New L3800 operation question

[elmer4413]

Just bought a new L3800 with a FEL a few days ago and got her home on my hilly farm in SE Ohio. I got the AG tires for it and have them set out as far as they will go so it will be as stable as possible on different terrain. Anyhow I was wondering just how stable is this tractor? What kind of hills can I go across without problems or feeling the pucker factor? Just looking for some info before I start traversing the hills on my farm.

Also here is a pic of her with 3.2 hrs on it.

 

[KubotaGlocker]

Generally speaking - tractors have a lower center of gravity than you might think. On smooth terrain they usually slide befor they will tip. Having the loader bucket raised even as high as the hood changes that drastically- especially with a load. A little seat time and gradually working you way into the sloped areas a little at a time (with the loader bucket near the ground) will help you work up a comfort factor pretty quickly. It is amazing what you will soon be able to accomplish on a slope once you get a feel for the machine and its abilities. Just stay away from anything your better judgement tells you not to do.

By the way - that is a great looking tractor!

 

[heviduty]

Nice tractor.
Your manual should have recommendations on hillside limits. I recommend you flip up the rops, use 4wd unless on pavement, always use your seat belt, keep something heavy on the rear for ballast, and keep the bucket close to the ground.

 

[k0ua]

Generally speaking - tractors have a lower center of gravity than you might think. On smooth terrain they usually slide befor they will tip. Having the loader bucket raised even as high as the hood changes that drastically- especially with a load. A little seat time and gradually working you way into the sloped areas a little at a time (with the loader bucket near the ground) will help you work up a comfort factor pretty quickly. It is amazing what you will soon be able to accomplish on a slope once you get a feel for the machine and its abilities. Just stay away from anything your better judgement tells you not to do.

By the way - that is a great looking tractor!

This ^^ Keeping the bucket as low as you can without dragging, especially loaded. I even lower my 3pt load a little too at times, as long as it doesn't drag. Anything to lower center of gravity.. Remember to always go slow in case a wheel falls in a hole on the low side or hits a rock or some other obstruction that raises the tires one the high side. Wear you belt, keep the ROPS up, and you will be surprised how much slope you can traverse. You will feel uncomfortable and slide around in the seat way before the tractor is in any real danger. But all bets are off if you raise that loader. You will find yourself on your side before you even know what happened.

Oh, if it starts to go wrong,.. drop bucket if you can and steer downhill.

 

[TripleR]

Congratulations on your new tractor, I am not sure anyone really knows. There are several threads on this.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-owning-operating/279095-mowing-slopes-tractor.html

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/owning-operating/199464-slopes-tractor-tilt.html

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-owning-operating/104751-maximum-hillside-mowing.html

 

[Chilly807]

The 3800, like the 3400 I have, has a relatively narrow stance and high center of gravity. In other words, they're tippy feeling.. not what you wanted to hear, but that's my opinion. I second the advice about the rops and seat belt, and be careful on side slopes in particular.

Sean

 

[Bluegill2]

Nice Tractor!

Have the rear tires loaded. Maybe wheel spacers added. Always keep weight on the 3 pt hitch when the loader is on there! The tiller is good, but more weight would be better for heavy loader work. Take the loader off when mowing, or not needed.