful-TPS

 

[gulfofmexico]

Never go down in tractor size, or you will be sorry. A man can not have enough horsepower.

You want turn that tractor over on that hill.

 

[KeithInSpace]

I think keeping your tractor is the right call. I'll be honest, I have a 15 degree slope in my side yard...doesn't look like much to look at it, but that doesn't matter when your behind is the one in the seat. I have nearly 200 hours on my machine and I still go really slow around that part of my yard.

The positive: In nearly all cases you will be 100% fine on your slope. And no, I don't think "trading down" to a BX would help. Just because it is physically smaller, that doesn't mean it feels that much more stable. You would need to go with a ZTR to get the feeling of stability you're looking for. I've seen those handle what seems like 45 degree slopes with ease.

The negative: If you hit a tree root, stump, big log, or other large hard impediment at speed, I would say you do have some risk of going over. I'd just caution you to not get TOO comfortable on that slope. If you get the uphill rear tire too high in the air, you could tip and tip HARD you would with nothing to catch you until your head is pointed downhill.

That said, you'd have to try pretty hard for that to happen. Just always remember that it COULD happen and you should be OK.

 

[Mowbizz]

I fold the ROPS, drive in, park, idle down, turn it off, caress the steering wheel, kiss the loader, hug the backhoe, and go inside cursing the clock.

You made me chuckle...I stare fondly at my BX24 out the back window every chance I get...the poor thing has no shelter yet...just sits there, a target for the birds...