Max grade for a Case 580B

[Walker1]

I have some property up in the mountains. I have had my 8N up there, then later my Case 530. Both did okay at the property but struggled going up my road, which has a 22% grade for about 200 yards. Both of those tractors were manual transmission, and the 530 also had the Hi/Low box and manual shuttle. My ‘New’ Case 580B has the 4 speed with the power shuttle and no hi/low box. It currently needs the shuttle rebuilt, which I will likely do later this summer. I would then like to take it up there, but it has to be able to drive itself out. I am just concerned that, with a torque converter it might not have enough Oomph to pull itself up that grade.
Does anyone have experience with steep grades and a similar tractor?

Thanks,

 

[Tinkerer]

It shouldn't be a problem in first gear. Provided the torque convertor is in excellent condition.

 

[thepumpguysc]

Just throwing it out there but.. U could try backing it up the grade.?

 

[skyking1]

oh if there was any looseness the legendary Case left 'n right wheel hop would drive ya nuts.

 

[Delmer]

Just throwing it out there but.. U could try backing it up the grade.?

First is often lower than reverse if you're worried about power. If you're worried about tipping backwards, like I'd be, put the stabilizers a few inches off the ground and make sure your brakes are in top shape. Using reverse as a backup brake is kinda hairy. Then again if it's really hairy, then back up using the loader bucket and the hoe to pull you up. But have it in first for braking if needed.

 

[Billrog]

My property has many grades steeper than 20% and I built all the roads with a 2wd 580B .

 

[Walker1]

My property has many grades steeper than 20% and I built all the roads with a 2wd 580B .

That’s good to know.

 

[JBrady]

I'd agree, that grade shouldn't be any problem if the drive train is sound. You might need to put some dirt in the front bucket if it is too tippy and have the hoe all the way up in the locked position.

 

[Willie B]

I have an ornamental 580B my son unloaded here to annoy his mother & I. It hasn't had much use. I have owned two 580K. These had a similar drivetrain to the 580B. The concern I would have is keeping the front wheels on the ground. You want a skilled operator in the seat when front wheels lift. Steering becomes brake only, and if you aren't quick enough the whole tractor pivots on its differential. A quick pivot to 90 degrees or more on a 22 degree grade does not appeal to me.

I have an old IH utility tractor, a 1961 B275. I bought it in 1987, no loader but a heavy Bush Hog. These tractors have one brake works well forward, other in reverse. I found raising the hog going up a steep hill tends to lift the front wheels. My "meadow" is steep. it runs alongside a wood road 20' in elevation below. The bank of the road is heavily forested, except one spot. As I passed it, I raised the hog. Tractor swiveled despite me pushing the brake as hard as I could. I disappeared down the bank into the road below. Other than bending the three point frame on the hog, no damage done.
My heart rate must have been off the scale!

 

[Billrog]

I've climbed many steep hills in the past where it was necessary to put a large bolder for weight in the bucket. I now go up real steep grade in reverse because it's far easier to control if you spin out and have to go back down. Like Willie said steering with the brakes is scary in reverse and not something where you may get a sec. chance if you go sideways.
When very steep soil conditions are paramount to wet no good to dry no good.
I've had 4 different backhoes I've owned up this grade the last 2- 4wd .

 

[Tubroos]

My 2WD 580C will back up pretty much anything I point it at... Would be a lot more comfortable if the brakes worked, but that's for another day... My property is generally steep enough that reversing up some parts just feels more comfortable on both the backhoe and tractor.

 

[Walker1]

I've climbed many steep hills in the past where it was necessary to put a large bolder for weight in the bucket. I now go up real steep grade in reverse because it's far easier to control if you spin out and have to go back down. Like Willie said steering with the brakes is scary in reverse and not something where you may get a sec. chance if you go sideways.
When very steep soil conditions are paramount to wet no good to dry no good.
View attachment 241468 View attachment 241469 I've had 4 different backhoes I've owned up this grade the last 2- 4wd .

That is what my slope looks like. I am wondering if it was 22 degrees and not 22% grade. I was unable to get up there this last weekend due to forest closures, but I’ll remeasure next time.