Pucker Factor Rating?

[JerryG]

From looking at the last picture, the only place that you might have a problem would be on the final cut down to the waters edge.

 

[JackIL]

Ron,

Well if you have measured slopes of 20 to 30 degrees you are out of the league of most standard compact utility tractors.

Power Trac is one option so long as you are talking about their units specifically made to mow slopes as shown in the link in one of the posts above. The smaller 422 - 425 units probably are not suitable since they do not have capability for duals and do not have a weight transfer system.

You might also want to consider Ventrac and Steiner . When equipped with dual wheels, both are rated for safe operation on slopes up to 30 degrees. They each have both finish and tough cut out front mower decks available. I have had Steiners in the past and currently have a Ventrac 4200. Even though I have green blood as a JD retiree, I got into Steiners and Ventrac specifically because I needed to mow steep slopes. I routinely mow 30 degree sideslopes and have been on sideslopes as steep as 38 degrees (indicated by tiltmeter) without wetting my pants. On the 38 degree slope I was slowly drifting downhill while moving forward, but not close to rolling.

The Ventracs are produced by Venture Products in Orrville, OH, which is also the home of Smucker's Jams and Jellies. That isn't far from you, and there are many dealers close by.

JackIL

 

[JerryT]

The back of my dam has a 4 to 1 slope which when measured with my tiltmeter routinely shows 15-20 degrees. With the front wheels of my JD4400 with FEL, at there widest position I have mowed crossways many times. At the steepest part I go very slow. Whem a wheel falls in a hole I have seen the tiltmeter go as high a 30, but anything over 20 is proabably pushing it. 4wd is essential. I would be concerned that as you get bigger, your center of gravity goes up, but then you wheel spacing gets wider also. I'm happier closer to the ground.

 

[MossRoad]

<font color="blue"> Power Trac is one option so long as you are talking about their units specifically made to mow slopes as shown in the link in one of the posts above. The smaller 422 - 425 units probably are not suitable since they do not have capability for duals and do not have a weight transfer system.
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I agree. Also, the Kohler engine in the PT425 is limited to (I believe) something like 20-25 degrees, due to the oiling system in the engine... too much angle and you could starve the engine of oil.

The picture that he posted looks like I'd get nervous near the pond. Also, there seems to be an abrupt angle change in those tire tracks right near the bottom of the path. I think it would be those sudden changes that could throw you off angle very fast. Like someone mentioned before, you hit a rock or ground hog hole and the angle can change dramatically in a short distance.

 

[SPIKER]

I would agree with the Steiner/VENTRAC tractors, they are more the size of a lawn mower, but man are they nice, I have been inside of the VENTRAC tractor plant in Orville OH, it is about 50 Min away form me! (went there on buisness, gave them some help on getting some NEW equipment for the plant, # 2) (they have 2 plants, one for fabbing sheet & attachments, the other for assembly of them, that is where i was the assemly plant!)

anyhow they are pretty expensive, but they will go just about anywhere and they have weight transfer & center articulation as well as 3 point cat 1 hook up, and front hook u with easy on/off of their attachments, and are full on hydro. I was watching video of them going up/down and back forth on hills you could barely walk on! anyhow they have tubro diesel std diesel and gas versions. You can get all kinds of quick attach attachmentss too. check them out

http://www.ventrac.com/

Mark M /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[BigRon]

Thanks for all of the suggestions. I have requested brochures and info from the companies mentioned so it’ll probably be a week or two before they arrive. I just wish they made training wheels for the compact utility tractors for just such applications.

In addition to the pond area that needs to be cut, there are about 30 acres of hay on the ridges that a local farmer has agreed to cut and bale for his cattle. I’ll still want to cut the remaining areas where he won’t go, in addition to, maintaining a gravel/dirt road that’s about a half-mile long.

I’m thinking I need something bigger than the Steiner/VENTRAC options for these other purposes and can’t afford to buy two tractors. Maybe a walk behind, something like the DR Field and Brush Mower would work for the pond area (on a nice cool day).

In any case, I now know the areas of risk and have plenty to investigate.

Thanks,

 

[MossRoad]

The best thing you can do is shop, shop, shop, and take your time deciding on which unit will be best for your applications. Take as many test rides as you can until you are comfortable with your decision and don't rush into anything. You won't regret waiting once you hop on and start operating the unit that you pick for the first time. Then you'll look like this... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[RedHawkRidge]

RDBRUMFIELD's advise included several excellent points. My experience would rate your slopes at a pucker factor of less than 5, assuming you use the advise given.
I've been at pf-9/10, in which a rear wheel goes over a root, stump, or mound, and you have to do emergency outrigging with your body weight to keep the tractor from tipping over. Not a feeling you want to experience very often.
Going uphill is possible on very steep hills if you have weight on your nose.
Going downhill's biggest problem is a slide, caused by
- Being in 2wd (Ag tires won't generally help)
- Heavy rear mower
- Wet conditions
Going sidehill is most dangerous, and, in my opinion, not due to the overall slope but to hitting bumps, roots, etc, with the uphill wheels, particularly the rear, as I said previously.
Got to pay attention and go slow, and you'll be amazed at what you can navigate.
jim

 

[Moon]

Hey Ron, lots of good advice so far. I was in the same position as you and I know it's frustrating wondering which tractor would best suit your needs. I tried as many as I could and got as much info as I could here on TBN, but found there was no easy answer. Hindsight is always 2020, and I know if I had tried to get a dealer to let me try one out, the decsion would have been a whole lot easier. I think the best way to get your answer is to get a tractor or two out on your property. Take the dealer up on his offer to bring one over. Let the dealer's rep try it on your hills first; if that makes you feel better. My hills look similar to yours, but I had lots of mutiflora all over em. After all my research I wondered if a tractor was made that could do the job. I thought I might have to get a tractor and a DR Mower or something like it to get the bad areas. I finally settled on a Kubota Grand L 3010 and boy have I ever been impressed with it. I've cleared areas where i never dreamed of getting done even with a DR Mower. ...and boy am i glad I don't have to walk behind one to get the job done.
I'm guessing if you can get a little seat time on your place that it will make your final decsion a whole lot easier.
Welcome to TBN and good luck with your search for a tractor.

 

[Moon]

Opps, one thing i forgot to mention. I have a hill er two that I could not make it up on our honda 450 4wd ATV, but the 3010 climbs right up those hills. Was even able to bush-hog the hills and now the ATV can also make it up. I do have to put the tractor in Low (I have HST). I would highly recommend HST on whatever tractor you decide on. I had two tractors with standard shift prior to the kubota and I'll never go back to that. I love my HST.