Ballast How Many Degrees of Side Tilt is Safe?

[Norcal M5]

Hi Folks,
Granted, each tractor, its attachments and the position of the attachments is going to be different and therefore give a different answer to this question, but I'm on the verge of ordering an inclinometer (looks like R&B Manufacturing is the one to get) to calibrate my seat-of-the-pants-o-meter and am wondering about what to look for as I drive on a side slope. Is 15 degrees the rule of thumb? Anyone else with a TC34DA with FEL and R4 tires that can give some good insights? I'm wondering if my fear is justified as I try to get stuff done, or if I could relax a bit. I've been trying to get my stuff done by going up and down the hill straight, but on occasion need to turn around and man, it's no fun to be scared s---less! Anyone have pointers?

BTW, will water in the tires help a great deal?

Should I get a crawler for such jobs?

 

[MarkV]

As you all ready pointed out there are many variables so one answer doesn't tell the whole story. The general rule of thumb has been 15 degrees on side slopes. Thats where I start to pucker. I have alway heard that compact tractors for sale in the US have to pass a test to 20 degrees on a static tilt table. That doesn't take into account the pot hole or ant hill you may hit that puts you over the edge though. Also some members here have said they mow 20+ degree side slopes all the time.

My experience says you will feel a huge difference if you fill your rear tires with the liquid ballast of your choice. Better traction and stability. Also see if your tractor offers a way to widen the rear wheelbase. Hopefully someone who knows the TC34 will jump in.

MarkV

 

[powerpace]

It depends on what your doing. Center of gravity changes with each attachment. Front end loader up, down, how big is your mower etc....
Inclinometer would not be of any help in my opinion.

 

[k0ua]

I noticed a positive difference by 75% fill with liquid in the rear tires, I had the tractor for a month or 2 before I did the fill, and I have one place where I mow, that is a little scary, I cannot tell you how steep it is , and probably not enough to worry about, but I try to go slow and easy. I also just noticed a difference between tractors when I traded in the B7500DT for the L3400HST the L3400HST was more stable unloaded than the B7500DT unloaded. At least that was my perception.. Of course the B7500 is a narrower tractor. But loaded the L3400HST feels more stable to me, but I have no actual data.

James K0UA

 

[Norcal M5]

It depends on what your doing. Center of gravity changes with each attachment. Front end loader up, down, how big is your mower etc....
Inclinometer would not be of any help in my opinion.

When I'm on a side slope, I keep the loader as low as I can and am ready to drop it and turn down the hill. I always have an implement on the back too and keep that low. If I get an inclinometer, I'm thinking perhaps I'll see that I'm puckering needlessly at 10 degrees. At least that's what I'm hoping to see.

 

[Bird]

As you all ready pointed out there are many variables so one answer doesn't tell the whole story. The general rule of thumb has been 15 degrees on side slopes. Thats where I start to pucker. I have alway heard that compact tractors for sale in the US have to pass a test to 20 degrees on a static tilt table. That doesn't take into account the pot hole or ant hill you may hit that puts you over the edge though. Also some members here have said they mow 20+ degree side slopes all the time.

My experience says you will feel a huge difference if you fill your rear tires with the liquid ballast of your choice. Better traction and stability. Also see if your tractor offers a way to widen the rear wheelbase. Hopefully someone who knows the TC34 will jump in.

MarkV

I think you've given as good an answer as can be given to this question. I had two of the R&B Tiltmeters; one for side to side and one for front to rear on my Kubota B2710. One borrow ditch that I mowed with my finish mower meant tilting to one side more than I felt comfortable with. In fact, I got a bit uncomfortable at anything over 12 degrees. But I also stopped the tractor once with it parked at 18 degrees, then got off to see how much it would take to just push it over enough to get the wheels on the high side off the ground. I did not get them off the ground. So I've mowed a little bit at 15 to 18 degrees, but very slowly and didn't enjoy it a bit.

 

[Norcal M5]

I think you've given as good an answer as can be given to this question. I had two of the R&B Tiltmeters; one for side to side and one for front to rear on my Kubota B2710. One borrow ditch that I mowed with my finish mower meant tilting to one side more than I felt comfortable with. In fact, I got a bit uncomfortable at anything over 12 degrees. But I also stopped the tractor once with it parked at 18 degrees, then got off to see how much it would take to just push it over enough to get the wheels on the high side off the ground. I did not get them off the ground. So I've mowed a little bit at 15 to 18 degrees, but very slowly and didn't enjoy it a bit.

That's really helpful, Bird. Thanks.

 

[Deere Dude]

I mow with a JD X740 with loaded tires and 100# iron on each rear tire on a good sized ditch which is at 19-20 deg. This is a pretty heavy garden tractor and fairly low to the ground in my opinion. I can sit on the seat and mow all day that way but it is uncomfortable.
If my measurement was correct on the angle, I can't see me ever taking my 3720 with spacers and loaded tires on the same slope sideways. I think more of about 10 -12 degree might work for me with the bigger tractor.

I suppose I could try it and if the tractor tips over, then go a couple degrees less next time :laughing:

 

[rayikeo2]

Keep in mind, most accidental deaths on tractors are due to roll overs. It will only take 1 roll over to determine the angle for your tractor and degree of slope needed to trigger the event. At that point the question is answered as you are rolling over down the slope. Wet grass, mud or snow decresses the angle very quickly. Questionable slopes cause me to back up hill and go forward down. These county workers you see mowing on slopes along the roadways have counter weights on the up hill side of their machines that the average homeowner does have access to. If you are going to mow slopes, never push the limit. Safe angles can become unsafe angles as weather conditions change or when a wheel drops into a rut or hole. Stay safe, stay alive.

 

[jinman]

I consider inclinometers like a good movie. They're fun to watch, but it's all make-believe. I think an inclinometer can give you a false sense of security. A wheel can drop in a hole or you can hit a small rock on the high side at speed that will cause the tractor to tip. I would say to go ahead and get the inclinometer and find out where your body's "pucker meter" is calibrated. However, don't make any assumptions. Even loose or slippery soil on an incline can allow your tractor to slide sideways. Things get goofy in a hurry. If you aren't careful, you can be discussing your spiffy new inclinometer with the ambulance crew.:confused2: