Rotary Cutter Help sizing rotary cutter for my tractor and terrain

[leonz]

Simply not true at all. The gas line right-of-way guys prove that incorrect every single day. People would be shocked at what they mow around here, and would assume they're using some sort of tracked machine. But all they have are 4wd tractors with roll cages. Granted, they have bigger stones than me. But it's possible.
Besides, 50% slope isn't all that bad. If I couldn't bushhog a slope like that, most of the farm would be overgrown.

==========================================================================================================================================================

I think you need to measure your slope angles, you can buy a Suunto Clinometer
from Ben Meadows pretty reasonably.


What you are referring to is a log skidder with forestry mower and
that is an entirely different animal my friend. Most have planetary axles and
huge tractive ability

They have a much lower center of gravity, articulate in the center and have a
wider foot print than your tractor and in most cases all four tires have liquid ballast
in them because they are climbing up and down rights of way with four speed
full reversing automatic transmissons.

Spend the money on a clinometer and then compare your slopes to the recommended sidehill
mowing angles of 15 degrees and go from there.

ITS YOUR MONEY AND YOUR LIFE you should look at the Nebraska tractor tests to see what
the allowed slope angles are for your mule.

 

[RedNeckRacin]

I suggest everybody reviews this chart before they get on their high horses.


Ovrszd, I guess I should clarify my earlier post. I was mowing up and down the slopes and not across. They are far to steep to try and mow across but I don't have any problems in 4wd going up and down other Than trying to stay in the seat!

 

[Luke'sScreenName]

LD1 already ready tried to set them straight on degrees vs percent :confused3: :mur:

 

[LD1]

Yep. Good chart. Sure makes 20-30 degrees look like nothing though. But having mowed some 25 degree slopes, when on the tractor it feels alot steeper. Park the tractor and step back and look and it dont look nearly as bad. A 4/12 pitch metal roof is a mear 33% ~18 degree grade. But it sure feels alot closer to 45 degrees when walking on it.

Yes I calculated the grade and could be overestimating a bit but the angle falls somewhere between 20 and 30*. How about this: it's sure enough pucker yo butt steep at least going across the hillsides.

I would mow up and down for the most part as he has but worry a 10 ft could be too heavy and push me down the hill. Not a lot of experience so not sure how heavy my tractor can handle down a 20 to 30* slope and manufacturers don't give a lot of guidance(to prevent liability I presume).

Do you have a loader? Better for going up with a loader so you will be less likely to flip, and better for going down because it can make a good emergency brake if things get away.

The steepest parts of this hit 25-26 degrees. So near that 50% mark. Average was in the 20-22 degree range (36%-40%). While it can be a bit dicey when wet, when it is dry the 36%-40% is no concern. Only a few of the areas that peak 25-26 degrees do I feel a bit of pucker.

 

[TripleR]

It seems mowing on slopes comes up pretty often, on page two, I have listed several past threads that some might find helpful. I routinely mow slopes and doubt I'll ever get comfortable on them. http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-owning-operating/279095-mowing-slopes-tractor.html

 

[leonz]

I suggest everybody reviews this chart before they get on their high horses.
View attachment 446498

Ovrszd, I guess I should clarify my earlier post. I was mowing up and down the slopes and not across.
They are far to steep to try and mow across but I don't have any problems in 4wd going up and down
other than trying to stay in the seat!

=================================================================================


All the more reason to back up a slope and drive down it.

I hate it when the Pucker Factor instantly lets itself known.
yesterday I unloaded the mule off the dump trailer using
the long landscaper deck and the trailer was level.

BUT physics being what it is and gravity being a heartless
female dog the height of the dump body above the ground
even though it was level was the precursor to the following
incident:

I started backing down the ramp and INERTIA and GRAVITY
reminded me who's boss; the front end of the LA115 started
to rise up and then the spincter clamped shut and I let off
the reverse pedal.


The dealer drove up the ramp rather than backed up the
ramp into the trailer SO all the weight was in the wrong place.

They were in a hurry to lock up and I did not get the chance to
get in the seat. that wont happen again with this mule or the
new one whenever I get it.

(if the deck was 3 feet longer the slope would have been much l
ower and it would not have been a problem.

 

[RedNeckRacin]

Well good luck getting the wrinkles out of the seat cushion! We have all gotten the pucker factor at one time or another. Some are much more tolerant but a tractor will climb some amazing stuff.

 

[MMagis]

==========================================================================================================================================================

I think you need to measure your slope angles, you can buy a Suunto Clinometer
from Ben Meadows pretty reasonably.
.

Been done, I know how steep they are.

 

[bspeedy]

My dad has a NH 4020 with a cab and loader and he has a pull behind 8' cutter made by Bush Hog. 3008 may be the model number, but not sure right now and I am in another state so I cannot check. I believe it's one of the heaviest 8' cutters Bush Hog makes. I've mowed with it and it feels great behind the tractor and cuts very cleanly. And, it is super heavy built. Seems pretty side-hill stable, but I have not operated it on anything ridiculously steep. It backs just like a trailer, so you may be able to just go up and down the steep areas.