Mowing Using a FEL while mowing on a hill

[BubbaJr]

If it were me, I would think about two options. 1, wheel weights on all four wheels. Or 2 leave the FEL on and close to the ground. One side benefit of leaving the loader on, is if you are headed down the hill and your gear range selector pops out of gear ( it does happen rarely, once to me) you will not be able to put it back in gear until you stop. While tractor brakes work halfway decent on the level, they are not all that effective going downhill. With the loader on the front, you have a last chance emergency brake before something really nasty happens. You can either just drop it to the ground and let the extra friction slow you down, or if you are on a steep incline, you might want to put a toothbar on and use it to dig in for extra stopping power. As I said this would be a last resort as it will probably damage the FEL. But the FEL can be replaced, can you be replaced? /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

Good Luck and keep your safety foremost on your mind.

 

[Gary_in_Indiana]

I've heard both sides, too. I've heard about taking off the FEL to save the wear and tear but I also like the idea of running it very low as an early warning system against rocks, stumps, etc. when I brush hog. At this point I think I'll live with the wear and tear in exchange for the safety factor in protecting my mower. Finish mowing something more yard-like might be a different story. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[RoyJackson]

"I've heard about taking off the FEL to save the wear and tear but I also like the idea of running it very low as an early warning system against rocks, stumps, etc. when I brush hog."

I always remove the FEL for mowing improved areas (lawn), mostly due to the Center Of Gravity concern (even keeping the bucket low doesn't help the large mass of FEL frame above the axles). But I do leave it on for at least the first time I bush hog an acre of improved land. As Gary and others mentioned, the bucket helps knock stuff down and can give you a warning of obstacles.

Just one more opinion, folks...

 

[frank_f15]

turning around on a hill, is a bit trickey. really depends on the hill don't do anything unsafe, if u don't feel comfortable don't do it!!!!

 

[mgrick]

I've got a 66" QA bucket.I've found that just taking the bucket off to brush hog makes a world of difference in stability.The weight of the arms gives me enough counterbalance.Not only that but I can see better and I'm not catching the side of the bucket on trees.I know where I'm mowing so I don't need the bucket to find things first.

Rick