JD 455 Side Slope Mowing-32.6 degree's

[cast_and_blast]

While there is definately some risk involved.As there is in anything we do. I feel comfortable mowing across that particular slope with the JD 455. I do know every inch of that dam as I moved every pound of dirt on it. I always mow it when it is completely dry. Not even a hint of dew. The 455 holds on it real nice without even the hint of getting light. Its never gave me the slightist hint of a tight pucker factor.

Risk in anything we do? Maybe, but not on this scale. This is just putting yourself in harms way. You don't look too comfortable or "unpuckered" in the picture where you're riding side-saddle. There must be a better, safer way. If I were you, I'd find it.

Good luck -

Scott

 

[kennyd]

Is that kind of slope OK for the engine, do they have pressurized oil systems?

 

[SPYDERLK]

Yeah from one hillbilly to another,,thats some steep mowing sideways stuff you are doing,,if you weighed 5 lbs less or scooted your rear end in 1/2 inch,,away you'd go,,,[course you knowed that],I never felt that lucky,,you a lucky man. thingy

Yeah, its safer w/o ROPs. The high weight would turn it over!
larry

 

[MrJimi]

And if the downhill tire has a few pounds of air less than the other?
TIMBER
and those famous last words
OH SHEET this is gonna hurt

 

[AKfish]

I couldn't get the photobucket stuff to load up. Wanted to see the other pics.

Looked kinda iffy to this sheep and goat hunter... I noted that I'd want a grapple hook and line from the top of the grade hooked to the seat of my pants!!

Sure am impressed by everything I read about the 445 diesel's though. Great machine!

AKfish

 

[JerryG]

My neighbor used to mow a place like that. Until his tractor fell over and broke his collar bone and numerous other bones.

 

[thingy]

Course as far as tire pressure,you could let about half the air out of the uphill side,,but,in the picture it looked like if he swatted at a fly that might be all it would take,,thingy

 

[chrisjbell]

I've got an old Simplicity lawn tractor. There is a sticker on it that says "don't use on slopes greater than *40 degrees*". Not sure I'd try that...

We have a slope at work that is a true 45 degree. It is not unheard of for someone to slide down it when it is wet...

 

[dirtworksequip]

OK, guys how about if I take some pics of the 455 sitting on the steepest part of the slope without me as a counter weight? Would that convince you that it is a little less risky than you think? I've got another dam that towards the top of the slope it is too steep for the 455 to mow across the slope. As far as risk.............. I'd bet that you are at a bigger risk of getting injured driving your car across a Walmart parking lot! And don't tell me you don't shop at Walmart.

I've mowed this dam about 50 times over that last several years and the 455 handles it the same everytime.

AKFish, the 455's are an amazing little machine. I beleive it is one of Deere's best. It will flat out mow even in deep grass that most mowers will not go thru. I was truley impressed the first time I mowed the back of the dam.

cast_and_blast, I'm 51 years old and stiff as **** all the time. If you beat around on heavy equipment for 31 years you would look stiff too.lol Next time I'll take a pix with me sipping an ice tea and reading a newspaper with one leg crossed.

thingy, I'll take some pixs of the tractor sitting on the side slope without me on it. To show that it's not my weight keeping it from turning over.The only reason I'm sitting on the fender is I'd fall off the darn thing if I was in the seat.

kennyd, the oil light has never even flickered on. I did have a Cat 935C track loader stuck in the mud on its side that did show low oil pressure from being one side up one side down. Technically it was rolled on its side the high side track hanging in the air,but there was lots of mud on the lower side holding it up.

 

[BarryinMN]

I just bought an old JD skid steer that has the same engine family & specs state that it is good for 45 degrees (100% slope) in any direction.