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Tractors - Stability

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How can you maintain stability on various gradients?

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A tractor tips when the centre of gravity moves outside the "stability baseline" - an imaginary line connecting each wheel.

Stability baselines
  • Side-mounted implements shift the centre of gravity toward the implement.
Side-mounted implements shift the centre of gravity toward the implement.
  • 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.
  • 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.

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