At what point does a CUT tip over?

[Specop_007]

Ok first off I realize this is *highly* dependent upon the tractor. Variables such as weight, wheelbase, center of gravity etc etc all come into play here.

But assuming one had a tilt gauge on their machine what would be considered a generic "be careful" point?

I ask because I have a MF 35 Delux with no ROPS (Which frankly scares the **** out of me) and a few fairly steep section I mow. Some are so steep I actually wont try it without a ROPS or a VERY accurate roll over angle number for this tractor and an accurate gauge on the machine. Then again I tend to play things safe. Something about life, I'd like to keep it for a while.

But if I at least had a generic number I would have a starting point. For all I know I could angle a lot more before having any problems or I could be in the danger zone as is. Going with gut feeling doesnt seem the best way to use a tractor with no ROPS though.

 

[Reg]

Ok first off I realize this is *highly* dependent upon the tractor. Variables such as weight, wheelbase, center of gravity etc etc all come into play here.

But assuming one had a tilt gauge on their machine what would be considered a generic "be careful" point?

I ask because I have a MF 35 Delux with no ROPS (Which frankly scares the **** out of me) and a few fairly steep section I mow. Some are so steep I actually wont try it without a ROPS or a VERY accurate roll over angle number for this tractor and an accurate gauge on the machine. Then again I tend to play things safe. Something about life, I'd like to keep it for a while.

But if I at least had a generic number I would have a starting point. For all I know I could angle a lot more before having any problems or I could be in the danger zone as is. Going with gut feeling doesnt seem the best way to use a tractor with no ROPS though.

I doubt that having a gauge and nominal NUMBER would help.
If you ever find yourself traversing a side slope the LAST thing your eye needs to be on is a gauge as the pucker factor approaches AWSHIT !
Watch for pot holes on the down side, lumps and bumps on the high side.
DESPITE your instinct, resist that and turn DOWN the hill if/when it starts to tip.

Oh yeah, have the bucket within an inch of the ground anyway and be ready to drop it.
Seat belt with ROPS, no belt without ROPS.
Loaded tires - ANY low ballast can help.

Play and enjoy playing, but play safe.

 

[Transit]

On some tractors, the wheels can be arranged to widen the wheelbase. Can the mowing be done up-down the slope as opposed to across?

 

[teg]

https://www.imcuniverse.com/store/25c.htm

Gives you an idea...

 

[orezok]

Somewhere right about here!

 

[Egon]

You need some outriggers.

 

[radioman]

I guess reg makes some good points here. Perhaps its time for you to build a ROP for your tractor ? anything is better then nothing.

 

[RobS]

The technical answer to the question is either 1) When the center of mass moves outward of the fulcrum point, or 2) It depends...

The reality is the markings on my tilt-meter. 15-20 is yellow and more than that is red. There is surely some safety factor in there but I don't like even 20 degrees. The "it depends" includes things like holes/dips that can take 20 to 30 degrees in a hurry!

 

[Transit]

Just a thought, work the problem backwards. Measure the slop angle and see if you would be comfortable working at that angle.

 

[Bird]

I have read somewhere that tractors with no implements or attachments should not roll over at 20 degrees. Of course that's assuming you don't find a small hole or dip on the low side, or a hump or stick on the high side. I had tiltmeters on my B2710 and I always started getting a bit uncomfortable at about 12 degrees (guess I'm not as brave as some), really tried to avoid anything more than 15 degrees, but have gone as much as 18 degrees pulling 5' rear finish mower with the FEL off the tractor. I really think that tractor would have survived 20 degrees, but not with me on it.