How much slope can a 7510DTN take?

SalW · Feb 21, 2005

We just got this tractor; I've never driven any tractor before, and I'm a bit nervous while driving it. Our field is mostly level - that isn't a concern to me. BUT we do have some ruts that are probably 8 inches deep. I get spooked every time I hit a rut/hole like that.

Reassure me, please - what kind of slope/rut would it take to roll this thing? I'm driving a mower (about 500 pounds) and am carrying 165 pounds of ballast in the front (no FEL, though), so I should be quite stable, correct? Is this just a matter of getting accustomed to the feel of this?

RoyJackson · Feb 22, 2005

It's not the slope in your case...it's the sudden change in center of gravity when the tractor wheel drops into the ruts. If your tires are filled, it will take a fair amount of inertia to get the tractor rolling sideways. But once past a certain point, it's going to go over.

So, if your rear tires aren't filled...get them filled.

I believe you can widen the rear stance of the wheels (at least on the rear). This will be in your manual. By the way, the "N" model is a narrow tractor, isn't it? Why did you buy that model...do you need a narrow tractor?

Always wear that seat belt!!

Since the ruts aren't going to move, try to make your mowing passes across them, rather then parallel. Doing that should reduce the potential for a side rollover.

I suggest you start filling those ruts, if possible. If it's a drainage situation where just filling them would eventually result in them being washed out again, you might want to use gravel heavy enough to let the water pass, but not wash out.

I came close to rolling a tractor once...and that was when the left front tire dropped into a rut hidden by brush. Fortunately, I was operating slow enough that when the right rear tire came up, I had time to brake, reverse and back out. It was rather scary though.

theboman · Feb 22, 2005

Tilt Meter.... That's what you need. Pucker power is also a powerful tool.

I have a B7500 and take on a nice hill, up and down no across the slope.... No ruts but holes get me from time to time, or a log under a clump of weeds.

Get rid of those ruts.... box blade, scraper, tiller, disc, plow, drag, FEL, lots of ways to smooth them down.

SkyPup · Feb 22, 2005

On our L-3130 with a tilt meter, you start getting noticeably concerned at around 10 degrees, by 15 degrees you are very concerned, and by 20 degress it is time to bail or roll......

Bob_Skurka · Feb 22, 2005

Roy gave you the best advice anyone could give.

Be aware that you can flip a tractor on its side on FLAT ground if you hit a rut. As Roy stated, it is a simple matter of inertia, if it is moving and hits the point of no return, once it starts to go, it just keeps on going.

Henro · Feb 22, 2005

SalW,

7510DTN /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

That's the narrow version of the 7510, right?

If I got that right, it is likely more of a worry than the standard width 7510. Take all advice you get and then some. Those tractors sure look tall and narrow in pictures in the Kubota flyers.

All things considered, the narrow tractor will tip faster than the normal wider tractor. As Roy said above, always wear your seatbelt, always keep the ROPS up if it happens to be a folding one (both or neither), and always take extra care.

You've asked a question that is really VERY difficult to find a quantitative answer to.

SalW · Feb 22, 2005

We got the narrow model because we're starting a small Christmas tree farm, and we won't have much manuevering room between the rows once the trees are planted. We're planning to move the tires apart this weekend, but I've got work to do before then!

The previous owners of this place used large heavy equipment on it, hence the ruts...we're in the process of smoothing things out, but we don't want the expense of more equipment (even renting it), so it'll take time to get the job done....

Yes, we have a ROPS (fixed) and I always wear the seat belt. I know that with that protection, a roll wouldn't be *bad*, but I still don't like the idea - it sounds bad (but I'm the type that doesn't like falling when I ski either!).

Thanks for the answers /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

chrisscruton · Mar 6, 2005

extremely curious we also run a christmas tree farm 5 foot planting rows and currently run a B6100 htd love the tractor but getting old if we do up grade the only thing that seems to fit is the B7510 narrow tractor a bit longer though what spacing are you using in your rows? would love to more about this tractor, my problem is hillt touraine so hydro works great does that come in hydro?if not deep grass wont work and neither will wife.