I can't believe I did that!

[powerscol]

Not that your blocking idea is not a good idea, but you do know that just about all modern loader controls come with a locking lever device to prevent "kitty" or "kiddie" from operating the FEL control. Blocking is probably more sure than the lock, but the lock, like a safety on a gun is better than nothing. It is all about layers of safety.

Absolutely correct - I looked and I have one...DUH It pays to check and thanks for the comment. I now know to move the lever to lock before greasing. Thanks

 

[k0ua]

Absolutely correct - I looked and I have one...DUH It pays to check and thanks for the comment. I now know to move the lever to lock before greasing. Thanks

And, it is not just animals or children that might accidentally operate your FEL controls, careless adults have been known to "play" with controls without really meaning to do that when distracted too.

 

[cat fever]

I think anyone who owns a tractor can say "I can't believe I did that".
I was running a spring tooth harrow through my field. (my "new" tractor had about 5-10 hours on it) I pull up to a corner with the loader up about half way, stopped, raised the spring tooth to back up and let the clutch out. Well I forgot to pull the lever into reverse. I hit the fence, all the posts are cemented in. Luckily the engine guard hit the post, broke the post and only left some white paint on the engine guard. Didn't have the courage to tell my wife for a few weeks. I am now much more aware. I do a lot of double checking everything before I move. Hopefully in the right direction.:laughing: But now that I have that first scratch out of the way I'm more relaxed.

 

[Msamt]

Got ya beat, first time putting the brand new tractor into the brand new garage, took a chunk out of the frame with the loader (a bit longer than I thought).

 

[cat fever]

Got ya beat, first time putting the brand new tractor into the brand new garage, took a chunk out of the frame with the loader (a bit longer than I thought).

Sounds like it's time for a tennis ball to be hung from the ceiling.

 

[cat fever]

Got ya beat, first time putting the brand new tractor into the brand new garage, took a chunk out of the frame with the loader (a bit longer than I thought).

Sounds like it's time for a tennis ball to be hung from the ceiling.

 

[Buggs67]

Wow. Glad you're relatively ok, slightly injured and lived to share this reminder. There's a lot of people who've done the same and didn't.
I've started a tractor or two while standing to the side, not a good idea, but staying scared about it (double checking it's in park, or having one leg on the step ready to take a ride if it is somehow in gear) is a good thing.
Don't beat yourself up about it, you can't take back the past.

My HST won't start unless the clutch is depressed. The clutch has a hook to hold it depressed, so I often start it standing to the side with the clutch locked down.

My friend taught me that after shutdown ALWAYS lower the implements and release the pressure in all cylinders. He said it's less strain on the tractor (not having to hold up the weight) and better for the hydraulic seals to not be under pressure during storage.

My mistake is driving off forgetting to lift the counterweigh. It's smooth on the bottom so no damage done.

My "I can't believe I did that" was when I was using the FEL to lower a log by chain. I set the brake, throttled down and got off to reposition the log dangling from the bucket. Turned around and walked into the raised bucket. Since I was wearing a ball cap (I usually don't) the bill blocked my seeing the raised bucket. Luckly the ball cap probably reduced the severity of the gash in my head. No stiches.

 

[oldpilgrim]

I raised my bucket with a Ratchet Rake on it, bent over under it to pickup some stuff I had just raked up and stood up smack dab into the bottom teeth of the RR. I don't know why I didn't punch a hole in my skull.

I can't believe I did that.

 

[Buggs67]

My wife says I have to wear a hard hat :laughing: