Nearly tipped today

[dragoneggs]

Why didn,t you have a weight box mounted on the back to help keep the rear of the tractor from lifting ?

Probably because he was preparing for some post hole digging and setting. I'm more surprised that he actually had video of the incident.

 

[erkme73]

These comments are great. I was halfway expecting the standard "you idiot" (which is well deserved) but, instead people volunteer their own embarrassing moments.

As to why I didn't have a heavier implement - well, that's equal parts laziness and need. The day was starting off setting about 15 (of 60) posts - so I needed both the PHD and the cement. Once I landed the pallet with 23 (60#) and 2 (80#) bags behind the house, I went and grabbed another pallet to offload only what was needed.

I generally keep the loads as close to the ground as possible, precisely due to the leaning/tipping/rolling risk. I figure the closer to the ground, the lower the COG, and the less time it'll take to get the weight back to the ground.

The video was captured by one of my exterior security cameras. I cannot say for sure whether the leaning would have stopped with the front axle reaching its stop, but I sure wasn't comfortable with testing it...

ETA - my rear tires contain liquid. I don't know what it is (I am the second owner, and I can't ask the original owner since this tractor ultimately crushed him).

 

[duffer]

ANY tipping to one side or the other definitely gets my attention. It's not so much the actual tip angle, but the possibility of it continuing to tip even more.

Glad you're OK, even though your shorts may be wet :laughing:

 

[dragoneggs]

These comments are great. I was halfway expecting the standard "you idiot" (which is well deserved) but, instead people volunteer their own embarrassing moments.

ETA - my rear tires contain liquid. I don't know what it is (I am the second owner, and I can't ask the original owner since this tractor ultimately crushed him).

Holy crap, you idiot... that tractor is possessed! :laughing:

 

[Industrial Toys]

Crushed as in like a bug, financially or emotionally?

 

[erkme73]

Like a bug, unfortunately. Well, technically not the tractor, but the trailer on which it was loaded. I don't know the specifics, but ultimately the trailer started to roll towards his house, and he thought he could stop it. He stepped in front of the trailer (which apparently wasn't connected to a tow vehicle). He realized that wasn't going to work, and tried to step out of the way, but lost his footing. It rolled right over top of him.

Since we live in such a remote area, it took nearly an hour for the paramedics to arrive - and by then he was gone. The guy was in his 70s. It happened in front of his wife and grown kids who happened to be there. Really tragic. The family held on to it for about a year, and then sold it to me (I live on the same mountain).

 

[tractchores]

Definitely gets your attention. I feel like I do that maneuver quite a bit when moving heavy stuff. Just need to be well aware of what you're doing. Usually that means you need more ballast and is hard on the front axle

 

[Industrial Toys]

I can't believe anyone might think they could stop such a moving load. That can't be right. Regardless. Another totally avoidable tragedy!

 

[erkme73]

Agreed. He was the lone survivor of his Vietnam platoon. All had succumbed to one type of cancer or another (they were repeatedly doused with agent orange). 6 months prior to the accident, he was becoming symptomatic. Whether that had any impact on his decision to step in front of the trailer, or his inability to get out of the way, no one knows. Still devastatingly sad to his family and those who knew him. He was Mr. Safety - and had his tractor for the primary purpose of helping his neighbors.

 

[Fuddy1952]

Maybe a little humor is in order. A friend who has a mower sales/service business used to work for the city on their busses. One day they had to get a tire replaced so when they removed that big wheel they were discussing how to get it downhill to a truck. The biggest guy runs downhill, says just roll it to me...which it took several guys to do. Big guy thought he could catch it.
Flattened him, he was dazed but fine.