Yikes!! What would you do to save the tractor from getting smashed?!

two_bit_score · Dec 3, 2019

Old Gray Mare said:
Yea, Tree Farmer, I was kinda thinking the same thing...waiting for the insurance dude to see it.

The roof just might fall all the way since the header nails are pulled out also and it's tilted. I don't have a pic of that.

Hosspuller, how would I know there's no damage to the frame of the tractor? It has less than 500 hours on it and has been pampered since it was bought new in 1996. If there is hidden damage, I want the insurance to fix it.

The snow has started to melt, but there's s storm Wed/Thurs and more this weekend. The wind can be fierce at times.

Thanks to all of your suggestions!

~~Judy

Nice looking MF 1246 by the way! Very well cared for it appears!

Can you get someone out there to bring another tractor over to raise the roof enough to let the tractor be driven out? Two tractors (one on each side) would be best but one would be enough to raise that right side enough to back it out. The tractor wont be any worse for wear even if the structure collapsed on it but if you are under it when it happens we might not be saying the same for you.

TBS

Wagtail · Dec 3, 2019

G'day Judy,

To answer one of your concerns, as it is according to your pictures, your tractor is OK with the weight on your ROPS.

You do need to clear the snow off of the roof and raise that corner of the roof enough to back the tractor out as soon as possible due to future wind occurring.

Good luck and keep us posted as you're able.

Thomas · Dec 3, 2019

Take plenty pictures for proof than support with ends and middle with fresh beams and post.

dougtrr2 · Dec 3, 2019

It is hard to tell from the pictures just how precarious the whole situation is. I might be inclined to put it in neutral, attach a tow cable, lift the beam slightly and then pull it out. I don't know if I would want to spend time under that roof to drive it out. But again it may not be as shaky as the pictures show.

I would have the operation planned out with my helpers, to minimize the time between jacking the beam and moving the tractor.

Doug in SW IA

LouNY · Dec 3, 2019

When your insurance adjuster gets there he will take pictures and document what is what,
after that get a local carpenter with a couple of beam jacks and a few 2x6's sister a couple together,
2 sets and 4 post jacks, lift up and support the roof, scab on a couple 2x6's to your other support beams,
lift it up a ways move the tractor and then repair and reinforce the roof.

Almost forgot your tractors going to be fine, she didn't get hurt a bit.

two_bit_score · Dec 3, 2019

Most insurance policies require the insured to take reasonable action after a loss is incurred to prevent further damage to the insured property. This can include making temporary repairs, clean up, etc. There is no reason to 'leave it like it is' until the insurance adjuster sees it. Most policies require reasonable loss mitigation and prompt notification of loss.

Doing what is reasonably necessary to prevent further loss is a cost that would normally be included in the claim.

CobyRupert · Dec 3, 2019

Do they sell roof rakes in Arizona?

I'd make first priority getting weight (snow) off of the roof before header nails pull out and roof totally collapses, and/or any rain/snow adds additional weight, or wind adds additional force, etc...
Plus, if it does collapse as you jack it, an unloaded roof will cause a lot less damage.

Monday morning quarterbacking here, but : Did that roof have any pitch? Was pitch parallel or perpendicular to roofing corrugations?

radios1 · Dec 3, 2019

dougtrr2 said:
It is hard to tell from the pictures just how precarious the whole situation is. I might be inclined to put it in neutral, attach a tow cable, lift the beam slightly and then pull it out. I don't know if I would want to spend time under that roof to drive it out. But again it may not be as shaky as the pictures show.

I would have the operation planned out with my helpers, to minimize the time between jacking the beam and moving the tractor.

Doug in SW IA

this is the safest way.. it looks like they don't build for snow load in Arizona!.. and this is what happens when it does snow!..

Industrial Toys · Dec 3, 2019

I would have gotten another loader, preferably with forks.

As far as insurance. Apparently it's a requirement that the policyowner do whatever he can to limit damage.