My first near-death tractor experience happened when I least expected it and I wasn't doing anything particularly dangerous. I had about and hour to spare so I thought I would go out into the pasture and pop a large trunk and rootball out of the ground with my JD 3200 tractor using the fork attachment. The stump had already been dug out with a small backhoe and was lying loose in the bottom of a 3.5 foot deep hole that is about 5 feet in diameter. The hole is located on a flat portion of my pasture but just on the other side of the hole the pasture drops off at a medium grade and then picks up to a slightly steeper grade. At the bottom of the hill, about 150 feet away, is horse fencing. Of course, there are several large trees along the way, but no brush whatsoever. So, I get on the flat part of the pasture, facing toward the downhill but clearly on the level side of the hole. I had no plans to even deal with the hill. I was just going to drive up, dip the forks in the hole, pop the trunk out, back out, and leave. Well, the stump was heavy as a mother, so I had to finagle it. By the time I finally managed to get it out of the hole it fell about 2 feet on the other side and stopped rolling, so it didn't go down the hill or anything. Well, now the problem is that my front end is stuck in the hole and I cannot back out. I try everything but I have dug down in the mud. Tried pushing out with the forks, locked the wheels, put chains down, nothing worked. All I'm carrying on the back is a rake, since I wasn't going to do any lifting anyways. Well, I realize that if I take the rake off, I can just drive through the hole and out the other side no problem. So I do so. As I slowly come out the other side, the stump is in the way. I decide to gently nudge it by slipping the forks under and pushing it forward, NOT lifting it. Well, I got the forks under, and using the hydraulic level I TILT the forks forward. Well, the 1/2 inch of lift that is created when I do this pulls the stump off the ground and BOOM, I'm off to the races!! The tractor takes off down the hill going no less than 30-35 mph! Everything happened in a span of about 12 seconds. I have a roll bar but the tractor goes up on two wheels twice as I swerve to avoid major trees. In the short span of time I try the foot-brake, nothing. I try the emergency brake, nothing. I briefly consider slamming the forks down, then for some reason I'm able to visualize flipping forward and crushing myself from the top. The amazing thing was that in the short span of time I was also able to contemplate whether I would break my arms or my legs, and which would I prefer. Arms, by the way, in case you were wondering. Well, the tractor is completely out of control but for some reason manages to take a leftward angle down the hill, I miss one more tree by inches, then crash through a fence post and crush 16 foot of fence. The stump hits a second post and stops. The tractor stops and the back wheels are about a foot off the ground. I quickly slammed the forks down and my wheels are on the ground. After checking to see if I needed to change my shorts, which I didn't, I was able to wrestle free from the stump and drive away. Well, I was barely able to, as my foot was shaking so bad I couldn't maintain pressure on the pedal. And I've been in combat, so this was no joke! I decided to hang it up for the day, put the tractor in the barn, and went to fly a kite with my kids instead.
Runaway tractor nearly killed me yesterday!
- Thread starter miltrade
- Start date
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Treemonkey1000
Veteran Member
Thanks for being so honest about what happened. I am glad all clothing articles were not soiled. And that just adds a bit more to the wisdom that I am gaining from this site. The collective wisdom among you all would fill volumes. And some of the stories on here would make some big bucks either on Amercas funniest home videos, or the Darwin awards.. Believe me I have met the requirements for a Darwin award more than once. I'm glad that you and the tractor are well. The kids probably appreciate the kite flying time!
I think that actually what happened is that since I was on the crest of the hill, even though I did not lift the stump, when I pushed it forward the fact that the front end of the tractor was approaching a grade, as the ground went downward it effectively equalled me lifting the stump by an inch. In retrospect I am pretty sure that's what caused the event.
AlanB
Elite Member
I think that is the trick that get's us all at some times, while you are making the decisions, none of them seem that bad, but in hindsight, you wonder how you made that string of decisions to get you there.
It sure does happen faster then you would think it could.
Glad you ended up OK.
It sure does happen faster then you would think it could.
Glad you ended up OK.
Dyer retired
Gold Member
miltrade,
That was interesting reading, but my blood pressure was going up as I read through it. I'm glad it all worked out and you weren't hurt, but it sure had the makings of a disaster.
I remember taking a ride when I was a kid with my dad down over a hill in an old Willys Jeep pickup that lost the brakes as we headed for the Main intersection in the town I grew up in. It is a steep hill to the intersection with a sharp curve at the foot of the hill with a steep hill going up on the other side. We made it through the intersection without getting killed and the incline of the hill on the other side allowed us to get to the top on the other side and coast to a stop on a flat spot. I remember being scared, because it was the first and only time I saw my Dad scared. I got that same feeling all back reading your post.
I know what happened to the Jeep brakes, but did you figure out why no reaction on your tractor... or was it just too fast in the wrong ground conditions to get any grip?
Thanks for the scare. Dyer, retired
That was interesting reading, but my blood pressure was going up as I read through it. I'm glad it all worked out and you weren't hurt, but it sure had the makings of a disaster.
I remember taking a ride when I was a kid with my dad down over a hill in an old Willys Jeep pickup that lost the brakes as we headed for the Main intersection in the town I grew up in. It is a steep hill to the intersection with a sharp curve at the foot of the hill with a steep hill going up on the other side. We made it through the intersection without getting killed and the incline of the hill on the other side allowed us to get to the top on the other side and coast to a stop on a flat spot. I remember being scared, because it was the first and only time I saw my Dad scared. I got that same feeling all back reading your post.
I know what happened to the Jeep brakes, but did you figure out why no reaction on your tractor... or was it just too fast in the wrong ground conditions to get any grip?
Thanks for the scare. Dyer, retired
Dyer, retired
The brakes and the emergency brake both work perfectly. In fact, the tractor was fully serviced literally the day before, as were my gator and riding mower. The tractor simply had too much momentum and thousands of pounds on the front. It was unstoppable at that point. I only have turf tires and it was damp from rains last week. I don't have tractor tires because frankly, I don't get into any heavy agricultural work. Just lifting some logs here or there, always on level ground. It was a miscalculation on my part. I didn't think to consider that the downgrade + forward momentum + no lowering of the forks = relative "lifting" of the rootball and stump in relation to the ground.
The brakes and the emergency brake both work perfectly. In fact, the tractor was fully serviced literally the day before, as were my gator and riding mower. The tractor simply had too much momentum and thousands of pounds on the front. It was unstoppable at that point. I only have turf tires and it was damp from rains last week. I don't have tractor tires because frankly, I don't get into any heavy agricultural work. Just lifting some logs here or there, always on level ground. It was a miscalculation on my part. I didn't think to consider that the downgrade + forward momentum + no lowering of the forks = relative "lifting" of the rootball and stump in relation to the ground.
You probably took off because you lifted the rear, or lifted enough to loose your braking ability. (no brakes on the front). Ask me how I know. If you were in 4 wheel drive and low gear it probably wouldn't have happened. I learned this going down our drive with a bucket full of gravel. It can happen in a flash as you found out. Glad your ok.
If you were in 4 wheel drive and low gear it probably wouldn't have happened. I learned this going down our drive with a bucket full of gravel. It can happen in a flash as you found out. Glad your ok.
brandoro
Platinum Member
Kite flying can be relaxing, depending on the kite
I have a 3.8 sq meter traction kite that I take out on the (frozen) lake in the winter to entertain the neighbors. In learing to sort of control it I have been dragged across the snow on my feet, on my back, on my chest and, after I got smarter, on the toboggan. One day I plan to build a sled that I can steer with my feet. The kite can be tacked much like a sailboat so theoretically I should be able to travel up and down the lake.
But getting back to tractors, I bought my first tractor to fill in a 20 X 40 backyard pool. The first few FEL fulls of sand into the deep end were no problem but, after a bit of loose sand was spread on the slope the rear wheels didn't have enough traction to hold the tractor back and it and I skidded down the slope mostly out of control. Since I was carrying the bucket low it hit the soft sand at the bottom and stopped the tractor fairly quickly and with no damage. Much shorter slope than you describe and no trees so I only had a glimpse of what you experienced. No articles of clothing were soiled during that experience. Since then I connect the front axle for extra traction going up or down any slope.
I have a 3.8 sq meter traction kite that I take out on the (frozen) lake in the winter to entertain the neighbors. In learing to sort of control it I have been dragged across the snow
on my feet, on my back, on my chest and, after I got smarter, on the toboggan. One day I plan to build a sled that I can steer with my feet. The kite can be tacked much like a sailboat so theoretically I should be able to travel up and down the lake.But getting back to tractors, I bought my first tractor to fill in a 20 X 40 backyard pool. The first few FEL fulls of sand into the deep end were no problem but, after a bit of loose sand was spread on the slope the rear wheels didn't have enough traction to hold the tractor back and it and I skidded down the slope mostly out of control. Since I was carrying the bucket low it hit the soft sand at the bottom and stopped the tractor fairly quickly and with no damage. Much shorter slope than you describe and no trees so I only had a glimpse of what you experienced. No articles of clothing were soiled during that experience. Since then I connect the front axle for extra traction going up or down any slope.
Dyer retired
Gold Member
miltrade said:
Thanks, that all makes sense, although it didn't lessen the scare for you. I'm glad it worked out the way it did. Plus, you got that stumped moved!
Bird
Rest in Peace
jk96 said:You probably took off because you lifted the rear, or lifted enough to loose your braking ability. (no brakes on the front). Ask me how I know.
My thoughts exactly. It can happen so fast that sometimes we later wonder what happened.
RadarTech
Elite Member
Miltrade,
hey leatherneck!
I have to say the story was about as pulsing as a few of the hairy situations the Corps put me in...
glad you made it.
the question on my mind is: when will you be buying ag's or R-4's?
Semper Fi,
Mac
hey leatherneck!
I have to say the story was about as pulsing as a few of the hairy situations the Corps put me in...
glad you made it.
the question on my mind is: when will you be buying ag's or R-4's?
Semper Fi,
Mac
JP, It is good to hear you are ok. I've wrecked a tractor or two myself, luckily for some reason I had my seatbelt on. Do you have ballast on the back? It is very important and most often left off the tractor. If you don't have ballast make sure you get some it may safe your life!
Take care,
Take care,
Racer71
Silver Member
xlr82v2
Platinum Member
- Joined
- Dec 3, 2004
- Messages
- 703
- Location
- Southwestern Illinois
- Tractor
- 2007 Mahindra 3525, 1952 Ford 8N
As we're taught in pilot training, if you flip a switch and something bad immediately happens, flip it back to where it was before. Don't stop to think about it, just do it.
Same thing with the loader...
I know, easier said than done, especially after the fact. But, get this into your "subconscious"... if you do something and immediately things start going badly, IMMEDIATELY undo what you just did. ALWAYS be ready.
Same thing with the loader...
I know, easier said than done, especially after the fact. But, get this into your "subconscious"... if you do something and immediately things start going badly, IMMEDIATELY undo what you just did. ALWAYS be ready.
First of all, you should all know that I am ultra-safety-conscious. Goggles all the time, kevlar chaps when cutting, hearing protection, never move across side-hills on the tractor, never reach down toward a moving driveshaft, etc. etc. But here are my responses to some of the questions you all pose:
1. I will not be getting tractor tires as I do a lot of mowing and it would tear up my turf. I do about 80% mowing and only 20% cleaning up/lifting/etc. I do no traditional farming.
2. I have liquid ballast tires which, of course, only do so much. I typically put my Jinma chipper on the 3-pt if I'm going to lift anything substantial. However, in this case I had no plans to lift anything at all and my mistake was deciding to "push" the stump with my forks under the stump without realizing that the downgrade would require me to LOWER the forks as I moved forward the 3 feet I planned on pushing it. I was only intending to push it 3 feet forward so that I could get the tractor out of the hole and then turn.
3. I had the tractor in the middle gear. If I was lifting and moving with heavy loads up hill etc. I would put it in low gear. The tractor easily got up to 35 mph going downhill in middle gear, which tells you how freaking out of control things got on the way down.
4. I had my seat belt on, which would have saved me if I rolled, but also stopped me from jumping, which was one of the thoughts that shot through my mind. But I felt the belt tug when I briefly tried to lift up.
5. The pasture is surrounded by moderately thick woods, with some massive Virginia oak and other trees that, if I had not stopped after hitting all the fence posts, I probably would have collided with. If I made it through the fence and through the 30 feet of woods, there is a lower road and then 15 foot drop off that I would have plummeted down.
6. After getting the stump off the forks and doing the underpants check, I put the tractor away and non-chalantly walked to the front of the property where my wife was with my daughters. I did not, and will not, mention a word of it to my wife. If I did, I would likely have to argue about why I can't just pay somebody to come clear pasture!
7. Also, a couple people have indicated that I should have put a heavy attachment on so that my back tires would have had traction. However, if you read the story, you will see that in order to get through the hole, I had to take the attachment off the back, as it would have disallowed me to fit through both width and depth wise. No matter what attachment I would have had on, it would have had to be removed to get out of the hole. It would either hang on the sides or dig into the ground as the back tires went down into the hole. So, I had to take the attachment off. When I came up on the other side, I planned to push forward the stump, NOT lift it. I was planning on doing no lifting whatsoever that day. But the downward grade effectively created lift.
Bottom line: the error was deciding to put the forks UNDER the stump and then move forward, not realizing that the nearly indetectable downward grade at that point created the less than one inch of lift needed to send me careening down the hill. In retrospect, I SHOULD have just gone and gotten the other tractor and pulled the JD out backwards. But, without thinking that far ahead, I should have at a minimum pushed the stump out of the way using the bottom or tips of the forks, NOT by sliding the forks underneath.
1. I will not be getting tractor tires as I do a lot of mowing and it would tear up my turf. I do about 80% mowing and only 20% cleaning up/lifting/etc. I do no traditional farming.
2. I have liquid ballast tires which, of course, only do so much. I typically put my Jinma chipper on the 3-pt if I'm going to lift anything substantial. However, in this case I had no plans to lift anything at all and my mistake was deciding to "push" the stump with my forks under the stump without realizing that the downgrade would require me to LOWER the forks as I moved forward the 3 feet I planned on pushing it. I was only intending to push it 3 feet forward so that I could get the tractor out of the hole and then turn.
3. I had the tractor in the middle gear. If I was lifting and moving with heavy loads up hill etc. I would put it in low gear. The tractor easily got up to 35 mph going downhill in middle gear, which tells you how freaking out of control things got on the way down.
4. I had my seat belt on, which would have saved me if I rolled, but also stopped me from jumping, which was one of the thoughts that shot through my mind. But I felt the belt tug when I briefly tried to lift up.
5. The pasture is surrounded by moderately thick woods, with some massive Virginia oak and other trees that, if I had not stopped after hitting all the fence posts, I probably would have collided with. If I made it through the fence and through the 30 feet of woods, there is a lower road and then 15 foot drop off that I would have plummeted down.
6. After getting the stump off the forks and doing the underpants check, I put the tractor away and non-chalantly walked to the front of the property where my wife was with my daughters. I did not, and will not, mention a word of it to my wife. If I did, I would likely have to argue about why I can't just pay somebody to come clear pasture!
7. Also, a couple people have indicated that I should have put a heavy attachment on so that my back tires would have had traction. However, if you read the story, you will see that in order to get through the hole, I had to take the attachment off the back, as it would have disallowed me to fit through both width and depth wise. No matter what attachment I would have had on, it would have had to be removed to get out of the hole. It would either hang on the sides or dig into the ground as the back tires went down into the hole. So, I had to take the attachment off. When I came up on the other side, I planned to push forward the stump, NOT lift it. I was planning on doing no lifting whatsoever that day. But the downward grade effectively created lift.
Bottom line: the error was deciding to put the forks UNDER the stump and then move forward, not realizing that the nearly indetectable downward grade at that point created the less than one inch of lift needed to send me careening down the hill. In retrospect, I SHOULD have just gone and gotten the other tractor and pulled the JD out backwards. But, without thinking that far ahead, I should have at a minimum pushed the stump out of the way using the bottom or tips of the forks, NOT by sliding the forks underneath.
Dyer retired
Gold Member
"I did not, and will not, mention a word of it to my wife. If I did, I would likely have to argue about why I can't just pay somebody to come clear pasture!"
Milltrade,
Although I like your idea of not telling your wife of your adventure and understand the reasoning behind it....you've nearly guaranteed announcing that intention that some neighbor was standing nearby with a video camera going and caught the whole thing on tape. Something called "Murphy's Law," Ha! Good luck. Dyer, retired
Milltrade,
Although I like your idea of not telling your wife of your adventure and understand the reasoning behind it....you've nearly guaranteed announcing that intention that some neighbor was standing nearby with a video camera going and caught the whole thing on tape. Something called "Murphy's Law," Ha! Good luck. Dyer, retired
toddler
Gold Member
- Joined
- Jan 26, 2001
- Messages
- 407
- Location
- North Carolina, USA
- Tractor
- Previously: Kubota B2710. Now Deere 3520
Hey Miltrade,
Glad you didn't get hurt!
Your thread taught me that I need to keep in mind that there are no front brakes. Don't know why, but I never considered it an issue before. So thanks!
When I was in VT I bought a short sonotube, cut a couple of rectangles the correct sizes to slide a cat 1 drawbar through, sealed them on the inside with duct tape, buried the base in the ground, and then filled it with concrete. I put a big eyehook with some bolts and washers for grip in the concrete for the top link with a stick to hold it up while the concrete set. Presto, for $50 or so I had a compact rear weight. If you have some rocks, you can even use less concrete.
Mine only weighed around #400, but on my B, that was enough. I actually messed up on mine and put the drawbar in too far down, so I always had to put it on a 4 or 5"" high stump to hook it up. Turned out to be an advantage at times because it was further off the ground. It's possible that would have hung up in your hole too, but it seems less likely.
After reading your story, I'm sure I'll make another larger one for my next tractor! Thanks again for posting! The life you saved, might have been mine
Todd
Glad you didn't get hurt!
Your thread taught me that I need to keep in mind that there are no front brakes. Don't know why, but I never considered it an issue before. So thanks!
When I was in VT I bought a short sonotube, cut a couple of rectangles the correct sizes to slide a cat 1 drawbar through, sealed them on the inside with duct tape, buried the base in the ground, and then filled it with concrete. I put a big eyehook with some bolts and washers for grip in the concrete for the top link with a stick to hold it up while the concrete set. Presto, for $50 or so I had a compact rear weight. If you have some rocks, you can even use less concrete.
Mine only weighed around #400, but on my B, that was enough. I actually messed up on mine and put the drawbar in too far down, so I always had to put it on a 4 or 5"" high stump to hook it up. Turned out to be an advantage at times because it was further off the ground. It's possible that would have hung up in your hole too, but it seems less likely.
After reading your story, I'm sure I'll make another larger one for my next tractor! Thanks again for posting! The life you saved, might have been mine
Todd
vic4news
Gold Member
Thanks for posting the story. I like being reminded how easily the unexpected can happen. I have the tendency to get too comfortable when performing tractor work and a story like this helps me to remember how dangerous the
work can be.
Vic
work can be.
Vic
Window Geek
Silver Member
Thanks so much for posting your incident and analysis.
It's amazing how fun seat time is, and how dangerous it can become.
Glad you kept your belt on.
Paul
It's amazing how fun seat time is, and how dangerous it can become.
Glad you kept your belt on.
Paul
