New member-Grillo 107-need suggestions on steep slopes

[SmokeyMtn]

I've mowed 5 foot tall grass and brush on slopes up to 15 degrees or more with our BCS 749 and a 34" Berta flail mower. The 749 has a Honda GX390 engine, and 6.50/80x13 tires mounted using two pairs of axle extensions so that the outside of the tires are 31" wide. Some of the ground can be wet and a bit soft. I initially thought dual wheels might be needed to keep the tires from sinking in to the softer ground but the single, wider tires so far have enough floatation, even on ground that our four wheel tractor leaves ruts in. I usually mow across steep slopes. Locking the differential assists with keeping the mower headed straight across the hills. There have not been any problems with the mower trying to overturn.

More on my experiences with the BCS 749 and both the Berta flail mower and a BCS dual-action cutter bar at http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...027-bsc-749-mowers-experience.html?highlight=

Good information and thanks for the link. My tires alone will give 20" of track width, so I'm guessing it will be similar to your, but with a larger "footprint"-basically comparable to duals.

Fred

 

[SmokeyMtn]

I was looking around and finally found the video I remembered of guys cutting steep hills with walk behind tractor..
Wykaszanie skarp, stokow, wałow, rowow, nasypow... - YouTube
The wheels appear available for about grand (no cheap) but would keep it on the hill.....

I think this is pretty impressive. A BCS tractor with rubber Agrizeta tracks like Joel at EarthTools sells:

cingoli Z23 P28 con nastro in gomma su motofalciatrice BCS 63 MAX - YouTube

Fred

 

[joecoin]

I have a Grillo 107d, bought it 4 years ago specifically for mowing steep slopes.

I got the 5 inch axle extensions. I wish I would have gotten the taller tires, it will bottom out if you go across a depression.

I use the Del Morino 26” Brush Mower.

I always mow slopes in 1st gear. Have no problem going up or down. Sideways can be a little tricky. The locking differential is a wonderful tool, just be aware that the steering brakes are limited when you have the differential locked.

 

[SmokeyMtn]

I have a Grillo 107d, bought it 4 years ago specifically for mowing steep slopes.

I got the 5 inch axle extensions. I wish I would have gotten the taller tires, it will bottom out if you go across a depression.

I use the Del Morino 26” Brush Mower.

I always mow slopes in 1st gear. Have no problem going up or down. Sideways can be a little tricky. The locking differential is a wonderful tool, just be aware that the steering brakes are limited when you have the differential locked.

Do you have any idea how steep you are mowing? I have depressions, but they are fairly shallow, so I hope it won't bottom out. I am guessing that going downhill, the low gear provides plenty of "braking" to keep the tractor from flying down the slope?

Thanks!
Fred

 

[joecoin]

Do you have any idea how steep you are mowing? I have depressions, but they are fairly shallow, so I hope it won't bottom out. I am guessing that going downhill, the low gear provides plenty of "braking" to keep the tractor from flying down the slope?

Thanks!
Fred

The steepest I mow is 30 degrees and not for more than 5 minutes at a time. 1st gear all the way. It's a beautiful thing.

 

[SmokeyMtn]

Is the 5 minutes at a time to protect the engine? Or something else?

Thanks!

 

[joecoin]

Is the 5 minutes at a time to protect the engine? Or something else?

Thanks!

Yes, I will keep mowing on flatter ground (not necessarily dead flat, but probably no more than 15 degrees) for maybe 5 t o10 more minutes then I'll go back to the steep slope. Don't know if I'm doing any good by that or not. I do keep the engine oil as full as possible.

More importantly, I will let the engine idle for 5 minutes before I shut it off.

 

[SmokeyMtn]

Yes, I will keep mowing on flatter ground (not necessarily dead flat, but probably no more than 15 degrees) for maybe 5 t o10 more minutes then I'll go back to the steep slope. Don't know if I'm doing any good by that or not. I do keep the engine oil as full as possible.

More importantly, I will let the engine idle for 5 minutes before I shut it off.

Good ideas.....Thanks!