Best machine for mowing 30 degree slope?

[rlphoto]

Randy- Yes all of the attachments will mount up to any 2 wheel tractor INCLUDING the pro models. All of the older attachments that were meant for the L/C will mount to the pro machines and vice versa but (and you knew there would be a but) some of the attachments that were made for the pro are to much for the L/C tractor ( the L/C is not powerful enough to run them) Example: the L/C machine can only handle up to a 40" mowing deck. The pro machine takes 50 and 60" decks. The rotary cultivator you are looking at on e-bay is a newer style one that was meant for the pro tractors. The L/C will have no problem powering it but you will need a quick hitch to attach it to the L/C. No big deal really but you have the added expense of a quick hitch. Here is an older style one the was meant for the L/C tractor.

GRAVELY Walk Behind Tractor Cultivator - (item 230156007305 end time Aug-02-07 17:45:00 PDT)

Most people think the older stuff was made better.

- Kris

I see. Good thing I asked. The one I need is a couple of hundred miles away. I dont know if it is worth it or not. How often do they com up on ebay?

Also, How does the starting battery get charged? I read that L/C gravelys have no charging system. According to my research, the yellow orange hood on my tractor designates it as a replacement hood. It should really be all red Right? And back to the slope. I read in an old gravely brochure that they will mow up to a 60 degree slope. This sounds extreme. Anyway I may have some areas 40 degrees max. At what degree will I start having lubrication troubles? Again thanks for all the help. You are certainly knowledgeable.

Randy

 

[krislu]

I see. Good thing I asked. The one I need is a couple of hundred miles away. I dont know if it is worth it or not. How often do they com up on ebay?

Randy-
If you are refering to quick hitches they are fairly common on e-bay and they usually sell between $100-$200. Old style cultivators are fairly common too, newer styles ones not so many, there were not as many newer style ones made.

Also, How does the starting battery get charged? I read that L/C gravelys have no charging system. According to my research, the yellow orange hood on my tractor designates it as a replacement hood. It should really be all red Right? And back to the slope. I read in an old gravely brochure that they will mow up to a 60 degree slope. This sounds extreme. Anyway I may have some areas 40 degrees max. At what degree will I start having lubrication troubles? Again thanks for all the help. You are certainly knowledgeable.

Randy

Randy- That is correct Gravelys have no charging systems. It doesn't really matter. They don't use lawn tractor batteries.They use auotmotive batteries and because of that they don't have to be charged that often. I probably charge it about once or twice a year ( not on purpose I usually forget to do it but now that you have asked me I will do it) . I use a Sears Diehard (int grp 47) Item # ps22833347. I also bought a small charger. The hood on your tractor is white (which is correct) It looks yellow because it is rusted and faded out. It needs to be repainted. Your tractor was orange and the hood white. A replacement hood was all red. If you read they will mow a 60 degree slope then that's it. Again the L/C has an oil pump so I wouldn't worry about it. - Kris

 

[rlphoto]

Hi Kris, I was talking about an old style cultivator. I have been studying attachments and it appears that the rotary plow and cultivator share the same drive system, and the wheels will work on either one. For instance the right angle gear box on top of the cultivator is the same as the right angle gearbox on the rotary cultivator I believe. The problem is most people don't want to ship these attachments unless they are parting out. Another is a large carbide tipped chopsaw blade could be adapted to the head of the brushcutter with out the deck. The rotary plow could be adapted to make a rotary floor scrubber for large buildings. I was going to rent one next week.

Thanks for the help!

Randy

 

[krislu]

Randy-
Yes, The rotary plow and cultivator share the same gearbox drive and yes you use the steel depth wheels with both of them. Some people are willing to ship some are not I have the same problem. By the way the cultivator is not suppose to be used on virgin soil ( unbroken ground). Your suppose to break it up first with the rotary plow then use the cultivator. The rotary plow works excellent ! It is one of Gravelys better attachments no doubt. The circular saw came in 18" and 26" diameters and had steel teeth. Any blade you see now with carbide teeth will work well but is not original Gravely, it is aftermarket. Enjoy your new machine and keep us posted on your mowing. - Kris

 

[rlphoto]

Thanks for all your help Kris, I will post when I start mowing. Now to find some shoe spikes. anyway here is the brochure that mentions the 60 degree slope. Now that is steep!

http://oldgravelys.net/pdf/Convert_76_Broch_0167.pdf

 

[ventrac]

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...

I realize this is a old thread, but for anybody looking to safely mow 30 degree slopes sideways or up and down, you should at least check out Ventrac:
Ventrac - Advantages: Slope Mowing

With Dual Wheels, the Ventrac 4000 series are rated for 30 degree slope operation.

 

[clytle374]

I realize this is a old thread, but for anybody looking to safely mow 30 degree slopes sideways or up and down, you should at least check out Ventrac:
Ventrac - Advantages: Slope Mowing

With Dual Wheels, the Ventrac 4000 series are rated for 30 degree slope operation.

I've counted several times, and keep counting this machine to have 4 wheels. Our BCS will mow 30 degree slopes and steeper just fine, with the 2-wheels this sub is dedicated to.

 

[js5020]

Ya Im counting 4 wheels on that Ventrac also,,,, dont they have a forum for 4 wheel machines?? In context with the OP's posting he was looking to mow a relatively small area that had a bit of slope to it, with a very limited budget,,,, Im sure the Ventrac exceeded that budget 20x,, and the area didnt seem worthy of a machine that size.

Two wheel tractors are very capable of safely mowing steep slopes, especially small areas, and without necessarily spending a fortune to do it,, and larger areas aren't a problem, you just get more exercise.

 

[American Bulldog]

The Ventrac is available single wheel, but it is not cheap.

Even with single wheels it is rated for 30 deg up and down. To cheap out you can get wheel extenders through Ventrac which will probably be OK at 30 deg, but they don't rate them that high.

Ventrac understates the capabilities of their tractors. With the duals you can go up and down 45 degrees pretty easily.

I just went on a test drive two days ago, and I was so impressed that I just bought one.

 

[montesa_vr]

This has turned into a Gravely thread, which is appropriate for this board, but in case anyone is turning here for an answer to the orginal question, I have the same situation.

I use a 17hp DR brush mower. The Kawasaki engine has an oil pump with spin-on filter, so I'm not too worried about oiling. The rails that the brush head rides on help stabilize the rig for sidehilling, and it's a huge plus to be able to lock the differential. The blade can digest debris without harm. Hard to imagine a more effective machine for the purpose. Way out of your price range though.