Ballast How Many Degrees of Side Tilt is Safe?

   / How Many Degrees of Side Tilt is Safe? #31  
A few years ago, I saw a tractor laying on its side and a batwing mower hanging over a retainer wall with cones on the shoulder around it to prevent anyone stopping directly under it to rubber neck. The slope that tractor was laying on was twice as steep as I would ever go on purpose. From what I saw, it looked like a soil slide (like a mudslide) had caused the accident.

I often see tracks of tractors on each side of overpasses where they went more sideways than up and down. I don't mind going going up slopes so steep I lose traction, but it will be a hot day at the North Pole before I drive sideways along those slopes like the mowers do on a regular basis. I'll just get a thrill being a spectator.:D

Jim,
I just stated that DOTD deems a 30 degree slope "safe" to mow. Not me! There's a LOT of other things that I don't agree with them on. :laughing:
Note: The DOTD engineers, who design highways and R-O-W slopes, don't actually mow them either. ;)
 
   / How Many Degrees of Side Tilt is Safe? #32  
Inclines are not the only problem when it comes to roll-over accidents. Know of two deaths caused by improper chain use (attached too high on tractor) and another just hitting an obstacle. It is really necessary to pay attention to what you are doing, not just one gauge.

I take it you mean chains for pulling out stumps or whatever, and not tire chains. Do you know how they were attached?
 
   / How Many Degrees of Side Tilt is Safe? #33  
I take it you mean chains for pulling out stumps or whatever, and not tire chains. Do you know how they were attached?
A few years back a local woman was crushed by her tractor when she hooked a chain on the 3 point hitch and around a big log to move. When the slack came out of the chain the tractor flipped over backward so quickly that there was no chance to push in the clutch to stop it. A very tragic event as I knew the parents.:confused2:
 
   / How Many Degrees of Side Tilt is Safe? #34  
A few years back a local woman was crushed by her tractor when she hooked a chain on the 3 point hitch and around a big log to move. When the slack came out of the chain the tractor flipped over backward so quickly that there was no chance to push in the clutch to stop it. A very tragic event as I knew the parents.:confused2:

That is sad. It happens very fast. That is the one thing I really hate about gear shift tractors. It takes a positive action to shut them down. Whereas a hydrostatic will stop as you slide your foot off or take your hand off something. Okay, it's still an action but a lot easier one.
 
   / How Many Degrees of Side Tilt is Safe? #35  
Jim, that was informative and funny! :laughing: Thanks.

The maximum standard ditch slope for a state or interstate highway right-of-way is 3:1, or 30 degrees. That said, consequently there are a lot of R-O-W areas that aren't mowed. If there is any erosion or soft spots at all, a 30 degree slope is not just dangerous, it's downright treacherous!
3:1/30% is 18.5 degrees not 30. 30 degrees surely is a treacherous slope.
larry
 
   / How Many Degrees of Side Tilt is Safe?
  • Thread Starter
#36  
Excellent suggestion on the wheel spacers. I'll see if they have them for my NH. Maybe instead of simply asking about the inclinometer, I should have asked about all of the options open to us to make the tractors safer on a side slope. I think we're all very careful when we're on a slope. I'm just wondering if I can tame my fear and perhaps enjoy the ride a little more.

thx guys.
 
   / How Many Degrees of Side Tilt is Safe? #37  
The only inclinometer I trust is built into the seat of my pants.
 
   / How Many Degrees of Side Tilt is Safe? #38  
I take it you mean chains for pulling out stumps or whatever, and not tire chains. Do you know how they were attached?
Yes Chain from top link to stump. The guy knew better, tried it anyway.
 

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