Dangers of driving backwards

[DarkBlack]

I usually try to do things 'right'. So I'm going backward on my trail because I don't have a close place to change directions.
I'm keeping a lose eye on where I'm going/where I've been, and I'm going slower than I would go forward...to be safe.
Next thing I know, I have a 1-1/2" "sapling" tree graze my head and accelerate down my shoulder-hard. I luckily grabbed the clutch just in time.

Looking at it I saw I caught the sapling from the backside of the FEL, and as I slowly move rearward it forced the tree down at a faster speed than I could keep it from hitting the throttle lever, which made it all the harder to control. Just as I pushed in the clutch, the engine was racing , and I had An 'uncomfortable' sapling tree pressed against me-hard! Goes to prove lever direction vs hazard is important.
Anyone else had any close rearward encounters?

 

[LJH]

So far just some really stiff neck muscles but give me time, I'm new at this.

 

[dave1949]

That happens to me every year I think--and it's always a surprise. LOL

Usually happens when I'm bush hogging in narrow spaces. Of course, once the sapling bends too far, it's never going to straighten up. Nothing to do but root the thing up with the FEL bucket and bush hog it too. :laughing:

 

[DarkBlack]

OK, I didn't think it was just me. In retrospect, it seem like an accident waiting to happen!

 

[Complete Turf Care]

Just yesterday one of my hunting buddies who works for La. Worker's Compensation Corporation told me about a fatality he investigated recently.

Apparently, the tractor operator was mowing some saplings in one direction, and had not cut all of them completely on the first pass. So, he changed directions and began cutting in the opposite direction. On of the saplings got forced under the hood of the tractor and as he continued forward the sapling came out from under the dashboard of the tractor and ended up stabbing the operator in the groin area.

He did not survive.

 

[dave1949]

Most of my trails get bush hogged. I need some trails that give tractor access to various places around the lot. I've found they add up to a lot of work keeping the branches trimmed back which grow like crazy because the trail is open enough to get plenty of sunlight. Everything wants to get to that light. Eventually I have to cut a lot of brush back and chip or pile it.

I am trying out some walking-only trails that are not open enough to get light. The canopy keeps the trail shaded. Those I walk once a year with a small chain saw and cut off just the branches that are actually in the way. Then I make a pass with the Stihl brush saw and clean up any saplings getting started before they get any size to them.

In the long run, I think the walking-only trails are less work to maintain.

 

[dave1949]

Just yesterday one of my hunting buddies who works for La. Worker's Compensation Corporation told me about a fatality he investigated recently.

Apparently, the tractor operator was mowing some saplings in one direction, and had not cut all of them completely on the first pass. So, he changed directions and began cutting in the opposite direction. On of the saplings got forced under the hood of the tractor and as he continued forward the sapling came out from under the dashboard of the tractor and ended up stabbing the operator in the groin area.

He did not survive.

I could see that happening. Bush hogging or pushing saplings with a FEL bucket can create a lot of leaning pointed spears and I've dug a few out of the underside of my tractor.

If I change direction I try to pick them up with the FEL bucket and flop them back in the direction I am going. No matter how careful, it's hard to spot all of them.

 

[cqaigy2]

Thanks for the reminder to keep watch! I've had similar happen, so it's good to be reminded.

 

[RedNeckRacin]

I'll tell a good one. I had my little kubota parked next to the metal pole building one day and I forget exactly which implement I had on the back, but it hung back a good bit. Anyways, I decided, I'll just back away from the building so I dont swing the implement into the building, and wouldn't you know I swung the bucket on the loader right into the sheet metal. Only cost me about $30 to repair since the panels are only about 36" tall right there.

 

[john_bud]

You will learn to watch what you run over w the front tires and the edges of the bucket.

You may also want to get a chainsaw helmet w face shield and hearing muffs. Stuff WILL fall from trees and your head is the first thing it will hit.