Operating tractor on a grade.

2dawoodz · Mar 8, 2010

Just my second year operating a tractor (Ford NH 1920 fwd). Use it for planting food plots. Looking for advice on operating the tractor on a narrow food plot with what I estimate to be a 25 degree grade towards a pond. Expect the tires s/b inflated to just under max pressure to prevent sidewall from flexing. The plot is too narrow to turn around with having to do a 3 pt turn around. Thanks!

ihuntbear · Mar 8, 2010

25 degrees is alot.We have a 55 hp kubota at work that lost all hst on a slope 25 degrees.Went back wards as if you were in neutral.Hit the cement bridge on the way down.for some reason hst's aren't made to go on inclines past 22 degrees.if you have to drive safe

RoyJackson · Mar 8, 2010

Do all your travel up and down slope, if at all possible. If your tires aren't filled, get them filled. I don't know if your 1920 can accomodate dual rear tires, but if it can, you might want to consider them.
If your tractor has a ROPS, make sure you wear the seatbelt and keep it in good condition (and easy to release if you do go in to the pond).

AchingBack · Mar 8, 2010

What is the possibility of terracing your slope? Give yourself a flatter wider plot. That is what the Incas do.

SPYDERLK · Mar 8, 2010

I hope your 25 degree estimate is way wrong. Thats too steep for growing stuff. You want permanent coverage on a slope like that. ?????25% maybe????
larry

tugboat-2 · Mar 9, 2010

First of all 2dawoodz, let me say WELCOME ABOARD to you. I must agree with the others that a 25 degree slope is way too dangerous,...especially for a fairly new operator.

I second the motion for loading your tires and if you can't widen your stance with duals or inverting your wheel rims,...consider spacers and possibly wheel weights to hold your high side on the ground.

As Roy suggested, do your slope work on the vertical if possible. I too must work a 25 degree slope so I have tires loaded and because my cab makes me a tad top heavy, I added 6 inch spacers to each side rear, giving me a foot more width. I watch my inclinometre carefully and drive slowly watching for uneven ground which could tip me. On that slope I carry my bucket and am always prepared to drop it fast if my pucker-factor indicates a possible tip.

I'm so glad you asked the question and I hope you'll consider the suggestions we've offered. Rolling down a slope with ROPS and seat belt is one thing but rolling down into a pond is quite another. You don't often get a second chance so be careful and good luck to you!

CHEERS!
. . tug

TripleR · Mar 9, 2010

Mowing on that steep of a slope scares me and I have been doing it for over twenty years. You have received a lot of good advice. When possible, I will mow up and down rather than across. When that is not possible, I will mow diagonally and sometimes mow only one pass going down and then go straight up and run the top to make another pass. By doing this if I start to lose it I can turn into the roll and drop the FEL and mower to lower the COG and help stop the tractor if needed. A lot is going to depend on your tractor so getting to know its characteristics and adapting it and your techniques will take some time and while doing so, BE CAREFUL, we have had to pull more than one machine out of a pond and a few years ago, just north of us a college student died when he put his tractor in a pond while working part time .

MMagis · Mar 9, 2010

I think spyderlk is right, there’s a big difference between 25 degrees and 25%. And there’s a good chance the estimate is way off, as it’s tough to judge slope without a lot of experience. As least I hope that's the case.

Trying to plant on a 25 degree slope will be a waste of time.

dboacres · Mar 9, 2010

As someone who has had Ag safety classes since freshman in high school, I would repeat the general rules. Only run equipment straight down hill. Never pull plows, disc, graders up hill, because of dumping tractor over backwards. I live in the hills and do not like weighted rear tires. I'd rather they slip than grab going up hill. All my tractors are 4 WD so I don't have to lock rear axle. It only takes ONE mistake and you'll be at the bottom of the hill. As my neighbor learned eleven years ago. "Better safe than sorry"