Jungle Wheels or Proslide?

[Scag48]

Need a little help. I'm trying to decide between Jungle Jim's Jungle Wheels or a Proslide. The Jungle Wheels are already on the Exmark that I'm going to be buying (hopefully ;) ) but I don't think that the dealer will just give them to me. He might let me have the Jungle Wheels for half price or something, since they are already mounted on there. The reason that I want a Proslide is that I won't have to take it off on the smaller lawns. I've got some where I'll need a velke and some where I don't and even though it doesn't take long to take the Jungle Wheels off, it's still an inconvenience. Another thing is backing off the trailer. I'm getting a 5X10 so I won't have to go very far, but they still jacknife. Pros and Cons for both. I want to hear both sides. Thanks guys!

[KDJ]

I use a Jungle Wheel. Well built and easy to remove if needed.

[ProMo]

no need to remove the pro slide it folds out of the way works great on small lawns and soft ground doesnt leave ruts some say it slows the mower down but it never has slowed mine down i had it on a 13hp honda and fixing to put it on my exmark

[Floridalandcare]

With the jungle wheels get a piece of cable that attaches to the handles with a hook on it . After you load the mower on the trailor pull the Jungle Wheels up and hook them on then cable .There-for yo can pull the w/b off the trailor without jack-kniving the machine ,unhook the wheels and start cutting . The Jungle Jim Velke usually comes with this attachment.

[Scag48]

Floridalandcare-That's a good idea! I'll see if I can get the dealer to include the Jungle wheels with the mower. I would like a Proslide, but if the Jungle Wheels comes with it, I'll just take that. What kind of attachment are you talking about that comes with the velke? Do they give you a hook thing or something of that nature? Thanks!

[LAWNGODFATHER]

First off let me correct you all.

Velke is a registared trademark of Wright mfg for the 1 and 2 wheeled Velke. Don't confuse this with the Junk Wheels that Jungle Jim makes.

Second Jungle Wheels come with a braided cable, hook and hardware to put on mower, if it doesn't "TELL" your dealer to find it.

Third, IS this your 3 or fourth post about this subject on the same products?

Fourth "Velke" wheels will fold up out of the way when you hook then up and can mow with them in the up position, unlike one of the other products you are inquiring about. Take just as long to hook them up, and unhook tham as the proslide to rise and put back down.

Pro's and Con's

Pro slide cannot be driven on pavement if you want them to last.

Velke can be hooked in the up position and still mow.

Jungle wheels do not spin all the way around, and the bushings sapport your weight and do wear out fast with daily grease.

JW you cannot put up and still mow.

None of these rut anymore than the mower will do on it's own.

[Scag48]

LGF-Thanks for clearing that up and correcting me about the velke. I suppose I have a decision to make within a week.

[LAWNGODFATHER]

Hows that 118 doing?

There are times I wish I still had my 117.

BTW GrassyFras got a Velke II for his TTHP36" for x-mas. He loves it. I put it on for him.

[Scag48]

Heh, I wish I could get rid of it! I've got a plan for it....

I took a look at Velkes and Jungle Wheels websites. I like the 1 wheel velkes because they won't jacknife, just spin all the way around. It just comes down to price now. I'm not looking to spend a whole lot. Already looking for a trailer and trimmer racks, blower rack, and other items. Looking at the Trimmer mate from Jungle Jim becuase I only carry 1 trimmer. Going to get the Blower Mate too. It's on sale for like $35 and the trimmer mate is $50. I can get all set up for less than $100, which is great, since I had planned on paying about $300 or so to get setup from Trimmer Trap.

[LAWNGODFATHER]

The 2 wheeled Velke pivots all the way around just like the 1 wheel one does.

Matter of fact it is the same arm as the 1 wheeled one.

They just added another pivot point so the wheels will follow the contour of the ground.

Also there are 2 ways to put the Velke II wheels up.

One is just hang them up, like the 1 wheeled one.

The other is you grab the upper part that your feet go in and swing them up so that part is still facing you. This makes about a 8" difference in the length of your mower when doing this.

This is also explained in the manual when you buy them.

[greenman]

I have a sulky on my wb. I don't know the brand. Can't remember the name on it. It is 2 wheeled, black in color, the wheels are the same width as the mower wheels ,follow the sames lines. I use a chain to hang mine up so I can get off the trailer.

[MOW ED]

The Proslide stripes well, backs up easy and it doesn't get flats. We have one on the Toro WB. I never used a Velky or sulky or jungle wheels. I do know that my trailer is tight and the proslide folds right up under the handles, taking zero room. I don't think a wheeled unit can do that. I am not dirtin wheeled units, just tellin you my experiences with the Proslide. I personally would buy another. Good Luck

[Tony Harrell]

I've got jungle wheels on my WB and love'em. I've never even seen a proslide on an actual mower, and I get around a lot on my day job. Everyone I see uses the one wheeled Velky or Jungle Wheels. There's a lot I haven't seen btw, like Howard Price mowers on the job. Guess those are just the popular wheels around here. I bought mine used and the hang up kit was not with them so I went to tractor supply and bought some aircraft cable and the ferrules to crimp them with, and put a D ring to hook up with. Same thing as the lanyard kit from trimmer trap but less expensive. I'm a big guy but haven't had a problem with the bushings yet. They're only a couple of bucks if I ever do have to relace them.

[Cutter1]

I have the one wheeled velies on my WB's. I would go with the two wheeled ones from now on. THey leave that line in the middle of the cut and that annoys me. THeyt have been good, I would definetly go with a velkie instead of Jungle wheels. THe one wheeled one does dig in sometimes when you back it up in a yard and flips around the whole way. They all have there pros and cons, just buy one!!!! They help so much......1. time, 2.easier on you!!!

[Doc Pete]

Originally posted by LAWNGODFATHER
First off let me correct you all.

Velke is a registared trademark of Wright mfg for the 1 and 2 wheeled Velke. Don't confuse this with the Junk Wheels that Jungle Jim makes.

Jungle wheels do not spin all the way around, and the bushings sapport your weight and do wear out fast with daily grease.

Maybe where you are, the word "Velky" needs clarification. However, in most of the rest
of the country “Velky” is a generic name, at least with professional landscapers. Just to let you know…
Also, having owned both Jungle wheels and Velkys, both have “Oilite bronze bearings, approximately the same size, and both wear about the same. In addition, I prefer the adjustable arm of the Jungle wheels, instead being forced to buy a different arm for different mowers, which is required with a Velky. Next, the tires on the Jungle wheels are a tad bigger and offer a slightly better ride than the Velky counterpart. And though the Jungle wheels may be junk, their "JunK" seems to hold up as well as the "other" guy's junk.
Finally, in this day and age, the need for the Velky to spin completely around and under the arm, IMO, is rather outdated, especially with the arrival of fixed castored type Velkies and WB hydros. IOW, if the true professional really wants to make money, a castored Velky, which allows full reverse mowing and real zero turns, is the only product to buy for a Hydro WB. And. of course a hydro WB is what the real professional should already be using.

[Alanky]

I have Jungle Wheels on both of my W/B's and love them! It takes some getting used to, but I can back mine up without jack knifing pretty good. I also prefer the adjustable arm on the Jungle wheels. I have used Velke, but now they just sit in my shed collecting dust. Both are good sulky's, but I just like the Jungle Wheels more. If I was you I would not use that little cable that the Jungle Wheels come with, It will eventually break. I used a 3/8in chain for mine (over kill! I know, but thats what I had laying around ;) ) and the mower will probably break before that chain does. LOL

[SCAPEASAURUSREX]

hey Dont you guys get TURF mag.. ??

I wrote a whole thing on Proslide and Gridiron rack systems..

Go to their web site at www.novaecorp.com and check them out before you waste your money... Their racks will enable you to only get what you need .. you need for only one trimmer and blower , you can do it and then they give you rthe flexaility to add a seconed or a third trimmer to the existing rack... Check it out....

[Wright Mfg]

Originally posted by Switchless@aol.com
"Maybe where you are, the word "Velky" needs clarification. However, in most of the rest
of the country “Velky” is a generic name, at least with professional landscapers. Just to let you know…"


Switchless: It's Velke not Velky. Just to let YOU know.


Originally posted by Switchless@aol.com
"Finally, in this day and age, the need for the Velky to spin completely around and under the arm, IMO, is rather outdated, especially with the arrival of fixed castored type Velkies and WB hydros. IOW, if the true professional really wants to make money, a castored Velky, which allows full reverse mowing and real zero turns, is the only product to buy for a Hydro WB. And. of course a hydro WB is what the real professional should already be using."


and just to let you know........the Velke "does" REAL zero turns and will out maneuver any caster type Sulky at full speeds because of much less centrifugal force and much less tendency to hit things. As for reverse....If you're good..like me :-)... you can reverse as quickly as the caster type...and even if you can't , it's a small (reverse only) disadvantage compared to the many (forward) advantages.

Thanks for sticking up for the Velke LawnGodFather.


Jim Velke
Wright Manufacturing, Inc.

[lawnkid]

Hey SCAPEASAURUSREX, I get Turf and i read those articles on Talkin bout my Gear all the time. I enjoyed your article. Do you own any Lesco equipment? just wondering cause you gave them a good word too?

[Doc Pete]

Originally posted by Wright Mfg
[, and just to let you know........the Velke "does" REAL zero turns
Jim Velke
Wright Manufacturing, Inc. [/B]

Well OK, if you say so. I'm just glad it's you suggesting that instead of me. And, I really, really want to see that. For me, in a real no turf marring zero turn, my castors wheels turn about 110 degrees, or a bit past 90 degrees.
So, besides that I'm getting a bit too old to let my feet turn over 90 degrees to my body, one mistake at the wrong moment with too much reverse on of the wheels, will instantly break my angle as the "one wheeler" turn backs on itself and my ankle gets caught under the main arm. And, then there's the times I actually mow backward to keep the grass out the flower beds, but that's another story.
I'll just wait to see that video on how you do it........
Thanks,
Pete

[Scag48]

Well, I sold my Proline 118 today. Picking up the Exmark Turf Tracer on friday. I think I'm going to just get the Jungle Jim's that is on there and save myself some time trying to find something. They all have disadvantages, so I'll just buy one. Thanks for the input guys.

[ProMo]

I have slid on my proslide for many miles on and off cement in 3 1/2 years and have only worn out 1 plastic plate due to a tear from my old trailer and have yet to find any disadvantages

[FrankenScagMachines]

Glad you got it worked out. Congrats on the new mower! Maybe the ride would be alittle smoother and the "ruts" alittle less evident if you lowered the tire pressure on the sulky.
If I may add this, around here, a Velke is just the one made by Wright Mfg. A sulky is what we call a ride on attachment for walk behind mowers. Sulky is general, Velke is specific. Get it?!? That's the way it should be. I've never once seen a Proslide around here (or at all for that matter!). They sound like they could be good if you don't have alot of turns and backing up and going over hard, abrasive surfaces.
Hope you like the new mower and Jungle Jim (the mower is brand new isn't it? ) Is the mower a hydro or gear?
Good luck,
Eric

[dlandscaping]

Congrats on selling that toro. How much did you get for it.
The mower is slightly used demo and a hydro with floating deck for whoever asked.

[Scag48]

$2500 :rolleyes: I wanted $4,000. But I got a 2 year contract with the customer that I hadn't anticipated on so that will make up the $1,500 that I didn't get for the mower over 2 years. I won't be making $35 an hour but this was the only person that would buy the damn thing. I'm gonna be getting the other lawns done alot faster and that's what I'm looking for.

[LAWNGODFATHER]

Originally posted by Wright Mfg
Jim Velke
Wright Manufacturing, Inc.

AlanKY watched me drive around the course that was set up at the Flex-Deck booth with the FD on at the expo in reverse on my "VELKE", any one says you cannot back up or use reverse is a liar!!! I can prove them wrong.

BTW I ran a castoring type sulke and on an ECS TT 52" and it seemed to struggle when it needed to ZTR (we will call it). Howver it wasn't bad.

But the Velke can swing out of the way of obsticle you cannot with most of the other brands.

Hey buy what you want. I don't want to hear I told you so.

[marley]

Personaly I find that velke / single wheel style sulkys get wobbly and rickity after a while. The jungle jim's style ones get pretty squirely over bumpy terrain. I like the 2x2 that trimmer trap makes. I am suprised no one has metioned it. You can choose fixed or swiveling casters on the same sulky. They are bulit way more solidly than than jj or velke. They are about $150 more than a jj or velke but it is so much nicer to ride and safer.

[Scag48]

$450 for a sulky?! That'll be half of what I pay for my trailer. I'm not going to spend that much. I'm going the cheap way out...

[marley]

No there not $450.More like $369 with tax. I guess I should have said "a little more expensive"

[LAWNGODFATHER]

Originally posted by Scag48
I'm going the cheap way out...

Do you pay taxes?

It is a tax deduction!!!!!!!!!!!!

Cheap buy a crapsman tractor!!!!

marley isn't that the Bronco Rider? That was what was on the 52" I was using, the Trimmer Trap one.

Not bad but the platform seemed a little small, and I couldn't rest one of my feet any other place but on the platform. However it wasn't to bad. I did try both the stay behind and the swivel, and found the stay behind was better, but I still love my Velke's.

[Phishook]

Originally posted by Switchless@aol.com


. And. of course a hydro WB is what the real professional should already be using.

Sorry, I still use a belt driven WB, and I walk.

[Doc Pete]

Originally posted by LAWNGODFATHER


AlanKY watched me drive around the course that was set up at the Flex-Deck booth with the FD on at the expo in reverse on my "VELKE", any one says you cannot back up or use reverse is a liar!!! I can prove them wrong.

Well, if you gonna talk about mowing 15 mph forward, then lets talk about mowing 4/5 mph in reverse, too. If indeed you can mow backwards with a Velke, I will bet the farm it's impossible on a lawn at 4 mph. And, if it can be done, again, I will eat crow if you can do it at 4 mph. Regardless, the amount of danger involved mowing backwards at speed with a Velke, is not worth the effort, just to prove a point. Not to ***** but, I just don't believe you can do it at speed.
Pete

[SCAPEASAURUSREX]

Thanks....

yeah I have Lesco Equipment, and plan on having more and more.. Mostly as you read in the article for the phenominal support that they give me.. I currently have a 48" walk behind, had a 36" but gave it to my Bro in law cause he really needed it, and it was my backup... I have a few sprayers from Lesco. Use only Lesco chemicals and ferts, etc.. And am now starting to use the Kawi Trimmers they sell at Lesco... I am thinking of trading up my 36" scag belt for a new Lesco 36" hydro ?? Not sure what to do about tht yet, cause money is really tight as I am sure it is with all of us this year .... Anyway, thanks for the comment about my article , first time I did that , thanks...

[Wright Mfg]

Let me be clear here. I don't expect everyone to be able to ride the velke like I can. You should step off and let it rotate 180 degrees out of your way when going in reverse if you can't safely back up while standing on it.

Casters?
So how many of you guys have castering wheels under your equipment trailers so you can back up easier? LOL

Don't you think we would make a caster type Velke if we thought it was even close to being as good? After all, there are no patents that keep us from doing it. As a matter of fact one of our first prototypes was a caster type but we scraped it.

Well...enough of that....buy what you want.... I just found this whole topic interesting for obvious reasons.


Peace,
Jim Velke

[Cut 2 Please]

All I have ever used is the one wheeled velke. Yes, I do see the danger and have come close to breaking an ankle many times. I have decided that when I go to back up I will step off and walk backwards. It is to hard to mow with a broken ankle to risk it. I thought the caster wheel idea was neat but in tight areas I just can't see where it would be as manuverable. I believe if I was going to try anything else it would have to be the Pro-Slide. It looks neat and the concept it great. I like the fact that it folds up by itself when you step off of it. I have several properties where I think that would be a real time saver. I just don't know anyone around here that has one I can try out and we don't have any dealers for them either. I guess I will just have to stick with my velke for now. I think it offers more than the others.

[Doc Pete]

Originally posted by Wright Mfg

Don't you think we would make a caster type Velke if we thought it was even close to being as good? After all, there are no patents that keep us from doing it. As a matter of fact one of our first prototypes was a caster type but we scraped it.
Peace,
Jim Velke

As I've emailed you, I think your ideas are far ahead of the pack. And, since we all have different preferences, I won't attempt browbeat you into making a castored Velke. However, I will say that listening to you and much of the other talk. IMO, one reason the castor style doesn't fit you is "how you mow", rather than a poor idea.
FWIW, I spent a few years with your Velke, then a two wheeler, and now a bullrider. Each one requires a different style to reveal their advantages. In the end, the bullrider (castored) by far is the most productive product for me.
But, what needs mentioning is that if it was not for my using it on a Hustler WB, instead of any other WB, I'd agree with you.
Hope this helps clarify my thoughts.
Pete

[Wright Mfg]

Switchless-
I know you're sold on the Hustler T-bar, but one reason the velke may not be as well suited for the T-bar controls is that you don't have a solid grip on the mower like you do others because the bars move. Much like if you were to drive your truck over bumby ground with the heal of your right foot not touching the floorboard. It would be difficult to keep from hitting or letting off of the gas as you hit bumps because you need a referance point.

I can say more about this subject but it has a lot to do with the mowers limitations which I will not discuss here.

JV

[LAWNGODFATHER]

Originally posted by Switchless@aol.com


Well, if you gonna talk about mowing 15 mph forward, then lets talk about mowing 4/5 mph in reverse, too. If indeed you can mow backwards with a Velke, I will bet the farm it's impossible on a lawn at 4 mph. And, if it can be done, again, I will eat crow if you can do it at 4 mph. Regardless, the amount of danger involved mowing backwards at speed with a Velke, is not worth the effort, just to prove a point. Not to ***** but, I just don't believe you can do it at speed.
Pete

What in tarnations are you talking about know, what friggin'
Wb goes 4mph in reverse?

On a ZTR I can mow in reverse.

I said back up, to many coment that you cannot back up on a Velke.

Just like a trailor. You have to steer it.

[LAWNGODFATHER]

Originally posted by Cut 2 Please
All I have ever used is the one wheeled velke. Yes, I do see the danger and have come close to breaking an ankle many times. I have decided that when I go to back up I will step off and walk backwards. It is to hard to mow with a broken ankle to risk it. I thought the caster wheel idea was neat but in tight areas I just can't see where it would be as manuverable. I believe if I was going to try anything else it would have to be the Pro-Slide. It looks neat and the concept it great. I like the fact that it folds up by itself when you step off of it. I have several properties where I think that would be a real time saver. I just don't know anyone around here that has one I can try out and we don't have any dealers for them either. I guess I will just have to stick with my velke for now. I think it offers more than the others.

I have come close also, but that was when I was a beginner on them. But you can break you ankle walking too.

[Cut 2 Please]

LAWNGODFATHER
I do have a good bit of experiance with a velke, about 5 years. I can back it up and do fairly well backing it if I take my time. However, I find myself getting in a hurry or should I say getting careless and trying to do things to fast and that is when I have had my close calls. I have just gotten myself in the habbit of stepping off to back up. Just for safety. Probably more as a stupidity check for myself. I am a threat to do something stupid at any moment. Don't believe it just follow me around for a few min.
I still want to try a Pro-Slide. The thing just looks fun to ride. I might be wrong but I do want to try it. Maybe one day I will get the chance to. The Velke is fun also but it is a pain having to stop and chain it up in tight areas and then unchain it in the open areas. I want to see in person how well the Pro-Slide retracts on it's own. That really seems like a nice feature to me.

[Doc Pete]

Originally posted by LAWNGODFATHER


What in tarnations are you talking about know, what friggin'
Wb goes 4mph in reverse?

On a ZTR I can mow in reverse..

See that:D I fee much better now. FYI, my WB does 4 in reverse and 9.5 foward (checked). Most ZTR's say 10, but with soft tires, they're about 9.5, too.

Pete

[Doc Pete]

Originally posted by Cut 2 Please
I still want to try a Pro-Slide.

I'd actually take my chances with the Velke, or of course a castor style. I'd just feel nervous with a proslide, backing up. I'd be afraid it would catch the back part in a dip, and bend in half. FWIW, I did have a proslide, and I found it hard on the wheel motors to turn. You have to remember it slides on the ground and some ground that's not wet, but has nice grass. has a lot of drag.
Pete

[LAWNGODFATHER]

Originally posted by Switchless@aol.com
I'd just feel nervous with a proslide, backing up. I'd be afraid it would catch the back part in a dip, and bend in half. FWIW, I did have a proslide.
Pete

So you had one? Was your the only one they made that did not retract? Was it a speacial one? Was it missing a switch?

Remember when you need to back up, you step off of it so it can retract, nothing to be nervous about.

I'll leave the rest of my comments to you off of here.

[Doc Pete]

Originally posted by LAWNGODFATHER


So you had one? Was your the only one they made that did not retract? Was it a speacial one? Was it missing a switch?

Remember when you need to back up, you step off of it so it can retract, nothing to be nervous about.

I'll leave the rest of my comments to you off of here.

I'm starting to see why you and have difficulty. I think I mow differently than most guy's. I guess since I'm part time, I don't dilly/dally. All this stepping off, and backing up and whatever, I don't do. If I'm mowing, I'm mowin'. My zero turns are all one non-stop motion, which looks like I'm skating on ice. Backwards mowing is all part of how I mow.
Probably if I was using a rider, I'd mow just the rest of you guy's.
Pete

[LAWNGODFATHER]

You said you are running Hustler WB's?

Who said they step off?

Who said they dilly daily?

Who said they back up all the time. I was refering to people say it can't be done with a Velke.

Read, comprehend, don't put words in my mouth.

[Doc Pete]

Originally posted by LAWNGODFATHER
You said you are running Hustler WB's?

Who said they step off?

Who said they dilly daily?

Who said they back up all the time. I was refering to people say it can't be done with a Velke.

Read, comprehend, don't put words in my mouth.

You're absolutely right. How stupid of me.......