Stuck on a hill

SevenCorners · Dec 13, 2004

I finally got her stuck today. I was cutting up firewood. I used the tractor to pull out 8' long pieces of oak. I made a mistake in backing up instead of using forward to pull the logs out. I did not realize that the ground was damp under the leaves. I started to back out, uphill, and instead of moving uphill the tractor slide downhill. At first it was only a couple of feet down hill and of course I tried to get it out by giving it more throttle. It only made matters worse. I am now about 7' down a very steep incline with the bucket braced against a tree holding back the tractor. My wimpy 1 ton come'along is worthless in this case. I am going to go down to TSC tomorrow and get a heavier duty come'along. Do you think 3tons is sufficient. I tried to back my F-250 4X4 down to it but was worried it too would get stuck. My neighbor down the road has a large JD 2 wheel drive. I will give him a ring tomorrow if my come'along idea doesn't work. They are calling for snow tomorrow so I hope I can get it out....

greg_g · Dec 13, 2004

( with the bucket braced against a tree holding back the tractor. )
Rather than take a chance at embarrassing yourself in front of the neighbor, remember you've got several forms of traction assist available to you. If you haven't already, engage the front wheels and and the diff lock. Then crab yourself back uphill in the lowest reverse gear available. Use minimal hand throttle - no foot throttle - using the FEL bucket as a pusher.

//greg//

SevenCorners · Dec 13, 2004

Greg,
At the risk of sounding really dumb, I don't think I have a diff lock. The hill is really steep and I am in a very bad spot where I can't go forward or back. I tried pushing with the bucket but did not get anywhere with it. There is a significant drop off that I need to get up , it is almost vertical for 2 ft. Once I can get the wheels to clear it I should have no problem getting the rest of it unstuck. I am concerned that it is really getting cold tonight and I will probably have trouble getting it started tomorrow due to cold it will be in the teens tomorrow morning. I have no electricity out there too far for extension cords, I do have a portable generator I might use with a couple of heat lamps.

SevenCorners · Dec 13, 2004

Also the ground might freeze tonight making it easier in the morning. The mud is really slick, clay and leaves. If I had traction I could get out.

GRUMPA · Dec 13, 2004

You know seven with the luck you've been having with your tractor breaking like it did, your one of the few I've known that if you didn't have bad luck you wouldnt have any luck at all. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

SevenCorners · Dec 13, 2004

Well I have been relatively trouble-free recently so I guess I am due. At least nothing is broken.

Scozz · Dec 13, 2004

SHHH... it's not out yet!!! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
Good Luck tomorrow ... Scozz

jonrjen · Dec 13, 2004

The heck with being embarrased in front of the neighbor, if he is a good heighbor he will be happy to be of help. Jeezz, I have managed to get a 4 wheel drive cab tractor with 130Hp stuck to where it took a bull dozer to get her out, yeah, I took a little ribbing. All in good jest, but she is out, no damage, and free.
Sometimes we all need a little assistance.........it makes you now less a man........only human. Plus I am sure at some time in the future you can repay the favor or at least pass it on.

greg_g · Dec 13, 2004

( I don't think I have a diff lock. )
I'd be surprised if you don't. It's item 25 in this view. Another trick is skid steering, but you should be in 2wd and without diff lock to get the most control out of that technique.

//greg//

SevenCorners · Dec 14, 2004

No diff lock. I looked at diagram and I have nothing similar on my tractor, on the right side I only have 3 levers, one for 3pt up down, one for engage PTO and one for [I think] future use like BH.
Anyway I called a local tow company and they winched me out, I would not have gotten out using my truck or come along. I was too far down for those to be much good. nothing hurt except my wallet $100 less. I learned a lesson never about getting too close to an edge.