slope mowers Cancel The title field is required!

1. James Smith

   

   112 posts
   
   6/13/2017 8:06 AM

   What units are ya'll using for mowing your slopes?
   
   We have been using a Toro 3100 D for the last 17 years but to be honest I have had a lot of issues with the frame the whole time and I am looking at other options now. most of my larger areas are cut with my pull behind Gravely but I still need something that can mow around my bunkers and in between the bunkers and the greens.

   
   
   
   
2. Frank McQuiggan

   

   2 posts
   
   6/14/2017 4:06 AM

   We use a LASTEC 3682 for all those areas. It does a good job and very easy on maintenance.

   
   
   
   
3. Steve Datwyler

   

   2 posts
   
   6/21/2017 10:06 PM

   Try a Ventrac with a contour deck. The great thing about the Ventrac is the number of other implements that can be used in addition to the mowing decks. They are great on slopes.

   
   
   
   
4. Michael Wagner

   

   0 posts
   
   6/23/2017 9:06 AM

   Steve Datwyler said: Try a Ventrac with a contour deck. The great thing about the Ventrac is the number of other implements that can be used in addition to the mowing decks. They are great on slopes.

   
   
   I was thinking the same thing. Especially if there are extremely steep slopes and even extremely wet spots. The ventrac is above and beyond any other mower for that type of terrain if you get the dual wheels. It is rated for 30 degree slope when mowing across but I personally have seen one mow 38 degree slope going straight up and down the slope, not across it, and if operated carefully I'm sure it could go a little more.

   
   
   
   
5. Melvin Waldron

   

   43 posts
   
   6/24/2017 11:06 AM

   We just demoed a Ventrec with a Contour deck a couple of weeks ago. Mowing fescue (mainly with everything else mixed it) at 2" and we liked the appearance of the mowed turf. Didn't really get any stripping worked in.
   
   Our concerns were mostly how would this mower hold up over the long haul. We tend to hold on to equipment too long and we thought there were a lot of moving pieces on the mower and more importantly the deck. One of our other courses has an old (approximately 15+ years old) Sidewinder with over 6,000 hours on it and it is still going strong. It has had it's decks replaced once though.
   
   Have to agree it would work best on slopes from what I've seen, we just don't have that degree of slopes.
   
   Mel

   
   Melvin H. Waldron III, CGCS, Horton Smith Golf Course, City of Springfield/Greene County MO
   
   
6. Michael Wagner

   

   0 posts
   
   6/24/2017 2:06 PM

   Melvin Waldron, CGCS said:
   
   Our concerns were mostly how would this mower hold up over the long haul. We tend to hold on to equipment too long and we thought there were a lot of moving pieces on the mower and more importantly the deck. One of our other courses has an old (approximately 15+ years old) Sidewinder with over 6,000 hours on it and it is still going strong. It has had it's decks replaced once though.
   
   Mel

   
   
   I can attest to that also. The contour deck for the ventrac requires a lot of maintenance. We had issues with the rollers on ours. Also I agree with the sidewinder. Great machine but not as good on slopes or wet spots. I guess it depends on what you need it for. I'm on a pretty flat course now and would much rather have a sidewinder vs the ventrac. The course I used to be on was very hilly and wet areas all over and loved the ventrac there. We had only about 3000 hours on it though when I left so I cannot attest to its over all longevity.

   
   
   
   
7. James Smith

   

   112 posts
   
   6/26/2017 1:06 PM

   You know I currently have the 2000 sidewinder with the reel-mowing reels on it. wish it had the rotaries on it though. my biggest issue has been the frame has broken on it several times already. it seems like the unit has too much weakness between the front wheel frame section and the rear unit. the flex is incredible. I have welded 1/2 steel plating to it and eventually even that has broken. I am about to redo it again but this time I will use even more steel and limit the slide part of the reels from going out the left side since this is the area where the frame always breaks on us. this may allow me to get another 3-5 years out of it though.

   
   
   
   
8. Tyler Mario

   

   0 posts
   
   7/18/2017 7:07 PM

   The frame cracked on our 1999 3100d, we have a 2006 3500d sidewinder for banks it has been bullet proof.
   I would strongly recommend the 3500d.

   
   
   
   
9. Graham Kornmeyer

   

   0 posts
   
   7/19/2017 6:07 AM

   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlTqxoTbN48
   
   I got one of these last year, I'm now in the market for two more.

   
   
   
   
10. Michael Hummel

    

    0 posts
    
    7/19/2017 7:07 AM

    You may want to consider an AR-3 or AR 5 .. Very solid machines and the brand is much better under the Textron Golf umbrella.
    
    I would also consider Trimax.. For big areas there really is not anything to compare..

    
    
    
    
11. Michael Sullivan

    

    5 posts
    
    7/19/2017 8:07 AM

    Purchased a Ventrac with Several attachments a few years ago. Mower Deck, Buffalo Blower, Trencher, plow and wood chipper. Very happy with all. This spring I purchased the Aeravator with seeder box.
    Unit can be used with dual tires (8 all together) or with 4.
    Very happy
    
    Michael Sullivan
    Brennan Golf
    Stamford CT