SuperSlopeMaster® Frequently Asked Questions:
SuperSlopeMaster SSM38-72D
Tough - will cut concrete block and steel rods
What makes the SuperSlopeMaster™ unique in the marketplace?
The SuperSlopeMaster’s ability to operate safely on slopes of up to 40°, particularly in rough terrain, sets it apart from other mowers. The 38 HP Yanmar diesel engine provides exceptional power. The skid steer design allows the mower to operate on extremely steep slopes.The unique “clamshell” cutter assembly and three 3/8” thick alloy steel flat blades offer the best performance for rough cutting, when power and speed are important. Other high lift blades are used for finished mowing.
What features are designed into the SuperSlopeMaster™ to make it safe to operate on steep slopes?
The SuperSlopeMaster™ is engineered for practical and safe operation on steep slopes with an extra-wide wheel base and dual wheels for stability. This unique steep slope mower is designed with an extremely low center of gravity, tip-up protection, a special cockpit, and a tilting seat with restraining arms and seat belt. The operator is seated low to the ground at the extreme rear of the machine to assure his safety, should a quick exit from the equipment be required for any reason.
The skid steer propulsion system is designed so that the right and left levers operate the two hydraulic propulsion systems. When the levers are released by the operator, they automatically return to neutral, braking the machine so that it stops in approximately 3 feet, to keep the operator out of the blades.
How does the SuperSlopeMaster™ “Zero Turn Radius” steering assist with mowing efficiency?
The SuperSlopeMaster™ is equipped with independently controlled hand-activated directional control levers for direct drive wheel steering. Since one set of drive wheels can be rotated forward while the other set of drive wheels is reversed, the machine can turn within its footprint without leaving the slope.
What is the AP (All Purpose) Option Package?
The AP option provides for a narrower version of the SuperSlopeMaster™ with single 31" x 15.5-15" tires on each side. The overall width is reduced from 92" to 75" allowing it to maneuver through gates and other narrow areas. With this option mowing is limited to 31° slopes, and the larger diameter wheels provide for up to 10.5 mph ground speeds. Also the nerf bars that are included with the SSM38 are removed with the AP package option to provide the 75" overall width.
How has the SuperSlopeMaster™ been designed for low maintenance?
A mechanic can look at this machine and understand how it operates. All of its components are placed so that maintenance personnel can get to them easily.
Kut Kwick designed and built the first hydraulically operated commercial mower in 1968. As a recognized leader in the mower marketplace, Kut Kwick has more than 40 years of experience designing and manufacturing commercial mowers. The SuperSlopeMaster™ is a state of the art hydraulic mower that was specifically engineered for long life and low maintenance, as evidenced by the cutter deck drive design. It offers a highly efficient hydraulic drive system with a pump driven directly by the engine, providing maximum efficiency of operation while minimizing maintenance requirements. The deck drive motor is a heavy duty unit which incorporates extra heavy bearings and housing. This drive system delivers maximum horsepower to the blades, yet protects the components through its special shock absorbing drive system.
How safe is the SuperSlopeMaster™?
The California O.S.H.A. has some of the strictest safety standards in the country. After testing Kut Kwick’s SuperSlopeMaster™, theywrote the following report:
“… The mower had adequate control with its low center of gravity (and) was very effective in accomplishing the mowing on steep slopes. The machine appeared to meet the California/O.S.H.A. requirements and the drive belts and power take-off were adequately guarded. The machine appears to be well constructed and appears to meet all applicable California/O.S.H.A. requirements.”
Why does the SuperSlopeMaster™ stop erosion whereas other machines cause erosion?
The SuperSlopeMaster™ is designed to cut across slopes, not up and down slopes. The ground disturbance that occurs when cutting across slope results in horizontal ridges called "terracing". "Terracing" stops erosion whereas up and down or "vertical" lines of ground disturbance cause erosion. Low center of gravity tractors and other types of mowing machines mow up and down the slope causing erosion.
revised 11/20/06