Operating a stump grinder on a slope or incline can be tricky business. Much like the info I shared in the article about Track Chipper: Maximum Operating Slopes, operating a tracked stump grinder on a hillside requires a lot of the same considerations but has added considerations for specific engine limitations. You can see more on those in the expandable list below.
First though, I think it’s important to note that operating on a grade that’s too steep can cause the machine to lose traction, slide, or roll over. If you are working on a slope and question the machine’s stability, it is always safer to proceed with caution or get an expert opinion.
Model-Specific Incline Details
RG37T: From 20° to 25° Inclines (Click to Expand)
With ground conditions and safety precautions taken into consideration, an operator could potentially expect to work on a 20° to 25° incline.
The short track-base on the RG37T makes it ideal for maneuvering in tight spaces but does limit the degree to which this machine can operate on an incline. The slewing ring head pivot design on the RG37T lowers the center of gravity which enhances stability on uneven terrain though, which does offer some additional peace of mind.
While not explicitly outlined in the operator’s manual, the RG37T is powered by a Vanguard engine which does not recommend exceeding a 20° to 25° operating angle for extended periods. Operating beyond this limit can cause engine damage due to improper oil lubrication. Like the RG55T-R, the engine on this model moves up and down with the cutter wheel so it would work on less of a slope than the RG165T or RG74T-R. So to ensure your RG37T lasts a long, long time, keep the inclines to under 25°.
*Safety considerations: Operating on a grade that is too steep can cause the machine to lose traction, slide, or roll over. If you are working on a slope and question the machine’s stability, it is always safer to proceed with caution or get an expert opinion. More safety information is found below.
RG55T: From 23° to 26° Inclines (Click to Expand)
With ground conditions and safety precautions taken into consideration, an RG55T stump grinder operator could potentially expect to work on a 23° to 26° incline.
Rayco, does not publish a specific “maximum incline” or “maximum slope” for this model in their public specification documents. That said, I’ve been told that with the tracks expanded to the 50″ width makes it able to traverse steeper inclines than the RG37T. That said, the RG55T-R’s engine moves up and down with the cutter wheel so it would work on less of a slope than the RG165T or RG74T-R.
Low Center of Gravity: Like the RG37T, the RG55T uses the slewing ring head pivot design which lowers the center of gravity and enhances stability on uneven terrain.
Expandable Tracks: In addition to the lower center of gravity, the retractable rubber track undercarriage can be expanded from 35 inches to a 50-inch stance for even more stability while operating on varied ground conditions.
*Safety considerations: Operating on a grade that is too steep can cause the machine to lose traction, slide, or roll over. If you are working on a slope and question the machine’s stability, it is always safer to proceed with caution or get an expert opinion. More safety information is found below.
RG74T-R: Up To 30° Inclines (Click to Expand)
With ground conditions and safety precautions taken into consideration, an RG74T-R stump grinder operator could potentially expect to work on a 25° to 30° incline.
Engine Limitations: In addition to ground condition considerations, starving the engine of oil should be a main consideration when on very steep inclines with an RG74T. As you can see by the Operator’s Manual Foreword below under the engine section, “..to be operable on (up to) a 30° slope with cutter wheel in the full up or down position. That means anything beyond that could potentially cause engine damage due to improper oil lubrication.
Expandable Tracks: The retractable rubber track undercarriage can be expanded from 35 inches to a 51-inch stance offering a wide, stout footprint for excellent stability while operating on varied ground conditions.
*Safety considerations: Operating on a grade that is too steep can cause the machine to lose traction, slide, or roll over. If you are working on a slope and question the machine’s stability, it is always safer to proceed with caution or get an expert opinion. More safety information is found below.
RG165T: Up To 30° Inclines (Click to Expand)
With ground conditions and safety precautions taken into consideration, an RG165T stump grinder operator could potentially expect to work on a 23° to 26° incline.
The center of gravity shifts depending on the machine’s orientation on the slope. Keeping the heaviest part of the machine pointed uphill is a best practice.
Expandable Tracks: The RG165T-R has retractable tracks that can widen for improved stability, which is especially important on an incline. This retractable rubber track undercarriage can be expanded from 35 inches to a 51-inch stance for maximum stability while operating on varied ground conditions.
Engine Limitations: In addition to ground condition considerations, starving the engine of oil should be a main consideration for the RG165T. As with the RG74T, this model is “..to be operable on (up to) a 30° slope with cutter wheel in the full up or down position. That means anything beyond that could potentially cause engine damage due to improper oil lubrication.
*Safety considerations: Operating on a grade that is too steep can cause the machine to lose traction, slide, or roll over. If you are working on a slope and question the machine’s stability, it is always safer to proceed with caution or get an expert opinion. More safety information is found below.
Here are some tips to consider when traversing steep inclines:
Limit the slope angle: Do not exceed the maximum recommended slope angle of the machine.
Travel uphill: When moving the stump grinder across a slope, orient the machine so the track end is facing uphill to improve stability and balance.
Avoid diagonal movement: Do not travel diagonally across a slope, as this greatly increases the risk of the machine tipping.
Make sure no one is standing or working in the area below the stump grinder that’s climbing an incline.
Obstacles: Large rocks, stumps, or other debris can cause the machine to tip. A tracked stump grinder should not be operated near the unprotected edges of embankments or drop-offs.
Operator and operational safety
Operator position: When tracking over a slope, the operator should remain on the “uphill” side of the machine for better control and safety.
Best operators: Only allow highly skilled and experienced operators to work on steep slopes. Safe operation relies heavily on the operator’s skill and judgment.
Travel speed: Keep your speed slow and steady on inclines. When descending a steep slope, use the machine’s backfill blade to aid in braking and prevent sliding.
No passengers: Stump grinders are not designed for passengers. Do not allow passengers to ride on any part of the machine.
Personal protective equipment (PPE): Always wear the appropriate PPE, including a hard hat, safety glasses, hearing protection, and tight-fitting clothing.
Exclusion zone: Maintain a safety exclusion zone of at least 10 meters around the grinder to keep unauthorized personnel away.
In conclusion, safely using a track stump grinder on an incline requires careful attention to the machine’s capabilities, the terrain’s condition, and the operator’s positioning. Before you begin work on a slope, always conduct a thorough site assessment. The maximum recommended operating slope is a safety guideline, not a guarantee.
