Uneven and hilly ground

[Jmsmithy]

Hello all

I'm a new operator, my DK40SE HST being my first tractor. I do a variety of jobs from logging to food plots to running a maple farm at my place in the Adirondacks. My place has miles of logging roads throughout the property and some steep up/ downhills as well as some runoff rutting on some roads...I have an FEL as well as a 6' Kodiak brush mower...
What types of things do I need to think about as I cruise around/ work etc...? I do get a bit wary of the rollover issue - among other things

Appreciate any thoughts/advice :drink:

 

[vtsnowedin]

Well stay off the steep stuff until you get some seat time in. All the usual things apply to rollover issues, tread width, tire loading, keeping the bucket as low as possible when on uneven ground etc. Where would you like to start?.
Keep the wheels down and the ROPS up.

 

[gunmonkeyintl]

I've got some similar terrain, and also my first tractor (same as yours). The best technique I've figured out is to go slow. The HST transmission lets me feel my way through the terrain much more so than my grand pa's old geared tractor. I go slow and if I don't like the way an angle starts to feel, I just let off the pedal, back up a little, and try again from a different angle.

Driving my grand Dad's 8N, I was on flat northern Ohio ground. I can't imagine the trouble I'd get into on my NC foothills. Best case I'm sure I'd be buying clutches every 6 months. Worst case, my wife would be buying a coffin, well, once.

 

[rider7767]

Jmsmithy,
I live on the side of a mountain with very steep grades. I have to deal with grades every time the key is on. Lessons learned: Tire pressure is a key thing. Good tire pressure keeps the tractor from rocking as much. Keep the nose up and down as much as possible. Keep your bucket and 3pt hitch low. The biggest thing is speed. Go slow. A 3 inch rock can be the difference moving to fast. Good luck and be safe.

 

[IndyIan]

Back end downhill is the most stable position on a steep hill. Also you should have your rear tires loaded and set on widest position, 4wd always on too but be ready with the brake as well. I took a short ride down the hill from my barn yard and watched both right side tires spin backwards in some wet manure until I used the brakes.
Also I have to watch the soil moisture, to wet or dry is slippery as is cut grass. Just go slow and listen to the little voice that makes you think twice.

 

[rmk700]

Always keep a hand on the FEL handle. If tipping does start to happen, rapidly planting the front bucket down will usually put a hult to the back wheels tipping.

 

[VictorW]

These aren't a bad idea either for your situation. They may tell you what your eyes can't. Safety

 

[creekbend]

Please don't attempt to change Gears going up or down a Steep incline.Start out in the gear range beforehand that You deem adequate to transverse the Slope. Stay safe and best wishes. Do your rear tires have Ballast?

 

[vtsnowedin]

I took these today while getting out some wood. It is hard to see how steep it is without a reference but if you look at the horizon in the picture of the full bucket and see that that hill to the right of the tractor is level with me you can get an idea.

 

[Jmsmithy]

Please don't attempt to change Gears going up or down a Steep incline.Start out in the gear range beforehand that You deem adequate to transverse the Slope. Stay safe and best wishes. Do your rear tires have Ballast?

If by ballast you mean loaded tires or weights then no sir....I've heard pros and cons...:confused3:

 

[Sysop]

If by ballast you mean loaded tires or weights then no sir....I've heard pros and cons...:confused3:

That is what creekbend was meaning, and it is an important part of hillside stability. Having the tires loaded with liquid adds a good bit of weight below the axle, and wheel weights add a good bit at the level of the axle. Both will bring the center of gravity of the machine down closer to the ground, with loaded tires having the most effect. Having loaded tires and/or wheel weights also helps create more traction to prevent slippage on hills and slopes.

The cons for added weight are additional soil compaction and "loaded" performance even when unloaded. These are generally considered acceptable for the safety benefits. The soil compaction issues can be minimized by alternating paths of travel and treated with subsoilers, pluggers, and aerators. Any performance differences do not limit the machine's capabilities, just make it work a little harder "unloaded". The difference is the same as the difference noticed with a backhoe or front loader installed versus removed.

I have hills my machine could zip up in Medium range, 2000RPM, HST wide open, with unloaded tires; IF it could grab traction. Without loaded tires I'd start up the side until spinning all four brought me to a stop. Loaded tires give me the ability to take my tractor up those hills, but not at 2000RPM in Medium range. Takes more power to do it, but I have enough traction to lift the front off the ground if the hill is too steep and I put enough power to it. Hills that size, I can pick up a FEL bucket of dirt or something and can make the climb with the front on the ground assisting the pull. They say backing up a hill is safest because you can't rotate the tractor on the front axle like you can the rear due to the tread design you'll lose traction before creating enough torque. With my loaded rears and rim width set out, I can go sideways on hills I spin slightly going up.

 

[Xfaxman]

This is what a 26.6 degree side slope looks like.

Notice the chain on the Toolcat's work light to show true straight up and down.

I sure wouldn't want to yank that chain! :laughing:

This is the same slope, showing 30 degrees of body lean on the Ranger Electric.

 

[B Hoofed]

This is what 20 degrees looks like.

 

[Coyote machine]

ROPS up/seatbelt on. ROPS down/seatbelt OFF.
Even with 4wd tires can easily slip sideways on uneven wet ground, in mud/grass/leaves, etc.
Always use caution when on a slope and beware of the terrain below you. Rocks, slippery roots, etc can all move the tractor like it was on ball bearings. Bucket low, whether it's loaded or not, and definitely load your rear tires- there is no reason not to- it only provides benefits that are not overcome by not having them loaded.
Turn slowly, and let off the pedal if you start to tip at all. It takes getting used to so practice on smaller slopes first.

 

[Jesse masterson]

my main safety ally is alwAys remember is it worth possibly dying for, keeps me in line.