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What's the trick to mowing grass on a steep hill with a gas push mower
What's the trick for mowing a half-football field sized steep slope with a
gas push mower? I need to mow the steep hill at the side of my house which is overgrown with tall grasses and weeds. It looks like half a football field on its side, with the shorter distance being the fall line. I don't know the degrees but it's hard to walk along the slope, mostly due to the unconsolidated soil and the slope; but it's possible to walk it; but with a mower, things get harder fast. When I tried to mow down the fall line, it was way too hard as I accelerated down and couldn't pull the mower up (and kept falling down, which doesn't seem safe). When I tried to mow across the fall line, I could barely hold the line to cut a swath but it was always a steep diagnal. Gravity pulled the mower so that it actually moved at a 45 degree angle to my sidewise motion, which itself was something less than straight across the fall line due to the slope. I thought of tying a rope to the handle and letting gravity mow straight down the fall line; but it might be difficult to pull the running mower back up. Before I try something stupid, I figured I'd ask you guys if you've solved the problem of trying to mow with a gas push mower (it's all I have) on a steep slope. |
What's the trick to mowing grass on a steep hill with a gas push mower
In ,
Elmo spewed forth: What's the trick for mowing a half-football field sized steep slope with a gas push mower? I need to mow the steep hill at the side of my house which is overgrown with tall grasses and weeds. It looks like half a football field on its side, with the shorter distance being the fall line. I don't know the degrees but it's hard to walk along the slope, mostly due to the unconsolidated soil and the slope; but it's possible to walk it; but with a mower, things get harder fast. When I tried to mow down the fall line, it was way too hard as I accelerated down and couldn't pull the mower up (and kept falling down, which doesn't seem safe). When I tried to mow across the fall line, I could barely hold the line to cut a swath but it was always a steep diagnal. Gravity pulled the mower so that it actually moved at a 45 degree angle to my sidewise motion, which itself was something less than straight across the fall line due to the slope. I thought of tying a rope to the handle and letting gravity mow straight down the fall line; but it might be difficult to pull the running mower back up. Before I try something stupid, I figured I'd ask you guys if you've solved the problem of trying to mow with a gas push mower (it's all I have) on a steep slope. Hire a Mexicaneg |
What's the trick to mowing grass on a steep hill with a gas pushmower
On Jun 11, 6:33�am, Elmo dcdraftwo...@Use-Author-Supplied-
Address.invalid wrote: What's the trick for mowing a half-football field sized steep slope with a gas push mower? I need to mow the steep hill at the side of my house which is overgrown with tall grasses and weeds. It looks like half a football field on its side, with the shorter distance being the fall line. I don't know the degrees but it's hard to walk along the slope, mostly due to the unconsolidated soil and the slope; but it's possible to walk it; but with a mower, things get harder fast. When I tried to mow down the fall line, it was way too hard as I accelerated down and couldn't pull the mower up (and kept falling down, which doesn't seem safe). When I tried to mow across the fall line, I could barely hold the line to cut a swath but it was always a steep diagnal. Gravity pulled the mower so that it actually moved at a 45 degree angle to my sidewise motion, which itself was something less than straight across the fall line due to the slope. I thought of tying a rope to the handle and letting gravity mow straight down the fall line; but it might be difficult to pull the running mower back up. Before I try something stupid, I figured I'd ask you guys if you've solved the problem of trying to mow with a gas push mower (it's all I have) on a steep slope. What you need is a hoss. Or sheep. Or rent the ground out to some- one that has a horse/sheep. You will need good fencing to keep it/ them in. (Or some other grazing animal.) |
What's the trick to mowing grass on a steep hill with a gas push mower
On Fri, 11 Jun 2010 00:46:48 -0500, ChairMan wrote:
Before I try something stupid, I figured I'd ask you guys if you've solved the problem of trying to mow with a gas push mower (it's all I have) on a steep slope. Hire a Mexicaneg They'd still need to mow the lawn. I noticed thick white smoke when I was mowing on the hill ... any idea what that can be from? It's a craftsman 25" or so 4-stroke push type. I wonder if I can find a moveable winch that I can put at the top of the slope to mow consequitive stripes down the fall line until the approximately 200 or 300 feet long by 100 to 150 feet wide slope is fully mowed. Any suggestions? |
What's the trick to mowing grass on a steep hill with a gas push mower
On Thu, 10 Jun 2010 23:32:58 -0700 (PDT), harry wrote:
What you need is a hoss. Or sheep. (Or some other grazing animal.) I wouldn't mind having one (just one) grazing animal. I would want that animal to eat whatever grows ... no more ... no less. If the slope is about 200 to 300 feet long and the fall line is 100 to 150 feet down the hill, what grazing animal do you think would eat exactly that in a year? |
What's the trick to mowing grass on a steep hill with a gas pushmower
On Jun 11, 12:38*am, Elmo dcdraftwo...@Use-Author-Supplied-
Address.invalid wrote: On Thu, 10 Jun 2010 23:32:58 -0700 (PDT), harry wrote: What you need is a hoss. *Or sheep. * (Or some other grazing animal.) I wouldn't mind having one (just one) grazing animal. I would want that animal to eat whatever grows ... no more ... no less. If the slope is about 200 to 300 feet long and the fall line is 100 to 150 feet down the hill, what grazing animal do you think would eat exactly that in a year? == I would not recommend using a push power mower on this acreage. Do not pull the mower up or down while cutting grass, and using a rope to control it is absolutely insane. If you MUST mow this acreage with the push mower then mow at a 45 degree angle up and back down the slope. As a farmer I find this the most efficient way on steep hills and safer and easier as well. If you want to wreck your mower then go straight up and down and soon the bearings will be shot and there is always danger of you falling and the mower coming back down over you. The same thing can happen when going down if you slip you could slide right under the mower. The smoke is likely from the crankcase oil flooding past the cylinders to the combustion chamber when pointing downhill. As long as it doesn't foul the plug too badly this will usually clear when you mow on the level again. Make sure the motor oil is up to the proper fill line...do not overfill. Most mower manuals do not recommend mowing on steep slopes. Period. == Steel-toed shoes are a must and the soles should have adequate grips for the terrain. |
What's the trick to mowing grass on a steep hill with a gas push mower
"Elmo" wrote They'd still need to mow the lawn. I noticed thick white smoke when I was mowing on the hill ... any idea what that can be from? It's a craftsman 25" or so 4-stroke push type. The white smoke is oil getting past the rings as the motor is tipped over. Walk across the slope and never let the mower get above you. Best move is to plant a ground cover that does not need mowing. Just let it go natural. |
What's the trick to mowing grass on a steep hill with a gas pushmower
On Jun 11, 1:35*am, Elmo dcdraftwo...@Use-Author-Supplied-
Address.invalid wrote: On Fri, 11 Jun 2010 00:46:48 -0500, ChairMan wrote: Before I try something stupid, I figured I'd ask you guys if you've solved the problem of trying to mow with a gas push mower (it's all I have) on a steep slope. Hire a Mexicaneg They'd still need to mow the lawn. I noticed thick white smoke when I was mowing on the hill ... any idea what that can be from? It's a craftsman 25" or so 4-stroke push type. I wonder if I can find a moveable winch that I can put at the top of the slope to mow consequitive stripes down the fall line until the approximately 200 or 300 feet long by 100 to 150 feet wide slope is fully mowed. Any suggestions? Doesnt thick white smoke mean anything to you? You are ruining your motor, you cant do it with a 4 stroke you are starving it of oil, it going to fry, They only possible way is a 2 stroke lawnboy. Since 2 stroke is no longer made, a used one. But I have a hill like that and a mowing it with a mower nearly killed me many times, push the mower up and slip and it comes running down on you, walk it down and you will still slip on a wet patch. A weed wacker is better, but I just planted ground cover and plants and said screw mowing it, a dangerous pain in the ass. Around here the State stopped using small 4 strokes on steep highway areas, they went Lawnboy because the 4 strokes didnt last 1 year. Now that 2 strokes are no longer made I guess its weed wacker for areas they used small mowers |
What's the trick to mowing grass on a steep hill with a gas pushmower
Elmo wrote:
On Thu, 10 Jun 2010 23:32:58 -0700 (PDT), harry wrote: What you need is a hoss. Or sheep. (Or some other grazing animal.) I wouldn't mind having one (just one) grazing animal. I would want that animal to eat whatever grows ... no more ... no less. If the slope is about 200 to 300 feet long and the fall line is 100 to 150 feet down the hill, what grazing animal do you think would eat exactly that in a year? Goats, get a couple of them, they will eat the weeds and leave the grass. They love to climb on things, like cars, so better have a good fence. They make nice pets, my neighbor has one because his wife was allergic to cow's milk. His wife is long gone but the goat is still around. |
What's the trick to mowing grass on a steep hill with a gas pushmower
On 6/11/2010 2:38 AM, Elmo wrote:
On Thu, 10 Jun 2010 23:32:58 -0700 (PDT), harry wrote: What you need is a hoss. Or sheep. (Or some other grazing animal.) I wouldn't mind having one (just one) grazing animal. I would want that animal to eat whatever grows ... no more ... no less. If the slope is about 200 to 300 feet long and the fall line is 100 to 150 feet down the hill, what grazing animal do you think would eat exactly that in a year? Check around in your area for folks who rent grazing animals for just your need. There are at least two families I know in this area who have goats who do that. |
What's the trick to mowing grass on a steep hill with a gas push mower
Many years ago I had a summer job mowing the grass and other grounds maintenance
at a large apartment complex. We used the rope method on some of the steep hills there. If you decide to push the mower accross the slope, don't drag it backwards; make sure you actually turn it around so the opposite side is facing downhill from time to time. Most push mowers do not have very sophistcated lubrication systems and prolonged use with one side downhill can damage the engine. I remember seeing one catch on fire from overheating. -- Make it as simple as possible, but no simpler. Larry Wasserman - Baltimore Maryland - lwasserm(a)sdf. lonestar. org |
What's the trick to mowing grass on a steep hill with a gas pushmower
On Jun 11, 7:38�am, Elmo dcdraftwo...@Use-Author-Supplied-
Address.invalid wrote: On Thu, 10 Jun 2010 23:32:58 -0700 (PDT), harry wrote: What you need is a hoss. �Or sheep. � (Or some other grazing animal.) I wouldn't mind having one (just one) grazing animal. I would want that animal to eat whatever grows ... no more ... no less. If the slope is about 200 to 300 feet long and the fall line is 100 to 150 feet down the hill, what grazing animal do you think would eat exactly that in a year? Can't say. It depends on the nature of your soil, the vegetation, the climate and the rainfall. If you're not interested in animal husbandry hire out to some one that is. Animal husbandry is skilled work. Don't do it yourself unless you're prepared for lots of work. Some people find it rewarding. Most Grazers are in fact browsers, (ie they eat leaves in preference) They only eat grass when there's nothing else. Slope is neither here nor there to grazers. NB, goats are very hard to fence in. You can control them to an extent with electric fences. More expense.......... |
What's the trick to mowing grass on a steep hill with a gas pushmower
On Jun 11, 1:33*am, Elmo dcdraftwo...@Use-Author-Supplied-
Address.invalid wrote: What's the trick for mowing a half-football field sized steep slope with a gas push mower? I need to mow the steep hill at the side of my house which is overgrown with tall grasses and weeds. It looks like half a football field on its side, with the shorter distance being the fall line. I don't know the degrees but it's hard to walk along the slope, mostly due to the unconsolidated soil and the slope; but it's possible to walk it; but with a mower, things get harder fast. When I tried to mow down the fall line, it was way too hard as I accelerated down and couldn't pull the mower up (and kept falling down, which doesn't seem safe). When I tried to mow across the fall line, I could barely hold the line to cut a swath but it was always a steep diagnal. Gravity pulled the mower so that it actually moved at a 45 degree angle to my sidewise motion, which itself was something less than straight across the fall line due to the slope. I thought of tying a rope to the handle and letting gravity mow straight down the fall line; but it might be difficult to pull the running mower back up. Before I try something stupid, I figured I'd ask you guys if you've solved the problem of trying to mow with a gas push mower (it's all I have) on a steep slope. There is no trick. You simply use one of these (pick the model that matches your requirements) http://www.flymo.com/node2417.aspx?nid=16702 Just swing it back and forth as you traverse the slope. |
What's the trick to mowing grass on a steep hill with a gas push mower
On Fri, 11 Jun 2010 04:03:46 -0700 (PDT), ransley wrote:
Doesnt thick white smoke mean anything to you? I was afraid of that which is why I asked. I wonder at what angle a lawnmower can no longer handle slopes. I know cars are more complicated, but they can handle slopes ... and airplanes too ... so there must be something in a (slope) lawnmower that keeps the oil moving at angles. |
What's the trick to mowing grass on a steep hill with a gas pushmower
DerbyDad03 wrote:
On Jun 11, 1:33 am, Elmo dcdraftwo...@Use-Author-Supplied- Address.invalid wrote: What's the trick for mowing a half-football field sized steep slope with a gas push mower? I need to mow the steep hill at the side of my house which is overgrown with tall grasses and weeds. It looks like half a football field on its side, with the shorter distance being the fall line. I don't know the degrees but it's hard to walk along the slope, mostly due to the unconsolidated soil and the slope; but it's possible to walk it; but with a mower, things get harder fast. When I tried to mow down the fall line, it was way too hard as I accelerated down and couldn't pull the mower up (and kept falling down, which doesn't seem safe). When I tried to mow across the fall line, I could barely hold the line to cut a swath but it was always a steep diagnal. Gravity pulled the mower so that it actually moved at a 45 degree angle to my sidewise motion, which itself was something less than straight across the fall line due to the slope. I thought of tying a rope to the handle and letting gravity mow straight down the fall line; but it might be difficult to pull the running mower back up. Before I try something stupid, I figured I'd ask you guys if you've solved the problem of trying to mow with a gas push mower (it's all I have) on a steep slope. There is no trick. You simply use one of these (pick the model that matches your requirements) http://www.flymo.com/node2417.aspx?nid=16702 Just swing it back and forth as you traverse the slope. I had no idea they still made those! Or maybe started making them again. I see Husqvarna has the name. Do they sell them in the US? |
What's the trick to mowing grass on a steep hill with a gas pushmower
Elmo wrote:
On Fri, 11 Jun 2010 04:03:46 -0700 (PDT), ransley wrote: Doesnt thick white smoke mean anything to you? I was afraid of that which is why I asked. I wonder at what angle a lawnmower can no longer handle slopes. I know cars are more complicated, but they can handle slopes ... and airplanes too ... so there must be something in a (slope) lawnmower that keeps the oil moving at angles. Blowing smoke may be better than blowing none. At least the rings are getting oil. Who knows about the crank and the rest of the insides. |
What's the trick to mowing grass on a steep hill with a gas push mower
On Fri, 11 Jun 2010 08:17:33 -0700 (PDT), DerbyDad03 wrote:
There is no trick. You simply use one of these (pick the model that matches your requirements) Going to that page clued me in that the real solution is something called a "slope mower". It's out of the budget for now ... but in the future ... I think this is self-leveling slope mower (up to 34°) might be just the way to go! The slope I have is steeper than that in this picture but it gives an idea: 72LC All-Terrain Slope Mower: http://www.deweze.com/deweze/ATM/ATM.html This one goes to 40 and the pictures are a bit more like the slope that I have, only it's much rougher and less even and there are trees all around in my slope. SuperSlopeMaster SSM38-72D http://www.kutkwick.com/superslopemaster.htm |
What's the trick to mowing grass on a steep hill with a gas pushmower
On Jun 11, 11:53*am, Elmo dcdraftwo...@Use-Author-Supplied-
Address.invalid wrote: On Fri, 11 Jun 2010 08:17:33 -0700 (PDT), DerbyDad03 wrote: There is no trick. You simply use one of these (pick the model that matches your requirements) Going to that page clued me in that the real solution is something called a "slope mower". It's out of the budget for now ... but in the future ... I think this is self-leveling slope mower (up to 34°) might be just the way to go! The slope I have is steeper than that in this picture but it gives an idea: 72LC All-Terrain Slope Mower:http://www.deweze.com/deweze/ATM/ATM.html This one goes to 40 and the pictures are a bit more like the slope that I have, only it's much rougher and less even and there are trees all around in my slope. SuperSlopeMaster SSM38-72Dhttp://www.kutkwick.com/superslopemaster.htm I live in the US but used to be part of a "global team" with members from Australia. Other than the time difference making conference calls and prompt responses a bit difficult, we had a great time comparing life in the US with life "down under". It was an Aussie who told me about the Fly-Mo. He said he had one and that they are great on slopes. He said he has one area where he lowered it down on 2 ropes and could swing it back and forth. |
What's the trick to mowing grass on a steep hill with a gas pushmower
Elmo wrote:
On Fri, 11 Jun 2010 00:46:48 -0500, ChairMan wrote: Before I try something stupid, I figured I'd ask you guys if you've solved the problem of trying to mow with a gas push mower (it's all I have) on a steep slope. Hire a Mexicaneg They'd still need to mow the lawn. I noticed thick white smoke when I was mowing on the hill ... any idea what that can be from? It's a craftsman 25" or so 4-stroke push type. I wonder if I can find a moveable winch that I can put at the top of the slope to mow consequitive stripes down the fall line until the approximately 200 or 300 feet long by 100 to 150 feet wide slope is fully mowed. Any suggestions? That's why I was going to suggest. Put a winch on your ATV or lawn tractor and lower and raise the push mower with the cable. -- LSMFT I haven't spoken to my wife in 18 months. I don't like to interrupt her. |
What's the trick to mowing grass on a steep hill with a gas pushmower
On Jun 11, 1:33*am, Elmo dcdraftwo...@Use-Author-Supplied-
Address.invalid wrote: What's the trick for mowing a half-football field sized steep slope with a gas push mower? I need to mow the steep hill at the side of my house which is overgrown with tall grasses and weeds. It looks like half a football field on its side, with the shorter distance being the fall line. I don't know the degrees but it's hard to walk along the slope, mostly due to the unconsolidated soil and the slope; but it's possible to walk it; but with a mower, things get harder fast. When I tried to mow down the fall line, it was way too hard as I accelerated down and couldn't pull the mower up (and kept falling down, which doesn't seem safe). When I tried to mow across the fall line, I could barely hold the line to cut a swath but it was always a steep diagnal. Gravity pulled the mower so that it actually moved at a 45 degree angle to my sidewise motion, which itself was something less than straight across the fall line due to the slope. I thought of tying a rope to the handle and letting gravity mow straight down the fall line; but it might be difficult to pull the running mower back up. Before I try something stupid, I figured I'd ask you guys if you've solved the problem of trying to mow with a gas push mower (it's all I have) on a steep slope. So you need to mow down a hill ? Are you talking about just mowing grass or are their thicker weeds and small brush plants in that area also ? Why on earth do you think that a lawnmower would be the best tool to use in that area ? Along that same line, why do you think that it would be safer to buy a huge lawn tractor just to be able to mow that small section of your property ? Consider the following: (1.) Using a string trimmer/weed whacker with a heavy duty blade installed to "mow" this area. The equipment is smaller and it will therefore take longer, but the job will be done. (2.) Consider purchasing the correct tool for such an application, along the lines of something like this: A "Self-propelled field and brush trimmer": http://www.drpower.com/Field-Brush-Mower.aspx OR A "Trimmer/Mower": http://www.drpower.com/trimmer-Mower.aspx (3.) Planting "wild" plants in the area which will look "good" in their natural untamed and un-manicured state. If you continue to use your normal lawnmower in applications it was not designed to handle you will eventually injure yourself, you have been lucky thus far, but I would not continue to push your luck. ~~ Evan |
What's the trick to mowing grass on a steep hill with a gas push mower
On Fri, 11 Jun 2010 09:06:19 -0700 (PDT), DerbyDad03 wrote:
It was an Aussie who told me about the Fly-Mo. He said he had one and that they are great on slopes. He said he has one area where he lowered it down on 2 ropes and could swing it back and forth. I don't think I fully understand the "fly mo" hover mower. Can I just tie a rope to the handle and lower it down from the top of the slope bank and walk back and forth at the top of the hill holding the flymo on the grade with the rope? |
What's the trick to mowing grass on a steep hill with a gas push mower
Elmo wrote:
What's the trick for mowing a half-football field sized steep slope with a gas push mower? I need to mow the steep hill at the side of my house which is overgrown with tall grasses and weeds. It looks like half a football field on its side, with the shorter distance being the fall line. I don't know the degrees but it's hard to walk along the slope, mostly due to the unconsolidated soil and the slope; but it's possible to walk it; but with a mower, things get harder fast. When I tried to mow down the fall line, it was way too hard as I accelerated down and couldn't pull the mower up (and kept falling down, which doesn't seem safe). When I tried to mow across the fall line, I could barely hold the line to cut a swath but it was always a steep diagnal. Gravity pulled the mower so that it actually moved at a 45 degree angle to my sidewise motion, which itself was something less than straight across the fall line due to the slope. I thought of tying a rope to the handle and letting gravity mow straight down the fall line; but it might be difficult to pull the running mower back up. Before I try something stupid, I figured I'd ask you guys if you've solved the problem of trying to mow with a gas push mower (it's all I have) on a steep slope. A plug-in electric mower would be way lighter and easier to handle. It would have no problem with lubrication on a slope. |
What's the trick to mowing grass on a steep hill with a gas pushmower
On Jun 11, 1:29*pm, Elmo dcdraftwo...@Use-Author-Supplied-
Address.invalid wrote: On Fri, 11 Jun 2010 09:06:19 -0700 (PDT), DerbyDad03 wrote: It was an Aussie who told me about the Fly-Mo. He said he had one and that they are great on slopes. He said he has one area where he lowered it down on 2 ropes and could swing it back and forth. I don't think I fully understand the "fly mo" hover mower. Can I just tie a rope to the handle and lower it down from the top of the slope bank and walk back and forth at the top of the hill holding the flymo on the grade with the rope? Dunno...I'm just telling you what I remember from a few years back when I first heard of "hovering mowers". The guy had some way of controlling it with a rope. Mayby he just lowered the mower striaght up and down. |
What's the trick to mowing grass on a steep hill with a gas pushmower
On Jun 11, 1:57*pm, "Bob F" wrote:
Elmo wrote: What's the trick for mowing a half-football field sized steep slope with a gas push mower? I need to mow the steep hill at the side of my house which is overgrown with tall grasses and weeds. It looks like half a football field on its side, with the shorter distance being the fall line. I don't know the degrees but it's hard to walk along the slope, mostly due to the unconsolidated soil and the slope; but it's possible to walk it; but with a mower, things get harder fast. When I tried to mow down the fall line, it was way too hard as I accelerated down and couldn't pull the mower up (and kept falling down, which doesn't seem safe). When I tried to mow across the fall line, I could barely hold the line to cut a swath but it was always a steep diagnal. Gravity pulled the mower so that it actually moved at a 45 degree angle to my sidewise motion, which itself was something less than straight across the fall line due to the slope. I thought of tying a rope to the handle and letting gravity mow straight down the fall line; but it might be difficult to pull the running mower back up. Before I try something stupid, I figured I'd ask you guys if you've solved the problem of trying to mow with a gas push mower (it's all I have) on a steep slope. A plug-in electric mower would be way lighter and easier to handle. It would have no problem with lubrication on a slope.- Hide quoted text - - Show quoted text - "A plug-in electric mower ...." OK, everybody that hates corded landscaping equipment please raise your hand. |
What's the trick to mowing grass on a steep hill with a gas push mower
"Elmo" wrote in message
... On Fri, 11 Jun 2010 04:03:46 -0700 (PDT), ransley wrote: Doesnt thick white smoke mean anything to you? I was afraid of that which is why I asked. You should feel silly for not reading your owner's manual, in which it clearly tells you which way the mower can be tipped for maintenance purposes. Extrapolate from there.... |
What's the trick to mowing grass on a steep hill with a gas push mower
On Fri, 11 Jun 2010 00:41:59 -0700 (PDT), Roy
wrote: On Jun 11, 12:38Â*am, Elmo dcdraftwo...@Use-Author-Supplied- Address.invalid wrote: On Thu, 10 Jun 2010 23:32:58 -0700 (PDT), harry wrote: What you need is a hoss. Â*Or sheep. Â* (Or some other grazing animal.) I wouldn't mind having one (just one) grazing animal. I would want that animal to eat whatever grows ... no more ... no less. If the slope is about 200 to 300 feet long and the fall line is 100 to 150 feet down the hill, what grazing animal do you think would eat exactly that in a year? == I would not recommend using a push power mower on this acreage. Do not pull the mower up or down while cutting grass, and using a rope to control it is absolutely insane. If you MUST mow this acreage with the push mower then mow at a 45 degree angle up and back down the slope. As a farmer I find this the most efficient way on steep hills and safer and easier as well. If you want to wreck your mower then go straight up and down and soon the bearings will be shot and there is always danger of you falling and the mower coming back down over you. The same thing can happen when going down if you slip you could slide right under the mower. The smoke is likely from the crankcase oil flooding past the cylinders to the combustion chamber when pointing downhill. As long as it doesn't foul the plug too badly this will usually clear when you mow on the level again. Make sure the motor oil is up to the proper fill line...do not overfill. Most mower manuals do not recommend mowing on steep slopes. Period. == Steel-toed shoes are a must and the soles should have adequate grips for the terrain. For that job you want either an electric or a 2 stroke gas mower and a set of ropes and a "dolly" on a track at the top with a winch arangement to raise or lower the mower one mower width at each end of the traverse. Run the dolly back and forth, raising or lowering the mower for each trip back and forth. 2 strokes will run upside-down with a Tillotson or Walbro regulator carb installed. |
What's the trick to mowing grass on a steep hill with a gas push mower
On Fri, 11 Jun 2010 04:03:46 -0700 (PDT), ransley
wrote: On Jun 11, 1:35Â*am, Elmo dcdraftwo...@Use-Author-Supplied- Address.invalid wrote: On Fri, 11 Jun 2010 00:46:48 -0500, ChairMan wrote: Before I try something stupid, I figured I'd ask you guys if you've solved the problem of trying to mow with a gas push mower (it's all I have) on a steep slope. Hire a Mexicaneg They'd still need to mow the lawn. I noticed thick white smoke when I was mowing on the hill ... any idea what that can be from? It's a craftsman 25" or so 4-stroke push type. I wonder if I can find a moveable winch that I can put at the top of the slope to mow consequitive stripes down the fall line until the approximately 200 or 300 feet long by 100 to 150 feet wide slope is fully mowed. Any suggestions? Doesnt thick white smoke mean anything to you? You are ruining your motor, you cant do it with a 4 stroke you are starving it of oil, it going to fry, They only possible way is a 2 stroke lawnboy. Since 2 stroke is no longer made, a used one. But I have a hill like that and a mowing it with a mower nearly killed me many times, push the mower up and slip and it comes running down on you, walk it down and you will still slip on a wet patch. A weed wacker is better, but I just planted ground cover and plants and said screw mowing it, a dangerous pain in the ass. Around here the State stopped using small 4 strokes on steep highway areas, they went Lawnboy because the 4 strokes didnt last 1 year. Now that 2 strokes are no longer made I guess its weed wacker for areas they used small mowers Yea, 2 stroke weed wackers. |
What's the trick to mowing grass on a steep hill with a gas push mower
On Fri, 11 Jun 2010 15:20:33 +0000 (UTC), Elmo
wrote: On Fri, 11 Jun 2010 04:03:46 -0700 (PDT), ransley wrote: Doesnt thick white smoke mean anything to you? I was afraid of that which is why I asked. I wonder at what angle a lawnmower can no longer handle slopes. I know cars are more complicated, but they can handle slopes ... and airplanes too ... so there must be something in a (slope) lawnmower that keeps the oil moving at angles. The GOOD lawnmowers with oil filters stand a chance because they have an oil pump and full pressure lubrication. 2 strokes stand up even better - much as I hate the noisy stinky critters. |
What's the trick to mowing grass on a steep hill with a gas pushmower
On Jun 11, 1:54*pm, wrote:
On Fri, 11 Jun 2010 15:20:33 +0000 (UTC), Elmo wrote: On Fri, 11 Jun 2010 04:03:46 -0700 (PDT), ransley wrote: Doesnt thick white smoke mean anything to you? I was afraid of that which is why I asked. I wonder at what angle a lawnmower can no longer handle slopes. I know cars are more complicated, but they can handle slopes ... and airplanes too ... so there must be something in a (slope) lawnmower that keeps the oil moving at angles. *The GOOD lawnmowers with oil filters stand a chance because they have an oil pump and full pressure lubrication. 2 strokes stand up even better - much as I hate the noisy stinky critters. I vote for the diagonal cutting, the OP needs to figure out how to go uphill at 45 degrees, the downhill will take care of itself. Wildflowers is a much better answer. |
What's the trick to mowing grass on a steep hill with a gas pushmower
On Jun 11, 10:20*am, Elmo dcdraftwo...@Use-Author-Supplied-
Address.invalid wrote: On Fri, 11 Jun 2010 04:03:46 -0700 (PDT), ransley wrote: Doesnt thick white smoke mean anything to you? I was afraid of that which is why I asked. I wonder at what angle a lawnmower can no longer handle slopes. I know cars are more complicated, but they can handle slopes ... and airplanes too ... so there must be something in a (slope) lawnmower that keeps the oil moving at angles. I honestly stopped cutting mine, its to dangerous, slipping on muddy areas and having the lawnmower come back to your feet while its running, I knew eventualy my mistakes would cost me big, I went the weedwacker route, then I terraced and planted plants. Get a 50 lb bag of black oil sunflower seed, and have sunflowers. |
What's the trick to mowing grass on a steep hill with a gaspush mower
On 2010-06-11, ChairMan wrote:
Hire a Mexicaneg Goat(s)! Probably cost more, but will do a better job. Taste good, too. nb |
What's the trick to mowing grass on a steep hill with a gas push mower
Elmo wrote:
On Fri, 11 Jun 2010 09:06:19 -0700 (PDT), DerbyDad03 wrote: It was an Aussie who told me about the Fly-Mo. He said he had one and that they are great on slopes. He said he has one area where he lowered it down on 2 ropes and could swing it back and forth. I don't think I fully understand the "fly mo" hover mower. Can I just tie a rope to the handle and lower it down from the top of the slope bank and walk back and forth at the top of the hill holding the flymo on the grade with the rope? You'd probably need to attach much closer to the bottom - near the vertical center-of-mass ideally. |
What's the trick to mowing grass on a steep hill with a gas pushmower
On Jun 11, 6:21�pm, "Bob F" wrote:
Elmo wrote: On Fri, 11 Jun 2010 09:06:19 -0700 (PDT), DerbyDad03 wrote: It was an Aussie who told me about the Fly-Mo. He said he had one and that they are great on slopes. He said he has one area where he lowered it down on 2 ropes and could swing it back and forth. I don't think I fully understand the "fly mo" hover mower. Can I just tie a rope to the handle and lower it down from the top of the slope bank and walk back and forth at the top of the hill holding the flymo on the grade with the rope? You'd probably need to attach much closer to the bottom - near the vertical center-of-mass ideally. think grouncover, whatever is common to your area and very hardy. less wqork no maintence, nice flowers of some sort. a real win win win |
What's the trick to mowing grass on a steep hill with a gas pushmower
ransley wrote:
On Jun 11, 10:20 am, Elmo dcdraftwo...@Use-Author-Supplied- Address.invalid wrote: On Fri, 11 Jun 2010 04:03:46 -0700 (PDT), ransley wrote: Doesnt thick white smoke mean anything to you? I was afraid of that which is why I asked. I wonder at what angle a lawnmower can no longer handle slopes. I know cars are more complicated, but they can handle slopes ... and airplanes too ... so there must be something in a (slope) lawnmower that keeps the oil moving at angles. I honestly stopped cutting mine, its to dangerous, slipping on muddy areas and having the lawnmower come back to your feet while its running, I knew eventualy my mistakes would cost me big, I went the weedwacker route, then I terraced and planted plants. Get a 50 lb bag of black oil sunflower seed, and have sunflowers. I like that idea, and so would my neighborhood birds and squirrels. But alas, for my problem area in the front yard, my neighbors would shoot me, and my topsoil is so thin and crappy they are unlikely to grow unless I dumped a thousand bucks of potting soil out and spread it around. Township would likely call them 'noxious weeds' as well, and send Bubba and his bush-hog by, and add it to my tax bill. -- aem sends... |
What's the trick to mowing grass on a steep hill with a gas pushmower
Elmo wrote:
What's the trick for mowing a half-football field sized steep slope with a gas push mower? I need to mow the steep hill at the side of my house which is overgrown with tall grasses and weeds. It looks like half a football field on its side, with the shorter distance being the fall line. I don't know the degrees but it's hard to walk along the slope, mostly due to the unconsolidated soil and the slope; but it's possible to walk it; but with a mower, things get harder fast. When I tried to mow down the fall line, it was way too hard as I accelerated down and couldn't pull the mower up (and kept falling down, which doesn't seem safe). When I tried to mow across the fall line, I could barely hold the line to cut a swath but it was always a steep diagnal. Gravity pulled the mower so that it actually moved at a 45 degree angle to my sidewise motion, which itself was something less than straight across the fall line due to the slope. I thought of tying a rope to the handle and letting gravity mow straight down the fall line; but it might be difficult to pull the running mower back up. Before I try something stupid, I figured I'd ask you guys if you've solved the problem of trying to mow with a gas push mower (it's all I have) on a steep slope. At the farm, a string trimmer with a shoulder strap and 30" handlebars was an easy way to mow creek banks. The strap was adjusted so the head would float level at the desired height. Then the handlebars were adjusted for best control. I could cut a 5' swath, so it was fairly quick. For neater cutting almost like a mower, I could use a disk head with 3 pivoting nylon blades about 5" long. |
What's the trick to mowing grass on a steep hill with a gas pushmower
aemeijers wrote:
ransley wrote: On Jun 11, 10:20 am, Elmo dcdraftwo...@Use-Author-Supplied- Address.invalid wrote: On Fri, 11 Jun 2010 04:03:46 -0700 (PDT), ransley wrote: Doesnt thick white smoke mean anything to you? I was afraid of that which is why I asked. I wonder at what angle a lawnmower can no longer handle slopes. I know cars are more complicated, but they can handle slopes ... and airplanes too ... so there must be something in a (slope) lawnmower that keeps the oil moving at angles. I honestly stopped cutting mine, its to dangerous, slipping on muddy areas and having the lawnmower come back to your feet while its running, I knew eventualy my mistakes would cost me big, I went the weedwacker route, then I terraced and planted plants. Get a 50 lb bag of black oil sunflower seed, and have sunflowers. I like that idea, and so would my neighborhood birds and squirrels. But alas, for my problem area in the front yard, my neighbors would shoot me, and my topsoil is so thin and crappy they are unlikely to grow unless I dumped a thousand bucks of potting soil out and spread it around. Township would likely call them 'noxious weeds' as well, and send Bubba and his bush-hog by, and add it to my tax bill. A little creative landscaping might eliminate the need for mowing AND be something to admire...sounds like a dangerous place to try to mow. In my OR days, I saw quite a few people with mower injuries...always by mower rolling back and grabbing some toes. I did quite a bit of refining of the landscaping around our condo where downspouts formerly washed out a lot of soil. Small areas, gradual grades, but had been a real eyesore. |
What's the trick to mowing grass on a steep hill with a gas push mower
If the slope is about 200 to 300 feet long and the fall line is 100 to 150
feet down the hill, what grazing animal do you think would eat exactly that in a year? With any grazing animal on soft soil, you'll end up with little terraces (terracettes). -Zz |
What's the trick to mowing grass on a steep hill with a gas push mower
On Fri, 11 Jun 2010 06:38:54 +0000 (UTC), Elmo
wrote: On Thu, 10 Jun 2010 23:32:58 -0700 (PDT), harry wrote: What you need is a hoss. Or sheep. (Or some other grazing animal.) I wouldn't mind having one (just one) grazing animal. I would want that animal to eat whatever grows ... no more ... no less. You need a metered sheep for that. They are sold by the square foot. If the slope is about 200 to 300 feet long and the fall line is 100 to 150 feet down the hill, what grazing animal do you think would eat exactly that in a year? You need a sheep rated for 30,000 square feet. Check with NHTSA, the National Home-Trained Sheep Adminstration. |
What's the trick to mowing grass on a steep hill with a gas push mower
On Fri, 11 Jun 2010 15:25:42 +0000 (UTC), Elmo
wrote: The problem with goats is I don't really wanna get into that. And I could plant cover (it's chaparral out here in California), I guess, but I like the grassy slope. What about a roomba, or whatever they call the battery powered electric lawnmower that propels itself, and then goes back to the charging station. No oil to smoke. No operator to get his toes cut off. If it flips over, might there be someone else at the bottom of the hill? Maybe it is set up to turn off if it flips over. There really shoudl be some extra safety stuff on a cutting machine that runs around with no one in charge. Black and Decker makes one. |
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