Pucker factor to the 10th degree !

[TripleR]

Glad you escaped without injury to you or your tractor.

Several years ago I was bringing my Ford NAA back down out of the woods and decided I didn't want to avoid all of the hills by driving the long way around or going down the steep hill behind my house; been there done that. I took a "short cut" through a path I had cut with my 4WD MF 375 and bush hog

I took it out to our flat land farm and bought my first 4WD Kubota. Of course as you now know, you actually have to put it in 4WD

 

[dex3361]

MT Glad you made it through the rush ride. When going down hill raise the rear mower a bit to put the weight on the rear wheels(tractor will not steer well with diff lock engaged though). I also hit the rear diff lock to make sure that I get the optimum hold back if 1 rear wheel breaks loose you will go for a ride.

 

[orezok]

A number of years back I was one one of the tracts we were building and a contractor was track walking the slope behind a unit. The slope went up about 20 to 25 feet to the next lot at a 2:1 slope. He was using a 450 or D6 and just as he got to the top of the slope, the engine quit.

Rolled backward down the slope and right through the wall of the house. Luckily he was not hurt and the house was not sold so no consequential damages.

I think he dropped the blade, but it doesn't do much good backward.

 

[missourithunder]

orezok,
The more I think about it, dropping the blade going backwards or forwards would help you stop quickly. I just wish I would have done that. All I was thinking about was which way way to turn the wheel. And slamming harder and harder on the brake made it worse (same principal as with driving your car on icy roads, tap the brakes not hold it down). I could have easily reached for the loader joystick and dropped the loader pronto.

dex3361,
You also just gave me an idea. I could use the NASCAR approach and just go counter clockwise around the house. I've discovered it's a lot more comfortable (we're talking pucker factor here) mowing uphill than it is downhill. The other side yard is much more mild so going downhill on that side would be easy.

TripleR,
You are correct about 4WD. I'm not an engineer but for some reason when it's in 4WD it automatically slows the tractor down (or pick up truck for that matter). Thanks.

MT

 

[om21braz]

At least no harm done, except maybe your shorts. Not many times you get a lesson like that without some damage. Hope you find a better method, and thanks for the heads up - it will help keep me on my toes.

 

[bp fick]

MT, yes sir, I did indeed get a back blade. For a steal!!! Got a CountyLine, and had a coupon, sale, etc, got it for a song. It is no front hydraulic controlled blade, but that's OK.

Listen, my old friend. Never again. Raise your right hand and swear to me and to all that is precious to you, that you will never take that unit out on to your property without 4x4 and Turtle engaged.:laughing::laughing:

That property is way too hilly to ever effectively use High range.

Then, put a note on your sweater that tells you to remember to dis-engage the 4x4 to run to the fuel station. Or, buy a can, but I think you like road trips.

 

[bp fick]

Oh, and your MMM lift bars are still hanging down. Man, raise them up and lock 'em.

 

[missourithunder]

bp,
Finally worked up the courage to get back on the seat and put the beast back in its cage about 30 minutes ago. And yes sir, I promise to take the NASCAR approach of mowing counter clockwise around the house except I'll do it in low range and in 4WD. Promise. Today's incident really did scare me. And you're right about the road trips. I have way to much fun riding the one mile into town to the bp station for a refuel and car wash (you're just as **** retentive to your tractor's cleanliness as I am to mine so shut up) (-:

You're right about the hilly sides. Wish I had your flat land. Nice to see you got a rear blade for snow . I envy the flatter, sharper, sleeker look of your new blade. Wanna trade ? lol. The photos of your little beast are great. The loader rocks my friend. I know you're gonna enjoy it.

om21braz,
You're right about the shorts. My problem has always been doing everything fast. I'm hard headed but I'm slowly learning that low & slow is the key to success.

MT

 

[dcyrilc]

dcyrilc,
I never thought about using the toothbar/loader as a break. I think it would actually work. Thanks.

MT

If you have an appropriate area (not landscaped) you can play by tipping the bucket down at about a 5-10 degree angle and lower the bucket as you drive forward. The bucket should begin grabbing dirt and creating resistance to your forward motion. It wiil give you an idea what would happen if you did this in a slide situation on a hill.

 

[Runner]

MO Thunder,

I think "pick up the mower" means that by raising the rear mower, you are putting more weight on the rear tires, thereby increasing the traction. I've used that technique before when I was slipping and needing traction to keep moving, but never while sliding downhill. However, it's still a good idea if you have the reflexes and state of mind to do it.

Glad it turned out OK.