Steep slope with garden tractor trailer hauling dirt - Safely getting down the hill

[Kimbo4260]

Hello folks,

I've read many of the threads about one tractor vs. another or recommendations about tires, weights, etc. I'm wondering whether anyone has thought of a way to safely stop a garden tractor that is on the verge of sliding down the hill. I'm thinking of some type of a rope system or some way to make sure the tractor doesn't get out of control. Even mowing, with chains, there will be "slight" slippage going down the hill. When you put on a small trailer with a load, you will get additional slippage with the load pushing you down the hill.

From the top of the hill, I may have to go 30 yards towards the water where I need to haul a number of loads of dirt. The hill might be on a 30 degree angle.

Anyone seen any creative idea's with ropes, pulleys, devices, etc. to ensure the tractor/trailer goes down the hill slowly and under control.

Thanks,
Kimbo

 

[hawkeye08]

Simple, take smaller loads that are safe to move with your tractor and terrain.

 

[rekees4300]

You might try going down in reverse. Tractor would be pulled instead of pushed. Should give better steering control but still would be dangerous.

 

[bcp]

Use the tractor to move it to the top of the hill. Unhitch, tie a long rope from the trailer tongue to your car/truck. Push the trailer over the side, then lower it using the car. A little more work, but lots safer.

Bruce

 

[rd_macgregor]

I've experienced similar problems and wondered about replacing the tires on the lawn tractor with old ATV tires for more traction. I suspect doing this would help a lot with the first problem, but might make the possibility of flipping over greater (ie, by having TOO much traction).
Bob

 

[CobyRupert]

Take the wheels off the trailer. Or better yet, dump the dirt from the trailer onto a sled / stone boat that has enough friction with the ground that it has to be pulled down the hill, yet light enough that when empty can be pulled up the hill. Or: 30 yards isn't far -Get 180 feet of cable and a pulley that gets achored at the top. Tractor goes up the hill as the trailer comes down and your only "braking" the weight difference between the two.
If your trailer is just slightly "overloaded", and for mowing, add more weight to the rear of your tractor, preferably down low with ballasted tires or center hub weights, and/or get better tires (traction).

 

[aczlan]

How about something like this:

but with the tractor driving forward or back at the top instead of a winch?

Aaron Z

 

[Egon]

How about some more details on the garden tractor?:thumbsup:

 

[aczlan]

How about some more details on the garden tractor?:thumbsup:

If its the one in his profile (Agco Allis 1716G), it should be like thuis:http://www.tractorhouse.com/listingsdetail/detail.aspx?OHID=7953061 or this: http://www.tractorhouse.com/listingsdetail/detail.aspx?OHID=7854661

Owners manual: http://bsintek.basco.com/BriggsDocumentDisplay/default.aspx?filename=heCyEN8ctF1rE3CG.54bp796Dq

Aaron Z

 

[imgone52]

You can change as many things on the tractor as you want (weight, tires, ect,) but if the ground under you becomes unstable, your going for a ride. I have had sod tear loose several times this season on slopes that we have always mowed. Scary! Our wet weather has been a game changer. Use one of the systems already mentioned, that will keep you and your machine off the slope. Good luck and Stay Safe !!!