N80
Super Member
Yesterday I tried to take my tractor into the creek to knock down a beaver dam. Knocked it down by hand last time and it about killed me. The water was relatively shallow (less than hub high) with a firm sandy bottom. Started in very slowly at a slight incline into the water and the "firm sandy" bottom was soft and muddy at this point and the front sank down. Rears were still in the bank. Decided to back out. Fronts dug down, rears spun even with diff locked. The front tires were almost completely submerged. Exhaust was under water too. Could not push back with the bucket much because it couldn't grip much. Couldn't get my truck into the location because it was too tight and muddy and in the woods.
Soooo I had about 20' of chain, a 20' snatch strap and a come-along hand winch. Slowly drug it up. Took about 20 minutes. Front axle and hubs probably under water for 30-40 minutes max.
Got it back up the hill and pushed the little pin under the clutch housing and water ran out. Took the whole plug out and put the tractor on several inclines and got a little more water out. Then mowed for about two hours in 2 and 4wd. No problems.
Anything else I need to do since the front got submerged?
Any advice on the beavers? Trapping has not worked. Rarely get a daylight shot at them.
Soooo I had about 20' of chain, a 20' snatch strap and a come-along hand winch. Slowly drug it up. Took about 20 minutes. Front axle and hubs probably under water for 30-40 minutes max.
Got it back up the hill and pushed the little pin under the clutch housing and water ran out. Took the whole plug out and put the tractor on several inclines and got a little more water out. Then mowed for about two hours in 2 and 4wd. No problems.
Anything else I need to do since the front got submerged?
Any advice on the beavers? Trapping has not worked. Rarely get a daylight shot at them.
