TXTom
09-03-2007, 07:49 PM
First off, I don't have any pictures.
I spent a few hours yesterday using my S185 w/forks to clean out an old concrete pool. This was a hand made pool surrounding a natural spring. A couple of large concrete slabs 3'x4'x6" had fallen into the pool. I used a chain and nylon strap to recover the slabs. In the process, I managed to get my S185 severely stuck. My right rear wheel was completely submerged in mud. The rear of the tractor was against a rock ledge. Having the forks on the front and the rear so deep I had absolutely no traction. My location was difficult to get to with the tractor and would have been impossible for a wrecker. Also, I was 200 yards from a river on an 1800 acre ranch about 60 miles from the nearest large town. I had to come up with a way to get myself out. I didn't have a come-a-long or hi-lift. I was able to find a rock ledge about 20' away. I used one of my transport chains and was able to anchor it by balling up one of the ends and then placing it at the bottom of a crevice. This made a great anchor point. I raised the front wheels off the ground and looped one of my load straps around the tire. I then tied the strap to the chain. I was able to spin the slack out of the strap and use the front wheel as a winch to pull myself out. I just thought I would share my solution in case someone else ends up in a similar jamb.
Later-
I spent a few hours yesterday using my S185 w/forks to clean out an old concrete pool. This was a hand made pool surrounding a natural spring. A couple of large concrete slabs 3'x4'x6" had fallen into the pool. I used a chain and nylon strap to recover the slabs. In the process, I managed to get my S185 severely stuck. My right rear wheel was completely submerged in mud. The rear of the tractor was against a rock ledge. Having the forks on the front and the rear so deep I had absolutely no traction. My location was difficult to get to with the tractor and would have been impossible for a wrecker. Also, I was 200 yards from a river on an 1800 acre ranch about 60 miles from the nearest large town. I had to come up with a way to get myself out. I didn't have a come-a-long or hi-lift. I was able to find a rock ledge about 20' away. I used one of my transport chains and was able to anchor it by balling up one of the ends and then placing it at the bottom of a crevice. This made a great anchor point. I raised the front wheels off the ground and looped one of my load straps around the tire. I then tied the strap to the chain. I was able to spin the slack out of the strap and use the front wheel as a winch to pull myself out. I just thought I would share my solution in case someone else ends up in a similar jamb.
Later-