Tractor operation on steep slopes

[RAW]

I initally started this conversation on another thread, but I thought it would be appropriate to move it here.

The issue:

I've heard numerous times that a tractor is not appropriate for climbing grades over 15-20%. I don't really understand this, because it seems to me that if a truck or ATV can do it, the tractor should too. But I've never owned my own tractor . . . so, what's the reality?

I also saw some Antonio Carraro tractors operating on a 42 degree slope. Obviously not traversing side-slope, but rather straight up and down the hill. What makes these tractors more capable of handling a grade?

Also, I had heard from numerous sources that tracked skid-steers weren't good for steep terrain. But I've seen a couple of papers showing that machines like the ASV can handle up to 45 degree slopes!

Please help me understand the steep terrain issue.

Thanks

 

[Fabro]

Depending on what you have for a tractor meaning length, width and center of gravity, you may be ok doing what you want. a skid steer has a low center of gravity but such a short wheel base that if you come to any quick inclination change they can go over backwards or frontwards very easily. the Italian Made tractor you brought up have some models that are very wide and with a generous wheelbase and hung very low to give a low center of gravity.
I've climbed some pretty steep hills with my b7800 and also went down some pretty steep incline with the bucket almost touching the ground to prevent going over frontwards with much caution and very low speed.
An atv can climb alot better because of speed and being able to use your body weight to change the center of gravity by leaning forward or to the sides.
There are alot of variables.

 

[RoyJackson]

Up and down slopes...use 4WD on dry grass and go slow. It's better to go down forward and back up the slope.

Side slopes...well, the tractors (no FEL) are tested statically to 20°. As far as reality..well, you've got to watch those side slopes.

Me..I can handle 15°, but I'm moving dead slow.

 

[Bird]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( a tractor is not appropriate for climbing grades over 15-20% )</font>

Like RoyJackson said, you can go up or down a grade that steep. It's side to side where the 15-20% maximum usually applies.

 

[BarryinMN]

I regularly bush hog my fields containing 100% slope areas. Never take the soil for granted, go dead slow and in MFWD for 4 wheel braking/power, with the loader on positioned almost on the ground. When the soil gives way (not if) the tractor has dropped on the loader rather than go over. Have not worried about a back flip as the loader weighs 2K lbs.

In comparison the same slope on a crawler pushing a multi-ton boulder would not give me any pucker factor at all.

Straight up and down is good theory but I'm usually on some sort of rough surface compound angle. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[DocHeb]

I may be wrong, and if I am I would appreciate correction, but isn't a 100% slope equal to 45 degrees?

Please get somebody to take a picture of you mowing with your tractors on one of those angles - I would really like to see that.

 

[RalphVa]

I go up and down 20-25% slopes behind my house with my 4wd 4010. Turning down slope or going across slope is done VERY slow though because I KNOW that if the uphill rear wheel goes over any protrusion on the ground, that wheel can go into the air. At dead slow speed, you can generally lean over that way and get the wheel back down, but at any kind of speed, it'd probably send the tractor over.

My main slope is down 100' with 550' getting there. I can mow going sideways, but VERY slowly. Up near the house, there are parts that are maybe nearer 25% slope. Those I stay away from or go up/down on or VERY slowly.

You need to carry any FEL loads very low down and off weight them with enough weight on the rear. I've found that I need 300# MINIMUM on the 3 ph in addition to having loaded tires to be stable with the 4010. STILL, you have to watch for protrusions on that uphill rear wheel and any holes on the downhill side.

Ralph

 

[Farmwithjunk]

Consider that some tractors are designed to operate on steep banks. LCG (low center of gravity) models are produced by almost every manufacturer for mowing rigs. I've seen a few out along the highways that are more than 8' wide, yet carry a 5' mower. They can handle some mighty steep hillsides.

Kentucky is hilly for the most part. I've "operated" on hillsides for most of my life. You get used to it. (I always keep in my mind the thought to NOT grow complacent about it though)

I'd like to have some "facts and figures" but my instict tells me that there's more experienced operators killed by roll-overs than beginners. That level of confidence one gets with time can be a bad thing in this case.

 

[RAW]

The Antonio Carraro tractors claim a 15 degree oscillation angle. And the Massey Ferguson 400 series also claims a "wide angle of oscillation" (not sure of the actual number).

Do other tractors have the ability to oscillate like this? Looking at the Landini tractors, I can find nothing in their literature claiming an oscillation angle.

 

[Piedmont3]

another option for steep slopes is : Power Trac . They make both tractors and dedicated slope mowers.