Rolled my new BX23 on its side this weekend!

CT_Tree_Guy · Dec 1, 2005

( Sometimes I run out to the barn just to make sure mine hasn't flipped-over )

LOL - it's starting to sound as if we should start a "TBN Tractor Rodeo", and see who can stay on for eight seconds! /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

**********************

As always, I want to try to ensure an appropriate balance between humor (well, my clumsy attempts at it anyway) and the seriousness involved with operating a tractor. For those who haven't read it, this thread, Tractor tipping - how easy? contains a wealth of good advice and just might save some lives.

(I was deeply disappointed, but not at all surprised, that my related thread, Cow tipping - how easy? Favorite methods, breeds, any fatalities? was deleted by a moderator).

rdsaustintx · Dec 1, 2005

Never rolled mine, but have been on two wheels and was really loving life after that little incident.

For me, the sobering thought is anybody killed or seriously injured won't be posting their story here. Just considering the number of operator hours this board represents, it is bound to have happened... /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

Russell in Texas (cow-tipping capital of the world)

riptides · Dec 2, 2005

For kwasimoto

Consider yourself lucky. Very lucky, good for you. And thanks for sharing your hard learned lesson.

For CT_Tree_Guy

( Glad you weren't hurt, but you're not going to escape completely unscathed. Prepare to be hammered for not wearing your seatbelt. ) Hammered? Nah, healthy discussion. A dose of reality and lessons learned. It is good we share these type of lessons.

For rdsaustintx
( For me, the sobering thought is anybody killed or seriously injured won't be posting their story here. Just considering the number of operator hours this board represents, it is bound to have happened... )

Roll Over

Lots of IF's in my story. Lots of luck too. As a matter of fact I was *really* lucky that day.

-Mike Z. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

CT_Tree_Guy · Dec 2, 2005

( Glad you weren't hurt, but you're not going to escape completely unscathed. Prepare to be hammered for not wearing your seatbelt. ) Hammered? Nah, healthy discussion. A dose of reality and lessons learned. It is good we share these type of lessons.)

Riptides:

Good call. Thanks, I needed that. For "hammered", please allow me to substitute: "subjected to a little bit of 'tough love' (insert mental image of TV shrink and mega-hump Dr. Phil here), courtesy of your friends here at TBN who care about you and want to see you outlive your 'bota".

Sorry if I came off like Joe Tractor, Resident Expert on All Things Tractor-Related, and Any Other Topic That Comes Up, I have a REALLY bad habit of doing that in my posts. I'll try to rein myself in a bit, maybe even start talking like a "regular" guy. But at least I'm aware that I have a problem, and that's half the battle. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

My apologies Kwasi, it was very gutsy of you to post that, and very helpful to us all. It is very important for experiences like that to be shared, and to that end I will make sure I don't come down on anyone like a ton of bricks when they share a similar story. I ask you all to please do the same when I roll my tractor over. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

RobJ · Dec 2, 2005

I guess this is my only problem with the very small and very light CUT's. Some not much bigger(or the same) than a riding lawn mower but have FEL and BH. Easy to overload one IMO. One reason I'm glad a L2500 came my way, heavier, feels safer but I know it still has it's limitations. The extra weight is much more comforting than my Brother in Laws L175 which is the range I was first looking at.

CT_Tree_Guy, Not to bad on busting his chops on no seatbelt, but thank goodness he didn't weld or drill on his ROPS, that'll usually wake'em up. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

CT_Tree_Guy · Dec 2, 2005

( thank goodness he didn't weld or drill on his ROPS, that'll usually wake'em up. )

Rob - yeah, that usually does wake 'em up all right! I was amazed that nobody said anything when I pointed out the welds on my ROPS where I mounted my rear hydraulics. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif 5030 "skidder" pics - the "tree-bota" in action (page 3)

Oops, did I say that out loud? Here's your chance to get even Kwasi! Rip me a new one, I deserve it. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

RichT · Dec 5, 2005

( I guess this is my only problem with the very small and very light CUT's. Some not much bigger(or the same) than a riding lawn mower but have FEL and BH. Easy to overload one IMO. One reason I'm glad a L2500 came my way, heavier, feels safer but I know it still has it's limitations. The extra weight is much more comforting than my Brother in Laws L175 which is the range I was first looking at. )

Rob, the big rigs aren't immune from such events. As I've told the story b4 on this forum, my next door neighbor overturned his commercial JD backhoe while working behind our properties near a slope down to a river. The only thing that kept it from tumbling 200ft down to the river was the extended backhoe.

N80 · Dec 5, 2005

My property is quite hilly. Nothing seems to be even or flat. I have started wearing my seat belt, but I need to do it more. Posts like this emphasize the need for safety and I appreciate them. I've only gotten that 'sick' feeling in the pit of my stomach once or twice and I immediately remedy the problem. But I'm new to all this and don't know if I can really trust that 'sense' that things are getting out of hand. So I try to be careful. Experience can be good and bad: we often get careless with time, but getting to know the tractor and its limits is a good thing.

I think we should have an automatic "Roll-over and don't put your hand in the baler" post every month to remind everyone to be safe. Although I think there is a safety forum isn't there? maybe it should be required browsing.

HarleyBob · Dec 7, 2005

I rolled a B21 rental mowing on fairly level ground when I hit a hole and powered to much. I had the seat belt on, which broke when it hit something as we rolled. I was ok, the roof had a dent and the tractor lost its hydro fluid. I paid for the insurance when I rented, so I even got a credit for a half day rental. They sent out a
JD Backhoe to flip it back over.
when I decided to buy I went with a larger Grand L, had the wheels set all the way out and filled the tires with fluid.
I ALWAYS wear the seatbelt 100% of the time, even driving flat
on the driveway to get the paper in the morning.

TomPenny · Dec 8, 2005

I can't decide which is easier to tip a tractor with a FEL or to prevent it from tipping.

All I know is I would NEVER lift a loaded bucket off the ground while moving on grade at an angle. Period. I don't want that thing on top of me. Be my luck I'd hang a pocket up on the shifter or PTO controll trying to get off the thing.

If I travel more than a few feet chances are the FEL is as close to the ground as I can get it.