How Steep Is too Steep?

[Grrrr]

I have a B7610 and when we first bought our place here I was scared to death of the ditch banks. I tried it the first time and was very weary, I always put the ROPS up and always wear my seat belt. I also run it in 4WD all the time because it helps to keep me on the bank. Now, the 7610 is alot bigger machine and I run it on my ditch banks at a 45 degree angle and I can get off the machine and it is really not tippy. I am quite surprised that it handles them that well. I figure maybe the fact that I have that 325lb. 60" deck hanging below really helps. Anyway, now I can cruise along, at a steady slow pace with no problems.

Curtis

45 degrees

Now there are slopes and there are slopes. This guy was using a JD 455 on a slope that was 32.6 degrees and we all thought that thing was going to go over. (I borrowed his pictures)







I can't really imagine a tractor with a higher COG going across a 45 degree slope. I think it would just topple over.

 

[jbrumberg]

The general consensus here on TBN based on reading many, many threads on this subject appears to be around 15 degrees of angle across slope. This provides a "safety margin" in case one of the tires hits an unexpected rise and/or depression creating a rollover situation. When I use my rotary cutter on my sloped lower field I leave my FEL on for balance and "surprise finding", and I mow slow and keep my FEL pretty low (I do not have a lot of obstructions to negotiate and TC's have fairly decent front visibility). I do have weighted R-1 tires for additional stability. Although I have a Lev-O-Gage Clinometer mounted on my tractor; I rely more on "pucker power" . Pucker power is faster and probably more reliable. I hate having to change the undies - Jay

 

[ihookem]

You'll know when, but then it'd too late.

 

[crazyal]

You know when you are pushing it when you have the BH extended out as far as it will go uphill, lol.

 

[pdowling1]

My BX2200 will slide off a hill before it tips. I use 4wd to stay on track across the slope. Slow & steady, always ready to turn downhill quickly, if needed. I never use the FEL on side slopes - raises the COG. Make sure you never mow a hillside with underinflated tires! Tilt meters are useless. If you are watching it that means you are NOT watching the terrain. One sudden dip on the low side, or rock on the high side.....
When it starts sliding too much for the 4wd to correct, I drive up & back down the really steep hills. Takes more time, but rolling a tractor can ruin your whole day! I've been driving tractors since about 1955, haven't rolled one yet, and I've mowed some really steep hills.

 

[megaboz]

I know this topic is popular, probably to those like me who aren't quite comfortable with their tractor, but I appreciate the comments.

Although my 4-wheeler with my pull behind mower was safer for me as far as roll overs, it wasn't easy on me, that is why I bought the tractor because my 4-wheeler kept beating me up. (Plus other things I can do on the propert with FEL and BH.) Also after over $400 in doctors bills and more than a year in rehab thanks to my Suzuki Eiger, I needed to get something that would help me more.

I know on what I call really steep grades to go up backwards, but a lot of my property can be cut sideways.

The more I use it the safer I feel because I become more familar with it.

 

[jbrumberg]

Megaboz:

Most accidents happen after the operator gets too comfortable with his equipment . Do not get too comfortable- Jay

 

[DiezNutz]

Megaboz: Most accidents happen after the operator gets too comfortable with his equipment . Do not get too comfortable- Jay

You beat me to it False sense of security can be a dangerous thing, and it gets reinforced by "I've done it for years" when maybe you were just lucky for all those years. Really lucky is when you have a mere "close shave" that reminds you just how close to the edge you've been pushing, and you get to walk/live to tell about it.

 

[swmpbgy1]

I recently purchased a BX24. Great little tractor for the most part, but being new to the tractor world, it tends to scare me a little when going sideways on a hill.

The funny thing is, on my riding lawn mower, (I know it isn't a tractor) I would cut grass on hillsides so steep I would knock the tires of the beeds. But on this this tractor a slight grade I feel like it is going to tip over.

Even though I routinely stop and have tried to tip it over (why would I do that? Got me!), It seems rock solid. There appears to be two different flew point the frame on the tractor (for lack of a better description) and the tire flex.

But how steep sideways do you cut and still be safe?

Backing up and down the hills everywhere is not an option if I want to get grass cut in a day. I do do that on the really steep parts only because I have no front ballast yet, just have the rear tires filled. I actually thought that would be enough but I ended up doing a wheelie the other day as I crested a hill. I thought I was going to have to buy another seat when I climbed off as it was still stuck to my crack.

The owners manual isn't of much help, don't use it on steep hills. I'm in WV, everything is steep here including the price of gas!

Thanks for the input.

Megaboz:

Good morning neighbor!

I'm just down 79s of you! My 12 acres is of varying terrain. Yes it takes longer to go up and down as opposed to sideways, but let's face it, More seat time!!

Be safe.....As all have said here.
Swmpbgy1

 

[megaboz]

When I was referring to being comfortable with the machine, I mostly was meaning knowing where all the controls were and how light or heavy they were and knowing that a 5 degree hill was a real reason get so nervous.

My biggest Problem now is that when packing up some of the really steep parts of the hill, that stupid safet switch is losing contact because I can't keep the diff engaged and hold myself in the seat at the same time.

I feel like a clown trying to hold myself in the seat.

Swmpbgy1,
Seat time is fun, but after mowing for 3 hours, I get to weedeat for 12 more.

Thanks for the input guys, it has helped a lot.