Slopes and Slope Safety, a Two-Part Series: Part Two: Equipment on Slopes

By Jeff Osborne - Forest Stewardship Program Associate

Operating off-road vehicles and tractors can be very dangerous for those who shift the center of gravity of their equipment beyond its base of support. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, from 2018 through 2020 Pennsylvania led the nation with 137 off-highway vehicle (OHV)-related deaths, four more than California. OHVs in this case include ATVs, UTVs, and other vehicles with more than two wheels designed for off-highway use. Across the nation, about 60% of fatalities are on paved roads, which OHVs are not designed to be used on. People injured while operating OHVs were surveyed and reported 15% of injuries occurred while operating in the woods, 24% while operating on gentle slopes, and 8% on steep slopes. The age group 12-15 years old has the highest rate of annual injuries, 1.6 times higher than the next highest age group, 16-24 years old. The proportion of deaths from OHV injuries in the age group 12 and under is significantly less than their population proportion; 5% of deaths and 15% of the population. Experience may not lead to safer practices, as age groups above 12 years old have similar proportions of deaths and population.

Operators of OHVs can reduce risk of injury by operating within their limitations. Many ATV manufacturers list maximum uphill and downhill slopes for adult ATVs at something less than 25 degrees. For youth ATVs, two-up ATVs, and UTVs, the maximum uphill or down-hill slope may be listed at less than 10 or 15 degrees, about the same as a riding lawn mower.

Above is a slope warning icon
like those you may see in an
equipment owner’s manual.

Many manufacturers also have warnings about not traveling across slopes. Slopes compound the dangers of traveling across areas that are muddy, rocky, or frozen. However, road or trail surfaces should be sloped slightly to shed water toward the edge(s).

A 3 to 5-degree slope should achieve the goal
of shedding water while reducing the rollover
threat of operating equipment on a steeper
side slope. Tractor image created with Adobe AI.

You may not be able to find slope limitations for some off-road recreational vehicles and compact tractors. This is in part because the center of gravity can change with every implement that is added, or removed, and while operating some, like a frontend loader. While operating a compact tractor on a slope, there are many risks stated by manufacturers. There are also added risks realized by those modifying equipment. Adding axle spacers on a tractor will widen the stance of the wheels. This may make it feel more stable but will exert more force on a single wheel while operating on a slope. This can cause the wheel to fail, resulting in equipment damage and possible injury. It is best to start with equipment that is designed to operate on the slope you need it to.

Tractor rollover is the leading cause of tractor-related deaths. Rollover protection systems (ROPS) greatly reduce the incidence of serious injury during tractor rollovers. ROPS must be locked in the up position and the seat belt must be worn to be effective. Falling object protection (FOPS) is common on construction and forestry equipment. FOPS is available on few compact tractors. There are two different levels of FOPS. Level 1 FOPS should protect from an object that develops 1000 ft. lb. of energy at impact, which would be a 1000 lb. object falling 1 ft., a 100 lb. object falling 10 ft., or a 10 lb. object falling 100 ft. (ft.lb. = object weight in lb. multiplied by height of fall in ft.).  Level 2 FOPS should protect from an object developing 8,500 ft. lb. of energy at impact. Equipment with these systems should have ROPS/FOPS labels on the structures to let you know what they are rated for.

Well-designed roads and trails can allow you to operate equipment on a safe footing, reduce the amount of road or trail maintenance needed, and reduce negative environmental impacts due to water run-off.  There are many great resources available to help you understand road and trail building and maintenance techniques, including these three: Environmentally Sensitive Road Maintenance Practices for Dirt and Gravel Roads, Trail Design for Small Properties, and A Landowner's Guide to Building Forest Access Roads and Trail Construction and Maintenance Notebook: 2007 Edition.

Off-road vehicles can be great tools to help you enjoy and manage your property. Take some time to consider the equipment’s limitations and do not exceed them. You will likely not have time to react to prevent rollovers, which can happen in less than one second.