What kind of project are you wanting to do on such a steep slope?
What I've traversed so far is not a steep slope by my standards - that's what is so frustrating. I do have a "service road" that is on a pretty steep slope - the reason I bought a tractor to begin with - that I don't think I'm going to be able to drive. My primary need for the backhoe is to dig a drainage ditch (which is located on more slope than I'm comfortable with as the tractor stands now). My long term needs will be more about just moving stuff around the property, digging up rocks, etc.
For the record, the more I look at where I have some problems, it's quite possible that part of my issues are with the fact that it seems to have only one wheel drive more than the balance issue. Some have said: "Can't really tell without seeing ...", so here's a few pics. It's hard to capture slope in pictures sometimes.
First the beast herself.
Runs great, but has some hydraulic issues (loader boom loses elevation, hoe boom loses elevation and swings slowly at will and power steering is nonexistent. I'm working with a mechanic friend to replace hoses and will probably rebuild/reseal the controllers if I can find the kits.
Here's an example of one project that I expected to be very easy, but couldn't complete. I lost a huge branch off a tree last year and want to clear it out.
I figured I could use the tractor to get the branch off the ground so I won't bind my chainsaw when I cut it up. There's enough slope that I don't want the log rolling further down the hill.
Here's an elevation view:
It's hard to see the elevation; the little flat spot you can see between the trees on the left is roughly level.
For starters, I did not try to drive down the slope to the left. There is a bit of a trail along the fence line that should be manageable, but for a couple of reasons, I cut a new gate into the fence, roughly center of picture. After digging out some rocks (an effort in itself when the hoe boom swings on it's own!), I made a drivable path through the gate. With some effort, I got the tractor to the log and was able to use the front bucket to lift the log (had to prop it up with lumber because of the sag) and remove about 6 feet of the log. Then I tried to maneuver around the log to use the hoe to lift the end again. Trying to maneuver between the wood and the post, I was not able to even get past the little pile of wood you see. When I get to the point going between the wood and the post, the tractor refused to stay straight - the front end would just swing to the left (right in the picture). I even tried to just go through the wood , but could not the get the nose pointed up the grade. Tried several times but finally had to give up and back her out. I really don't see this area as being too much of a slope for any tractor. I don't figure the balance issue to be most of the problem in this situation (or other similar spots) - I think that only having one rear wheel (right) driving is a big part of the issues here.
The trench I want to dig is along the rear fence line, roughly between the post and the big rock. I think I can get it done once I can reliably maneuver the tractor, but as it is, I won't even consider it.
This may end up being a bit of a flip tractor - gonna fix the hydro, play with counter balance and see if it works better. Otherwise, try to get my money back out of it and find something more suitable for hilly property. Again, I didn't even consider that this would be an issue. I had a very hard time finding anything in my budget; to a novice, this seemed like it should work. I just hope my lesson isn't too expensive ...
