Pulling stuck vehicles out of the ditch with a tractor

[DarkBlack]

I still pull many people out when I come across them depending on their attitude and the circumstance's. I do not normally connect to their vehicle, let them do it,

I agree. But if it’s a lady, who’s not mechanically inclined, you’re probably gonna hook it up for her

 

[ruffdog]

Traction boards will help in many instances and these orange ones are on sale now!

Amazon.com

 

[oosik]

I don't travel up/down my local county road with my tractor. So.. pulling folks out is a very seldom thing.

Actually - in 42+ years I've not had the opportunity.

BTW - I've checked with my insurance company. I do not carry commercial towing insurance. They will not cover any damage to anything if I were so inclined to do something such as this.

In todays overly litigious society - you could be taking quite a risk. Your cell phone will get a commercial wrecker there with the proper equipment and documentation.

 

[oosik]

Many folks don't understand how an extraction situation can go so very wrong so quickly.
- damage to your vehicle
- damage to the vehicle being extracted
- injury to anybody directly involved or any spectator
- property damage
- traffic control, in all directions
- damage to vehicles or those folks coming upon the scene

When in court and under direct questioning - how will you answer this.

"What authority or specific protections where you operating under when you attempted this action?"

 

[ruffdog]

Many folks don't understand how an extraction situation can go so very wrong so quickly.
- damage to your vehicle
- damage to the vehicle being extracted
- injury to anybody directly involved or any spectator
- property damage
- traffic control, in all directions
- damage to vehicles or those folks coming upon the scene

When in court and under direct questioning - how will you answer this.

"What authority or specific protections where you operating under when you attempted this action?"

Yes! Very important points and all of them could be factors in a trial.

 

[oosik]

And NO - I'm not involved with any towing company - I'm not a lawyer or LEO. But - I've been there and have seen how these situations can develop. Please believe me - your cell phone is the best answer.

 

[Topzide]

Family or close friends are the only ones that I would pull out! To many lawyers in the world for my liking.
I did pull the UPS truck out once. He's been my driver forever, it seems. He went just a touch to far of the gravel. I asked how long till he could get help, he said likely a few hours. I said " I won't tell if you wont". Had him out in 5 minutes!

 

[bcp]

Many folks don't understand how an extraction situation can go so very wrong so quickly.

Bruce

 

[hodge]

Thanks guys. I will see what I can manage, attaching to the rear hitch with the blade raised. If I can't get enough clearance, I'll try attaching directly to the boom of the blade and go carefully. At some point I would like to get a hydraulic top link which would enable me to get that rear blade right out of the way.

I do used a dynamic recovery strap and, if possible, request stuck person to attach it to their vehicle, in the hopes it absolves me of any liability. Maybe that's just wishful thinking on my part?

If at all possible, don't pull from the implement. The 3 point isn't designed for loads like that, especially if trying to jerk the vehicle out. Doing that can damage the stabilizers, lift arm mounting points, the rock shaft, etc. I've seen the results.
The drawbar is a much more solid point to pull from, and cheaper to fix.

 

[oosik]

It was 24 years ago. I have a mile long gravel driveway. Straight as an arrow with a valley in the middle. Pretty steep going in and coming out.

New "big brown" driver hadn't got the word. In the winter, leave all packages at the outer gate by the county road. Not sufficent speed nor momentum - he got stuck in the valley. I pulled him up out of the valley with the tractor. Boy-O-boy - he sure got enough speed on his way out. I'll just bet he got AIR as he came up out of the valley.