25C Tilt Meter on BX24

[lilmatt]

After feeling uncomfy driving my BX24 on some of the slopes on my property, I read about and bought a 25C tilt meter. I figure I'm not the first, so I was wondering how other BX2x owners have mounted their tilt meters so they can both be vertical and easily seen from the seat.

I also am wondering what the maximum _safe_ horizontal slope is. I've seen between 10 and 15 degrees mentioned elsewhere on TBN. Should I be turning back (slowly) if I'm at 10 degrees?

Thanks

 

[KeithInSpace]

Maximum "safe" slope is to where my rear end starts feeling uncomfortable. And by rear end, I mean prosterior...seat of my pants. There are FAR too many variables to consider while driving a tractor on a slope for me to ever rely on a bubble in a piece of glass.

 

[bx24d]

There is a recent thread on this issue. I don't know how to include the thread with this post but it is entitled "question about tilt and safety" in the Kubota Owning and Operating section. IMHO, spend your money on Bro-Tek Spacers rather than a tilt meter.

 

[johnny_law]

As KeithinSpace says there is too many variables (COG, Weight distribution of carried load, condition of the ground below to name just a few) to take in account to have a given angle of safety. I would think that a tilt meter would only give you a false sense of security. Be careful.

I suspect the best security is experience so take it slowly and Err on the side of caution until you know where it is safe to travel.

Sorry this doesn't help.

 

[BigE_]

I go up to 25 degrees before the pucker factor really kicks in, and my center of gravity is much higher. Of course, at 25 degrees when operating the loader, I have lifted the non-filled rear tire on more than one occasional. Really gets your blood racing, and not really recommended.

In general, at more than 15 degrees, I start being really careful. At 30 degrees, I'm just creeping along. I live on a hillside. Flat, level land? What's that?

Taking the tractor in this weekend to get the tires filled.

-Steve

 

[310-510]

I agree with bx24d that the Bro Tek spacers made a new machine out of my BX24. Foam filled tires help also. IMHO, when working close to the edge of the limits on a BX, I'm too busy watching the surroundings and the terrain to watch a gauge.

Carl

 

[NuBota]

I have mine mounted and like it - but don't use it as the primary safety mechanism. I live on nothing but slopes. I mounted it my lawn tractor first to "map" all the areas I had already been mowing just to get a frame of reference for when I used the BX. On the BX, if I start to get uncomfortable, I will stop - and take note of the angles, then carefully extricate myself.

Assigning a "number" to my pucker factor and the fact that I can now gauge a slope by eyeballing it helps me determine how to approach new areas.

That said - I agree with others - there is no hard number for "tipping" and I would never say to myself - "Heck only 10 degrees, I'm good". Depends on so many different things.

Kinda like looking at a thermometer - you already "know" it's cold - but when you relate the temperature to how you feel - after a while when you see that temp, you know how to prepare without going out in it first

 

[KeithInSpace]

...I would never say to myself - "Heck only 10 degrees, I'm good".

Case in point: The only time my tractor was on its side was on flat land. I was cutting down a tree and my stepdad was moving the cut material. While my attention was elsewhere, he (for some odd reason) felt compelled to raise the FEL as high as it could go and back out. Front wheel fell in a hole and BOOM, there my machine was on its side. Flattest part of the yard. Everyone was OK and there was absolutely no damage. I took it to the dealership to be serviced that weekend.

Drop a wheel in a soft spot on a 10 or 15 degree slope, even without the FEL involved, and you can get in a bunch of trouble in a real hurry.