Hi All,
I live on a very hilly property with lots of trees. I am continually dealing with firewood and using it to heat my house. To get to my work area, and split wood with my log splitter, I pull it with my 9N. But, when the soil is wet, there is no way to get up the hill forwards.

So, I was wondering if any of you fellers have success in going backwards. I had the thought of drilling a hole
in the loader bucket and put a ball on it to hitch the log splitter to, and pull the splitter uphill backwards.
Wondering if it would get better traction.

Reverse gear in most manuals transmissions is 1/2 way between 1st and 2nd thereby giving higher torque output from the engine.
I have found that an auxiliary transmission will also aid in backing up in a lower range.

Have you tried using tire chains?

I have not tried tire chains. I have a set. That’s a thought. I have used them in winter, but they tear up my blacktop driveway. I guess I could install them to get my log splitter where it needs to be, and then take the chains off when I am done. It’s an option to try…

How is the tread on the tires.

NO that would not help, are the rear tires filled with fluid? Ballast on the rear would help.

My rear tires are filled with fluid for ballast.

Treads half worn. Tires are old. My soil coming up the hill is real black and peaty, I have a pond and wetland. The tires churn it up and dig holes and I come to a stop. Just wondering if I go backwards, I wouldn’t dig as deep.

Chains are the answer. Consider it part of the deal when you put them on. It gets easier every time you do it, and when your son-in-law says do you need some help--let him do it.