working on slopes

[pasturesnew]

Hi All,

I need to use my Jinma 254 to cut brush on some fairly steep slopes - more than 30 percent. On these areas my steel-tracked Kubota minidigger will slide if the grass is wet and I use the dozer blade and bucket arm to give extra braking and stability.

I do have experience of using modern tractors on slopes but those were bigger, heavier and more powerful machines. Does anyone with experience of working Jinmas under these conditions have any advice on best working practices? I'll be very grateful for any tips.

ACM

 

[greg_g]

On ag tyres, the 200 series Jinma has a rather high center of gravity. As a countermeasure for slope work, I recommend you widen the rear track. The owner's manual describes four widths to which the rears can be manipulated. Whereas the front rims can be reversed for an additional inch or so, I believe doing so unnecessarily exposes the front hubs to hazard. Your choice.

With the center of gravity as low as possible, I then tackle severe slopes on the diagonal with 4wd engaged. I have one hand hovering near the diff lock lever in the event of rear wheel slippage. As the slope increases, my angle of attack shifts accordingly - more in the direction of perpendicular. On particularly egregious inclines I tackle nearly head on - with the diff lock already engaged.

In the end, it all comes with experience.

//greg//

 

[CSH]

Always traverse the slope straight up and straight down if possible. I also cut some pretty steep slopes about 6 - 7 times a year. The most severe sections are 35 degrees, which would equate to 70 percent slope. I have a Farmpro 2425 (Jinma 254) with a Koyker 160 loader and leave it on the tractor when brush cutting up these steep inclines for front ballast. I've been using my loader quite a bit lately so I haven't reversed the wheels for a wider stance due to possible front axle damage. I have no problems pulling a 5ft cutter as long as I'm in 4wd and go straight up and straight down the slope. Traction has never been an issue. I also mow across the slope in some areas that are less than 15 degrees (26 percent slope). Once again, I've never had a problem. The key is in knowledge of the terrain, paying attention, and matching the tractor's speed to the conditions (ie, don't go too fast). I previously mowed these areas with a smaller 2wd CUT, and it was VERY exciting if the rear wheels lost traction.

 

[pasturesnew]

Hi Greg and CHS,

Essentially the same rules as for bigger tractors, then.
(By the way, I should have said 30 degrees not percent - excuse me.)
Must admit I have taken chances with bigger tractors - downhill turns, for example - but then always had the weight and power to stop any slide. Don't intend to experiment with this baby, though!
Many thanks for your advice.
ACM

 

[greg_g]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I should have said 30 degrees )</font>
You should be safe enough then. The techniques I described are those used when I tackle more steeply inclined sections I've got some roadside right of way strips to mow, that probably exceed 45 degrees.

//greg//

 

[dancce]

We just picked up a customer's 224 Jinma with a Koyker loader that he had rolled over on it's side Saturday.
Fortunately neither the owner, nor the tractor were damaged----but it could have been a devastating tradgety.(If not for the ROPS, there probably would have been a death .) After we put the tractor back upright, we brought it back to our shop to clear the upper part of the engine of oil and change filters---and to widen and put fluid in the rear tires,at no charge.
We weren't aware of the steep-ness of this cutomer's land when he purchased the tractor. (Yes, Oklahoma does have hills.)
I can't stress enough, how important it is to be extremely careful when working on steep ground----with any tractor.

dancce