Tilt Meters

[EBS]

Another easy way to attach a tiltmeter is to use two 1/4" x 1/4" x 1" rare earth bar magnets glued to the bottom of the tiltmeter. Then you can mount it securely to any ferromagnetic surface; I placed mine on the housing directly in front of the steering wheel and it hasn't moved at all during 35 hours of bouncing around on hillsides. Picture attached (I think).
Ed

 

[Bird]

Ed, that looks good, and there have been some discussions in the past about using magnets. I believe the concensus was that, because of the steel ball in the tiltmeter, a magnet might cause an erroneous reading.

 

[RBManufacturing]

Hi MarkV and all the Guys,
Sorry, I have not been on the board for awhile.First, I went to the Farm show in Kentucky, then the Kansas City show.
I have been working on a dual axis ball and tube tiltmeter.
Actually, it is a front to back add on that will fit most of my
tiltmeters. I have had alot of requests for such a device, but
after checking to see what has been done by others, I was told it was not possible!!! I am making the mold now. Have
been working on it for 4-5 months. Proto-type works well.
After it is finished, I might send a few out for field testing.
Anyone interested??? It will require the new mounting bracket
I have been using for the last 6-8 months to mount it to.
Anyone that has the old steel brackets would be sent the new
style for use with the add on. First, however, It must be
tested here. IF it works well, I will be offering it in the next
month or so. Thanks Guys, Rick

 

[JohnMiller3]

Experimenting with Rick's famous Tiltmeter using velcro for temporary placement...

 

[drcollie]

I've got a tiltmeter on my BX22 mounted right on the hood and it's a worthwhile investment for a new tractor owner. As time goes by, you can tell by the "seat of your pants" if you're getting over too far. I don't think you really need it AFTER you have a number of hours on your tractor operated on your land.

My experience with operating on slopes (and my property is covered with 'em) is the main danger is catching a rut with the downhill side wheel when you're near the pucker range of operation.

Anything that will unsettle the tractor when you're close to the maximum results in a tipover. Also, when you read about the frint end loader work here on TBN, pay attention. Loaders really upset the balance of the tractor and how high a load is carried is a major factor in stability.

If you're just set up with a mowing deck, and nothing else, you can run quite a bit more tilt than if you have attachments like a loader and backhoe on the tractor. I can bury my tiltmeter to the max without worry if I have only a mow deck on the BX and smooth lawn.

-Duane C

 

[perrycounty]

Not expecting delivery of the tractor till Monday, but after reading much of the discussions and experiences about their value, I ordered mine today.
Especially like the use of the magnet mount by EBS..
Appreciate the pic also.
"Thanks" guys for the valuable information.

Jeff

 

[Anonymous Poster]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Anything that will unsettle the tractor when you're close to the maximum results in a tipover. Also, when you read about the frint end loader work here on TBN, pay attention. Loaders really upset the balance of the tractor and how high a load is carried is a major factor in stability.
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Yes, the bucket is a major factor in the learning curve for this new tractor. That plus the fact that with the back blade and loader it's 14' long! /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif When it comes mowing time the back blade and loader will come off and that should help. I am already starting to feel more comfortable with it.

I mentioned the tilt meter to the dealer and he said "oh, you're not going to tip that tractor over". When I said "really, you don't think so?" he answered with "always wear your seat belt"! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[EBS]

A reasonable caution, Bird. I thought of this and experimented with various tiltmeter-magnet configurations. I could produce no evidence of an interaction between a magnet and the tiltmeter ball. I don't think it's ferromagnetic. Wouldn't Rick have mentioned this as a potential complication if it's real?
Ed

 

[Bird]

Ed, I didn't know whether you got the magnetic base from Rick or not, but if so, I'm sure he's using material now that won't be affected by the magnet. And if that's the case, that's a really neat way to mount the tiltmeter.

 

[riptides]

John and Ed,

Thanks for posting the pictures. They are helping me decide.

I was quite shocked holding the meter and looking at how easy it is to move to 25 degrees. It did not look *that* bad. Is this a normal occurance or phenom?

-Mike Z. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif