2 wheel tractors and getting stuck

[Code54]

I just ordered a new BCS 853 with a power harrow and flail mower. I don't expect ever having problems getting stuck with he power harrow on but with the flail I'm thinking it is possible.
For the folks with brush mowers - do you get stuck often, any real issues getting unstuck? I am going to be using it in the woods a lot. Clearing between trees in areas either too steep or to tight to use my MX5100 with a 6' brush hog. I am trying to think ahead and was wondering when you do get hung up is it tough to get it back out. thought about a small portable winch I could just hook on and, clip to the battery on the BCS and pull it out. Figure I won't use much power from it due to the light weight and short pull but was not sure if this idea is a answer for a problem that really isn't a problem.
Any thoughts?

 

[Jimmy in NC]

I have never had much issue with my Gravely 5265 or my L tractors. Two wheel tractors are fun in the woods.

 

[cmyoung2]

I have an 850, with a flail, among other implements. I can find a way to get stuck, even where I shouldn't. Most of the time, backing out with some muscle gets me out. When I really do a good job, usually in a ditch or creek, the small ATV type winch will sometimes get me out, if there is something to pull to. Most of the time I'm lazy and just pull the truck close and either use the ATV winch or the truck winch. Usually by my self or I'd just use the truck to pull. Using the BCS battery is just another reason to have electric start
Think about the attachment point ahead of time, I use the engine guard, or the hitch on the other end.

 

[newbury]

Go for it!
You've got a couple of tractors to pull it out with.

 

[Code54]

Go for it!
You've got a couple of tractors to pull it out with.

Do agree there... But, I am thinking I maybe on the other side of the ravine so it maybe tough to get close but I have a LOT of trees. Also kicking around doing some small clearing jobs in the future for others and figure I won't have the other machines nearby so just trying o think ahead a bit.

Funny you guys mentioned the electric start - got it for 2 reasons, 1 so if the wife wants to use it she can easily start it, and 2 - so I had some battery power onboard for a LED light if needed or a winch in case I really get stuck.

 

[jcraftenworth]

Do agree there... But, I am thinking I maybe on the other side of the ravine so it maybe tough to get close but I have a LOT of trees. Also kicking around doing some small clearing jobs in the future for others and figure I won't have the other machines nearby so just trying o think ahead a bit.

Funny you guys mentioned the electric start - got it for 2 reasons, 1 so if the wife wants to use it she can easily start it, and 2 - so I had some battery power onboard for a LED light if needed or a winch in case I really get stuck.

SMART! Also you know what? Gas engines, even good ones like hondas, start easy when they're new, and not so easy 5-10 years later. At that point, a starter system may fire it up where a ropecord would fail. You could say "well that just means it needs a tuneup/cleaning/maintenance" which is true, but sometimes it's nice to put that off for some weeks, months, or years if you can slide by, as long as the crank start can get'er going!

 

[oosik]

When we had a big garden I would do the spring/fall preparation with my Troybilt Horse rototiller. For whatever reason - one year I buried that tiller in a very soft, wet spot in the garden. The harder I worked at getting it out - the deeper it sank. I finally got smart - quit - got the tractor - chain on the tiller to the bucket - easily lifted it out. It took an additional two weeks for that wet spot to dry.

 

[ottawarob]

You should get the 4.5" wheel spacers if you're going out in uneven terrain, I found they really made my 853 feel more planted, but still not too wide. If your land is steep, going straight up and down a slope is no problem with the machines, but sideways along a slope can be hairy.

 

[Industrial Toys]

Even with the chains, the Gravely would be stuck for good if it went into a dip. I notice, this is before I put some four or so hundred pounds on the back for counterweight.

 

[joecoin]

I've gotten my Grillo stuck numerous times, usually just have to muscle it out.

The worst was when I somehow got a tree between the wheel hub and the brush mower. Ended up removing the mower to get the tractor free. On a steep hill of course.

 

[Code54]

Was looking at these little winches as a possible option just in case I really hang it up. Anyone ever use one?

Master Lock Portable Electric Winch

 

[Industrial Toys]

I just bought something similar by "Keeper". I was looking for free concrete steps which are always out there, but needed a way to yank them onto a trailer. I haven't used it yet.

 

[Code54]

Sort of thinking it could come in handy if I need to pull something on to the trailer in the future also or even drag something around the shop.

 

[Code54]

Also this could be an option:
i-Lift Equipment WH25 Hand Winch, 25-Pound Capacity, 3-Foot Cable: Amazon.com: Automotive

or on the high end:
Amazon.com: Superwinch 114222 Winch 2 Go 12V 4 Portable Winch System (4lb with Wire Rope, Pulley Block, Gloves, Straps and D-Shackles): Automotive

Kind of like the Superwinch seeing it is a 4000lbs, with a snatch block it could come in handy for the bigger machines. Mostly I get stuck over the hill and just can't get enough traction to get back up it. Sort of that slimy mud that is not deep, but you just cant get traction on. Something like this would allow me to get myself out. I used the Mule before but I cant control the winch from the tractor where I maybe able to with this.

 

[CodeMonkey]

Yes - gotten the flail stuck between two trees a number of times. Last time I cut down the tree.

I also get it stuck in ruts and holes the loggers left behind.

Beside the holes and ruts, the brush would hide those holes and ruts and I would get hung up in them as the tractor did not have enough traction to push or pull the flail out. I would get high centered too. I was almost ready to buy some tracks and I still might this next year.

Which is one reason why I rented a dozer this summer - to level out the ground.



I then pulled a drag harrow around behind my truck to smooth it out some more.



Plus I have sprayed a lot of briars and maple and alder to make it manageable and I will spray again this next year.

I still have a lot of work to do - some areas I cannot get to with the harrow and it was too narrow to use the dozer. But I got most of it.



I just need to stay on top of it and then I won't have to spend every summer weekend working on it.

 

[Code54]

Looking good! Yesterday I was out cleaning up large sticks and picking up rocks so there is less to hit. Once the weather breaks I think I will level out some rough spots to make it easier to mow in the future!

 

[CodeMonkey]

Looking good! Yesterday I was out cleaning up large sticks and picking up rocks so there is less to hit. Once the weather breaks I think I will level out some rough spots to make it easier to mow in the future!

Now the moles are making mounds everywhere!