What is the max side slope?

• A. 10°
• B. 15°
• C. 20°
• D. 12°

Answer: (B)

Max side slope tests stability against tipping sideways. Stability on a slope comes from where the machine’s overall center of gravity sits relative to the wheel contact patches. As the slope gets steeper, the weight shifts and a tipping moment toward the downhill side grows until the gravity line falls outside the wheelbase’s footprint. The maximum side slope is the angle at which the machine remains stable under normal loading conditions, which for many wheel loaders is around 15 degrees. Keeping to this limit helps ensure the center of gravity stays over the base of support, especially with the bucket low and close to the ground and before any load shifts. Going steeper increases rollover risk even with careful operation. Slopes of 10° or 12° would be more conservative, and 20° is typically unsafe for standard loaders. When on slopes, travel straight, keep the load low, avoid turning on the slope, and retreat to flat ground if the slope exceeds the rating.