If you own a compact tractor and have any hills or slopes on your property, you know that one of the scariest feelings is when the tractor loses its stability.

All compact tractors can tip at some point, if operated on a slope too steep for the tractor to handle. The "angle of danger" will depend on many factors, but especially the tractor's center of gravity.

The center of gravity on each tractor is different, and can sometimes be lowered by adding weight close to the ground, like wheel weights, or having certain implements mounted. Also keep in mind that on smaller tractors, a 150-200 lb. operator will raise the center of gravity considerably, and can decrease stability further.

Compact tractor roll-overs and tip-overs are one of the leading causes of tractor-related deaths in America. In fact, a person is twice as likely to be killed from a tractor roll-over from the next leading cause of death associated with tractor usage  (Source: National Safety Council Injury Facts, 1999). In most cases, tip and roll-overs are caused by operator error or inexperience.

So how can one operate your tractor on slopes safely?

While there is no one safety device that can physically stop your tractor from tipping over when operated on a slope that is too steep, the tractor operator can use common sense, and a slope degree indicator, to decrease the chances of tipping over.

The first safety precaution all tractor owners should take is to read and apply the advices in the tractor owner's manual regarding safe operation. Be sure to note in that manual suggested maximum loads for implements, operating conditions, and other issues. (See free safety report offer below.) And always, never operate a tractor without ROPS, or without the folding ROPS in the secure upright position.

One excellent device that we and many experienced operators recommend that every compact tractor be equipped with, is the Tilt Meter, made by R&B Manufacturing.

The Tilt Meter works like a level, but with degree indicators to show the angle of operation.

Knowing the operating angle will reveal how close one is to the danger zone, and when the operator needs to return to safer, more level ground.

Think of a Tilt Meter as you think of a fuel gauge. Just as a fuel gauge won't prevent you from running out of fuel, a Tilt Meter won't prevent you from tipping over. But, it will tell you when you need to take that hill from a different angle, or back off it altogether.

Many users have reported on TractorByNet.com being very satisfied with the presence of their Tilt Meter in front of them at all times of operation. Although no one can guarantee that an accident will be avoided, it is true that many people have reported that they avoided accidents and even saved lives by having the Tilt Meter on board.

As one might expect, rural highway departments mow on some of the steepest slopes there are, and face some of the most dangerous tip-over hazards. You've probably seen them yourself on the highway and thought, "Sure glad I'm not in that seat!"

Well, among these most experienced operators who face the issue of safety and tip-overs all day long, more than 7,000 highway department tractors and vehicles are equipped with Tilt Meters from R&B Manufacturing, the leading manufacturer of Tilt Meters in America.

The results after installing Tilt Meters? According to the manufacturer, not a single tip-over has been reported from any of the highway departments!

In addition to highway departments, road districts, park & recreation departments, landfills, military, municipal & county governments, USDA forestry and major equipment manufacturers ---all are users of and firm believers in the value of Tilt Meters.

Literally thousands of individuals have equipped their tractors with Tilt Meters, and again, not once has a tip-over been reported by an R&B Tilt Meter user!

If you have a tractor and operate it on slopes, we highly recommend you get a Tilt Meter and always keep safety in mind.

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