Tractors - Stability
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How can you maintain stability on various gradients?
Back to topA tractor tips when the centre of gravity moves outside the "stability baseline" - an imaginary line connecting each wheel.
![Stability baselines](https://www.ccohs.ca/images/oshanswers/Vehi015.gif)
- Side-mounted implements shift the centre of gravity toward the implement.
![Side-mounted implements shift the centre of gravity toward the implement.](https://www.ccohs.ca/images/oshanswers/Vehi013.gif)
- Operate the tractor with the mounted implement on the uphill side of the slope.
![Operate the tractor with the mounted implement on the uphill side of slope.](https://www.ccohs.ca/images/oshanswers/Vehi012.gif)
- Adjust the tractor's stability with wheel weights and counterweights.
- Beware of depressions in the ground and obstructions such as rocks and stumps. These hazards can change tractor stability on slopes or at speeds greater than a few kilometres per hour.
Instability can tip a tractor sideways. The outside wheels become pivot points.
![Instability can tip a tractor sideways. The outside wheels become pivot points.](https://www.ccohs.ca/images/oshanswers/Vehi014.gif)
The outward tipping force varies according to the tractor's speed and turning radius. Sharp turns increase the force.
A tractor is more unstable when turning uphill. Avoid this type of turn whenever possible or make it at a slow speed.
The force becomes more dangerous as the tractor's centre of gravity is moved higher. Examples are when a front-end loader is raised, or when spray tanks are mounted high on a tractor chassis.
- Fact sheet confirmed current: 2023-06-14
- Fact sheet last revised: 2002-02-25