Just got my first tractor. Tips for mowing steep slopes?

[oosik]

Exactly, spot on - Grandad. You keep reaching into the flames - one of these days you WILL get burned.

 

[CobyRupert]

You can image the tractor’s Center of Gravity (CG) is along center line of tractor, probably at a height 6” above the operator platform floor.
Weight added or raised above this height will make tractor more tippy.
Weight added or carried below this height will make tractor less tippy.
When the tractor tips so the location of the CG rotates over the top of the low side tire, the tractor will roll over.
Weight in FEL and kept low will lower CG and provide front end weight for more traction and less wheelie temptation.

 

[Bullwinkle123]

Turns out my 1200 lb Kubota zero turn mower is far more dangerous on slopes than my tractor. Go up a slight slope and just look at it funny and it'll upend, definitely need to be careful on the hairtrigger controls to avoid unintended wheelies. Guess that's why the mower has ROPs, but basically there are parts of my lawn I can't do with it because it's too dangerous. Perhaps this year I'll improve my backward mowing technique or get some weights on the front.

 

[royyme]

There have been many people killed and injured going forward up a steep hill with a Tractor. If the tractor has good traction and power, the front will try rotate off the ground and over backwards. This is especially true with an 8N & 9N Ford Tractor.

 

[meos1]

So I finally took delivery of my Kubota B2301 with underbelly mower. I've had a go at mowing our 2 acres of pasture, half of which is pretty steep (20-25 degrees). I mowed straight up and down the slope as advised, following the manual's advice to back up the slopes rather than drive head first up hill. Hitting slight depressions and lumps at that angle is enough to make the tractor feel like it's getting close to rolling over, though. It was a little scary at times.

So any tips for a newbie mowing slopes would be appreciated!

I couple of specific questions:

1. The tractor came equipped with a loader + bucket, and I also have a box blade and a rotary-tiller (not yet connected). Is it best to mow slopes with or without these attachments? I did wonder whether having the loader on the front might give it some extra front weight so I could mow forward up the hill, rather than backing up the hills. Am I correct? Also, if I put the tiller / box blade on the back and keep it low to the ground, won't this also help prevent the tractor from tipping over backwards when mowing forward up a hill?
2. Is it possible to space the wheels wider on this tractor? Is it an expensive upgrade? Would this make much off a noticeable difference to its stability on slopes?
3. If I do tip the tractor over, will the ROPS and seatbelt save me, or is there still a good chance of getting killed? Will tipping the tractor over damage the tractor / mower at all?

First, The ROPS is not guaranteed to prevent loss of life. It certainly helps but is not a guarantee. Always wear the seat belt.

Always go up and down the hill not across. I have a couple of acres as well and a few places where the hill is extreme. In my mind, it is not acceptable to risk losing an expensive piece of equipment to a roll over when a hundred dollar weed eater gets the work done. If its multiple acres on a slope you really have to think about strategy. A roll over will likely damage the engine unless you shut off quickly. Even then you cannot simply right the tractor and then crank it up.

 

[anothernewbiefarmer]

So I finally took delivery of my Kubota B2301 with underbelly mower. I've had a go at mowing our 2 acres of pasture, half of which is pretty steep (20-25 degrees). I mowed straight up and down the slope as advised, following the manual's advice to back up the slopes rather than drive head first up hill. Hitting slight depressions and lumps at that angle is enough to make the tractor feel like it's getting close to rolling over, though. It was a little scary at times.

So any tips for a newbie mowing slopes would be appreciated!

I couple of specific questions:

1. The tractor came equipped with a loader + bucket, and I also have a box blade and a rotary-tiller (not yet connected). Is it best to mow slopes with or without these attachments? I did wonder whether having the loader on the front might give it some extra front weight so I could mow forward up the hill, rather than backing up the hills. Am I correct? Also, if I put the tiller / box blade on the back and keep it low to the ground, won't this also help prevent the tractor from tipping over backwards when mowing forward up a hill?
2. Is it possible to space the wheels wider on this tractor? Is it an expensive upgrade? Would this make much off a noticeable difference to its stability on slopes?
3. If I do tip the tractor over, will the ROPS and seatbelt save me, or is there still a good chance of getting killed? Will tipping the tractor over damage the tractor / mower at all?

You want as much weight on the BACK of the tractor. And if it is so steep that you are worrying you might flip backwards, then yes reverse up the slope and then come back down again. Wheel spacing - not expensive definitely recommended. Might save your life. Do not turn around on a steep slope. It is terrifying. I've had my tractor balanced on two wheels many times and it isn't funny. If you tip over, hold onto the steering wheel. Turn off the ignition as soon as you can. Do not switch it back on for a while. ROPS should save your life. Make sure you have your seatbelt on. Tipping over could well damage the tractor.

 

[ymarianne]

So I finally took delivery of my Kubota B2301 with underbelly mower. I've had a go at mowing our 2 acres of pasture, half of which is pretty steep (20-25 degrees). I mowed straight up and down the slope as advised, following the manual's advice to back up the slopes rather than drive head first up hill. Hitting slight depressions and lumps at that angle is enough to make the tractor feel like it's getting close to rolling over, though. It was a little scary at times.

So any tips for a newbie mowing slopes would be appreciated!

I couple of specific questions:

1. The tractor came equipped with a loader + bucket, and I also have a box blade and a rotary-tiller (not yet connected). Is it best to mow slopes with or without these attachments? I did wonder whether having the loader on the front might give it some extra front weight so I could mow forward up the hill, rather than backing up the hills. Am I correct? Also, if I put the tiller / box blade on the back and keep it low to the ground, won't this also help prevent the tractor from tipping over backwards when mowing forward up a hill?
2. Is it possible to space the wheels wider on this tractor? Is it an expensive upgrade? Would this make much off a noticeable difference to its stability on slopes?
3. If I do tip the tractor over, will the ROPS and seatbelt save me, or is there still a good chance of getting killed? Will tipping the tractor over damage the tractor / mower at all?

So I finally took delivery of my Kubota B2301 with underbelly mower. I've had a go at mowing our 2 acres of pasture, half of which is pretty steep (20-25 degrees). I mowed straight up and down the slope as advised, following the manual's advice to back up the slopes rather than drive head first up hill. Hitting slight depressions and lumps at that angle is enough to make the tractor feel like it's getting close to rolling over, though. It was a little scary at times.

So any tips for a newbie mowing slopes would be appreciated!

I couple of specific questions:

1. The tractor came equipped with a loader + bucket, and I also have a box blade and a rotary-tiller (not yet connected). Is it best to mow slopes with or without these attachments? I did wonder whether having the loader on the front might give it some extra front weight so I could mow forward up the hill, rather than backing up the hills. Am I correct? Also, if I put the tiller / box blade on the back and keep it low to the ground, won't this also help prevent the tractor from tipping over backwards when mowing forward up a hill?
2. Is it possible to space the wheels wider on this tractor? Is it an expensive upgrade? Would this make much off a noticeable difference to its stability on slopes?
3. If I do tip the tractor over, will the ROPS and seatbelt save me, or is there still a good chance of getting killed? Will tipping the tractor over damage the tractor / mower at all?

I mow a slope just like this, 20-25, in front of my barn and have been doing it for years. I have a finish mower attached to the pto and keep my fel lower to the ground so that if it does tip, the fel teeth will stabilize it. It’s never happened though. My tires are weighted and spaced to the max. I didn’t add any spacers, there was just an inch or two leeway if I remember correctly. GO SLOW. And never go sideways across the hill, just up and down. You’ll get to know just where all your divots are and adjust for them.
I mow down the hill and back up. My dealer recommended that and it’s safest I feel. As a newbie though, I do agree with getting used to your tractor on flat land first. It is scary at first but with with experience you’ll be more comfortable, even on the steep hills.

 

[PaulGrim]

I have a subcompact with a 54" belly bower. I mow 1 yard that has a very steep hill. My tires are filled with fluid. I put the tractor in 4x4 and go slow. If you have the loader or box blade on and they are not almost touching the ground then that would not be good. And if they are almost touching the ground they will end up hitting the ground and tearing up the grass. I do not use anything on the front or rear of mine when mowing. Go slow!! Use 4x4.

 

[Cougsfan]

Ballast mounted low, liquid filled tires, and widening your tread width all help considerably. Widening the tread width doesn't particularly help if you are going straight up and down, but going straight up and down 100% of the time is obviously the proper thing to do but isn't the real world all the time. If you are doing hills you will get somewhat sideways on them at times. Some tractors can increase their tread width by installing the rims backwards. Going up and down doesn't scare me much, but getting sideways on a hill does. Also, if the tractor ever does start to tip, steer it down hill immediately, you can usually save it, and you will learn not to do what caused it to do that in a hurry.

 

[presnewt]

You need to look at either a Steiner or Ventrac, either one with dual wheels. They are not cheap but I would think they are the safest tractor on slopes. They have a low center of gravity and with the dual wheel kit attached they can be used on slopes up to 30 degrees. I have a steiner with their rough cut mower and it mows very well on slopes and even in low areas that stay wet. They are not a useful as a "normal" tractor at many things but they excel on hills.