Here are the rest.

 

Looks like it's too wet to me. You can see where you lost traction and started sliding off.

 

Beautiful property! But I could not help but notice the central vac in your garage! I had a central vacuum in my last home and I loved it!

Back to the mower, I think you said you installed the mulch kit? I think the mulch kit will affect your cut. If you take off the mulch kit, you can get some gator blades and just side discharge. May leave a little bit of a mess, but you will get a better cut. These machines have a high blade tip speed and you are basically discharging dust after you cut it. I don't use a bagger or a mulch kit all summer, right now I am just using the stock fusion blades that came with the Hustler and they are working great! No clumping or debris on the lawn when I am done.I am cutting a little higher, but I always do when the heat turns on. Something to think about. Happy mowing!

 

Thanks, we love the central vac also. I cant even seem to find the right type of gator blades for the mower. It has 3 14.83" blades, and couldn't find anything on the Oregon site.

Also, in regards to last post, should I worry about ROPS and seat belt with my slope, especially with the wife. I'm hoping it doesn't rain in the next couple of days and I can test it out without the ground being wet. That way I will ge a better feel for it.

Still a bit perturbed that it isn't tracking straight and the manual is less than helpful about making the proper adjustments. Hopefully I can get it figured out.

 

I remember from your original post, that you said you had a few hills, but you really have some pretty serious slopes there! I would call your dealer or have him come out and explain your situation. He is willing to work with you, so take advantage of it. Safety is important and you certainly want to be safe and comfortable on your machine.

 

Dishiki,

You may want to think about the Hustler with the ROPS on those slopes of yours. If you ever start rolling backwards the tires can suddenly grab and send the mower over backwards. I really don't want to scare you but some of your slopes look a little steep.
The Gravely is a good mower though. I looked long and hard at them too.

Great pictures!! I had to go fix a glass of ice tea after seeing you pushing your mower up the slope by your driveway!!!:drinkup:

Keep us updated and good luck!!

 

I called the dealer and left him a message. I am 95% sure I am going to swap it out for the Hustler to see if there is a difference. At the very least I will have the ROPS, the back anti-flip wheels, and a seat belt which will provide both my wife and me with a little better sense of security.

Bluegrass, that was my neighbor doing his little strip. I usually do it for him. I have the rest of the hill, and it is a pain in the butt going up and down with a push mower. I typically go side to side.

Capemay, I know you have a heavier duty Hustler and mentioned that you don't use the mulching kit. I was thinking of bypassing it for the time being and just going with the stocks blades. Opinions on that? The RPM speed on the Hustler is faster than the Gravely I think (18000 to 17000). Not sure if that makes a difference. Will also be curious if have two 21 inch blades will make any difference that three 14 inch.

We'll see what the dealer says tomorrow. He said it'd be no problem to swap, but always get a little nervous when it comes to these situations.

 

I honestly think you need something a little more HD. You may want to consider a Fastrak 48", if your budget will let you. The Fastrak has Wider tires, ZT3100 hydro gear and a 22 hp Kawasaki engine. If you could spend a little more money, the Fastrakrak would certainly be a better choice. The Fastrak also has the ROPS. Now you will be dealing with a larger machine, so you would have to be comfortable on it. I would also ask your dealer what he honestly thinks about your situation. I just wonder how long the EZT tranny's will hold up with slopes!

There is also the Gravely ZT HD, but I don't know if that has the ROPS. Some people also opt for a walk behind when you get into slopes that may be a little dangerous for a rider. Safty is the key!!

 

Dishiki.....you've got a beautiful piece of property......one that needs a ROPS protection system. As you've already experienced, it doesn't take much moisture to make those banks & hills pretty slick. My .02

 

He needs a WB before he tears up all the sod trying to stay on the side of the hills. And wider tires is not going to help enough.