Slope Question

[davidcbaker]

I'm newer and have done what I could on the search side, scouring Youtube, etc., but still have a succinct (I hope) question. Manual doesn't seem to address this.

Equipment: Kubota M5-111 pulling LP 3615 (15 batwing). Tractor has wheel weights. LA1854 loader (could take it off if I need to). Rear wheels have not been widened. I haven't planned on filing tires, though I could.

Land is full of 8-degree slopes with a few steeper ones at 12-degrees.

If I take my time and am not an idiot, would that slope scare any of you?

Thanks!

 

[bdhsfz6]

To me, it would depend on how you traverse the slope. I mow a 14+ degree slope with my MX5800 set wide with filled tires and an FDR2584. By travelling straight up and down hill or at a 30 degree angle to the slope, I'm comfortable enough. Although I've never upended a tractor by doing so, mowing at a 90 degree angle to that slope would definitely raise the hair on the back of my neck.

Some tractor manuals give slope limits but there are many factors involved. You might ask your dealer the same question.

 

[captronr]

I have a BX2200, which is much smaller, lighter, shorter, and narrower. If I park on the side of a modest slope, I can push on the ROPS and the tractor will lean downhill. I have a lot of respect for working on slopes!

1. The slope from the tractor seat will seem much steeper than if you measure it on the ground level.
2. A decent sized hole on the low side of the tractor that the rear wheel falls in, or a rock that your high side drives over, will have a HUGE effect on the slope. I was rototilling on a slope that was almost to my pucker factor anyway, and the uphill rear tire rolled over a clump of dirt. That was probably the closest I came to rolling over.
3. Always wear your seat belt when working on a slope.
4. You can keep your loader on, just keep it as low to the ground as you can crossing slopes.
5. Whenever I'm on a slope, like mowing parts of my yard, I put the unit in 4WD. It prevents loss of contact if one tire becomes lose. And the steepest parts of my yard, I only mow going straight downhill.
6. You can also be ready to turn the tractor downhill if you feel it getting light. Not sure it would save you, but maybe......

Ron

 

[Billrog]

Take your time and get the feel of the tractor working on slopes until your competent. Nobody can tell you what's safe for you when it comes to pushing the limits it will depend on your experience.

 

[newbury]

<snip>
2. A decent sized hole on the low side of the tractor that the rear wheel falls in, or a rock that your high side drives over, will have a HUGE effect on the slope. I was rototilling on a slope that was almost to my pucker factor anyway, and the uphill rear tire rolled over a clump of dirt. That was probably the closest I came to rolling over.<snip>

That is a REAL danger. About the second hour I was using my B7610 I was hauling bucketfuls of sand about 40 yards or so. Loads were lifted fine, but where I was traveling through dense grass there was a hole. One wheel dropped down and I had to hike way out. The bucket wasn't very high up but I almost tipped over.

 

[SDT]

I'm newer and have done what I could on the search side, scouring Youtube, etc., but still have a succinct (I hope) question. Manual doesn't seem to address this.

Equipment: Kubota M5-111 pulling LP 3615 (15 batwing). Tractor has wheel weights. LA1854 loader (could take it off if I need to). Rear wheels have not been widened. I haven't planned on filing tires, though I could.

Land is full of 8-degree slopes with a few steeper ones at 12-degrees.

If I take my time and am not an idiot, would that slope scare any of you?

Thanks!

I would not expect issues given your situation but, given that you are a newby, you should take time to familiarize your self with your equipment and conditions.

Heavy BW mowers can push tractors around on slopes.

Remove the FEL and keep the tractor in FWD anytime that you are on slopes.

SDT

 

[davidcbaker]

To me, it would depend on how you traverse the slope. I mow a 14+ degree slope with my MX5800 set wide with filled tires and an FDR2584. By travelling straight up and down hill or at a 30 degree angle to the slope, I'm comfortable enough. Although I've never upended a tractor by doing so, mowing at a 90 degree angle to that slope would definitely raise the hair on the back of my neck.

Some tractor manuals give slope limits but there are many factors involved. You might ask your dealer the same question.

Thank you! I did ask the dealer, but I didn't think they gave it a very thoughtful reply. Manual doesn't say anything that I can find. I guess I can set the rears wider and fill the tires. I also fell like that heavy batwing (15-footer) with weight that low on the hitch would help some.

 

[davidcbaker]

I have a BX2200, which is much smaller, lighter, shorter, and narrower. If I park on the side of a modest slope, I can push on the ROPS and the tractor will lean downhill. I have a lot of respect for working on slopes!

1. The slope from the tractor seat will seem much steeper than if you measure it on the ground level.
2. A decent sized hole on the low side of the tractor that the rear wheel falls in, or a rock that your high side drives over, will have a HUGE effect on the slope. I was rototilling on a slope that was almost to my pucker factor anyway, and the uphill rear tire rolled over a clump of dirt. That was probably the closest I came to rolling over.
3. Always wear your seat belt when working on a slope.
4. You can keep your loader on, just keep it as low to the ground as you can crossing slopes.
5. Whenever I'm on a slope, like mowing parts of my yard, I put the unit in 4WD. It prevents loss of contact if one tire becomes lose. And the steepest parts of my yard, I only mow going straight downhill.
6. You can also be ready to turn the tractor downhill if you feel it getting light. Not sure it would save you, but maybe......

Ron

Good feedback for me, Ron. I appreciate it. I'm an airplane and helicopter pilot and taught motorcycle racing, so I think my reactions will be swift and calm if I encounter something, but the 4WD idea is something I hadn't thought of.

 

[davidcbaker]

That is a REAL danger. About the second hour I was using my B7610 I was hauling bucketfuls of sand about 40 yards or so. Loads were lifted fine, but where I was traveling through dense grass there was a hole. One wheel dropped down and I had to hike way out. The bucket wasn't very high up but I almost tipped over.

Yes, for sure. It's a new 61-acre place, too, so I don't know where all the holes even are yet!

 

[davidcbaker]

I would not expect issues given your situation but, given that you are a newby, you should take time to familiarize your self with your equipment and conditions.

Heavy BW mowers can push tractors around on slopes.

Remove the FEL and keep the tractor in FWD anytime that you are on slopes.

SDT

You think the lesser weight from the FEL is better gone than if I'm carrying it low, just above the ground? I figured that weight, on balance, would be better on the tractor.