Safe grade angles

[daveman]

Does anyone know what a safe grade angle might be for my Farmtrac 360DTC? I have a project, 22 post holes, I'm going to do down a lake embankment. It's about 25º to 28º. I don't want all the fluids running away from their pumps. Especially since I'm not sure how long it will take to drill 22 holes. Ø12" by 48" deep.
Thanks! /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[bugstruck]

I assume at those grades you must be running down the slope, not up or across. Good brakes and proper gearing are a must at those grades. Be careful, thats STEEP! Better to back into it if you haven't already tried it. Keep in mind the nature of the implement your using may compound the concerns on steep inclines. That said, I would think your tractor has an idiot light or engine oil pressure gauge which should cover that pumps operation. On the hydraulic pump I really don't know, except that I would think you'd know pretty quick if it started grabbing air. You'd have detectible operational problems with hydraulic driven attachments and likely some noise to boot. Not sure but I'm guessing yours is a gear model. So the transmission/ PTO should be uneffected.

I'd wait for some more experience to chime in though. I have never tried what you're describing. Others surely have.

HTH

 

[Highbeam]

Keep the fuel tank topped up so as not to suck in air and then watch your gauges. It's going to be tough to get a striaght post hole with the crooked tractor.

 

[Tim_in_IA]

I agree, that's steep! It is hard enough to drill a straight hole on level ground. The mere fact that your asking tells me you are already having reservations about this. I would recommend renting or buying a hand auger for this task. I have a manaul one I use for touchy spots that works good, but you sure get tired. For 22 holes I would invest in a motorized unit or rent one.

Be careful!

 

[edski]

As for safe angles, I'm not sure...I tend to go by "pucker factor."
I'm not sure of your soil type, but would like to warn that if you hit a shale-like stratified layer, the auger will act like a corkscrew. In other words, your 3 pt will head to China while your front end tries to kiss the sky. Just be ready to drop the 3 pt and engage the clutch. I'd work on the down hill side of the post hole, if you have enough clearance between auger and tractor/hitch area (due to angle).
Just my $.02

 

[daveman]

According to Farmtrac. The tractor can work on the grade no problem. the pumps on the hyd. oil and the engine oil are close enough to the lowest point of the tank and pan. SO now my only concern is how straight I can get the hle. And if the inspector when he comes to check it is going to measurethe depth at the angle it will most likely drill at. Or directly vertical. We never know how inspectors can be! /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif I'm not real concerned about what I might hit with the Drill. This is going down an embankment to a beach so I'm not expecting anything to nasty.

 

[daveman]

After playing around on a grade closer to the house I realize the "Pucker factor" is a BIG Issue. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif Since I like my tractor more than taking the chance I've decided this will ba a manual job. Lil Blue (The name my daughter gave the FarmTrac) will be on top of the hill holding the tools instead! Thanks for all the thoughts guys. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif