How much side slope can my tractor handle?

[motownbrowne]

I respectfully disagree. I set my tires to match the width of my bushhog to allow proper cutting. On new cuttings I always walk the entire area first, and leave the bucket an inch or two above the ground to discover 'stuff' that I may have missed such as an old wheel or metal fence post. On steep areas I prefer to cut downhill or if there is no flat area at the top to turn around tell the owner no thanks

For a nice cut, that is probably the best way to do it (matching width to cutter size) for maximum stability, though the wider the better.

 

[Joe Malovich]

I know the guys over in the power trac subforum would have something to say soon.

 

[cat fever]

The roll over point on tractors is so variable that it is hard to estimate...there are too many factors that influence it.

Loaded tires, keeping the FEL close to the ground, and keeping the mower on the ground will all help.

Tall tires, narrow gauge, and a cab are problems.

The best indicator that I've found is your butt. When it starts to crimp, the slope is too much. And, obviously, if one of the tires starts to leave the ground...turn downhill in a hurry.

There are also angle gauges that can be put on the dash. Of course, you have to know what is the danger point. That only comes from experience. Hopefully, not extreme experience.

Sold here on TBN:

25C Tiltmeter - TractorByNet.com Store

What gwdixon said,
I have been on slopes where I was sure to tip any second. I got out one time to look and I'll tell you, there is no way that tractor was close to tipping. So I second the butt crimping factor rule.

 

[RNeumann]

When doing the extreme 4x4 thing rolling sideways is a reality although rare. When someone was stuck in a side slope situation folks would go over to the vehicle and shake it to give the driver a little scare. From the outside the vehicle looked fine but inside the driver was puckered!

With the tractor, when things start to get hairy keep the FEL and 3pt attachment low. Weighted tires also keeps weight low. I've found you will notice some side slipping several degrees before a roll. But as stated above and by others- you are holding on and sliding out of the seat long before it gets tippy.
My last advice is to go slow. When close to rolling their is no reason to race. A hidden rock or hole is all it would take. The other thing I can offer is if it starts to go turn into it!

 

[jk96]

Butt crimp factor seems to work well unless your this guy who is obviously lacking that factor.

Excavator Slides Down Mud Cliff - YouTube

 

[RalphVa]

Main thing is to not hit any high points on the uphill side or low points on the downhill side while going very fast. Take it slow.

Be ready to drop the FEL (in float) or rear whatever very quickly. I've been up on 3 wheels 2 or 3 times. Just dropping the FEL or using some body weight helps to keep you from going over. This is generally only possible if going slowly.

 

[ovrszd]

Obviously, none of us can tell you when too much is too much. Don't rely on us Internet posters to tell you what your tractor can do. You'll figure it out.

 

[jenkinsph]

Obviously, none of us can tell you when too much is too much. Don't rely on us Internet posters to tell you what your tractor can do. You'll figure it out.

I agree and would not want the guilt feelings associated with any accident.

 

[Cougsfan]

There have been lots of time I mow in a very inefficient pattern just to lessen the chance of tipover. As others have said, lower your bucket and steer down hill immediately if you feel a wheel lift. I prefer to mow on downhill bias when on a side hill as it is easier to turn downhill. I have also put a little (not too much) gravel in the FEL and keep it as low as I can to keep the center of gravity low. (going downhill with weight in the bucket lowers you CG; going uphill, not as much.) Filling tires and wide tread width also help. Also, going slow helps. Hitting a bump on a sidehill with any speed definitely increases your chance of a roll-over.

 

[oosik]

I'll go with the "butt crimp" factor. I don't have nor have I ever used a rotary mower. My experiences are from a full bucket of gravel and an unseen depression/pot hole. I dropped the loaded bucket so fast - it bounced a little when it hit. And it was only 6" off the ground to start with. The right rear tire had started to lift. Generally speaking my property is either flat as a pool table or almost vertical drops. I simply stay well back from those areas with the cliffs and usually will be pretty safe.