Tractor Scar

ejtaylor822 · Jun 23, 2005

Am I to understand that when I am a veteran I will still be running into things? I am doomed!

Had my tractor for less than 2 weeks before my first "incident". Was out bush hogging and knew I was close when I was turning around near my new 16' twin axle trailer but thought I had clearance. Well, I was turning and paying attention to the cutter when the tractor gave a little shake but kept right on going. I looked forward and saw my new trailer mysteriously rotating in arc; as if being pushed on the front corner by some unknown force /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif. Before I could stop the tractor, the trailer stopped turning. As I drove around the front of the trailer I noticed the jack was cocked at a weird angle with the shaft turned at another angle.

The FEL just barely caught the front corner, turning the trailer. The jack shaft dug into the ground which caused it to bend over on about a 15 degree angle. The shaft was then bent another 15 degrees or so. After a lot of tugging and twisting I got the shaft back in the jack, but, it's all ruined and looks like garbage. It's welded on so I have to get it cut out and have a new one put on. Fortunately the frame is fine as the jack took all of the impact - very lucky on that one.

Absolutely kills me to have something new and it be busted!!!

--Eddie

Tim_in_IA · Jun 23, 2005

Don't feel bad. The other day I was real careful to lower my backhoe so I could fit the tractor in the garage. I was so careful about the backhoe I forgot to pivot the ROPS down. I started to hear a crunching sound and looked down to see what I was running over, only then to look up and see the rops pushing the outer frame of the door in.

Damage is mostly superficial, nothing a new 2x8 and a roll of flashing wont repair. I'm going to rig a sign to hang from the door to remind me of the hoe AND the rops. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

stuart · Jun 23, 2005

YES: I "nicked" mine to with the FEL. I had to replace the siding I went right through. I am more careful now. Welcome to the club.

Luremaker · Jun 23, 2005

I do feel much better knowing that I am not alone... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif.I have also hit and broke two fence posts the first week I had my tractor. The ones on each side of my gate.

Indydirtfarmer · Jun 23, 2005

I grew up on tractors.... (Dairy farm) I make my living with 'em to this day. I have THOUSANDS of hours of seat time. Experience enough to not have any excuses for hitting anything.

YEAH....RIGHT....

Last spring, we were discing a field that'd been chisel plowed the fall before. There is (was?) a fence around the place. It had a nice new metal gate. (actually, 2 gates, 10' each, making a 20' opening.)

I pulled the tractor and disc through the gate, unfolded the disc, and dropped it in to the ground. Now the fun starts!

I took off across the field, grinning from ear to ear! This is what it's all about!

I had gone a good 500 feet before looking back. I had one of the gates, a couple fence posts, and 500' of fence wire in tow... /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

It can happen to anyone.....

edski · Jun 23, 2005

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Edski,

What is your dog carrying in it's mouth? )</font>

A ground hog.
Her favorite play toy/snack.
Her nickname is "death breath." /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

GaryM · Jun 24, 2005

Didn't happen to me, but to a friend. Really /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

He was using his Ford CUT with a rear finish mower for the first time. He made a pass down the West side of the house. When he got to the end he made a swing to the right and tore the gas meter off the side of the house! /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

The gas company came out and fixed it in an hour or two. Fortunately there was no fire.

em14 · Jun 24, 2005

About a week ago I had the misfortune to hit a very soft spot in a field I was cutting with the Howse 10 ft and was hopelessly stuck before I could prevent it. Called my cousin and he brought his JD 4020 with duals to extract me. It wasn't easy but we got it out. After he left I walked out into a field to get a picture and as I was coming back I passed a Rail Road cross tie that was lying next to the road and there lying part way in a hollow in the tie was a big fat and dead Copper Head! It appears my cousin had run over the tie with the outside dual and killed the snake. I had past this tie many times in the last week. So my cousin's small incident got rid of an unknown danger. I have found snakes in ties in the past but never gave it a though here. It was about 3 ft long. he pictures did not turn out well enough to post. /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif
Leo

Westonium · Jun 24, 2005

been there - done that very thing. Twice now. Same pole and same spot on the pole too of course

D:

millsnhills · Jun 24, 2005

It will be interesting to see how long this thread goes /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I have now learned to park the truck and trailer far away from where I am working. Second week working the box blade with the loader heard a crunch. I the noticed the loader (with the new toothbar) in the grill of my suburban, paniced,,, lifted up on the loader,,enough said.

A year later after building the house and 200 hours just got the truck fixed. I think by not fixing it quickly has burned that lesson in my mind.