Almost went off my bridge, into the drink

SteveM · Nov 5, 2004

So I was doing some last minute brush mowing last saturday before a haunted halloween hayride deep into my woods. it was cold and off/on rainy. On my way back to the house I have to cross my big stream - on the sturdy bridge I built 3yrs ago. Bridge is 16' accross, 5' wide with a center support, approx. 3' above the knee deep freezing water. Tractor is 42" wide at the rear tires, carrying a 48" brush mower (I did have my FEL on, so it was quite balanced) so it is a tight fit under the best conditions.

Any how it is a sharp turn and a steep little dirt ramp up onto the bridge, and as quick as you can say YIKES one of my rear tires lost traction, causing the lightened front end to slide sideways on the greasy wet bridge. Just like that one front wheel is off the bridge, and I am resting on the center of the front axle - loader hanging partly over the water, with one rear tire hanging above the slick dirt. In other words, about 1/2 pound from flipping into the water. WOW does that get your attention. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

Slowly lowered the loader and brush hog, reverse low range with diff. locked to slide the tractor back off the bridge. I could not get that front wheel to hop back up on the bridge...

I have never come so close! And in an instant doing something completely routine!

Just goes to show how fast things can go to heck /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Boondox · Nov 5, 2004

Yikes! /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif Glad everything turned out okay! Having something like that happen when you're all by yourself is a really lonely feeling, isn't it?

btolle · Nov 5, 2004

Sounds like a 4 X 4 nailed along each edge to act as a "curb" would have prevented you from going off. Might be a worthwhile investment.

Bill Tolle

Mark4510 · Nov 5, 2004

Wow! I am happy to hear that it turned out ok. Thats a good reminder that you cant be too careful.

Mark

Henro · Nov 5, 2004

Glad everything turned out OK.

Hope your tractor has a ROPS and that you were wearing your seatbelt at that moment!

If you get a chance sometime, could you post a picture of your bridge?

Again, glad everything ended up being OK...

Boxman · Nov 5, 2004

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Sounds like a 4 X 4 nailed along each edge to act as a "curb" would have prevented you from going off. Might be a worthwhile investment. )</font>

That's what I'm thinking...

Gary_in_Indiana · Nov 5, 2004

I might even think about going up six inches or so. It can't hurt.

beenthere · Nov 6, 2004

Sounds like a predicament. Glad you are alright. Good lesson for everyone doing something similar, so thanks for posting.

How about fixing the ramp with some gravel, not dirt?
How about less of a ramp up to the bridge?
And/or a wider bridge?

Sounds like a bit of planning for your future is in order. This wake up call was a close one. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

PineRidge · Nov 6, 2004

I call what happened to you Steve, "Close encounters of the unexpected kind." Glad it turned out the right way and that no damage was done to you or the machine. I would be looking at those 4 X 4s recommended earlier also.