How to get unstuck from snowbank?

Boeing · Jan 23, 2011

JoelD.....I like that idea. WHERE do I get this winch and WHAT is it mounted on....or where....or how? I have seen photos of tractors with a winch mounted on the front brush bar but I have a FEL and no room for a brush bar.....or have a big bucket brush bar??? I'm sure that with the engine running I can get unstuck with a chain and the FEL but without a running engine and a narrow path we have a problem. I kinda figure that a winch is cheaper than an ATV...and a "come-a-long"? TREES don't live that long....

Sulla · Jan 23, 2011

Boeing said:
JoelD.....I like that idea. WHERE do I get this winch and WHAT is it mounted on....or where....or how? I have seen photos of tractors with a winch mounted on the front brush bar but I have a FEL and no room for a brush bar.....or have a big bucket brush bar??? I'm sure that with the engine running I can get unstuck with a chain and the FEL but without a running engine and a narrow path we have a problem. I kinda figure that a winch is cheaper than an ATV...and a "come-a-long"? TREES don't live that long....

Like JoelD wrote get a mobile winch. I carry one on my snowmobile, tractor, four by four, anytime I think I might get stuck. It's only rated to 2000 lbs, if I need more help than that I'm probably walking out anyway. Most off road dealers have,em. I think mine is a Winco. Tough little bugger. Pulled my tractor off a stump when all four wheels were off the ground. Don't ask.

To get out of this debacle I wrapped a chain around a near by tree and attached the winch to that. It has two pretty strong looking metal loops for hooking the chain to it. I then ran the cable to the draw bad and hooked around the trailer ball. Not great I know, but slow and steady she came right off the stump. As soon as the back wheels hit the ground used the winch and the tractors power to got the rest of the way off. Worth every penny of the $79 or so bucks I paid for it.

If I was really stuck in deep mud or sand the Winco probably wouldn't be enough. But so far so good.

Another thing to remember when your deep in the woods, you may get stuck out there. I try to make sure I have everything I'd need for an overnight. Winter is not time to get caught out without you gear.

brandoro · Jan 23, 2011

I've used a come-a-long to get the tractor out, only had to move it a couple of feet to get it where it could move on its own again.
Getting to the OP's question, the BH can get you out of really difficult places because it can move the tractor in every direction, including sideways. I got stuck right up against the house when I was landscaping once. Not touching but less than space for a finger between the outrigger and the house. I put the BH bucket down in the mud and slightly lifted the back of the tractor then shifted it sideways.
The BH has a lot of power, don't be in a hurry when using it like that.

CurlyDave · Jan 23, 2011

If you are a novice at lifting the back of the tractor with the backhoe, go slow and think out every move in advance.

The machine swings in the opposite direction of the way you try to move the boom. For at least the first 100 hours, all my instincts were exactly wrong. Now I am much better, but by no means an expert.

CompactTractorFan · Jan 23, 2011

I accidentally drove into a hole once, but the BH got me out in no time: :thumbsup:

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/owning-operating/186743-oh-no.html

harddock · Feb 2, 2011

Have you ever dug a trench with your bh? You lift the outriggers and push off with the dipper and bucket to move foward to keep trenching. The bh is capable of moving the tractor foward or backward.

tommu56 · Feb 2, 2011

I f you dont have the hoe or loader the third best choice in my opinon is a high lift jack.

Hi-Lift All-Cast Jack - Lifts, Winches, Clamps,&More | Hi Lift Jack Company

Ive moved houses with one (well at least it was a chicken coop):laughing:

righted my tractor, put my truck back on the road, never used ait as a comalong

because i carry a lug all one

Cable Come-alongs – Medium Large Frame - LUG-ALL

don't forget the rubber doohickey to keep the handle in place
it will save a boing on your head.

Rustys Offroad: Handle-Keeper (Black)

tom

MikeD74T · Feb 3, 2011

Boeing, If you're talking about towing a dead tractor you might want something a little more substantial than an ATV winch, like this:
Welcome to Lewis Winch MikeD74T

Ford tractor · Feb 3, 2011

Sometimes you can't push down effectively. Deep mud etc. A chain around a tree then connected to the BH bucket with the hoe stretched out. Curl the bucket and bring the dipperstick in to pull the tractor.

In a snow bank the ground is usually firm to rock hard, to get out with the BH, extend the hoe out a goodly way and with the bucket teeth straight down, press them into the ground (hard). Just slightly lift the back wheels with down pressure from the hoe, then pull the tractor to the bucket. Modulate the lift cylinder to keep the tractor down as the dipper stick is pulled. Modulate the bucket curl to keep the teeth straight down. The tractor should be in Neutral so it will move easily. The hoe will be your brakes.

If you have to press on a finished driveway, then you are stuck with the tree and chain method.