I've never owned a riding mower, but I've done a lot of work underneath cars and trucks over the years. I am sure there a better (and safer) ways to gain access to the underside of a riding mower than trying to turn it on it's side. Maybe you should post this on the tractor forum and see if they have some suggestions.

If you have some car or truck ramps just pull the mower up upon them or alternately use some planks and be sure to block the wheels . If req'd you could tip the mower but be sure to elevate the air cleaner side to avoid oil fouling of the carb from the crankcase oil . Have a neighbor or your son assist him , not a job for a 80 yr. especially by himself .

This is not a job for an 80 year old. Those mowers are heavy and a slip could be dangerous. Do you have a neighbor or family member that could assist?

Yes, those steel car ramps are just the thing to use. Run it up on them, then block the wheels with a rock or piece of 2x4, or 4x4, Apply the brake lock. then slide under it far enough to see what you have to do, and go on from there. A very sharp knife will cut the hose, and you can see what has to be done. Bt,DT

Thanks for the advise all. I got back from town to find that he had made ramps from some planks using the tractor bucket and got the mower off the ground, not high, but enough that he could get under it and cut the hose out. I'll keep my fingers crossed that the hazards in the field are all found now!

Dotty: You have a Keeper There Girly ..Keep an Eye on Him lol ! All the Best .

Your husband sounds like an inventive guy...glad it worked out.