Uneven and hilly ground

[Sysop]

If by ballast you mean loaded tires or weights then no sir....I've heard pros and cons...:confused3:

That is what creekbend was meaning, and it is an important part of hillside stability. Having the tires loaded with liquid adds a good bit of weight below the axle, and wheel weights add a good bit at the level of the axle. Both will bring the center of gravity of the machine down closer to the ground, with loaded tires having the most effect. Having loaded tires and/or wheel weights also helps create more traction to prevent slippage on hills and slopes.

The cons for added weight are additional soil compaction and "loaded" performance even when unloaded. These are generally considered acceptable for the safety benefits. The soil compaction issues can be minimized by alternating paths of travel and treated with subsoilers, pluggers, and aerators. Any performance differences do not limit the machine's capabilities, just make it work a little harder "unloaded". The difference is the same as the difference noticed with a backhoe or front loader installed versus removed.

I have hills my machine could zip up in Medium range, 2000RPM, HST wide open, with unloaded tires; IF it could grab traction. Without loaded tires I'd start up the side until spinning all four brought me to a stop. Loaded tires give me the ability to take my tractor up those hills, but not at 2000RPM in Medium range. Takes more power to do it, but I have enough traction to lift the front off the ground if the hill is too steep and I put enough power to it. Hills that size, I can pick up a FEL bucket of dirt or something and can make the climb with the front on the ground assisting the pull. They say backing up a hill is safest because you can't rotate the tractor on the front axle like you can the rear due to the tread design you'll lose traction before creating enough torque. With my loaded rears and rim width set out, I can go sideways on hills I spin slightly going up.

 

[Xfaxman]

This is what a 26.6 degree side slope looks like.

Notice the chain on the Toolcat's work light to show true straight up and down.

I sure wouldn't want to yank that chain! :laughing:

This is the same slope, showing 30 degrees of body lean on the Ranger Electric.

 

[B Hoofed]

This is what 20 degrees looks like.

 

[Coyote machine]

ROPS up/seatbelt on. ROPS down/seatbelt OFF.
Even with 4wd tires can easily slip sideways on uneven wet ground, in mud/grass/leaves, etc.
Always use caution when on a slope and beware of the terrain below you. Rocks, slippery roots, etc can all move the tractor like it was on ball bearings. Bucket low, whether it's loaded or not, and definitely load your rear tires- there is no reason not to- it only provides benefits that are not overcome by not having them loaded.
Turn slowly, and let off the pedal if you start to tip at all. It takes getting used to so practice on smaller slopes first.

 

[Jesse masterson]

my main safety ally is alwAys remember is it worth possibly dying for, keeps me in line.