I have been following you for years! I just saw this video… I have been dealing with a crazy slope for years and just thought it is what it is. Can’t wait for the grass to dry out enough to try this. Thanks Ron - Gwinnett is Great!
I have about the same slope on my front and I have been hesitant to try a reel mower. Thanks, Good tips. I use the diagonal method now with my rotary mower. I rotate the angles pretty often, too.
Been researching upgrading to a reel mower but concerned about my front yard which is long and sloped comparable to your. So this has been real informative except now I have even more issues to consider!
No problem at all Richard. If you'd like to see how I mow a slope, you can see it done here. Hope it's useful: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-vLpoqhtDkmY.html For a video specific to the Greensmaster, there's this one: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-2oBX4nN28oo.html
Thank you for sharing this. I live in the TX hill country and trying to decide what to get to cut a lawn that's on a pretty steep hill with bolders here and there. I think I'm too small to control a gas engine mover on it and i think even a push reel one after seeing this. Appreciate your video. You probably saved me from an accident. I almost got a push reel for it.
I find that applying sand every year to my slight incline front yard..really keeps the grass with a foundation to grow on..amazing the amount of soil that gets taken down every year.
I totally agree with this. I spot sand my front lawn every year. There are certain areas that wear down so I like to build them back up with sand to maintain a smooth appearance.
In my part of Texas, Neil Sperry is the man with the answers. He recommends mowing in a different direction every time you mow so the grass doesn't learn to lay one way. However, I think that is more true for the general public that uses rotary mowers. I think when using a reel mower, that rule doesn't apply. I like your ideas and philosophy and the results in your yard are proof positive. I use a TruCut and my neighbors hate me. Ha.
Thanks Bob. For flat sections of the lawn, switching it up definitely makes sense. For a slope o get the beat results from more even weight distribution. 👍😎 thanks for watching.
Don’t use a ZTR! I scalped the crap out of my yard. Even going up and down with it. I’m sticking with my reel! It’s a great workout and now that jiu jitsu is on hold from Covid I need the extra activity. Thanks for the content Ron.
Good to know! ZTR is convenient but with how heavy they are, you really need to be careful on slopes because like you said, scalping a serious problem. Thanks for being a viewer Jay. Glad that you're getting value from the content. Much appreciated.👍😎
Glad it was helpful lawn shark. I have a video coming out soon that covers mowing a slope with a greensmower. Couple more tips that you might find useful. Stay tuned!
I have a TC 20” and getting wheel ruts on my trim pass. Nothing in the middle as I change directions. Any way to prevent this other than sanding once a year? Thanks!
Hey Ron, how does the new Revolution perform on your front slope? My slope is a little steeper than yours and I have a TruCut C25, but even if I cut at an angle the weight distribution is poor. However, it’s the only mower I’ve found that can summit the slope. Could you elaborate how the Revolution did? I’d like to order one before the pre-sale ends, but the slope is a big question mark. Thanks!
Hi William. Nope I've never owned a rotary mower since living here. Mowing diagonally is how I would probably approach mower the front lawn even with a rotary since it keeps the weight more evenly distributed as you go up and down the slope.
Scott Musgrave yes I have. The hill has been fully too dressed twice and has had numerous spot dressings. It’s pretty challenging to do because during rain the sand wants to settle at the bottom. I’ve found it best to do a little at a time over time. That gives time for the grass to grow back in and hold onto the sand.
Hi Ron! My yard is a lot of slopes going different directions. I used the Tru Cut for the first time last night and pretty much scalped many parts of the front yard. (Zeon Zoysia) Ouch! Plus 90°+ days. Not good, Ron! I'm giving it extra water today and it may rain. You know what doesn't help? When the sales guy says that lowering the selector handle heightens the cut and it's just the opposite!!! So when I thought I was raising the cut I actually lowered it even more!! So all that to ask, now what? What can I do to help my zoysia recover as quickly as possible. Wish I could send you pics!! Also, I had lots of choppy lines like the mower was bouncing. (?) HELP! Oh! And those thumb buttons ~ definitely spaced for man sized hands. Ouch! My poor thumbs/ hands were so sore! I need to figure out a solution for that issue, too. Lots of learning last night! 😊
Hi Sheril. I'm sorry that the sales guy gave you bad info. The closer the height of cut handle is to you the higher the height of cut. Moving it forward, lowers it. As far as advice, I'd recommend that we raise it up to where you're not getting scalping. Once you're mowing a slope, you really have to mow a bit higher and focus on keeping the mower as flat as possible to get a good result. The Zeon Zoysia will bounce back. Might take a few weeks, but it will recover. Let's raise the height of cut to where the mower is barely taking anything off. The controls do take some getting used to. My thumbs used to be really sore too when I first starting using it. After a while you'll get used to it and it won't be nearly as bad. Will just take a bit of time. All part of the process. Let me know if I can help with anything else. It will be ok. The grass will come back. 👍😎
@@RonHenry That's what I keep telling my husband! Lol! Thanks, Ron! It's grass, it'll grow back. In the mean time should I refrain from using Weed Stop or Simple Lawn Solutions liquid? Thanks again, for the response and all the info!
Of the 2 the Lawn Solutions Liquid would be ok since it's basically liquid fertilizer. It will give the lawn a slight nitrogen boost which will encourage growth.
Yep. I’m in northeast GA. Gainesville area. The same process we are doing in Alex’s should work for yours as well. What kind of issues are you having with the lawn?
Heya Keith. Mine just came with it? I didn't purchase aftermarket. The dealer where I got my mower (and who does the service) should be able to get you one though. Keystone Rental in Duluth, GA. (770) 476-2999. Tell Pat or Dan that Ron sent you. 👍
Hi Matt. I just try to keep the mower as flat as possible so that it follows the contours as closely as I can. The ends up requiring a few passes in the highly angled areas to get the best result. Hope this helps. 😎👍
Really Narly? Maybe it's the angle. It's actually a fairly steep grade. Not so steep that you can't walk up it but steep enough that you need to consider how you mow it so you don't damage the turf.
