Frozen In Time

[megaboz]

I tried not to laugh, but it is funny. And in no way am I laughing at you, but I think it is funny to see a tractor engulfed in ice.

Reminds me of a time when I thought throwing salt (about 150 lbs all together) on a gravel driveway that had 3 inches of ice on it. It was cool until it started to warm up. One morning I got in my car, slammed the door, and then the car slammed. Puzzled about what could've hit my car, got out and looked, my car sunk to the frame. Spent three hrs trying to get it out of the myer I created. Didn't know salt could do that to clay at the time.

As for trying to break it free. I wouldn't reccommend it. Might not hurt anything, but I wouldn't chance it. The ICE has already put a strain (since ICE expands) on the welds and trying to bully it will only compound the issue. Might nto hurt the hydraulics, but the bucket might not take the strain.

You can rent those heaters at most rental places (Walmart sells a propane one, but at 0 degrees you might have a hard time getting propane to flow), I would do that and just make sure that you don't get anything that can melt to warm.

 

[number two]

Truckers use air brake antifreeze to keep/thaw their air brake systems working in the cold.Not very pricey and quite effective!A gallon or two,spread around as needed,would greatly improve your situation.Good Luck.

 

[KennyV]

The curl will break that ice ... no problem.

 

[john_bud]

The curl will break that ice ... no problem.

I don't agree. I've had things frozen to the ground here and they are stuck harder than cement. It's a different deal when the ice is 0F and lower. I had an old spare tire standing up that was ice bound once. Tried to pick it up with the FEL on the kubota. Didn't come out - not even close.

I would spread road salt around the bucket and get it out that way.


Next time, tip the bucket forward so only the cutting edge touches.

 

[Tig]

Shine a halogen spot light or two in and on the bucket. Tarp it over as best you can and wait. Or just wait for spring. It's probably too cold to snow now anyways.
My dug well froze last night. -18C and a driving north wind for the past two days. One halogen, a tarp and some patience. All better for now.

 

[CBW1999]

Waxman- I know of a similar accident where someone wrapped a chain around a post they wanted to pull out. They goosed it too much and pulled the tractor over backwards in the same manner you stated. Too much torque and somethings gonna move...Murphy's law will come into play then!

I usually do tip the bucket forward...not sure what was in my mind that kept me from doing it this time.

Unfortunately, because of where it is parked, I have to be careful of the dogs getting into anything i spread or pour. Even though the "salt" would work, given the flow of water and the metal being cold, I think I might just swap which end is frozen in

Tomorrow morning, out comes the charcoal! I'll post pictures of the BBQ pit after i get the bucket out

And please...everyone enjoy a good laugh out of this one Otherwise i would not have posted it for anyone to see

 

[Tig]

Check the weather report, I think mother nature will give her back before the weekend.

 

[J_J]

If you don't mind banging your bucket and ice with a sledge. That should loosen it up some , and then rev it up and curl fwd.

 

[john_bud]

If you don't mind banging your bucket and ice with a sledge. That should loosen it up some , and then rev it up and curl fwd.

I've seen guys with truck tires frozen down try the brute force route. Typically results in spinning the rim inside the tire and destroying the tire. On rare occasions, more than one tire. Also seen "genius" types use a sledge or splitting maul and slash the tires.

 

[BigD23]

Possibly would try a Bernzomatic torch, flame strategically placed of course.....Or, Just when we thought we'd thought of everything, seems like a good time to invent the FEL AutoThaw!

Don