ctgoldwing
Platinum Member
Thankfully you weren't hurt! Fortunately it will be a story you can tell for a long time - and a lesson for us all.
Ballast Roll over
- Thread starter TheMan419
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Henro
Elite Member
- Joined
- Jul 4, 2003
- Messages
- 4,982
- Location
- Few miles north of Pgh, PA
- Tractor
- Kubota B2910, BX2200, KX41-2V mini EX
THIS ^^^
I tipped my B2910 on its side once. I righted it pretty quickly and assumed that since it was on its side a short time, I should be good to go, and was...I figured there was not enough time for oil to leak past the rings to cause a hydro lock situation. I was LUCKY. There is another path for oil to get into the cylinder(s).
Turns out that there is a path through the PVC system, that can cause oil to flow in a way that leads to the valves, and if an intake valve is open, which may be likely, the oil can enter the cylinder and when you crank the engine you end up bending a connecting rod. Not a good thing...and an expensive repair. The power from the starter turning the engine alone is enough to do this damage.
Generally it is recommended to pull the glow plugs or injectors and verify the cylinders are free of oil, or to allow the oil to be removed (if in there) before putting things back together and starting the engine.
It may be possible to manually turn the engine to ensure there is no hydro lock. But there is a slight risk doing this, maybe close to zero, do not know, since the diesel engine could fire a cylinder when you do this. I would think it is unlikely, but something that should be considered I suppose.
This is something we should keep in mind for future reference, hopefully never needed.
ericm979
Super Member
- Joined
- Nov 25, 2016
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- 5,812
- Location
- Santa Cruz Mountains CA, Southern OR
- Tractor
- Branson 3725H Deere 5105
Glad you're only minorly injured. I've met people seriously and permanently injured by tractor accidents and it's not a good way to live.
A bunch of people have mentioned a rear counterweight but sounds like the problem was keeping the bucket high with a load in it. I always keep the bucket as low as practical when moving, especially when turning or with a load. Often that means looking through a load of brush in the grapple. When I see people driving with the loader up high it makes me nervous.
If you had the seat belt on the ROPS would have kept the tractor from rolling over and injuring you... unless you were next to a tree or rolled onto very soft ground. Jumping free is great if it works but you can get hurt on the way. Tripping or getting your clothes caught on something could put you in a worse situation than being belted in. The seat belt's there to keep you from falling partly out and then getting crushed by the ROPS. It's your choice if you don't want to use it but you'd be safer if you did. I don't always put it on but any time I'm on steeper hills or doing anything even remotely sketchy it goes on.
A bunch of people have mentioned a rear counterweight but sounds like the problem was keeping the bucket high with a load in it. I always keep the bucket as low as practical when moving, especially when turning or with a load. Often that means looking through a load of brush in the grapple. When I see people driving with the loader up high it makes me nervous.
If you had the seat belt on the ROPS would have kept the tractor from rolling over and injuring you... unless you were next to a tree or rolled onto very soft ground. Jumping free is great if it works but you can get hurt on the way. Tripping or getting your clothes caught on something could put you in a worse situation than being belted in. The seat belt's there to keep you from falling partly out and then getting crushed by the ROPS. It's your choice if you don't want to use it but you'd be safer if you did. I don't always put it on but any time I'm on steeper hills or doing anything even remotely sketchy it goes on.
npalen
Elite Member
Getting old and forgetful. That's how I turned mine when adjusting the valve tappets a couple years back.
MossRoad
Super Moderator
- Joined
- Aug 31, 2001
- Messages
- 58,044
- Location
- South Bend, Indiana (near)
- Tractor
- Power Trac PT425 2001 Model Year
Glad you are OK. Hate to see you in the news for something like that.
From what I've been told, and keep in the back of my mind since I have a steel canopy, is always wear the seatbelt, and if the thing starts going over, grab the wheel with both hands and ride it out. First instinct is to flee, or put your arm or leg out to stop the roll. Just grab the wheel, pucker up and ride it out. You might smack the side of your head on the ground or the ROPS, but you won't be crushed to death. When I first got my 71 Land Cruiser, I went off-reading with some folks a few times and they, too, told me to buckle up and stay inside if it starts to roll.
Anyhow, enough of that talk.
Who'd you have tow it back upright? That guy from Lakeville?
As everyone else has already said, glad that you are OK. I'm another who tried to get by without loaded tires, and it was not fun. I added 400 pounds of wheel weights and still have to be careful keeping the rears on the ground. I also need to get more diligent about wearing my seat belt...
Glad you are OK. Hate to see you in the news for something like that.
From what I've been told, and keep in the back of my mind since I have a steel canopy, is always wear the seatbelt, and if the thing starts going over, grab the wheel with both hands and ride it out. First instinct is to flee, or put your arm or leg out to stop the roll. Just grab the wheel, pucker up and ride it out. You might smack the side of your head on the ground or the ROPS, but you won't be crushed to death. When I first got my 71 Land Cruiser, I went off-reading with some folks a few times and they, too, told me to buckle up and stay inside if it starts to roll.
Anyhow, enough of that talk.
Who'd you have tow it back upright? That guy from Lakeville?
ASAP Towing. My wife went to school w the owner and his sister.
MossRoad
Super Moderator
- Joined
- Aug 31, 2001
- Messages
- 58,044
- Location
- South Bend, Indiana (near)
- Tractor
- Power Trac PT425 2001 Model Year
Guy in lakeville is relative of my wife.
Glad you got it tipped back up. Good luck with the diagnosis. :thumbsup:
3Ts
Elite Member
Glad you are ok. I know of 2 roll overs personally. One a relative, the other a neighbor. The relative survived, the neighbor did not. Both were new to tractors and operating on a hill. Most roll overs result in a fatality so y'all be careful. Slow and easy and if in doubt, do something differently.
