Maximum Grade for B21

[BruceWard]

I would like to drive a B21 down a 200' long 22.5 degree 50% slope stopping along the way to auger about 20 holes.

The current plan is to tether the B21 to a heavier tractor at the top of the hill to keep some pressure on the back of the B21 and keep the front bucket low.

What do you guys think? Anyone know the specs?

 

[MarkV]

Bruce don’t trust your life on my opinion but I think you will be fine. Low gear, 4wd, loader bucket close to the ground and real slow for sure. I think tethering to another tractor would be a good safety extra. Don’t even think about changing gear ranges while on the hill, the tractor will free wheel. I can’t say exactly what degree the slopes are at our mountain home, enough to make me nervous but the B21 took them in stride.

About 15 degrees is considered your safety limit while traveling a side slope and the tractors are tested to 20 degrees in a controlled stationary test by the factory. Members of the forum report doing 20+ degrees on side slopes routinely while mowing, too much for me. If you are traveling straight up and down I think you will be fine.

MarkV

 

[LazyBoy]

At what point would the engine oil pickup starve for oil? If the oil pickup is in the rear of the engine it may be better to back down the hill to keep it in oil, or would the crank start hitting the oil and making a foam?