Question about new Super M

My parents have recently purchased a '52 Super M for our cabin. It will be used primarily to launch boats on the beach (the lake level has dropped so low, most of the boat ramps are useless right now). I am sure it can handle this type of duty. My question is about towing the boat up and down the hill between our cabin and the beach. It's a pretty steep incline. Should I be worried about the tractor flipping over backwards while towing 3500# up a steep grade? What can be done to prevent this?

Another alternative would be to fabricate a hitch for the front end, then BACK the tractor up the incline with the boat hitched to the front end.

However not only must you be able to climb the hill, you must be able descend it under control! The Super M’s disk brakes can be very effective, IF they are in good shape and IF they are properly adjusted. But if SM brakes have any problems they may not work at all. Also if only one side is working, stomping on the good brake can cause the front of the tractor to slew violently to the side and possibly roll - especially if you’ve got a load pushing from behind.

Also....the brakes must be able to hold the tractor securely should you ever have to stop on the incline. (Think of the consequences were you unable to hold it from rolling backward with a boat attached.)

Bottom line is a Super M should do the job. But you must keep the brakes in top condition. Always go slow and exercise caution. Finally keep in mind anytime you operate a tractor on an incline it's a dangerous activity. Don't become a statistic!!

Now, to answer your question, compared to driving forward up a slope, backing up a slope will help prevent end over end tipping for two reasons. First the power wheels will be higher up the slope, pulling you up the hill rather than pushing. The rotational "equal but opposite" force will be adding weight to the front end (lower than the rear end) of the tractor rather than trying to lift it up. When backing you will loose traction on the driving (pulling) wheels before there will be enough gravitational force to raise the rear end off the ground. A front pull plate can be attached to the front of a tractor with a narrow front, or you can fabricate one that will bolt on the frame. Either of these will be a hitch point to pull from.

Backing so that you are going straight up the incline will help prevent tipping sideways. Lowering the pulling point on the tractor will also lower the “center of gravity” allowing the tractor to be more stable. Widening the rear wheels to the ends of the axles and adding weights will also add to the tractors stability against tipping over sideways.

BE CAREFUL! Think about how gravity will be working on the tractor on that slope by walking on it and carrying a 10 lb bag of sugar on your back. Walk up the hill forwards (you will need to lean ahead) and then back up the hill to get a better understanding of the forces on the tractor.

I'm sure I'll be back with lots of questions