Terrified of tipping - how about an inclinometer?

[amhicks21]

I dont think you'll find ground flat enough that a static angle measurement will save you. Usually if you're going to tip, it'll be from being on a slope and then additionally finding a sudden rise on the high side or a hole/soft ground on the low side. Not to say that inclinometers arent a useful tool in some circumstances but its really best to side with caution. We had a landscape business owner here locally that was literally in the process of retiring get just a little too close to a pond that he was brush hogging. he had probably mowed around that pond 100 times but that time the tractor tipped and pinned him under water killing him. I think its best to stay scared if it keeps the operator and the tractor safe. Good example of my own circumstance happened today actually. My boss had a newer operator mow a very steep center median of a divided road and we specifically told him that if he didnt feel comfortable on any of the steep areas that he should skip them and i would take care of them later. I'd hate to see the guy go out trying to prove he can do it all when that median scares the hell out of me even with 3000 hours on that model tractor.

 

[DanMc77]

One of the first things I did when I got my "big" JD 4600 was sit on youtube and watch a bunch of videos about tractors tipping over. It's often not recognized that even though your typical tractor has wide front wheels, the pivot in the center really makes it a tricycle. So the front wheels don't offer much of any help when it comes to tipping to the side.

 

[beenthere]

Add the rear wheel spacers, makes a world of difference in the comfort level. bt

 

[NoTrespassing]

As important as the ROPS is...wearing the seat belt is equally as important for surviving a rollover etc...!

I agree a seatbelt is very important. The only time I consider not wearing it is when I'm in the woods. My concern it rolling up against a tree and being trapped in place by the seatbelt. I've had wheels off the ground in the woods before and it's pretty scary. Our wooded areas are not flat at all.

As for inclinometers, I wouldn't waste my time or money. I would use my phone a few times if I was curious about a number.

I never measured our old driveway before we changed the grade but it was very steep. I slid a 47 Farmall cub with belly blade and chains down that drive sideways on ice the first winter on my property. I still can't believe it didn't roll.

Kevin

 

[Brendanspapa]

Alright, I admit it! I'm a crybaby when it comes to running any of my tractors on an incline. I'm terrified of tipping the machine on its side (or worse!). I know, fear is a good thing, but I get the heeby-jeebies whenever one of the rear wheels goes over a rock and the machine lifts up just a little on one side. On the 4600, if there's a little incline I'll often put down the stabilizers so if it does begin to tip, it will have something to rest on before it goes all the way over. Also, I'll turn the backoe over to the high side to add counter weight. Tires can be loaded, wheels weights added, and the wheels set for a wider track. All these things can, and should be done. But what about a way to measure how much the machine is leaning?

I find it odd that I have never seen any references to putting an inclinometer on the tractor dash. Has anybody done this? What about something like this? Amazon.com: Sun Company 201-F Lev-o-gage Inclinometer | USA-Made Level for Off-Road Vehicle, Jeep, Truck, RV, Camper, Trailer, or Boat: Industrial & Scientific

(I have no interest or involvement with promoting a product. I'm just asking.)

Yes, I have been using one for several years

 

[GVTractorGuy]

How great would it be if the manufactures actually produced the basic tipping information!

 

[bartjoebob]

Alright, I admit it! I'm a crybaby when it comes to running any of my tractors on an incline. I'm terrified of tipping the machine on its side (or worse!). I know, fear is a good thing, but I get the heeby-jeebies whenever one of the rear wheels goes over a rock and the machine lifts up just a little on one side. On the 4600, if there's a little incline I'll often put down the stabilizers so if it does begin to tip, it will have something to rest on before it goes all the way over. Also, I'll turn the backoe over to the high side to add counter weight. Tires can be loaded, wheels weights added, and the wheels set for a wider track. All these things can, and should be done. But what about a way to measure how much the machine is leaning?

I find it odd that I have never seen any references to putting an inclinometer on the tractor dash. Has anybody done this? What about something like this? Amazon.com: Sun Company 201-F Lev-o-gage Inclinometer | USA-Made Level for Off-Road Vehicle, Jeep, Truck, RV, Camper, Trailer, or Boat: Industrial & Scientific

(I have no interest or involvement with promoting a product. I'm just asking.)

Its not a bad idea but there are other variables like soft spots in the ground, load shifts, tire pressure, sideways slides, etc. I think manufactures shy away from an inclinometer because it can give a false impression to users (and potential liability claims) that as long as operating angle is under X angle, it's safe when there are too many other factors. The inclinometer is not substitute to common sense. It might actually enable less common sense

 

[beenthere]

How great would it be if the manufactures actually produced the basic tipping information!

Liability would be the main reason.. the lawsuit from a fatal tip-over that happened would be huge if an attempt was made by the mfg.
Plus there is no way such information could cover all circumstances we encounter. Have to use our own brains (common sense) to evaluate each and every move we make on our tractors.

 

[Ahr6912]

Alright, I admit it! I'm a crybaby when it comes to running any of my tractors on an incline. I'm terrified of tipping the machine on its side (or worse!). I know, fear is a good thing, but I get the heeby-jeebies whenever one of the rear wheels goes over a rock and the machine lifts up just a little on one side. On the 4600, if there's a little incline I'll often put down the stabilizers so if it does begin to tip, it will have something to rest on before it goes all the way over. Also, I'll turn the backoe over to the high side to add counter weight. Tires can be loaded, wheels weights added, and the wheels set for a wider track. All these things can, and should be done. But what about a way to measure how much the machine is leaning?

I find it odd that I have never seen any references to putting an inclinometer on the tractor dash. Has anybody done this? What about something like this? Amazon.com: Sun Company 201-F Lev-o-gage Inclinometer | USA-Made Level for Off-Road Vehicle, Jeep, Truck, RV, Camper, Trailer, or Boat: Industrial & Scientific

(I have no interest or involvement with promoting a product. I'm just asking.)

Great thought. I bought one just now.

 

[GVTractorGuy]

I used one similar to this in my Jeep for off roading. It has a set of markers where you can set your limits and shows both pitch and roll.

Amazon.com: SUMEX 2808014 4X4 Inclinometer with Light - Black : Automotive

Buy SUMEX 2808014 4X4 Inclinometer with Light - Black: Interior Accessories - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com