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]