COG and hill stability: Kubota vs New Holland

[aggc]

I know the subject of center of gravity and slope stability has been discussed a lot here in these forums. For those of us that aren't engineers though, let me just ask a point-blank question:

In regards to lower center of gravity and slope stability, would Kubota's or New Holland's design prove superior? I am thinking Kubota L3400 vs. New Holland TC33, Kubota L3130 (or L3240) vs. NewHolland TC35. The designs appear quite different. Not sure how to interpret the difference in specs.

Thanks

 

[wwbb1]

I bet not many folk will respond because there are too many variables associated with sticking to the side of a hill to allow an "apples to apples" view. Most turnovers are not because the slope was too much, instead, on a steep slope, a hump on the up side or a low place on the low side, or a wasp stung you and you jerked around, or you hit a wet place you didn't know was there. I use my tc34da with super steer on a 25 degree slope running across but I hate that part and I go VERY slowly. I am always ready to turn down hill. My old MF 135 would cut the same slopes with the wheels spun all the way out. See, thats a big deal-how wide you set the back wheels makes a big difference because it widens (or narrows) your wheel base. My NH wheels do not exactly fit under the fender 'cause I have mine out as wide as my 60 inch MMM. And how about tires. Sure those industrials look the best but AG tires hang on hills the best.

All that said, when tractors were really dangerous early in the last century, the government required "turn over" info to be collected and disseminated and I too wish I know how to compare one machine to another.

wwbb1

 

[IH3444]

Either machine with the rear wheels placed as outside offset as the factory engineered arrangement will allow, will do you just fine. You may want to read before making your decision the post about loaders, and buckets by Bob Skurka. There is some true enlightenment there about designs, capacity, and FEL bucket construction. Both are excellent machines.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...54992-photo-comparison-nh-kubota-branson.html

 

[jbrumberg]

aggc:

Welcome to TBN ! I agree with wwbb1. In theory a lower, heavier, and wider stanced tractor would be more stable on slopes, but those criteria could create operational challenges for other uses/needs (like ground clearance, footprint, manuverability, etc.). For me it came down to estimated "pucker power " riding the seat at several of the tractor dealerships when I was tractor shopping. I went with the NH TC29DA although some of the Kubotas "felt (IMHO)" more stable. No matter which tractor you ultimately decide upon I would go with weighted R-1's. When I am mowing my slope I sure do miss my old Ford 1100. Mow slow and keep you FEL low on slopes. I also mounted a West Marine Lev-O-Gauge
(~$14) to "quantify" "Pucker Power". Jay

 

[art]

I sell both brands and I have to say I can't tell you! I've never had the two on a heads up identical set up to say one would be better then the other on a hill side. I do have both working on side hills as we only get level ground on the top of our hills or for our quarter mile valley in between the hill sides. I've seen nearly every make rolled over,some from the implements and some from loose or missing screws(operator error). The way they are ballasted makes a big difference and a loader can add to the problem or make it better depending on the use.