Hills

[jd0716]

I have a jd 4310 that I use for mowing, brushhogging and loader work. I have a few hills around and my mowing is on hills. When I mow my front yard, I mow a section downhill. the two times I forgot to put it om 4WD nefore going down the hill, I ended up sliding down the hill and felt like I had no control. I am not much for thrills! Has anyone else encountered this? I have r-4's on the tractor.

Also, how do I know if my tires are set at the widest width? My dealer said they get them already set at the widest width. Is this true?

 

[JerryG]

Almost any of use that have very steep hill have went sliding down them when we forgot to shift in 4wd. It is like a uncontrolled roller coaster ride.
Most tractors with R-4s can only take the wheels one way. They are for the most part, only made to be mounted on the tractor at one width.

 

[IH_4_Me]

Yep happens all the time in the wet. Best thing to do is to accelerate to get the driving wheels turning at the same speed that you are sliding down the hill and steer a straight path to flat ground. Chances are that one of the wheels will remain stationary while the other one turns so use independant brakes to get both wheels turning equally. This will ensure you don't end up going sideways and potentially rolling your tractor. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif
Just the other day I was post ramming on the edge of a hill at work with a 2WD JD1640, I went to back up but the wheels just spun so I had no choice but to head straight down a very steep hill. I selected Low 4 then crept down the hill until I lost all traction then accelerated and steered a straight line! Halfway down the left hand wheel locked up so I braked the right hand wheel to get the left one turning again the before I knew it I was at the bottom of the hill. Total time from top to bottom was about 4 seconds so its a matter of think and act fast or else! /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

 

[MMILLER]

I mow with my loader attached on hill's keeping bucket curled up. You can use this as a kind of brake.

 

[JoelT]

Dealers get them set at a narrow width for shipping. The owners manual shows different wheel and rim configurations for several different widths. The widest stance will have the valve stems on the inside of the wheels.

Bring a change of shorts if you work grassy hills that are even slightly wet. "Pucker factor" doesn't do justice to the feeling I get when I slide on my 4310.

Joel

 

[pd444]

What kind of angles are we talking about?

I have absolutely no experience on hills and will have to be mowing some for which I'm curious if my wife should dial 9-1 and stand by?

 

[LarryD]

I have the same situation in my lawn. I'll say the angle of the hill exceeds 35º and is about 25' in length. I found that putting my Scott's mower in 3rd gear allows the wheels to almost turn at the same speed the mower reaches near the bottom of the hill, still offering some resistance. Second only ended up sliding the rear tires halfway down.
Try finding a speed that almost matches what gravity wants to do and point straight down.
I did groom the hill a little smoother to lessen the thrill somewhat. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

 

[Rip]

Besides confirming that your rear wheels are set for maximum width, you need some serious rear weight.

If you have a heavy implement such as a box blade and room for it to swing around while you mow, it will make a lot of difference. A purchased or home made weight box for the 3 point hitch will also work with less rear overhang.

Wheel weights (either OEM cast iron, EZ Weights ( www.ezweights.com ), or fluid filled tires will be a big improvement and can be of help when useing other implements as well.

You should have one or some combination of these for any FEL work as well.

Good Luck

Rip