BX Slope Data Point

[David Cockey]

Slowly drove our BX2350 with loader and R4 tires loaded with Rim Guard (beet juice) across a berm this evening to see how stable it felt. As the berm became steeper I realized the up hill rear tire was getting light so I stopped. The berm is smooth with some small humps. Went and got a digital level and a camera.

With me off the side tilt angle of the BX2350 was 19.4 degrees. I could lift the uphill rear tire off the ground by pushing sideways about a foot from the top of the ROPS with around 20 or 30 pounds of force. Pushed harder and the tire lifted higher until at 24.4 degrees the front axle was against the stop. The force I pushed even harder with up to perhaps 100 pounds of force but wasn't able to lift the uphill front wheel off the the ground. It was interesting and reassuring to find that the force to keep overturning goes up a lot when the front axle is against the stop. But I was off the tractor when I was pushing, and my weight raises the CG. I'll probably limit most side slope operation to 15 degrees or less.

 

[Citydude]

Without spacers and leaving the FEL on, I agree.

 

[KYKub]

Nice looking tractor, David. Just curious, how did you measure the slope with your digital level?

I just put rear 2" spacers on my BX1860. haven't been out much with it yet but on a couple of passes on sloped areas it does feel noticeably more stable.

 

[dchemphill1]

You had nothing in the bucket. If you had a load and it shifts down hill lookout. Of course you could lower the FEL to just above the ground as well to lower CG.
Thanks for the pictures and great info. Have fun out there but be careful.

 

[Coyote machine]

Measurements are one thing, real world responses to situational anomalies are something quite different. A divot, soft wet area, unexpected turf shifting in wet conditions, an unseen rock or other obstacle can turn theory into dust very quickly. As can 4 x4 or 2 x 2 WD, tire pressures, etc.
I'm not saying a close to a certain # of degrees of tilt isn't worth knowing, but use it as a guideline, not an absolute value. Most slopes you encounter may be at a # for a few feet of terrain, then change suddenly as does most land topography.
Best be safe, not sorry.:thumbsup:

 

[David Cockey]

I measured the tilt angle with an eight inch long digital level across the flat, orange plastic between the fenders and behind the sea.

Measurements are one thing, real world responses to situational anomalies are something quite different. A divot, soft wet area, unexpected turf shifting in wet conditions, an unseen rock or other obstacle can turn theory into dust very quickly. As can 4 x4 or 2 x 2 WD, tire pressures, etc.
I'm not saying a close to a certain # of degrees of tilt isn't worth knowing, but use it as a guideline, not an absolute value. Most slopes you encounter may be at a # for a few feet of terrain, then change suddenly as does most land topography.
Best be safe, not sorry.:thumbsup:

That's why I'll generally won't go sideways on slopes of greater than 15 degrees - around 5 degrees margin for going over bumps, divots, holes, rocks, etc. I may drop the FEL and see how the tractor by itself in the same spot. Also might try it with a box blade.

 

[Coyote machine]

I measured the tilt angle with an eight inch long digital level across the flat, orange plastic between the fenders and behind the sea.

You measured behind the sea?! Where is that exactly, I've always wanted to know!



That's why I'll generally won't go sideways on slopes of greater than 15 degrees - around 5 degrees margin for going over bumps, divots, holes, rocks, etc. I may drop the FEL and see how the tractor by itself in the same spot. Also might try it with a box blade.

You're best bet is to mow up or down a slope at a 45* angle or so depending on what's above and below. Having your BBlade and FEL as low as possible also lowers your COG and it's easier to drop the FEL suddenly if things get real dicey. In steep uncertain terrain always wear your seatbelt when the ROPS is up and NEVER if it's down.

Nice tractor, BTW, is it new?

 

[dragoneggs]

Nice test David and thanks for sharing. Note that your test is a 'static' one and dynamic loading (moving and hitting bumps/divots) will be much worse as I probably know. I do recommend putting 2in spacers on the back and 1.25 on the front. I don't mow with my BX so make sure you research the compatibility with a MMM.