Rear-mounted winch?

[Andy2dotO]

Man, just lift the machine up with the hydraulic and articulate away from the tree and set it down articulate the other way, and do it a again and again til you are free...... same as in a ditch or sunk in the mud...... jim

I had read your post earlier (That's actually what helped me find this forum -- thanks for the advice!), and I tried that solution for a good long while this time. I just couldn't get the front end to stay put once I lifted the mower to articulate the other direction -- it just kept sliding back against the tree. I think slope+loose, wet clay dirt just prevent that from working in this specific situation. Still, I can see how that would work with some grip, or some uphill assistance from a static anchor (tree, deadman, etc.).

I'm sure I'll get the chance to try your solution out again. =0)

 

[dfkrug]

I have been there, too. Even a 20% side slope is pretty steep.

How did I get out? I had a 2nd tractor with AG tires to pull sideways. I don't have that now, but the tires make a huge difference. My R4s are terrible when it comes to sideways traction, let alone forward traction. Turf tires are not good for this either. Not having a second tractor now makes me extra cautious. Too dry or too wet, plus a side slope: no bueno!

I like the dually setup, but AGs would be heaps better, IMO. Those tires look more like turf tread.

 

[Andy2dotO]

How did I get out? I had a 2nd tractor with AG tires to pull sideways.

Second tractor you say? Took me five years to convince the missus this one was required here. Still, I'll get to work. =0)

Good point on the tires. These grip pretty well forward/backward to 30+ degrees, but slip laterally pretty easily at anything above 20 degrees so far.

 

[johara1]

I had read your post earlier (That's actually what helped me find this forum -- thanks for the advice!), and I tried that solution for a good long while this time. I just couldn't get the front end to stay put once I lifted the mower to articulate the other direction -- it just kept sliding back against the tree. I think slope+loose, wet clay dirt just prevent that from working in this specific situation. Still, I can see how that would work with some grip, or some uphill assistance from a static anchor (tree, deadman, etc.).

I'm sure I'll get the chance to try your solution out again. =0)

Never lift the mower, it will help pull you away......only lift it is to articulate the other way. some times you may have to play around a little. sometimes you work it around till you are going up hill and you can get away easier..... jim

 

[MountainBuck]

This just happened to me.

My tree wasn't that big so I cut it down.

I have the 3 point hitch which currently has a draw bar on it. I put some blocks under it and *thought* that I was going to easily pick up the rear end and "articulate away."

But that didn't work. I couldn't pick up the rear end with the hydraulics. Not quite sure why but didn't mess with it after it wouldn't work after a couple tries. That's when I cut the tree down.

 

[lennyzx11]

Gah! So, fess up. Did you...
A. Cut the tree down or
B. Remove all attachments, destroy your back moving them, reconnect, and tell nobody until now?

Either way, this makes me feel better. Thank you.

Option B. I had the added fun of the quick hitch was sitting on the angled trunk of the tree and wouldn’t drop enough to get out from under the rotary cutter.
So it had to be removed also.

Of course this was all down at the far end of the place making a 1/2 mile walk necessary to get a heavy pry bar to move everything.

 

[prs]

If you remove the front caster wheels, the mower frame might get enough traction to use the articulation to push yourself uphill away from the tree, pole, guy wire, whatever. With the front casters on, no way now how. The good thing is, you live and learn.

prs

 

[johara1]

If you remove the front caster wheels, the mower frame might get enough traction to use the articulation to push yourself uphill away from the tree, pole, guy wire, whatever. With the front casters on, no way now how. The good thing is, you live and learn.

prs

Wow, I'm glade you told me that..... I have been doing wrong since I can remember, and it just worked when I got stuck in a ditch yesterday and I didn't take the caster wheels off....LMAO.... jim

 

[prs]

I probably have my casters installed wrong; I did not realize the body of the tough cut mower was supposed to drag along on the ground so the blades can scalp the dirt. I have my casters set to hold the mower about 7" above ground level. Bless your heart.

prs

 

[Andy2dotO]

Hmm. This makes me wonder. Are those casters adjustable? I'd love to get the deck a bit closer, but don't want to jam it against every contour on the hill.

I'd go check, but I'm stuck in the office, and won't see the Ventrac again for a week.

Yes, I am experiencing separation anxiety. =0)