How steep is too steep (and how do I know)?

[lilranch2001]

We also do not want to forget to remind the newcomer to make sure he wears his seat belt when traversing any slopes, I am sure he is already aware but would not want to have the guilt on us if he did not know

 

[dex3361]

Oh and that feeling you described as being chicken is not a bad thing try not to throw that out, its a common sense, gut instinct thing and is no all bad. Post some pics of your machine and lets see how it is set up. What looks OK for me may not be for you. Also when you are operating on slopes keep your tire pressures checked. Keep your FEL as low as possible or removed altogether. Mow up and down if at all possible. Mowing sideways go very slow, speed can help flip you over if you drop into a hole or hit a rock or stump on the uphill side.

 

[dex3361]

We also do not want to forget to remind the newcomer to make sure he wears his seat belt when traversing any slopes, I am sure he is already aware but would not want to have the guilt on us if he did not know

Great advice.

 

[rekees4300]

The whole tractor thing is new to me, but I bought a compact tractor to bush hog my relatively hilly homestead.

You didn't mention a ROPS (roll over protection system) but if you don't have one then either get one or stay off the slopes.

 

[BruceWard]

You should only wear a seat belt if you have a ROPS. You should not mow those hills without a ROPS.

Even on a 15 degree slope a slight hole on the the down hill side or a slight hill on the up hill side can significantly increase the angle.

 

[brin]

You should only wear a seat belt if you have a ROPS. You should not mow those hills without a ROPS.

Even on a 15 degree slope a slight hole on the the down hill side or a slight hill on the up hill side can significantly increase the angle.

Also if you are mowing sideways on a hill and one of your downhill tires pulls away from the wheel and you lose your air you are probably going to roll over..If your gut tells you that you don't feel completely safe ans confident then do not do it ! It is just not worth it...

 

[cspot]

What kind of tractor do you have? Post some pics of it also from all sides if possible. We would be able to tell if you could widen it out anymore and how stable it is. Some tractors have a lower center of gravity than others.

 

[dcyrilc]

What I am going to post here is my opinion as I don't mow my true slopes since they are in the 45 degree range. I let my cattle mow those.


Start with mowing your slopes by backing up them. If you can back up it in 2WD you're pretty safe (no reference to side mowing here). If you have to engage 4WD to back up the slope, then in my opinion, care should be taken any time you're mowing it. As others have said; if you have a ROPS, wear a seatbelt. If not, then then no seatbelt. If you need 4WD to back up the slope, get a ROPS before mowing that area.

As for side mowing, trust your gut instincts. If you're not comfortable with it, don't do it. There is nothing wrong with mowing up and down a slope whch "can" be mowed sideways. In all things, safety first.

We all would rather have you around here laughing and joking about backing up a 2 degree slope than to have you have an accident and be injured because of taking an un-needed risk.

As for getting a slope indicator, nothing wrong with it. The numbers may not mean much in the beginning, but as time goes on and you become more comfortable with your tractor the numbers will begin to have relevence.

 

[cspot]

What I am going to post here is my opinion as I don't mow my true slopes since they are in the 45 degree range. I let my cattle mow those.


Start with mowing your slopes by backing up them. If you can back up it in 2WD you're pretty safe (no reference to side mowing here). If you have to engage 4WD to back up the slope, then in my opinion, care should be taken any time you're mowing it. As others have said; if you have a ROPS, wear a seatbelt. If not, then then no seatbelt. If you need 4WD to back up the slope, get a ROPS before mowing that area.

As for side mowing, trust your gut instincts. If you're not comfortable with it, don't do it. There is nothing wrong with mowing up and down a slope whch "can" be mowed sideways. In all things, safety first.

We all would rather have you around here laughing and joking about backing up a 2 degree slope than to have you have an accident and be injured because of taking an un-needed risk.

As for getting a slope indicator, nothing wrong with it. The numbers may not mean much in the beginning, but as time goes on and you become more comfortable with your tractor the numbers will begin to have relevence.

Good points. Also the tractor you are using makes a big difference. There are hillsides I will mow sideways with one tractor that I wouldn't do with another. They are not created equal when it comes to center of gravity.

 

[bc realtor]

Just thought a picture might help. If the pucker factor gets to much don't do it. Always use a seat belt regardless and if you do go over keep your arms and legs within the tractor area. This would not be a time to flail around.:thumbsup: