Lean angle: Who's tipped a rig?

[Percheron]

Hi All,

I'm really getting used to using our new 4035, however working on slopes can be a little white knuckle inducing. Our 20 acres does have some fairly steep slopes here and there and we will be cleaning them up in the next few months or so.

The question is this: All things being equal and empty with a FEL, how much lean is the limit? I know, I know, when the up hill wheels come off the ground. I'd rather have a general idea before I become a story on the evening news.

Thanks guys

-Derek

 

[AchingBack]

When ever possible, I back up a hill, and approach the work with the FEL pointing down hill; keeping the bucket just above ground level while moving.

 

[Artisan]

Here is where the latest discussion is.

 

[Gator6x4]

From what you have described the first thing you need to do after setting down on the seat, and before doing anything else is connect the seat belt. Also remember to pull your arms in if ever on a tractor when it rolls. If you can remember to too also turn the ignition off as the units starts over and then grab your shirt pockets and hang on.

 

[kneedeep]

Always best to go up and down and not sideways.
A Tilt meter can be bought on this site to attach to your dash. I am going to get one just for safety sake.

 

[MarkV]

There are too many variables for a rule to hold true in every situation. One pot hole or ant hill can change things real fast. Tractors in the US are tested to a 20 degree side angle on a static test table, 15 degrees gets most peoples attention. 30 degrees up and down is normally the limit. If you have hilly property be sure to have your rear tires ballasted, loaded, and you rear wheel base set at its max if it is adjustable on your tractor model.

MarkV

 

[Texan4Life]

Since you worried about rolling over I would look into loading rears or better yet widening the track width. or both

 

[MichiganBilly]

1.) Have your ROPS bar up

2.) Have your seat belt on

3.) If it rolls, wrap your arms/fists around your head to protect it, and keep your arms from getting crushed by fenders/ROPS bar

4.) Extend your feet against clutch/brakes and push your azz in the seat firmly

5.) Once flipped kill engine asap

6.) Assess situation / tractor balance / injury / take a deep breath

7.) Get out from near/under it and call for help if you need it

8.) Figure out how to tip it back up asap before fluids start doing bad things

Yep...I've flipped a rig. It happens quickly, and when it goes you have to be ready. I've come out unscathed twice following the advice above...

 

[Percheron]

There are too many variables for a rule to hold true in every situation. One pot hole or ant hill can change things real fast. Tractors in the US are tested to a 20 degree side angle on a static test table, 15 degrees gets most peoples attention. 30 degrees up and down is normally the limit. If you have hilly property be sure to have your rear tires ballasted, loaded, and you rear wheel base set at its max if it is adjustable on your tractor model.

MarkV

Thanks for the comments all. Good info above and kinda what I was looking for. I didn't know that they were tested.

Our land is hilly, but the hills are really just big mounds and should be easily worked around. Yes, I use my seat belt and ROPS. I've been a Jeep guy for years and am familiar with off road type driving, though a loaded tractor is a bit different. Often what your butt tells you is to far is a long way from what a machines true limits are. My butt however has kept me out of trouble for years and I intend to keep listening to it. :thumbsup:


Thanks again,

-Derek

 

[NHmitch]

This is a great article, and completely explains the center of gravity on your tractor:http://www.nstmop.psu.edu/tasksheets/4.12 Tractor Stability.pdf

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CnBkGBOFtRc]Three crushed in tractor rollovers - YouTube[/ame]

 

[creekbend]

This is a great article, and completely explains the center of gravity on your tractor:http://www.nstmop.psu.edu/tasksheets/4.12 Tractor Stability.pdf

Three crushed in tractor rollovers - YouTube

Thanks for posting. Very informative. :thumbsup:

 

[TripleR]

Use the "search" function and you will find hours of useful reading. Nebraskasparks has a couple of really good ones as do others.

There are just too many variables to give a reliable rule of thumb as some tractors are more stable than others; lots of debate on mowing with or without the FEL. We can mow on steeper slopes with a pull type than three point. Just take it slow, follow the excellent advice given and over time you will be able to judge your tractor. Anytime we get a new tractor, I have to take the time to learn all over again.

Good luck and be safe.:thumbsup:

 

[Jim Dodgins]

I live in West Virginia known for its hills. Before ROPS were requiered there was a death evey couple of years from tractor rollovers. Now I haven't heard of a death in years. Most new tractors have the option to fold down the ROPS, a risky move. Jim

 

[JMER817]

I don't know if I would wanna take any advice from "MICHIGANBILLY" if he rolled twice......lol (just kiddin)

 

[andy33]

Wow NHMitch, good video, really makes you think about those times you know you may be pushing it! I have had my tractor 22 years(no rops) and the next time I get in the seat I will remember that video. Andy

 

[boggen]

i have proof of wanting to try your best, to pull your arms in and across your chest. when you start rolling the G forces, alone can be enough to really tug on you. to pull your hands and arms out and away from you.

my right hand was crushed, been way to long ago to remember how many broken and crushed bones i had in my hand.

driving 4 wheeler, that ya sat down into, with a roll cage, going little to fast, and turned a little to quickly, and rolled it, my hand flew off steering wheel, and out between roll cage and ground.

seat belt should be adjusted to you, and on. it is normally not that hard to adjust most tractor seat belts.

the roll bar / ROPS. stands tall so when it does flip over, your head and body stay in a good zone. ya you might get a couple scratchs on face from a weed, but that is about it. or less you roll over some logs / large bumps that could protrude into the safe zone of what the roll cage protects, then it is a different story. and no putting your hands and arms around your head or body will protect you. best you can do is try to keep your feet, legs, arms, hands inside the safe zone. and let the ROPs do its thing for you.

again keeping your hands and feet inside the safe zone can be problematic. once you start rolling G forces alone, to no longer seating in seat but hanging from seat belt. can make it difficult to keep things in the safe zone.

 

[Percheron]

Again, great info everyone. It is easy to forget how easy it is to get yourself into trouble. When you are moving thousands of pounds every degree of lean angle is one closer to a really bad day.

-Derek

 

[Farmerboy]

Again, great info everyone. It is easy to forget how easy it is to get yourself into trouble. When you are moving thousands of pounds every degree of lean angle is one closer to a really bad day.

-Derek

It's very simple - if you have to ask, you shouldn't do it.

I rolled a tractor over a 10-foot high wall. Walked away, after they lifted the machine off me. Ended up crushing my lower arm. Spent 4 months in a cast, 3 more months in rehab, and now have a permanent barometric pressure detector in the form of a highly arthritic arm.

I was 29 at the time with a 27-year old wife and a 2-year old daughter. Think about it before you do something stupid. I was VERY lucky.

 

[Artisan]

If you have an IPHONE I ran into an APP a few days ago called "Vehicle Clinometer" by Fliware Co.
It makes an audible, actually two audibles plus visuals. Lots of possibilities. Need to remember
Inclinometer | R&B MFG. Inc. as well

 

[RoyJackson]

Most new tractors have the option to fold down the ROPS, a risky move. Jim

Yes, it is..and the very surprising thing is how many TBNers fold the ROPS, then use it and even post pics on TBN.

Mine is a folder (which I need to drop when I park the tractor in the garage), and my first task upon pulling the tractor out is to erect the ROPS while the tractor is warming up...my second task is to do the "pre-flight" walkaround before operating.