Tilt meters

Bird · Jul 28, 2000

That's a little hard to say, Gordon. I guess I go by both. Don't entirely trust either one alone; seat of my pants or the meter. I may just be more scared of slopes than some folks are./w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

Bird

MChalkley · Jul 28, 2000

Gordon - I guess I use two things to judge the safety of the slope, but one of them is never "seat of the pants" feel anymore. The Tiltmeter tells me exactly what the slope is at any given time, something that "seat of the pants" can't do, because of factors like "optical delusion", etc. But there's a lot more involved than just the actual slope. For example, if there's logs or rocks on the slope, running over one on the uphill side could be enough to tip you instantly. Or, if the surface isn't smooth, running over a bump on the uphill side or a hole on the downhill side could tip you instantly. Similarly, if the ground is very soft, the downhill side, having more weight on it, will sink faster and tip you. Or, if the surface is slick and you start to slide, then stop suddenly, the momentum can tip you, too. (I realize you know all this already, but I'm just illustrating a point.) So, basically, I rely on the Tiltmeter exclusively for the degree of slope at the moment. Then, I factor in everything else I can observe (facts, not feel) and come up with a "go/no go" decision.

Now, aren't you sorry you asked? /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

Mark

Branch · Jul 28, 2000

Just got my 4300 yesterday. The dealer had loaned me a 4500 for a month until my tractor came in. I've got really hilly property and had been driving the 4500 very carefully. The first thing I did once I got my tractor yesterday was install a tilt gage with alarm on the canopy as well as a grade indicator. What an eye opener. For a newby like me indicators are a must. Now I'm staying away from some areas but able to venture into others I didn't think were practical. I've found a big difference between stability on a 4500 and a 4300.

W5FL · Jul 28, 2000

What do you atribute the difference in stability and which is the most stable. I assume the wheel spacing is adjusted to about the same spacing?

gordon · Jul 28, 2000

Mark thanks for the info. No I'm not sorry I asked thats how I learn maybe alittle slow but at least steady./w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif
But I do follow about the ground ahead of you and also around you one can't be to careful only takes a second for the worst to happen. I've put my tractor in places where it never should have been amazing how the ground under you can disappear at times and give you a good wake up call. Hind sight is always 20-20.

Gordon

gordon · Jul 28, 2000

Being scared will keep you safe alot of the time by not overstepping the ability of the tractor. That is the problem alot of times people don't realize how bad of a situation that they are in until its too late!!!
Gordon

Anonymous Poster · Jul 28, 2000

Guys and Gals-I have had my tiltmeter all season. I am pleased with it's simplicity and ease of use. As I stated some time earlier, I have modified my mowing patterns to remain in the safe zone. This actually makes the job go faster. Gotta' keep the "botta" in good working order.

Branch · Jul 30, 2000

The 4500 I feel is more stable because the tires can be spaced much further out due to the type of rim with R4's. My 4300's R4's only change about 1/2" after reversing the rims. The 4500 is a good foot wider.

Anonymous Poster · Nov 8, 2001

What is the criteria for a compact tractor (a JD 670 w/ FEL for example)?
I don't expect any hard and fast numbers, but a typical based upon your experience would be nice.

Thanks!

Bob_Trevithick · Jan 23, 2002

<font color=blue>...a possible mount on the fuel cap, but he does not have a design for that.</font color=blue>

Mine just came yesterday, and I was also thinking of the fuel cap. It looks like it would work, maybe because I got a different mount than you did? I recall him mentioning a new mounting system, and I don't know if I got the new or old one.. but I assume from the above it's the new.

Anyway, one plus is that if you sell the tractor, just order a new fuel cap for it and keep your tilt meter. Then again, knowing JD pricing, it might be cheaper to just buy a new tilt meter. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif