Stuck in snow & now need a tow!

[bebster]

All good suggestions and worth a try (as soon as I finish this batch of Kaluha and coffee!). But there is nothing of any substance behind me for at least 100', so using the BH to pull isn't going to help much. I'd put the truck back behind and chain to it, but it's snowbound. And too close to the tree in front to maneuver around it, especially with 2' of snow on either side making maneuverability non-existent. So I'll try propping the FEL up and push back. Sun's setting so may have to try it in the morning. Makes me appreciate what a snowblower can do.

 

[Bob_Skurka]

I know my initial post on the topic was only half serious, but I found when I bought my first Jeep that 4wd means you can get stuck farther away from help. Tractors can get into even more trouble that a Jeep. Sometimes there only one choice is to bring in the big stuff, and since you have a hoe coming in the worst case senario is wait for that. UNTIL that happens, and after you are sobered up from the Kaluha & Coffee, you might want to try to get something substantial under the wheels of the tractor that can give you traction. Possibly some 4x4 lumber or other things that can be placed across the width of the tractor to try to give your tires something to grab onto and also won't simply spit out as the tires spin.

4x4 lumber is nice because they can dig into the snow and help raise the tractor up a bit at the same time. I've never tried it with snow, but there might be an encounter with mud that I've been trying to forget . . .

 

[JimR]

I'm surprised that the hoe can't pull you out. I use to bury my 8N in the mud and get it out with the hoe. What you need is a two person team on the tractor. One to operate the hoe and the other to try backing it out at the same time. On my Ford I could reach the hoe controls to do both from the drivers seat. Good luck as you did get more snow than we did.

 

[GoodGuy]

With the backhoe, give yourself a tug like I did. See Pic

 

[Junkman]

If it was me, I would just wait for the big guns to arrive and save my sanity. I am certain that he will have some chain that you can loop over the axle housing and with just a little effort, you will be free. Support the MA economy and order yourself a set of chains for the tractor from St. Pierre Chain & Cable in Worcester. It will be one of the best investments you will ever make for that tractor. It is going to snow again this year and every year from now on, so you might as well decide that you will need them. I would also consider a cab from Curtis Cab in Worcester and snowblower to complete the ensemble... While you are waiting for the excavator, how about some updated pictures of the barn???? I have been thinking about it for a couple of weeks, but didn't want to ask for fear that you were a snow bird in Florida and wouldn't read it until the warm weather returns.... Junk... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[rozett]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( It is going to snow again this year and every year from now on, so you might as well decide that you will need them. )</font>

Junkman, since you can see into the future, can we have a chat about Powerball? /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[BigEddy]

My solution in similar situations usually involves 6x6's or railroad ties, ramps from the trailer, or some pallets. As suggested earlier, I build up under the bucket enough that I can "level" out the tractor with the bucket, then I jam the ramps under the front tires and with diff lock engaged drive out. Sometimes I have to use the stabilizers to jack up the rear and stuff more material under there as well.
Once when I slipped both right side wheels into a trench without the backhoe on I actually tied off a sling to the ROPs and used a come-along to "tilt" the tractor back level so I could get the ramps under.
If you can get it leveled out with something to drive on, you should be able to get out without help. You might have to shovel a bit of snow though.

 

[dicker]

Hi

I agree with all the other posts that are saying that you have all the tools to get out.
Have you tried using diff. lock.

Good luck

Richard

 

[tc35dforme]

I wonder if he's out yet...they're getting another 12" today and its still coming. Kind of like the lake effect snows in upstate NY, but on the Cape it's ocean effect.

I wonder if the snow tastes salty ??? /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[bebster]

Thanks for all the tips -- I think I've got a plan of action -- but it's snowing again!! Another foot or so in the past day or two. So I'm waiting until tomorrow when the sun is supposed to shine again before trying this. Decided to go to the gym and the movies in my spare time today, as well as shoveling out the propane tank to see how much is there before it runs out and I need to call for emergency fillup. Will keep you all posted on my progress.... Especially as my manhood has been called into question by a friend of mine as long as my tractor remains stuck!