Yes or No

[SandburRanch]

After reading about all the accidents when mowing down steep hills, is it safer to have the front loader bucket attached or removed?

This question is for down steep hill travel only where traction may be lost and with either a 3ph mower, belly mower or no mower at all so size doesn't really matter.
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going forward down hill only

 

[blueriver]

I don't know. It would seem if the bucket was carried low the extra weight would be good for front wheel traction ... and if the need arose you could lower the bucket to the ground for added friction to aid in a stop.

 

[KYDan]

It will also provided front end weight when mowing up steep hills. I also use it to knock over brush when I am mowing rough fields.

 

[LD1]

TOO any variables and TOO many different combinations of tractors and mowers to say for sure.

SO a few more details please.

Are you talking mowing going DOWN only, or do you mean up and down??

Are you going forward down the hill, or backwards? Likewise for going up the hill. Straight up? or backing up??

Are you talking about removing JUST the bucket? or the WHOLE loader?

If just the bucket, I would think that would make it more unsafe. The bucket is the lowest point of the loader, so by removing it, you will raise the COG and loose the ability to use it to slow the tractor down.

But then again, if it is a 2wd tractor and going down a hill, maybe taking weight off the front is good????

And what about going up the hill??? How heavy is your mower? Maybe the weight is needed up there?

Just too many variables and every situation is different.

 

[RoyJackson]

Trade off, really.
The bucket could be lowered during a slide to slow or stop you...maybe (although I'm sure a toothbar would add to it's effectiveness).
On the other hand, that same loader will raise your center of gravity when not on the steep downslopes.

One thing I was taught a long time ago...go down a slope in the same gear you'd go up a slope...meaning a pretty low gear on a steep slope...and let the engine braking work for you.
Also, I'd suggest you walk a couple areas of the slope first...if the soles of your shoes are wet after walking the slope, best to stay off it.

 

[LD1]

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going forward down hill only

Ok, you answered one question. That helps, but....

2wd tractor or 4wd?????

And are you taking off JUST the bucket, or the WHOLE loader???

 

[SandburRanch]

Ok, you answered one question. That helps, but....

2wd tractor or 4wd?????

And are you taking off JUST the bucket, or the WHOLE loader???

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Just removing the bucket for this discussion. I doubt anyone would want to remove the whole loader every time just to mow a steep hill.

2wd or 4wd - that's a fine line toss up. If 4wd is needed the tractor probably shouldn't be on that hill. Just my opinion on that one.

 

[dodge man]

My tractor, a BX2350 feels much more stable with the loader off, but as others have said, there are times it could also add some saftey.

 

[IndyIan]

From everything I've read a loader does make a tractor more tippy, partially by raising the vertical centre of gravity, but it also moves the horizontal centre of gravity up towards the front axle pivot.
So if you are going to be pushing the limits mowing then you should drop the loader. Or do something else on that slope... String trimmer or different plants perhaps?

 

[Mikeeemo]

I have mowed both ways. I prefer the loader on when doing slopes, with the heel of the bucket about 1" off the ground, cutting edge tilted up enough to not dig the the dirt. I always use 4wd and the lowest gear combination. I always mow up and down. Bad things happen if it is wet, so, like mentioned, check! If doing this type of work causes you stress, I would strongly suggest you use a "weed eater".

Above all, Operate your machine!

I have been stung repeatedly by Yellow jackets while mowing down a steep hill. I had to focus on the machine and let them sting me. Had I jumped off, I could have been pinned or run over. I choose the getting stung... Not an option for the allergic.

 

[TripleR]

Like LD1, just too many variables on tractors and terrain for me to make a generalization. We run four tractors from 26 to 85 HP and each is just a bit different as to effect. Some of it is also subjective. I hate mowing any slopes with a FEL on our BX, but my son in law has never taken his off, uses no counter weight or ballast in the tires and he mows some really steep stuff; not a flat place on his property.

 

[90cummins]

Keep the bucket on and approx 2~6" off the ground.
Years ago I mowed a ski area putting my machine (Ford 1720 4x4) into situations I would never do again.
The bucket provided counter balance when going up extremely steep hills helping to keep the front wheels on the ground.
Again as I said I would never mow areas as steep again but being young and needing the $ you do things that shouldn稚 be done.
The bucket served several uses when mowing. Rolled back and low to the ground it would hit hidden rocks & objects that could damage the tractor or mower.
It also saved my tractor from falling into an old well that was covered with boards. As I was mowing 1 front wheel fell into the hole but the bucket prevented the front end from falling in.
The bucket is also useful for pushing yourself out of hidden holes or mud and is also useful as an additional means to prevent the tractor from rolling down a hill by digging the edge into the ground.
Please note that when mowing down hill with a bucket if your wheels loose traction and you start to slide down the slope keep the wheels straight, do not touch the brakes and make sure the bucket is high enough (4~6? so it does not touch the ground. The front wheels must remain in contact in order to maintain control straight down the hill until the slope lessens and you can stop safely. Getting sideways will result in rolling the tractor down the mountain!
The loader frame may also give the operator a larger safely zone in the event of a rollover.
Tim

 

[TripleR]

Here are some threads: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/owning-operating/222339-need-advice-mowing-slope.html

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-owning-operating/217424-tractor-mountains.html

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/owning-operating/216495-operating-hilly-ground-you-level.html

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/owning-operating/217346-tips-brush-hogging-steep-hill.html

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/owning-operating/199464-slopes-tractor-tilt.html

 

[jbrumberg]

This topic was discussed at least once to my knowledge. I leave mine own and operate it in "4X4" as advised by previous "carrying" posters. I do not like any form of wet slope. One never knows when a FEL will be needed.

 

[Dr_Zinj]

... if the soles of your shoes are wet after walking the slope, best to stay off it.

If your underwear is wet and stinking after walking it, don't even think of taking a tractor on it.