A Mower Project?  Why not?

As if you can't tell, from the last post on my other blog ( 2012 ) and my nearly complete lack of presence on other media.  ( yes, I've been on facebook since 2008, but with what like 3 posts maybe ) I don't do this a lot - be patient.

I have a section of really steep hill that I've planted grass on and like to keep mowed.  It used to be a collection of brambles, rocks and poison ivy, but finally cleaned it up a few years ago.

I used a string trimmer for a while, but afterwards it's like I've been running a food processor with the lid off.  I had grass and other odds and ends all over me.

I created the "4x4 Mower" which really isn't 4x4 or any drive at all, but it has cool wheels.

The idea is that it rolls easily over bumps and small holes, allows for a higher cut height, and mainly I don't get green stuff all over me.  The wheels are from Tractor Supply.  The axle diameter is identical, but I had to create extensions on the lathe to allow for the wider wheels, essentially threaded stand offs.  The mower has a new cut height of 5 inches.  The mower is a side of the road rescue unit.  It is on its third engine now.  I don't think the lubrication works well at steep angles ( more on that topic later ).

The hill is steep enough that it is best (read safe) to cut across it, back and forth, top to bottom.  It is tough on the ankles, but doable.  It is easily 45 degrees at some points, maybe more.

I've read about commercially available steep slope mowers, but they are many thousands of dollars.  Places like EvaTech and the now defunct (?) Summit Mowers have some examples.  A few robotic enterprises have also built or can build various versions to suit your wallet, eg. SuperDroidRobotics.

The pictures are detailed enough to get a general idea of what they did.  It seems simple enough.  A frame, wheels, electric motors, radio control, drive mechanism, and a gas powered mower deck.  How hard can this be?

I really like the rubber tracked versions, but treads are about $600 a pair.  Maybe I could find a used pair, but drive is also pretty involved.  Maybe Gen 2.

Enter the 6x6...  a 4x4 is slightly easier, but the wheelbase would end up rather long and the possibility of high centering or scalping the grass is very high.  6 wheels makes more sense with minimal added complexity.

Off to think on this some more...