How steep can you climb?

[Matt400]

Just curious to know how steep your wheeled compact can climb?
Pics would be great too if you have any.

 

[woodlandfarms]

I can go sideways on 45 degree slope. but ultimately climbing is more about traction than anything else.

 

[brandoro]

On reasonably solid footing it could climb steep enough to tip over backwards. That is the real limiting factor. If you need to climb something very steep backing up is a better plan. Makes a difference if you have a FEL, something heavy on the 3 point. Even how high you are carrying said attachments.
Y'all be careful.

 

[Matt400]

On reasonably solid footing it could climb steep enough to tip over backwards. That is the real limiting factor. If you need to climb something very steep backing up is a better plan.

I would back up for sure and it would be with a rotary cutter to mow a bank and reach to the top without having to back all the way up. I think this may be better than a mid-mount mower.
Just not sure how well it would work and hate to invest in the wrong equipment.

I am looking at Compacts & sub compacts so not sure which would be better on a steep bank. If I go compact I could step up to a cab model and add snow removal to its duties. If I go sub compact the snow removal will be more efficient with my pickup so I have that option.
Currently I mow all of the field and 1/3 of that bank with a walk behind brush mower and tackle the top 2/3rds up by the deck with a weed-eater.

The steep part is where the deck is in this picture, that's an old pic and now the brush is gone..just grass & weeds.

 

[Matt400]

ultimately climbing is more about traction than anything else.

So true, I use one of these:

and with the differential locked I can get 1/3 and in some places 1/2 way up the bank by our deck but run out of traction. I may try this spring with a set of chains.

 

[RoyJackson]

It's hard to tell exactly how steep the slope is at the top.
However, I'd try that slope going forward with the loader installed and down low. The transmission should be in low gear or low range. Definitely in 4WD!
The area must be dry...no dampness down low in the grass.
Going down, I'd suggest backing down the slope. Again, low gear... If your tractor is a gear machine, don't do any declutching going up or down. If those tires start spinning, you can try the differential lock, but if the tractor starts going sideways, stop and back down the slope. Your tractor won't do the job.

I tell you, I mow an area like the steeper section weekly during the summer. It's not a long slope (20-30 feet). It's slow going in low range 1st gear...but if you going to try it...it's just going to be slow.
I have had my front wheels off the ground whenI did it without the loader installed (but the loader gets in the way when mowing the rest of the lawn). So, I leave the loader frame on and drop the bucket off...the loader frame provides enough front ballast.

 

[Matt400]

It's hard to tell exactly how steep the slope is at the top.
However, I'd try that slope going forward

I will try and get a better pic of this, can't go forward. The deck is built off the lawn (house is in the background) and I cant drive up onto the lawn, wife would kill me for smashing shrubs & flowers

 

[MossRoad]

I can go sideways on 45 degree slope. but ultimately climbing is more about traction than anything else.

Show off!

My little brother to your's can only go up, down and across 25 degrees due to the limits of the Kohler engine's oiling system.

 

[RoyJackson]

I will try and get a better pic of this, can't go forward. The deck is built off the lawn (house is in the background) and I cant drive up onto the lawn, wife would kill me for smashing shrubs & flowers

If you have to back up...same things apply:
Very slow
Low Gear
4WD engaged
Differential lock if necessary
And, know when to give up the attempt!

I'm not sure how your top link should be adjusted. In the scenario I wrote about in my post (short, very steep slope), I'm operating a rear finishing mower and I disconnect the top link (due to the acuteness of the transitions from slope to level areas). I don't think I'd want the top link disconnected when backing up the slope of yours. I have backed my cutter up slopes, but nothing near as your slope appears. I was backing to get under branches, not because of the slope.

Good luck!

 

[SpringHollow]

I seriously would look at the Power Tracs. Nice tractors unless your main intent is ground engaged equipment used in farming.

Ken