Yikes!! What would you do to save the tractor from getting smashed?!

[CobyRupert]

Pretty country!

Using Orezok's calculation, get the 2000-3000 pounds of snow weight off that roof! IMHO, this should be first priority. Depending on temps, just starting the tractor underneath might help melting process if you don't have a roof rake. Got a portable Salamander or propane (etc..) heater?

 

[Scrambler82]

Old GM,

From the postings, I get the impression that you are still in a pickle with the Tractor.
I still suggest another Tractor, there has to be someone that can assist you, it wouldn't take much to pick up the edge of the unsupported side and someone could drive the little lady out of her predicament.

70... isn't old, not now a days, but putting yourself under that much snow and wood wouldn't be the place I would want to be either.

Good Luck on the Tractor Extraction Project, but get some help from somewhere before YOU do anything !

 

[Rebeldad1]

did I miss something? didnt see where you called your insurance agent
He can tell you what is covered. Might even cover someone coming out and removing the tractor as well

 

[Old Gray Mare]

Ok...State Farm called while I was doing morning chores and am waiting for them to return my call. Phone tag!

Here's the scenario regarding others with a tractor around here. Nobody has one. When I moved here from Idaho (where everybody has at least one!) folks would marvel at my MF and say they should get one, too. They never did and probably never will. There're no farmers. Everything just shuts down till the sun shines again. The nearest tractor shop is 75 miles away. There are no MF dealers in AZ.

My newest neighbor, with way too much money :confused2: , collects huge military vehicles...bigger than a semi...and has 2 graders and a giant earthmover. No way that could even get down the driveway and maneuver around. They're gone for the winter anyway.

I wish the people here were like those in Idaho, but they're not. For example, I had a load of hay delivered and a bale fell off onto the dirt road. 30 minutes later they guys went to retrieve it and it was gone/stolen! In Idaho someone would have moved it to the side or even brought it to my place. Big difference in neighborliness :thumbdown:

The snow is melted off the roof so now there is ankle deep mud to play in. I like the idea of covering Red with blankets for protection

Thanks again to all for the replies!

~~Judy

PS...70 isn't old until faced with something that could be hazardous, like this deal. I ride my mare almost every day in good weather. Even without a saddle, so I'm not a couch potato by any means. :cowboy:

 

[airbiscuit]

PS...70 isn't old until faced with something that could be hazardous, like this deal. I ride my mare almost every day in good weather. Even without a saddle, so I'm not a couch potato by any means. :cowboy:

Got it, but why don't you reach out to some locals for advice/help. Call the local fire department, lumber yard, gravel pit/carpenter/church, etc. The actual fix and removal isn't all that difficult and someone will surely help, but you have to reach out.

 

[Industrial Toys]

Can't say I agree with calling a commercial enterprise for (Free) help. And, it's hardly an "emergency". Doesn't every community have the handy/odd jobs man? Snowblower Joe?

 

[bcp]

Got it, but why don't you reach out to some locals for advice/help. Call the local fire department, lumber yard, gravel pit/carpenter/church, etc. The actual fix and removal isn't all that difficult and someone will surely help, but you have to reach out.

A TBN "search members" "advanced search" shows 4 others that specify Ash Fork as their location. Probably more nearby who are less specific.

Maybe start a new thread, with Ash Fork in the title, asking for help.

Bruce

 

[Cat_Driver]

Rent one of these

 

[Old Gray Mare]

IF, and that's a big IF, somebody were to try to remove the tractor and either got hurt or caused more damage to the tractor, building, or driveway, wouldn't I be liable and then the insurance claim would be rejected?

Call me Extra Cautious, but people are so eager to sue nowdays.

None of my neighbors even have a lawnmower.

There is no local fire department (just a volunteer one) nor a lumber yard closer than 60 miles, nor a gravel pit not owned by ADOT, no local carpenter, and I don't go to church. There is NO mail delivery, and UPS will NOT drive on the road, ever. This area is off grid except for 9 homes on my road (can't figure out why, but that's great) that have APS electicity.

The suggestions from you all have given me some insight on how to converse with an insurance rep. Getting equipment and a crew to remove the tractor, demolish the carport, haul off debris, build a new one, and repair damage to the driveway, etc. is all part of the claim. I've had insurance for 30+ years and never filed a claim.

I am concerned that the rep will be a city-slicker with no knowledge of tractors...since there are so few here.

~~Judy

 

[Diggin It]

A TBN "search members" "advanced search" shows 4 others that specify Ash Fork as their location. Probably more nearby who are less specific.

Maybe start a new thread, with Ash Fork in the title, asking for help.

Bruce

Can you tell if they've been active recently? Members often move or stop posting for any number of reasons.

 

[airbiscuit]

Can't say I agree with calling a commercial enterprise for (Free) help. And, it's hardly an "emergency". Doesn't every community have the handy/odd jobs man? Snowblower Joe?

I wasn't suggesting all these options would be free. Volunteer firefighters and church goers would likely be willing to lend a hand. Carpenters, gravel pits, handymen would likely charge a reasonable fee, but would fix the problem. I was just suggesting to reach out for help instead of assuming that no one is available to help.

 

[Industrial Toys]

I guess, it hasn't been mentioned what the financial situation is like. Always seems to be the Elephant in the room. lol

 

[Old Gray Mare]

I'm on a fixed SSA income with every extra cent going to the care of my 3 horses:
1) Ruby will be 31 soon and I rescued her 25 years ago. She's my best buddy.
2) DJ will be 25 and I was there when he was born. A big ol' brat.
3) Clue will be 21 and she is the one I ride. Such a wonderful horse.

I save what I can for "rainy days" by selling a few collectible horse things on eBay. I have a just-in-case-Ruby-needs-to-be-PTS fund that I won't touch. My brother is in Seattle, no other family is still living.

This snowfall was a fluke! I also lost a gorgeous huge fully round juniper tree in the backyard. It has 3 large limbs busted. Now it's a 1/2 globe. And a 9 year old Elm at my entry gate had its trunk snapped in half. My electric fencing is broken everywhere and the wire needs to be replaced. The newest wire from this past summer is OK.

:worried:

~~Judy

 

[Diggin It]

If I was within driving distance, I'd be doing what I could, even with a hand that hasn't completely healed.

 

[Industrial Toys]

You would have to be close enough to bring the necessary resources/equipment. Also, some jealous/insecure spouses might object.

 

[Jstpssng]

^^^^
It wouldn't take much; some of the lumber that is always lying around and a couple of jacks.

If I was within driving distance, I'd be doing what I could, even with a hand that hasn't completely healed.

I know what you mean. This is a step above Kando and his drain plug.

 

[Industrial Toys]

I guess ultimately, the roof needs to be repaired. If a carpenter was coming to look at it, you could ask, hey could you bring a hydraulic jack and a couple of 4x4s to get the roof off my tractor? Maybe send a picture, which is extremely valuable. Nothing like bringing a hundred wrong things to a job and not the right one, because you don't know what you are dealing with.

 

[Scrambler82]

Deleted by Poster !

 

[Diggin It]

In some areas there are volunteer groups to assist seniors in situations like this. Check with county or municipal offices, or maybe a Senior Center to see if there are such groups. Maybe the Vet you use for the horses knows someone.

 

[two_bit_score]

OGM, wishing and praying the best for you and your situation. There might not be anything you can do at the time other than wait a little bit. However because some have responded to the effect 'don't touch anything until the insurance man gets there' I wanted to point out that almost all policies include some language similar to this in their Duties After A Loss clause:
"A person seeking Coverage for Damage to Your Auto must also:

Take reasonable steps after loss to protect your covered auto or any non- owned auto and its equipment from further loss. We will pay reasonable expenses incurred to do this.
Promptly notify the police if your cov- ered auto or any non-owned auto is stolen.
Permit us to inspect and appraise the damaged property before its repair or disposal.



FWIW in this situation for you. This is from the Texas Personal Auto Policy but almost all property, auto, marine, etc policies have a duties clause that includes taking action to prevent further loss and includes any reasonable cost as part of the claim. It's your decision as to what you think is reasonable and possible to be done in this situation.

Have you tried reporting your claim online to State Farm and providing an email address so they could contact you that way? You could even email them pictures and get some advice about how to proceed. They may even be able to get someone out to help you. Insurance companies usually have resources to do that.




TBS