Operating Your Small Tractor on a Slope

Because of their design, many tractors have a high center of gravity, making them unstable and sometimes very dangerous on hillsides and slopes. It's imperative that tractor operators have the skill and knowledge necessary to negotiate uneven ground.

Tip number one is don't do it. Don't drive your tractor on a slope. If it's unavoidable, and hiring a professional is not an option, read on:

If at all possible, outfit your tractor with a roll bar or ROPS (Roll Over Protective Structure). This is the single most important safety feature you can have. Older tractors can be retrofitted with rollover protective structures. Retrofitting can pose a difficult decision because its cost for an older tractor can exceed the machine's actual value. However, the true cost is in the lives that could be saved.

Always take it slow and easy, accelerate gradually, and avoid sharp turns.

If the slope is wet and muddy, wait until it dries.

Clear the hillside of any debris or small rocks. Watch for bumps and holes and, in general, anything that could suddenly affect a tractor's balance.

Wheel weights such as a calcium solution can be used for better traction and stability.

If the wheel width of your tractor is adjustable, use the widest possible setting.

Make sure all tires are inflated to recommended pressures.

Whenever possible, on steep hillsides, travel directly up or down rather than across the slope. This will place the tractor in a more stable position to help reduce rollover risk.

Do not carry heavy loads in your bucket. Seriously consider using some other type of vehicle better suited for the job.

Always take into consideration that when towing a heavy implement such as a mower, a tractor's balance can be more easily upset.

When towing a load uphill, attach the load to the front of the tractor and back up the hill.

When towing a load downhill, use a low gear and let the tractor's engine act as a brake.

Only hitch to a drawbar. Many accidents occur when loads are hitched to axle housing or other parts of the tractor. If you have a three-point hitch on your tractor, use only implements designed for a three-point hitch. Attaching implements to something higher than a drawbar can cause the tractor to roll over.

Boom mowers - A boom mower is usually the safest way to groom ditch banks, gullies and berms, but require a tractor with hdraulics. Micro-Mower is a good example.
Trailing mowers - Towable mowers, such as Swisher's Trailmower, pulled at an offset behind a tractor or ATV, are an excellent way to cut narrow berms or ditches or around ponds and streams.