We all know that (pucker) feeling when driving a tractor sideways on an incline. Is there any information on how to determine a safe angle of tilt? Do wheel weights and loaded tires make any difference on turn over? When going from smaller tractor to a larger one with a wider wheel base how much does the rollover decrease? Would having a bush hog attached low to the ground help or just be neutral? I wonder if one had a simple inclinometer, would this be of any help?
dodge man
Super Star Member
I’ve seen people with some kind of indicator mounted on there hood or dash. Loaded tires help a lot. I went from a Kubota BX to a JD 2025r. The JD sits taller but is wider and actually feels more stable, I have loaded tires in back.
RjCorazza
Elite Member
There are way too many variables to determine a safe incline in anything but laboratory like conditions.
I have loaded rears, which definitely help on slopes. I also have an inclometer that I bought years ago (I think from TBN?). The inclometer can be a liability if other indicators or experience are ignored, but for me... I get nervous on a relatively safe slope of 10 degrees when on the tractor, but routinely run across a 28 degree slope on my zero turn.
I have loaded rears, which definitely help on slopes. I also have an inclometer that I bought years ago (I think from TBN?). The inclometer can be a liability if other indicators or experience are ignored, but for me... I get nervous on a relatively safe slope of 10 degrees when on the tractor, but routinely run across a 28 degree slope on my zero turn.
CalG
Super Member
- Joined
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- vermont
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- Hurlimann 435, Fordson E27n, Bolens HT-23, Kubota B7200, Kubota B2601
As stated above, too many variables.
There are many references to tractor roll overs on the interweb. My take on the reading of them has been that "most" roll overs are due to INERTIA. That is, on an incline, front wheel hits a dip or bump, the steady state is overwhelmed by inertia. Over you go.
There are many references to tractor roll overs on the interweb. My take on the reading of them has been that "most" roll overs are due to INERTIA. That is, on an incline, front wheel hits a dip or bump, the steady state is overwhelmed by inertia. Over you go.
Thanks for the replies. I have loaded tires and also rear wheel weights on two tractors. I suspect that getting older makes one become more cautious. Have never turned one over but I know the feeling of being on a slope and running over something with the upper wheel. On relative smooth but sloping land I have been trying to come up with an angle that is safe without being too cautious. Again thanks for any thoughts on this.
jeepcoma
Silver Member
The problem of "pucker factor" is that it's based on your personal comfort level based on the angle of the tractor, the speed you're going, how busy you are, how it's the last run you need to make and you really just want to get the job done, etc etc.
As the operator on top of the seat you have no actual knowledge as to where the center of gravity is, and therefore, whether you are in a danger zone or not.
Pucker factor is reduced over time as you accumulate knowledge via "well that felt scary but it didn't tip, so I guess it's OK". I know that's true for me, I'm probably operating at twice the angle now without fear compared to what caused pucker factor initially. That leads to complacency. What's stable with the MMM and nothing attached front and rear might be a rollover with the FEL, some weight in the bucket, and then some elevation of the bucket.
I wish there was a better answer. I'm sure the engineers designing these machines know (since the ROPS has to work, and they've done the math). For us operators, the process seems to be, put the ROPS up, seatbelt on, and then use the guess-and-check method. If it doesn't roll, you're good. When it rolls, you didn't follow the manufactures instructions and were not operating safely, so too bad.
As the operator on top of the seat you have no actual knowledge as to where the center of gravity is, and therefore, whether you are in a danger zone or not.
Pucker factor is reduced over time as you accumulate knowledge via "well that felt scary but it didn't tip, so I guess it's OK". I know that's true for me, I'm probably operating at twice the angle now without fear compared to what caused pucker factor initially. That leads to complacency. What's stable with the MMM and nothing attached front and rear might be a rollover with the FEL, some weight in the bucket, and then some elevation of the bucket.
I wish there was a better answer. I'm sure the engineers designing these machines know (since the ROPS has to work, and they've done the math). For us operators, the process seems to be, put the ROPS up, seatbelt on, and then use the guess-and-check method. If it doesn't roll, you're good. When it rolls, you didn't follow the manufactures instructions and were not operating safely, so too bad.
David in KY
Silver Member
- Joined
- Aug 12, 2022
- Messages
- 157
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- Northern Kentucky
- Tractor
- Kioti RX6620; Excavtaor: Takeuchi TB260
Being a city-slicker and first-time tractor owner when I arrived here, I read a lot of wisdom on these pages regarding tractor safety. In particular, because of the hilly terrain where I live, I was concerned with a roll over accident. In addition to all the cautions I read, I decided to mount an inclinometer forward of my steering wheel. Fast forward a few years later, I remain accident free, yet ever vigilant. I can attest to the inclinometer helping me to gauge the risks that I face, and perhaps calibrating my senses to know as danger approaches.
On my ground, there is only a small portion that is level. The vast majority is sloped from 6% to 30%. Also, the direction of the slope in relation to the direction of tractor operation (up-down vs cross-slope) can be the difference in upsetting your stability. I often have to pick up a load, slowly maneuver to a safe orientation to the hill, then proceed to transport the load. You become more comfortable over time, building confidence each day. But don't rush things. The price is very high!
BTW, I have an open station tractor with ROPS, loaded rear tires, always carry a heavy 3PH implement, and I ALWAYS wear my seat belt.
Take your time, be smart and deliberate about movements, and you'll be alright.
Here's the model I bought: Rieker Mechanical Inclinometer
I took a piece of aluminum angle, cut to length of the meter, attached the meter, and fastened two rubber encased magnets as feet, which stick to the frame of the tractor hood. I move it to the tool box when parked, so the sun and weather don't beat on it.
All the best.
On my ground, there is only a small portion that is level. The vast majority is sloped from 6% to 30%. Also, the direction of the slope in relation to the direction of tractor operation (up-down vs cross-slope) can be the difference in upsetting your stability. I often have to pick up a load, slowly maneuver to a safe orientation to the hill, then proceed to transport the load. You become more comfortable over time, building confidence each day. But don't rush things. The price is very high!
BTW, I have an open station tractor with ROPS, loaded rear tires, always carry a heavy 3PH implement, and I ALWAYS wear my seat belt.
Take your time, be smart and deliberate about movements, and you'll be alright.
Here's the model I bought: Rieker Mechanical Inclinometer
I took a piece of aluminum angle, cut to length of the meter, attached the meter, and fastened two rubber encased magnets as feet, which stick to the frame of the tractor hood. I move it to the tool box when parked, so the sun and weather don't beat on it.
All the best.
David in KY
Silver Member
- Joined
- Aug 12, 2022
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- 157
- Location
- Northern Kentucky
- Tractor
- Kioti RX6620; Excavtaor: Takeuchi TB260
Liquid "ballast" filled tires.
ultrarunner
Epic Contributor
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The off road supply houses sell incline gages.
Going a cross a side hill that should have been ok turned into a roll over for a friend when his loaded rear tire hit a soft spot from ground squirrels… it didn’t take much
Going a cross a side hill that should have been ok turned into a roll over for a friend when his loaded rear tire hit a soft spot from ground squirrels… it didn’t take much
