Mowing Slope Mowing

KB9UDE · Apr 26, 2007

Hello all,

I have some fairly steep slopes I am mowing and would like to get some opinions on what you guys think would be the best machine for the job, as far as safety.

Would it be safer to use a garden tractor (Simplicty Sunstar) or my CUT with finish mower (JD 3320)

John

orlo · Apr 26, 2007

Hi:

I would say the garden tractor if you are going sideways. I have a Garden Tractor (Sears GT5000 - 50" deck), a 2305 (62"mmm), and a 3320 (72"MM). The 2305 feels far more stable on side slopes than the 3320 (The 3320 still makes me nervous). But in your case I'm sure the Garden tractor will feel more stable. Also, if the worst were to happen and it flip the garden tractor won't kill you and you can right it without a crane...

If you are going straight up and down I think they are all good. In fact for traction the 3320 with 4wd and a locking diff will be much better than a 2wd tractor with an open diff.

I've been looking at those unverferth 4" wheel extensions for the 3000 series. Then I might feel stable.

Nuru · Apr 26, 2007

Actually, it depends on what you hit when you flip and if you neck can take the weight of the garden tractor if you go over on your head, and depends how far tyou tumble - no ROPS, no seat belts, no jump off, and you could snap your neck with a 200 - 700 pound garden tractor falling on top of you. - Ouch!

LWB · Apr 26, 2007

Like the other guys pointed out, it sounds like you have a signifigant risk factor to be taken into account. When a tractor tips there is little or no warning. The most I ever had (and needed) was when mowing roadsides with an old Farmall M. She started to slip and I was able to turn down quick enough to get her straightened out. I credit the fluid filled tires. My suggestion would be to make a project out of it on some of the less steep slopes and try out everything you have to get a feel for what works best. You could gradually increase the slope as you go until some solid determinations can be made. Just my opinion.

DrainPondDesign · Apr 26, 2007

How about a motorcycle tractor where you stay upright on the slope?

See our 72LC Hillside Mower

Saw one cutting a highway slope & wondered what I was looking at.

Looks expensive for limited utility but still interesting to watch.

orlo · Apr 27, 2007

That's cool. Did you notice how wide the rear wheel spread is also? I'd feel safe on that.

HillbillyFarmer · Apr 29, 2007

Here in WV we know "slopes." We call them "hillsides."
When a farmer dies on the farm around here, it's usually from mowing a hillside.
Always mow up and down.
4WD w/ filled tires is the best config.
Never do anything that feels uncomfortable.
Be afraid. Always be afraid.
Always have your seatbelt on and your ROPS in place and secured.
Don't be in a hurry . . . mowing hillsides is not efficient. Sometimes you've got to mow a small area, go out of your way to turn around and then come back up and around to mow another small area.
THINK before you do anything while on a hillside.

BloomingtonMike · Apr 29, 2007

DrainPondDesign said:
How about a motorcycle tractor where you stay upright on the slope?

See our 72LC Hillside Mower

Saw one cutting a highway slope & wondered what I was looking at.

Looks expensive for limited utility but still interesting to watch.

That is a crazy mower. Anoyone own one of these???!!!

Thomas · Apr 29, 2007

DrainPondDesign said:
How about a motorcycle tractor where you stay upright on the slope?

See our 72LC Hillside Mower

Saw one cutting a highway slope & wondered what I was looking at.

Looks expensive for limited utility but still interesting to watch.

Now thats little different,but I would still be tad nerves mowing as such...drain ditch,high side tire lifting over rock etc..

Harvey7 · Apr 29, 2007

KB9UDE said:
Hello all,

Would it be safer to use a garden tractor (Simplicty Sunstar) or my CUT with finish mower (JD 3320)

John

KB9UDE

There is some excellent responses to your post, if I had to pick I'd use the garden tractor.

KB9UDE · Apr 29, 2007

Thanks for all the input.

John

ulbhunter · Apr 29, 2007

BloomingtonMike said:
That is a crazy mower. Anoyone own one of these???!!!

I have one. It has gotten me numerous mowing jobs of retention areas, ditches, etc. I will try to take a pic tomorrow.

Nuru · May 2, 2007

Looks like it would work on my property's back slopes

Nuru · May 2, 2007

ulbhunter said:
I have one. It has gotten me numerous mowing jobs of retention areas, ditches, etc. I will try to take a pic tomorrow.

What did yours cost?

ulbhunter · May 3, 2007

Picked mine up from a reseller that had purchased it at a government auction. I paid $3500 for mine. I did have to drive from Oklahoma City to Orlando, FL to pick it up. A friend and myself made the trip in 42 hours. We never turned off my truck during the trip.I actually just got home from using it on three mowing jobs this evening. I have the only one in my area and this has allowed me to get some mowing accounts that others are unable to bid. My closest dealer for these was surprised that I had one and that I was not with some government entity. The dealer offered to purchase mine unseen for 6K. I made my money back the first year I used it.

The great thing about the deweze is that you never feel that you are out of control or that you are in a precarious situation. It is a very stable machine.

As soon as I can get the camera from my wife I will upload some pics.

Nuru · May 3, 2007

ulbhunter said:
Picked mine up from a reseller that had purchased it at a government auction. I paid $3500 for mine. I did have to drive from Oklahoma City to Orlando, FL to pick it up. A friend and myself made the trip in 42 hours. We never turned off my truck during the trip.I actually just got home from using it on three mowing jobs this evening. I have the only one in my area and this has allowed me to get some mowing accounts that others are unable to bid. My closest dealer for these was surprised that I had one and that I was not with some government entity. The dealer offered to purchase mine unseen for 6K. I made my money back the first year I used it.

The great thing about the deweze is that you never feel that you are out of control or that you are in a precarious situation. It is a very stable machine.

As soon as I can get the camera from my wife I will upload some pics.

wow, sounds like a major good deal and since you were able to pay for it, even better. Yep Pics would be appreciated!

EastTexFrank · May 3, 2007

Now that looks interesting and the price of low hour used models seems reasonable. The mower looks to more of a finishing type. Will it handle tall pasture grass without bogging down?

LBrown59 · May 10, 2007

orlo said:
Hi:

I would say the garden tractor if you are going sideways. I have a Garden Tractor (Sears GT5000 - 50" deck), a 2305 (62"mmm), and a 3320 (72"MM). The 2305 feels far more stable on side slopes than the 3320 (The 3320 still makes me nervous). But in your case I'm sure the Garden tractor will feel more stable. Also, if the worst were to happen and it flip the garden tractor won't kill you and you can right it without a crane...

If you are going straight up and down I think they are all good. In fact for traction the 3320 with 4wd and a locking diff will be much better than a 2wd tractor with an open diff.

I've been looking at those unverferth 4" wheel extensions for the 3000 series. Then I might feel stable.

The smaller garden tractors always feel better on hills than a bigger tractor to me.