Mowing Roll over question....

[morthog1957]

I have a 2009 4320 cab and FEL. I also pull a 6 ft bushhog. What degree hillside can I safely cut without the danger of rollover? I sure wish my tractor had a "tilt meter"....

 

[ChuckinNH]

If you are worried about it, you probably shouldn't go there. It has taken me a number of years to get comfortable with where I can, and can't go, and I think it is unwise to make suggestions to others based on some specific angle. Soil conditions, bumps, holes, and all that sort of thing make a huge difference. Drop that lower wheel in a hole, and even a safe slope becomes dangerous, soft spot, same thing, bump on the high side, not good!

 

[CurlyDave]

I sure wish my tractor had a "tilt meter"....

The first thing I did when I got my tractor was to buy one of the R&B tilt meters, which are advertised right on this site, in the "Store" section. It is the best $35 I have spent in a long time.

Don't leave home without it.

 

[RoyJackson]

I had an R&B Tiltmeter on my first tractor and it was a big help. Slopes that felt intimidating turned out to be well under 15°.
You'll find out that your tractor is more capable across slopes then you are. If those big rear tires are filled, that adds a lot of inertia which reduces the rollover potential.
However, filled tires and a tiltmeter are no substitute for common sense...never forget that!!!
So, I suggest you get a tiltmeter and install it. It'll help give you confidence operating across slopes that feel steep, but really aren't and it'll keep you off the slopes that are dangerous.
When it comes to wet grass, stay off slopes. Wet grass is slicker then greased owlsh_t. A tiltmeter won't help you there.
Good luck and be safe!!!!

 

[BruceWard]

You can see the R&B Tiltmeters at Welcome To The R&B Manufacturing, Inc.

I am thinking about one for my B21. Might be nice to have two and install one for front to back on the FOPS as well as a side to side.

Lots of other options can be found if you search Ebay for Clinometer.

A 12" or shorter digital level with magnets would be dual purpose and easily calibrated.

 

[techwrtr2]

Seat belt. Wear your seat belt. I don't care how confident (or not) you are on your machine and the terrain... if you have a ROPS of any kind, wear the seat belt. There might be surface features you aren't aware of that can be bad news. Had a roll a few years ago (a flop really) in a crawler. I wasn't belted in and it was NOT a fun experience. No injuries other than to my pride but oh boy...

 

[ChuckinNH]

That photo illustrates very clearly what I was saying about hazards in otherwise safe areas. I'm not sure a tilt meter would have told techwrtr2 anything in time to help. I sure am glad that techwrtr2 came out of it OK though!

 

[eepete]

If you want a tilt meter and have an iPhone, there's an app for that.

Pete

 

[roadhawk]

Pete -I just looked and didn't find any that were free. Is the one you're talking about a money one or do you know a free one?

 

[eepete]

Search for the "stanley bostitch level". It's an app that looks like a bubble level, so it can be used for tilt. It's free.

Other fun tractor relate ones: "Decibel Meter" to see how loud it is in the cab, and "Ruler", "Flashlight", "Unit Converter Pro", "MotiontX GPS Lite" (for ground speed, GPS co-ordinates). You're local TV station may have an app for radar, if not there's "The Weather Channel" app.

Pete