Just got my first tractor. Tips for mowing steep slopes?

[Frogmore]

I read more of the posts and looked at the pictures. You need an AWD mower for that hill. I would suggest later model X728 or X748, or X729, X749, X738, X739, or X758. The X7x9 have all wheel steer which you probably don't need. The ones with 4 or 5 in the middle have diesel engines for better fuel economy and longer engine life (at a higher initial cost). They all generally come with HDAP tires which provide really good traction and a MUCH lower center of gravity than the B2301. You could go with the newer X500 series too, but they don't have AWD, so easier to lose control under less than ideal conditions.

 

[yanmars]

You might see what your manual/dealer says about adding some fluid to the tires.

 

[tallguy104]

So the manual says I can add ballast weight to the rear tyres if needed to improve stability. It says to fill max 75% with a water and calcium chloride solution...the calcium chloride apparently to prevent freezing, but it never gets close to freezing here so I presume just water is all I would need.

What I'm confused about: it says that the "ballast should be removed when it's not needed".

....is there any real reason why I can't just leave the ballast in there indefinitely? I'm planning to mow this area every few weeks indefinitely, so it will doesn't really make sense for me to keep removing it again and again. Will the ballast go rotten or damage the wheels or something if left in there?

 

[Cougsfan]

Yea, just leave whatever ballast you have attached all the time.

 

[Frogmore]

I have RimGuard in my rear tires. It is heavier than water and has worked well for over a decade. I leave it in there always.

I still think that slope is too steep for the little B. Make sure you have the ROPS up and your seat belt on, so when it rolls due to a moment's inattention you don't die.

 

[Wagtail]

Quick question Mate... What tyres are running? R1, R4... ?

 

[Diggin It]

So the manual says I can add ballast weight to the rear tyres if needed to improve stability. It says to fill max 75% with a water and calcium chloride solution...the calcium chloride apparently to prevent freezing, but it never gets close to freezing here so I presume just water is all I would need.

What I'm confused about: it says that the "ballast should be removed when it's not needed".

....is there any real reason why I can't just leave the ballast in there indefinitely? I'm planning to mow this area every few weeks indefinitely, so it will doesn't really make sense for me to keep removing it again and again. Will the ballast go rotten or damage the wheels or something if left in there?

Definitely do NOT use CC. Lots of stories here about rotted, corroded, rusted out wheels. Water and steel do not mix. CC makes it worse.

Some use RV type anti freeze. My dealer filled mine (all four) with RimGuard (beet juice). Won't freeze or corrode or damage stuff if it leaks out.


Inclinometer on my DumbPhone says my hill is 23 degrees. I drive up and down it with no problem. I keep the FEL on and carry it low. Tried it once or twice with the BH on, but it didn't feel right, so no more of that. I mow up and down that same hill with both riding mowers with no issues, but both of those are old and the transmissions are weak, so I can only make a few passes before I have to let them cool.

I can't imagine backing up that hill with the SCUT once or twice, let alone the 20 or so times I'd have to while mowing.

 

[Egon]

For those who say the mmm is no deterrent to a side flip l’d suggest they lift up on an outer side and see how high they can lift it.

 

[oosik]

Tallguy - just a note of caution. If you are going to add ballast to the rear tires. Use something other than a water/CaCl solution. The CaCl solution can be VERY corrosive.

Suggested alternatives - RimGuard, low temperature windshield washer solution, RV antifreeze, methanol.

 

[workinonit]

We have the uphill camp and the downhill camp, the mower deters a rollover camp and not, FEL on and off camp. I'm so confused. Good thing I live in SC with no hills and have a Hydraslide ditch bank cutter.

Pick your poison Tallguy.

The one i really didn't understand was someone posted about a 20 to 25 degree slope actually being 40 to 45 degrees. Huh? And the fact that he mows a 45 degree slope. I couldn't sit my tractor on a 45 degree slope with a helicopter and get it to stay upright. You guys need a big set of training wheels for your tractors. Hmmm, there's a thought. Hydraulically lifted outriggers.