Driving Tractor into Lake - Issues with Bearings?

rmonio · Oct 6, 2003

At our Lake cabin in MN, the water is so low now that I can drive into the lake and use my FEL to move the rocks near the shore up on to the shore line itself. The water level isn't over the top of the front wheels (4600 w/FEL), but I was wondering whether or not this would be a problem with the front bearings, etc. I realize I will have to re-lube everything afterwards (fittings, etc.) - but is it ok for me to drive into the lake and do that kind of work without causing a problem for the tractor?

Thanks for your help!

-Bob

DavidJ · Oct 6, 2003

If your seals are good you shouldn't have a problem at all. Like you said, Just lube everything good afterwards.

You should check for any overflow or vent lines routed under the tractor to be sure they don't become submerged and suck water into the tractor while you're working. Just route them a bit higher temporarily and you should be fine.

Mrwurm · Oct 6, 2003

I think you will have a bigger problem than some water in your bearings. I tried this once myself when my pond dried up. I sunk in the muck all the way to the frame. Did'nt even have to step down to get off the tractor /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

Bob_Skurka · Oct 6, 2003

The fun thing about 4x4 vehicles and tractors is that you can get them stuck FARTHER AWAY from help!!!

I would make sure you have a car or truck sitting at the shore line with a tow strap at least as long as the distance out into the lake you happen to drive the tractor. Or a winch on the front of the tractor (assuming you can turn the tractor to face the shore and you have something to attach it to on the shore).

Depending on the bottom of the lake you might have no problem at all, or you might end up in some deep muck. Either way, I'd want the tow strap so the car/truck can pull the tractor out if you need it. If you have an electric winch on the front of the tractor that would also be a big help but you need a tree or pier to connect it up to to pull yourself out.

RobS · Oct 6, 2003

Actually, he might be OK Jerry. I used to go fishing on a lake in MN and we'd have to back the truck/trailer about 100 feet INTO the lake to get deep enough water to float the boat. The bottom was hard sand/gravel and never caused us any problems.

Yes, check your fluids/bearings afterwards /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Bob_Skurka · Oct 6, 2003

Actually, he might be OK 

Might be. Might not be. My luck would NOT be. So I would rather have the tow strap handy . . . just in case.

I guess it is my same logic about a gun. You almost never need them to save your life or the life of a family member. . . but, God forbid, IF you ever need one, you need it REALLY badly and you need it with you, not locked up in a safe in the basement. And 911 isn't a good substitute when you are in one of those situations.

Now granted, getting a tractor stuck up to its frame is probably not life threatening, but I'd guess it would tick you off a bit. And I'd rather not drive the family sedan out into to the lake to test the lake bottom to see if it was hard packed sand. So I'd just make sure the tow strap was at hand and I would then proceed to dig the rocks. If I got into trouble, I could pull it out.

Just my thoughts.

adegiulio · Oct 6, 2003

Well, if he is in Minn., then there should be no chance of him getting stuck in the mud....Everything freezes by August 1st anyway... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Old_Hickory · Oct 6, 2003

( I'd want the tow strap so the car/truck can pull the tractor out if you need it. )

The tractor better not be stuck very deep,or your car or truck will sit and spin.I had the front end of my CUT and loader sitting in a soft spot and I ended up having to get a 3 ton come along and anchoring it to a tree, before I was able to retrieve my tractor.

yellowsocks93 · Oct 6, 2003

If you are going to be using your tractor in the muck or wet conditions often you may want to consider John Deere's water proof grease. I forget the exact name but it is blue in color.

Nick