How much is rider weight a factor?

[C&K]

I'm 6'3, 250 lbs. and don't know if a wb with a velke will work properly with BIG people on them. My partner probably weighs close to 300. Is there anyone this size that can give some advice on what equipment is best, should we get the most hp available or does it effect it that much?
Other than the weight recomendations on the velke's. I know most are max. recommended 250lbs.:walking: Then again, maybee I should/need to walk. lol

[Duekster]

Not many large landscapers.

[Prestige-Lawncare]

Not many large landscapers.

BUT ... there are many healthy sized lawn care professionals! I would suggest either walking, or using a Z.

:weightlifter:

[ribbie78]

Then again, maybee I should/need to walk. lol

Lol. This is one of the reasons I'm getting back into lawncare :weightlifter:
Back in the day using a wb = being fit and trim. After moving into full-time teaching I QUICKLY put on the weight :dizzy: Starting off on my own this Spring as part-time/full time during summer; I'm using the 48" wb and letting my old man run the 60" ZTR.

I say enjoy the workout knowing you're making $ to get back in shape! Sure beats paying a gym membership!

[LB1234]

we have two 17HP 48" WB hydro's that have been pulling me for years. I'm 230#'s. Only issue is going directly up steep hills. I just walk up them if the Z can't get to it.

[fiveoboy01]

Yeah, I think only hills would be an issue. I'm only 175 and I still have to hop off to keep the front of the mower down. It's not really an issue on flat ground, but if I am mowing full speed, hitting bumps will cause the front end to "float" some. I'm thinking about adding a couple of weights to the front to eliminate that.

[Andyinchville]

HI,
My helper is 350 and rides a single wheel velke behind an 15 HP Exmark Turf Tracer HP with a single weight in the front (cant remember the weight but it came from the people that make the Hooker Aerator)....I do run a soild velke wheel and when new he has chunked a coulpe lugs off the tires....other than than that no problems BUT I tell him to be VERY careful not to rut a soft yard with the velke wheel. He has been with me for 3 years. I didn't buy a dual wheel unit because I already have all my mowers with singles that work.
Hope this helps.
Andrew

[Jason Rose]

It apparently depends on the TYPE of sulkey. I was going to buy a Lesco 48" hydro with one of their Fixed type sulkey on it. I weigh about 225 and I couldn't keep the front on the ground on flat pavement! Obviuosly why you don't see many of those in use? I was very dissapointed with it and didn't buy it, although I wish I had and just worked it over good, I'm betting it would have worked with a different velke.

[lawnpro724]

Not trying to be mean but do yourself a BIG favor. Buy a walk behind and walk behind it!! You will be much happier about how you feel and your appearance. This is a labor intensive business! I see all the time people who spend good money going to health clubs to work out and lose weight, maybe I should go in there and offer free work for anyone who wants to lose a few pounds. It wouldn't cost them a thing. Again I'm not trying to be mean and I hope things work out for you. If your serious about this then do yourself a favor and start walking and doing lite workouts now to prepare yourself. This is very hard and hot work I know you mentioned a ztr or tractor for yourself but I think you should go with a walk behind and do just that walk behind it.

[HenryB]

I'm 6'3, 250 lbs. and don't know if a wb with a velke will work properly with BIG people on them. My partner probably weighs close to 300. Is there anyone this size that can give some advice on what equipment is best, should we get the most hp available or does it effect it that much?
Other than the weight recomendations on the velke's. I know most are max. recommended 250lbs.:walking: Then again, maybee I should/need to walk. lol

Why is it everyone on this site claims to be 6"5" 300lbs? Is this Lawnsite or the NFL?:nono:

[C&K]

Why is it everyone on this site claims to be 6"5" 300lbs? Is this Lawnsite or the NFL?:nono:

I'm 6'3" and 252 pounds to be exact. Figured it was a legitimate question.

It seems now days most people are 200+ pounds once they reach their 30's.
I wouldn't make a claim that i'm in athletic shape...maybee 10-15 years ago, however I have put on an extra 35 pounds or so since I was in my prime.

Not afraid to do some walking...just wanted to make sure that if I do buy a wb that a velke would work if need be before I spent money on something I couldn't use.

Look at kids now days....they seem to be getting bigger every year!

Might name the biz big boy mowing. lol

[Vikings]

One of my guys is 6'9" 270lbs you should see how fast he walks. When I have him deliver flyers he is literally twice as fast as anyone else. But how would weight like that be on a sulkey if I got one? so I think this is a good topic. He does snow removal in runners with plastic bags on his feet. He says he can't find any size 17 boots.

[LB1234]

Not trying to be mean but do yourself a BIG favor. Buy a walk behind and walk behind it!! You will be much happier about how you feel and your appearance. This is a labor intensive business! I see all the time people who spend good money going to health clubs to work out and lose weight, maybe I should go in there and offer free work for anyone who wants to lose a few pounds. It wouldn't cost them a thing. Again I'm not trying to be mean and I hope things work out for you. If your serious about this then do yourself a favor and start walking and doing lite workouts now to prepare yourself. This is very hard and hot work I know you mentioned a ztr or tractor for yourself but I think you should go with a walk behind and do just that walk behind it.

Its very simple...

Its much faster with a sulky...its a walk behind NOT a run-behind. I'd add a few hours to my route every week if I walked with the WB. Only time we walk behind it is in hilly situations or when its wet and we HAVE to cut and want to do as little damage as possible.

I don't know...

work harder not smarter or work smarter not harder????

[lawnpro724]

Its very simple...

Its much faster with a sulky...its a walk behind NOT a run-behind. I'd add a few hours to my route every week if I walked with the WB. Only time we walk behind it is in hilly situations or when its wet and we HAVE to cut and want to do as little damage as possible.

I don't know...

work harder not smarter or work smarter not harder????

Yeah they do go fast and sulky's make mowing easier but if you weigh 250-300lbs I think you should be walking more than riding. I also dont think any of your customers would like ruts all over thier yards when those little wheels on a sulky sink into the ground when someone who weighs 300lbs is on them.

[d&rlawncare]

Im 6'0" weigh 230-245 depending on the week. Run 3 times a week and lift weight 3--4 times a week. Just because you weigh above 200 doesnt mean you NEED exercise.

dorian yates is 260 cut and 280 offseason. I dont think he needs to walk.

http://www.bodybuilders.com/dorian.htm

[C&K]

Yeah they do go fast and sulky's make mowing easier but if you weigh 250-300lbs I think you should be walking more than riding. I also dont think any of your customers would like ruts all over thier yards when those little wheels on a sulky sink into the ground when someone who weighs 300lbs is on them.

Ther rut advice and power or ability for the equipment to perform with someone my size was the question.
I see that this site is not just for mowing business and/or equipment advice. I wasn't asking for a medical evaluation.....I'm in fine health and pretty good shape. I walk (mostly) and stand 10-12 hours a day in current job and play with the kids when I come home.

I will probably get a small w/b 36" or so and use a z for the biggest part.
Thanks for ALL the advice.:walking:

[LB1234]

Yeah they do go fast and sulky's make mowing easier but if you weigh 250-300lbs I think you should be walking more than riding. I also dont think any of your customers would like ruts all over thier yards when those little wheels on a sulky sink into the ground when someone who weighs 300lbs is on them.


Perhaps you should be in the health care industry not the lawn care industry.

Are you speaking from personal experience about 300#'s on a sulky rutting the ground?

[ed2hess]

Perhaps you should be in the health care industry not the lawn care industry.

Are you speaking from personal experience about 300#'s on a sulky rutting the ground?

Are you saying that it wouldn't make big time ruts? I am throwing in wiht the idea that it not only will make ruts and keeping the front of the mower down will require more weight. Also hard to believe a belt drive would be adequate.