Another Tractor Death

[Monster5601]

I'm sorry to tell you this. My neighbor died Monday evening it a terrible tractor accident. My neighbor that lives one property over, a Deputy Sherrif, that patrols our area noticed the barn open and lights on. Realizing this wasn't normal he pulled in to check and found Mr. Miller.

We learned through Mr. Miller's son he was having starter motor issues on his old Ford 8N. Somehow, he left the tractor in gear and at full throttle. He wedged himself between the rear and front wheels and used a screwdriver to short the starter solenoid. I understand Mr. Miller was badly mutilated and death came quickly. Mr. Miller was 82.

 

[Topzide]

My heart goes out to the family! Just another case of slow down and think about what you're doing. I'm forever telling the misses to slow down before she hurts me! We all be come complacent around are equipment. The misses can't figure out why sometimes it takes me a lot of time to do something. I tell her that I won't rush anything that involves something that could hurt or possibly kill me! Again, think twice.

 

[Fuddy1952]

I'm so sorry.
I'm at a loss for words except I'll say a prayer for Mr. Miller and family.

 

[Wagtail]

Sad to hear. :weepy:

Thanks for posting.

 

[Redlands Okie]

Sorry to hear of such a thing. Thanks for posting, good reminder for us to to be careful about how we do things.

 

[cqaigy2]

Sorry to hear of your neighbor. Take care.

 

[dragoneggs]

Prayers sent.

As we all get older and slow down, we need to be extra careful and not be so sure of ourselves. Whether it be our memory, our footing, our strength, our quickness... whatever. I'm trying to practice a few things...

>Think a little more about it before you act (what could go wrong)
>Consider your options (quick vs. doing it right)
>Be more aware of your surroundings (escape routes)
>Enjoy the journey as much as just getting the job/project done (stop and smell the roses)

Accidents happen but lots we can do to prevent them.

 

[The Deerslayer]

So tragic...thoughts and prayers to you and your neighbor's family.

 

[Thomas]

Sad very sad,thoughts prayers to the family.

 

[kenmbz]

Our condolences to your neighbors family. So sad to read this.

 

[BRMyers]

Sad to hear, pray for the family and friends.

 

[coldsteelva]

Sorry to hear of such a thing. Thanks for posting, good reminder for us to to be careful about how we do things.

Very sorry to hear this. Sometimes, even when we do things right there's a chance of a problem. My secondary tractor (MT180D circa 1986 and geared) sat in my barn for several months without use, but during a season change. Climbed aboard, fired her right up. Stepped on the clutch, but when I moved it into gear...she drove off; caught me by surprise. I NEVER stored this tractor with the clutch out, but this time the clutch didn't disengage with the pedal and moving the gear shift actually put it in gear. The clutch pedal did nothing.

I moved it out of the barn, put the drive gear in neutral - revved up to about 2000 and kicked the 3-speed PTO lever into 1st (with a Woods 60 RFM attached) and instantly knocked the clutch loose. No problems since. I just make very sure to run her up to hot more often and I try to store it with the clutch pedal depressed (wish is had a lock like the brakes)

 

[Redlands Okie]

 

[Tinhack]

That is so tragic. It can happen so quickly but the outcome lasts forever. Prayers go out to family and friends.

 

[shovelmike]

Prayers and condolences for Mr. Miller's family.