What is the most stable tractor for hilly terrain?

[Fallon]

What's kind of interesting is that I frequently drive my machine with the rear tires off the ground, only letting them down if I have to make a steering correction.

Yup. Most front end loaders have a fixed front axle (like the fixed rear axle on a tractor) but a single pin for the rear. If you could get excessive weight on the back somehow you'd have the same issues.

 

[Fordguy581]

OK, so I've decided to go ahead and buy the Massey Ferguson 2606H with the 911x loader, and the dealer will set the tires out as far as possible to still fit on my trailer. So I'll see how it works out!

Thanks for all the input!
Paul

 

[MossRoad]

Yup. Most front end loaders have a fixed front axle (like the fixed rear axle on a tractor) but a single pin for the rear. If you could get excessive weight on the back somehow you'd have the same issues.

I don't think so. I have four wheel motors, one at each corner. No axles. No pins.

 

[MossRoad]

OK, so I've decided to go ahead and buy the Massey Ferguson 2606H with the 911x loader, and the dealer will set the tires out as far as possible to still fit on my trailer. So I'll see how it works out!

Thanks for all the input!
Paul

Consider having the tires filled with ballast and consider wheel weights as well if the slopes are steep.

 

[Fallon]

I don't think so. I have four wheel motors, one at each corner. No axles. No pins.

I meant most industrial front end loaders. If you ever see them lift the back end the back axle is just hanging there bouncing side to side.

Front Loader Dances to Gangnam Style - YouTube

Scary when you imagine trying to balance that. The fixed front is hard enough.

Not to familiar with the Power Trac. Assumed they were a scaled down version of the industrial machines. Where do they flex then? Need to flex somewhere unless they are on 3 wheels over any uneven ground.

 

[MossRoad]

Ah, I understand now. Thanks.

My wheel motors are mounted solid to the front and back body tubs.

The front and back body tubs have an upper and lower joint at the pivot point, and a rod from the top joint connects forward a couple feet to a third joint. This allows for left/right steering articulation, as well as uneven flex(oscillation) in the roll axis. So the front and back tubs can be offset up to 45 degrees to the left or right AND they can oscillate on different planes up to 12 degrees.

 

[cqaigy2]

I moved to some fairly steep property in Western Washington. I'd tried out a couple different tractors friends let me try out, kabota and another i can't remember the make, one to many times up on three and two wheels convinced me to look at one of these Power Tracs. Up to this point, i'd only had experience on large farming tractors in Eastern Washington and combines harvesting wheat in the Blue Mountains by Walla Walla. I thought they looked like golf carts, something for little lawns. I posted in the Buying forum describing my property and projected usage, mostly clearing and driveway maintenance, no ground engagement, like plowing etc. Moss responded with an offer to look at his videos, and i have to say, i really didn't want that weird looking PT, but the stability and front end mounted, easy connect/disconnect implements and quick forward, reverse and i was hooked.

 

[Fordguy581]

Consider having the tires filled with ballast and consider wheel weights as well if the slopes are steep.

Yes, I'm filling the tires with beet juice. I might buy few weights, but I'll test the tractor first on the flat part of the property first to see what stability I have.