El Cheapo Angle Indicator?

1bush2hog · Aug 1, 2005

Anyone successfully used one of these in lieu of the fancy more expensive slope indicators?

I think they are about $8-$9 for the magnetic mount model at the Orange Do it Yourself store.

I'm sure they probably aren't as durable as others made specifically for tractors, but thought I would try it just to know actual slope in certain areas.

Are they accurate?

Sorry if this is a repost, as I thought I saw a post on this subject awhile back although after searching, I could not locate the previous post.

SnowRidge · Aug 1, 2005

(Anyone successfully used one of these in lieu of the fancy more expensive slope indicators?) 

These???? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

1bush2hog · Aug 1, 2005

Sorry - I was unable to find a pic to post.

The guage I am referring to is appx. 4 in dia. with a flat base and has a needle which moves in a circular fashion to indicate the angle.

I will try to locate a pic when I have more time.

I thought maybe someone else may have seen this product in HD tool section, with the levels and other measuring devices.

I believe the mfg. is jacobson?

theboman · Aug 1, 2005

My neck, my head and my tractor are worth the extra $30-$40 for the Cadilliac of tilt meters. Check this out:
http://www.tractorbynet.com/articles/02tm.htm

Now, the guy that instructed my ATV class years ago said... if you have a twenty five dollar head you buy a twenty five dollar helment.... If you have a hundred dollar head you buy a one hundred dollar helment.... I had the seventy five dollar helment.... Not the best but a lot better than the el cheapo.

R&B Tilt Meters are AWESOME! I'll never own another tractor without and R&B Tilt Meter.

Slamfire · Aug 2, 2005

It won't remain in place the engine vibration will keep it movin', and if it is left out in the weather it will get condensation inside. Don't ask how I know that last part. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

1bush2hog · Aug 2, 2005

Yea, I kind of expected that /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I was mainly thinking I would use it to check some of the areas on my property to see what actual slope is, by using a 2X laid on the ground, and then if any of the areas are close to the pucker zone, I would order the deluxe tilt slope inclinometer model that mounts on my tractor.

Since I have many tree branches and brush to navigate thru, I did not want to purchase the deluxe tiltometer, mount it and have it swatted off the hood by a branch the first trip out. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

1bush2hog · Aug 2, 2005

So do you also wear your $75 helmet on your tractor while reading your tiltmeter? /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Just kidding boman, I hear what you say and agree

fig · Aug 2, 2005

I think what you are refurring to is what a lot of the guys in the mechanical contracting or construction business use when trying to find the degrees or slope of pipe or something related.

Fig

1bush2hog · Aug 2, 2005

It was definitely a tool for contractors, but I figured it would also give me a close idea of actual slope on my hills.

theboman · Aug 3, 2005

( So do you also wear your $75 helmet on your tractor while reading your tiltmeter? /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Just kidding boman, I hear what you say and agree )

I should sometimes! You oughtta see some of the things I get into when bush hogging.... I've been whapped upside the head with more saplings than I got whapped on the back side as a kid (that was a lot!). Had a stick fly up and get me last night... it ricoheted offa something.

I sold the ATV. In 5 years I ran 10 tanks of gas, and one of those was during one day! I put it in the shop twice to get the carb fixed from lack of use...