The Big Flip

TTTTTT · May 28, 2009

I posted this on another forum but thought it was worth it for all to see, the danger of load shifting with an FEL, and general safety. Hope it will make others think ahead as I failed to do.

This the REALLY BAD

Was moving a heavy rock, loader a little high, angle a little steep, too high centre of gravity. Although slow speed (crawl) the rock shifted and took my momentum too far and over she went. Not a serious flip, but enough to send me off (seatbelt off- Dumb) into the ROPS which I actually cracked (the canopy) a bit when hitting. Other than a very bruised ego and feeling quite stupid, a sore back is the only result. ( I should be so lucky). I realize these things happen, but never to you ...right! After it went over(still Running), I was able to get to the kill switch in about 5-10 secs. I did see a little bit of excessive smoke

The GOOD

Got a tow truck there in about 2 hrs. to right it. Through all this, I actually decided to take pics and a video. Thinking of a future post for a look

Everything looked pretty good. Little damage. ....I thought

THE UGLY

After getting it up,I let it sit for an hour to let the fluids settle back down. Only lost a couple l. of hydraulic/tranny (25l. sump) out vent. Actually got as bucket and caught most of it. A little bit engine oil, coolant and diesel. Gave it a quick crank....2 sec crank and nothing. Bled all the fuel injection lines, new filter (filled it first with fuel)(was going to do that anyway). Loosened all the connections and use the manual pump to what I think got all the air out up to the pump. Worked my way from the fuel tank all the way to the pump. Was worried about the worst (seized engine) but figured 10secs running shouldn`t do any damage. I could also turn the engine manually with a wrench from the front. Under compression could still turn a little and same crank. Next removed glow plugs and of course could turn the engine a little better. Noticed a little oil on plugs when they came out. Gave a quick crank, and engine oil came out the glow plug locations. I turned the engine manually a little more, replaced the glow plugs and it cranked a little longer, but still no connection. At this point it was getting late, the blackflys were no help (couldn`t even hold a wrench for me

and I had to get home for things for the next day

To Summarize.

The engine was fine after some expert advice from Ronald at Ranchhand Supply. See thread 'The Big Start' in Chineese tractor section

Thanks For Looking
Dave

AchingBack · May 28, 2009

I'm glad only your ego was bruised, TTTTTT. By the way, if you haven't named your tractor; Flip might be a good choice. However, you didn't really flip, you tipped. So, Tippy would be my nomination. I don't ever want to hear of any of you TBNER's flipping.

vic4news · May 28, 2009

TTTTTT said:
Was moving a heavy rock, loader a little high, angle a little steep, too high centre of gravity.

Glad you and the tractor are ok. I would add one more thing to the above statement.
No ballast on the 3 point.

Vic

flusher · May 28, 2009

Glad you and your tractor are both OK.

Thanks for posting the photos. They should give all us TBNers pause to consider how easy it is to roll a CUT doing seemingly safe operations. Don't know how many times I've had unbalanced loads in my FEL bucket without rolling the tractor. No more of that nonsense for me.

My 10 acres is flat pasture land, but there are plenty of TBN members with hilly properties. Seeing this thread should impress those folks with the need to operate safely under those conditions.

Frankdozer · May 28, 2009

Why no Ballast on the 3 point hitch? Can't I keep it low to the ground?

vic4news said:
Glad you and the tractor are ok. I would add one more thing to the above statement.
No ballast on the 3 point.

Vic

jimmyj · May 29, 2009

Thanks for sharing neighbour. Scary and a reminder to all of us. Glad no serious damage. Do you think you'll always wear your seatbelt now? I'm not being a smarty - I half the time am too lazy and I wonder what it will take to smarten me up.

Jim

Mike_Kanzer · May 29, 2009

Glad to see you are okay. Thanks for posting the photos. They will make me think twice before I do things with the tractor. You really can't be too careful. I'm not sure if three point ballast would have prevented you from tipping over. I do, however, usually have something on the rear (ie- rear blade) as ballast when I do loader work. - Mike

20 20 · May 29, 2009

Glad to see you are okay. I allways try to keep the load as close to the ground as possible. Allthough I have been known to push things a little far every now and then. Ronald is a good egg.

PILOON · May 29, 2009

Phew! (mildly stated)
I've been close but never over, your post left my stomach kinda tight.
Even with loaded tires and 300lb wt and reversed rims my Mitsu often gets light up front as my terrain is very hilly.
Mt rt hand is ALWAYS on the down valve, just in case.
Glad it worked out OK.