TLB on slopes

[MarkV]

Up down, you want the rear wheels uphill on any tractor ...

This seems like a very simple application to follow as a rule of thumb.

Safety Question / Correct Procedure Requested

Please help me create a step-by-step procedure to back up an incline with a TLB, park, and excavate a partially exposed boulder from the lawn. I'll take a shot at listing a couple of steps in their correct order. Please re-arrange the steps/numbers and/or add other steps/numbers as needed.


[1] You back up an incline with a TLB

[2] turn the front bucket down and lower the FEL to the ground and elevate the front tires about 6" off the ground.

[3] lower the rear stabilizers and elevate the rear tires about 12" off the ground

[4] swivel the seat and begin the digging process

Digging completed ...

[5] raise and secure the backhoe boom

[6] raise the rear stabilizers and lower the rear tires back onto the ground and swivel the seat back around toward the driving position

[7] lower the front tires back onto the ground and raise the FEL and bucket off the ground

[8] drive back down the incline to flat ground or back up the incline to flat ground

?????

Seems like a good plan except I don't see the need to raise the tractor off the ground so much. I generally take the weight off the tires yet leave them in contact with the ground unless I need to level the tractor by raising one side. Adding liquid ballast to the tires will increase your stability on slopes considerable by off setting the higher center of gravity the backhoe creates.

MarkV

 

[Harry c]

Step #6; Swivel seat, assume driving position, tranny in gear, brakes on, then raise outriggers.

Ex-professional Backhoe Operator.

 

[The Gardener]

MarkV and Harry C,

Thank You !!!

I am going to print this out, laminate it, and keep it in the tool box as a constant reminder [when I get a TLB].

 

[Alt5600]

Adding liquid ballast to the tires will increase your stability on slopes considerable by off setting the higher center of gravity the backhoe creates.

Is it safe to assume that, in the absence of liquid-filled tires, added stability can be achieved with wheel-weights with the backhoe mounted?

 

[rbargeron]

Is it safe to assume that, in the absence of liquid-filled tires, added stability can be achieved with wheel-weights with the backhoe mounted?

The two methods are not equal. A typical wheel weight is 125lb centered at the axle. Liquid ballast can add much more and is centered below the axle. 17.5-24 tires hold 50+ gallons of calcium solution about 750lb each. Liquid tire filling chart here.

 

[Alt5600]

Thanks, rbargeron. I'm glad I asked the question ... thinking that it might not make much of a difference. I'm sure this topic is worthy of another thread.

I'd been thinking about getting wheel-weights that I can put on and take off relatively easily given how I intend to use the L39. I know they are heavy, but would rather have wheel-weights than an extra set of wheels or having liquid-filled tires all the time. I'll need to investigate the stability issue a bit more.

Thanks again.