Tractor tipping point

[JulianKo]

Hello,

I am new to tractors, so I have no clue where the center of gravity is and how stable they are on uneven terrain. I am very scared when driving on my undeveloped property that the tractor may flip one way or another.
Is there such thing as safe grade angle? I could put inclinometer on the dash and watch it

 

[kthompson]

There are a lot of variables to this. First most likely the tractor will not tip near as easy as you think. Believe most here will tell you they have come out of the seat thinking it was going but it remain upright. Not saying do not be safe, far from it.

You may wish to look at videos on the internet of tractor accidents to get an idea of how far some are pushed before they do roll and they will roll and yes kill.

Some suggestions:
On slopes you are less stable driving sideways, better straight up and down.
Slow is better than fast, a tractor will slower travel over something at high speed that may have bounced crossing and rolled.
Wider wheel spacing is better, check your manual for wheel spacing.
The type of implement you have attached can help make you more stable or less. Wide implements may make you more stable.
Load (even implements) lower are more stable then raised. Of course you must lift them some to transport but if tractor is tipping towards a load, lower it as fast as possible and that may stop the tipping. Say you have heavy load on the rear hitch for front end loader, you drop the load if possible if it tips that direction.
Be sure to keep check on tire air pressure, you do not want a low pressure tire to come off the rim on slope.
Be sure you understand how the brakes work before you get on a slope and you may want to lock so both bake together.
I would suggest you take the tractor only, if it is four wheel drive I would use it and in low gear and slow ground speed with say 15000 rpms so the hydraulics are working pressure and quick response get out there and drive across the different concerns. Begin with one you feel very comfortable with and work up. When you are comfortable at low speed then move up in speed some. Watch you front tires (you will not be able to see rear ones unless in trouble) for lifting off the ground. If that begins to happen-STOP. Land here is mostly level but have had people killed or injured and all the cases I know of were tractors rolling over into ditches (other than accident with auto) or into holes. I really think you will find them much more stable than you think they are. Oh if you have roll bar do wear the seat belt for it should keep you within the roll bar if the tractor rolls. If no roll bar do not wear seat belt. kt

 

[mddorange]

I rolled mine once and it was easier than I thought it would be. It was not even on a hill or incline but a rear wheel dropped into a hole as I was backing up very slowly.
I have had it sideways on some fairly steep slopes without it tipping over and the county mows the right-of-ways going sideways on some fairly steep slopes without any problems around here.

 

[TripleR]

No one really knows, as mentioned just too many variables. This is an often debated topic, here are a few of the past threads:

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/owning-operating/199464-slopes-tractor-tilt.html

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/safety/183762-how-kill-yourself-without-knowing.html?highlight=

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-owning-operating/279095-mowing-slopes-tractor.html

 

[brown40]

You are correct to be cautious--a performance vehicle, a tractor is not. That said, you can configure some with counterweight and ballast to work at crazy angles, and can usually widen your tire configuration and add weight to lower your center of gravity. On the move is dynamic and less stable... a full bucket on the loader will change the whole equation... cutting across a grade and not planning turns can create some squirrely moments. "Low and slow" is what always runs through my mind when I've got a load or grade that gets the machine more lively. You will also notice something called the "pucker factor" happening just above your seat when angles get tricky.

 

[MESSMAKER]

Beware holes or dips on slopes. You can get in trouble in a hurry. Slow is better when you are on a slope. You have less inertia to get you in trouble. After a while you will develop a feel for what is unsafe. The trick is to get that experience and remain upright.

 

[4570Man]

I wonder what is the maximum safe incline is for the engine. I run my equipment on some pretty steep slopes ( steeper than recommend ) and it just occurred to me I could be starving the engine of oil.

 

[kthompson]

I wonder what is the maximum safe incline is for the engine. I run my equipment on some pretty steep slopes ( steeper than recommend ) and it just occurred to me I could be starving the engine of oil.

This is not meant to be a correct answer but have seen the crazy angles on you tube some run equipment? I have wondered the same thing.


JulianKo, one other point if you are using say a side mount cutter have it on the down hill side of the tractor and low to the ground, will act as stabilizer. If on steep grade would say be very cautious to run a boom mower with cutter head high and extend as it will make tipping easy. Even on our flat land many run rear weights on the side from the cutter head for such attachments. kt

 

[LD1]

Agreed that there are too many variables. All tractors are different, as are widths. And some can have adjustable rear wheels. Whats safe for one wheel configuration might not be safe for another.

I have been on some 25 degree +/- slopes sideways before. Thats about the extent of my comfort.

I'd say 15 degrees should be pretty safe for most tractors. But there is still the chance to roll no matter the slope. A downhill tire can blow, or drop in a hole. Or you make too sharp of a turn uphill.

Static tipping point is pretty high. When you throw in the dynamics of moving......all bets are off. Bottom line.....no matter what anyone says....if you dont feel safe, dont do it.

 

[Gary Fowler]

This is not meant to be a correct answer but have seen the crazy angles on you tube some run equipment? I have wondered the same thing.


JulianKo, one other point if you are using say a side mount cutter have it on the down hill side of the tractor and low to the ground, will act as stabilizer. Even on our flat land many run rear weights on the side from the cutter head for such attachments. kt

I would think that just the opposite would be the right way of doing this. Having the weight on the low side would encourage tipping while having the mower on the high side would make it a counterweight. While it may be something to stop a roll if it is on the low side, it would almost definitely ensure a rollover if on the low side. The mower MIGHT stop the rollover when it hit the ground and then again, it may just fold up.

I would only use them with the mower on the uphill side. Whether that is the optimum way, I suppose that could be debated.