steepest grade for driveway

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by 86scotty, Aug 2, 2020.

  1. 86scotty

    86scotty Road Train Member

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    I'm looking at some rural land. The front driveway from road is way too small, steep and winding for a tractor. I do need to bring my tractor home most weekends but I have a paid spot for trailer a few miles away.

    There is a paved access road to the back of the land going up to a county water tower that I can use but it is steep. It starts about 6 or 7% but gets as steep as 14% in a spot or two. My twin screw tractor does have an axle lock.

    Think I'll have any problems bobtailing up that grade? Of course I know in winter I'll have to plan ahead. Total length is just about 300' and it is straight up, no turns.
     
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  3. Concorde

    Concorde Road Train Member

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    I’ve been up 9% grades @ 80k with trailer in PA.. One I had to stop and go 1/2 way up..

    You can do it.
     
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  4. MACK E-6

    MACK E-6 Moderator Staff Member

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    Just get a running start. :)
     
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  5. D.Tibbitt

    D.Tibbitt Road Train Member

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    Well in honor of @x1Heavy . We all know hes been up some 30% grades fully loaded and never had a problem. Im sure hes been up some 60% grades bobtail :D
     
  6. Atlaw4u

    Atlaw4u Heavy Load Member

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    I think you will be okay. It's probably more the condition of the road in inclement weather over the grade.
    I live on a remote spread at 8,600 feet elevation.
    My driveway is a mile long, fairly steep with some tight turns. I park my truck and flat at home except in the winter. Although I chain up and bring the truck home a few times during the winter.
    I did change to a more aggressive open shoulder drive which helps when it is wet or muddy. It wwill also help if you put down plenty of gravel for your parking spot.
     
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  7. Dave_in_AZ

    Dave_in_AZ Road Train Member

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    I got stuck on one Friday that went from flat to about a 47 degree incline.
     
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  8. SmallPackage

    SmallPackage Road Train Member

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    As long as you have nothing to high center on you should be ok. You will get to excercise the low gear. One cool thing is if you ever loose battery power it will be easy to roll start the engine.
     
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  9. Kshaw0960

    Kshaw0960 Road Train Member

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    Doing dirt for awhile opened my eyes to what a truck can really do. It’s absolutely insane how high of a grade you can go up. You’re fine.
     
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  10. IH Truck Guy

    IH Truck Guy Road Train Member

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  11. not4hire

    not4hire Road Train Member

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