Anyone canmow a insipid fieldand do the job well . But mowing sloping ground is another challenge entirely , and one to be undertaken with care .
We ’re not speak about those gently sloping hills that can beeasily palm with a rag mower , so long as you trip slowly and carefully . We ’re lecture about incisive gradient of 15 degrees , 20 degrees , or even more — those areas you ’re tempted to lease grow up in grass and weeds since they ’re so challenging to mow .
But with the ripe equipment and right care , you might be surprised how even the most unnerving slopes can be clean up satisfactorily . On my farm , there is a steep , hokey slope come down away from one side of the theater . It ’s scant , but I ’d jeopardize to guess the slant is around 20 level in places .
Historically , I ’ve let this slope grow up in grass . But in recent age weeds have submit root . So this summertime I decided to mow and maintain the gradient using several different pieces of equipment :
It ’s still a work in advancement ( shoot down dope always is ) . But I ’m happy with the procession I ’ve made .
Looking for pourboire and tricks for safely mow outrageous side ? After tackling this unnerving project , I have a few to share .
1. Drive riding mowers straight up or down slopes.
As the user manual of arms might inform you , driving a riding mower across a steep slope is an accident waiting to find . You risk rolling over .
If you do decide to mop a incline with a riding lawn mower , you should drive directly up or direct down the incline , which is secure and more static . On the mild parcel of the side I ’m tackling ( where the slant is 10 degrees or less ) , this is the approach I take .
However , you should be aware that if flat primer coat conversion cursorily into a exorbitant slope ( as can happen with artificial slopes ) , the lawn mower deck can bottom out at the modulation point in time and conk your lawn mower so it ’s unable to move .
At this gunpoint , you have no grip . That ’s dangerous .
And if you ’re tackling a slope approaching or outperform 15 percent degree , you may want to skip the cod mower exclusively .
2. For steep slopes, use a push mower or handheld string trimmer.
Rather than using a riding lawn mower on exorbitant slopes , consider using a push mower or string trimmer . They do require more strong-arm sweat on your part . But at least they ca n’t vagabond over with you in the driver ’s seat .
Unlike with a ride lawn mower , it ’s OK to mow across a slope with a push lawn mower . In fact , it can be leisurely ( and safer ) than mowing up and down the incline .
seek to mow down a unconscionable slope with a push lawn mower , and you ’ll call for all your brawn power to keep its momentum in chit . mow up a steep slope is even more unmanageable — have you ever tried to push a ~60 - pound mower up a 20 - degree slope ? You ’ll exhaust yourself in no clock time .
But above all , use the approach that feels most easy to your basis .
A hand-held string trimmer can be the best choice of all , allow you to simply walk the side however you ’re comfortable and not vex about pushing or pulling a heavy get-up-and-go mower around . But string pruner are best for light - duty body of work , so you ’ll have to hit the incline frequently to keep growth in chip .
And if you ’re trying to tame an overgrown gradient , you may have to start with a pushing mower before doing cleanup work with the string trimming capacitor . That ’s the approach I use when mowing slopes .
3. Rake grass clippings as you go.
Grass trimming and steep gradient do n’t mix . Large quantity of grassy rubble can become a slipping hazard .
The last affair you ask is for you ( or your mower ) to miss your footing / grip on a steep incline . So as you mow , stop and rake away the clippings to keep your footing firm .
Read more : Don’t block to clean your lawn mower deck ! Here ’s why ( and how ) .
4. Don’t mow in wet weather.
dampish grass and soil can also make for slippery terrain , increasing the peril of an fortuity . And wet condition lean to overload lawn mower , bring down cutting quality and even damage grass .
It ’s better to fleet on mowing slope ( or even matt undercoat ) when weed is soused .
5. Be careful not to exhaust yourself.
pout a steep slope with a push lawn mower or hand-held string trimmer can be very tiring , so be heedful not to overwork yourself . When you ’re exhausted , you ’re more potential to slip or lose controller of the mower .
Do n’t think you have to pout the whole slope at once . Take breaks when you ’re tired , and summarise when you ’re refresh and strong again .
6. Use common sense!
You fuck your limits ! And you know what ’s safe or not . Always weary appropriate prophylactic gear , and realize you might not have the lastingness or equipment to mow some gradient .
practice common sense , and always prioritize refuge over aesthetic . you’re able to always bring in professionals if necessary .
mop steep slopes is always tricky . But keep up these tips and tricks can help you achieve skillful solution .
