Turning a tractor over

[BuckeyeStateOfMind]

Hello!

I only have 2 hours on my B2601 but all the videos I've watched I always get nervous of turning the tractor over. Even at a hilariously slight incline.

How easy is it to turn these things over? In the spring I want to use the tractor to mow, but I'm considering a 3pt over a MMM so I can put the spacers on the back tires.

 

[je1279]

Hello!

I only have 2 hours on my B2601 but all the videos I've watched I always get nervous of turning the tractor over. Even at a hilariously slight incline.

How easy is it to turn these things over? In the spring I want to use the tractor to mow, but I'm considering a 3pt over a MMM so I can put the spacers on the back tires.

The width of compact tractors make them easier to roll than larger tractors. Best advice is to mow up and down hills and not side to side. Wheel spacers and fluid filled rear tires will also increase stability. Additionally, you should remove the loader when mowing to further improve stability on inclines.

 

[dirtydeed]

They can be pretty easy when side hilling with a loader on, specially with full bucket held high. But even an empty bucket held high can cause some pucker. Doesn't take much of a hill either.

As mentioned above, ditch the loader and it will make a big difference.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

rules for mowing hills
#1 have life insurance paid up
#2 ALWAYS mow up and down,
#3 don't follow #2 and widow wife will thank you grave side for at least obeying rule #1

and yes, I KNOW of those who didn't follow rule #2

 

[GeoHorn]

It doesn’t take a “hill” to roll a tractor. Nor does it take a newbie.

A good and kind man whose entire career was on tractors as a rice-farmer just west of Houston. He retired ten years ago and he and his wife were looking forward to their retirement. He put all six of his big tractors for sale and out on display in front of his farm-house on Hwy 290 so passers-by could look a them. We celebrated a Christmas party with them and when we called to wish them a Happy New Year... we were sadly informed that he had decided to re-position the tractors and when his wife thought he was a bit late to come in for lunch went out to check on him.... only to find one of the big tractors on top of him in a drainage-ditch. He was dead.
A 30-year career of experience operating his tractors on that farm ended his life in his first year of retirement....and a horrible sight for his wife of 50 years to come upon.

 

[sheepfarmer]

Hello!

I only have 2 hours on my B2601 but all the videos I've watched I always get nervous of turning the tractor over. Even at a hilariously slight incline.

How easy is it to turn these things over? In the spring I want to use the tractor to mow, but I'm considering a 3pt over a MMM so I can put the spacers on the back tires.

Short answer yes it is easy for a tractor to roll over. That is why they are outfitted with a roll over protection bar and seat belt. Use both. As for spacers and MMM I have both on a B2650. There can be issues with clearance with certain tires on that model, but I think you can find a combination that will work on a 2601. Spacers are a big help but no substitute for careful driving.

 

[SidecarFlip]

I remember one time I was raking a new hayfield and hit a gopher hole and about flipped the tractor over. It came up on the left side pretty high and my butthole got real tight, real quick.

 

[Nicfin36]

Fear can be a good thing at times. We become accustomed to things and push the boundaries too far, which inevitably gets us in trouble. And sometimes, the unpredictable happens.

SidecarFlips's post somewhat reminded me of my experience a couple years back. I have property that has an old septic tank on it from an old mobile home. I was cutting the field with my Deere 2030 and made some long turns, only to realize later I was running over the septic tank lid on those end row turns. In my hurry to finish, I had completely forgot about the tank. I can't imagine all the scenarios had the lid collapsed. I'm gonna fill it in when I get the chance come spring.

 

[pokey1416]

Also, have your "emergency" already planned. By planning it out now you (hopefully) won't have to think - just act, saves time.

Generally, stay on the seat with your hands on the wheel and ride out the roll over allowing the roll bar to absorb the shock and do its work. Heard stories where during roll over the operator tried to jump out and was crushed by the tractor. IMO tractor dealerships should have a tractor on its side and allow you to strap in and feel what it's like to be laying on your side.

 

[Bmyers]

Seat belt and ROPS are your friends.

 

[mikester]

Load the bucket, raise to full height, make a fast sharp turn, pucker up.

 

[ctfjr]

Familiarity breeds contempt - Very applicable here. Its good to be a little uncomfortable and a lot attentive.

 

[D2Cat]

Familiarity breeds contempt - Very applicable here. Its good to be a little uncomfortable and a lot attentive.

Didn't you choose the wrong word there?

 

[je1279]

Didn't you choose the wrong word there?

I dont believe that he did. Basically, the more familiar you become with something, the less you respect it. That is typically when accidents occur...

 

[ctfjr]

Didn't you choose the wrong word there?

Hmmm, seems like the right phrase (proverb)

extensive knowledge of or close association with someone or something leads to a loss of respect for them or it

 

[Tughill Tom]

I remember one time I was raking a new hayfield and hit a gopher hole and about flipped the tractor over. It came up on the left side pretty high and my butthole got real tight, real quick.

Been there >>> Wood Chuck holes its 10 on the Pucker factor for sure

 

[asgard]

I have a MMM and think that is the better option as it offers a low center of gravity.
I also find the turf tires more stable as they offer a wide surface patch and they are less aggressive. I also like them for winter snow clearing.
I would concur with the removal of the loader if you have one.

 

[greg86z28]

Just remember, you don't want to die mowing your lawn. Mow up and down the hill (not side to side).

It's good that you feel uncertain about it - best to be safe. These small tractors can be tippy - even stuff like anthills or whatever can scare the hell out of you if you unknowingly hit one.

Also good advice earlier. Understand what to do if your tractor rolls. Make sure you're using your roll bar.

 

[Henro]

Hello!

I only have 2 hours on my B2601 but all the videos I've watched I always get nervous of turning the tractor over. Even at a hilariously slight incline.

How easy is it to turn these things over? In the spring I want to use the tractor to mow, but I'm considering a 3pt over a MMM so I can put the spacers on the back tires.

As mentioned, the MMM helps lower the center of gravity, and adds to side slope stability.

If you think you are nervous now, it only gets worse after you tip your tractor on the side. I did that once after over ten years of ownership. It CAN happen, where you would least expect it. In my case I was using a box blade with my B2910, and slid down a little edge that I had built up. Maybe a 18" drop and not too steep of an angle. but enough to slide with an abrupt stop at the bottom, causing the tractor to tip over at very slow motion speed.

I use my BX for mowing. Foam filled tires and MMM make it rock solid on slopes. The funniest thing is I get butterflies in my stomach when moving across slight slopes with the larger tractor, but have no issues with the BX on almost any slope I have on my property. It does have foam filled tires all around, plus the MMM weight down low though.

Frankly, I doubt that if I had 4" wheel spacers on my B2910 and a MMM, that I would increase my comfort level with that tractor now...

 

[RCW]

As others said, awareness/fright/concern are all legitimate. You may only get one chance to screw up.

Learn what to NOT do first, as those will kill you quicker. Several guys/gals pointed out loader held high, tight turns, etc.

Your loader is probably the most risky attachment. That's by hauling heavy loads, especially high, or simply making the tractor a little tippy on slopes when empty.

Learn what TO do. Several guys/gals pointed out seatbelt, mowing angles, take loader off to mow, wheel spacers, etc....whatever makes you feel safer.

That said, this thing is not going to topple over in a slight breeze, unless YOU do something to instigate it.

You will quickly learn with experience and practice.

As Henro points out, I can mow some severe slopes with my BX. It's loader off, dry ground, and I can go like hell..... Have never put spacers on it.

I have been doing the same lawn for 29 years, and with the BX for 7 or 8 of them. I get the spookie stories, but I do use all precautions others have mentioned, and have a knowledge of what my tractor and terrain can handle.

I kicked the tires on a B2601 myself a couple weeks ago, and I can see it going everywhere my BX did before..