Gate Destroyed!! (long post)

[cperky]

Finally got a chance to get on my recently purchased tractor to do some "bush hogging". I have moved a few loads of dirt and other bucket use type of stuff but this was my first time hogging with a hydro transmission. I started in an open field just to get my feet under me then worked my way to the fence rows. I was in a tight inside corner and found the hydro very useful in manuvering the corner. I decided I could get the cutter a little closer and started backing then turning then forward ect. Well with the bucket on I guess I misjudged the distance that thing was out in front of me and I got into one of my gates. The problem is that in my excited state due to being into my gate I hit the brake hard but also hit the forward pedal hard(stiff legged both feet) this resuted in more gate damage. I guess my instinct was to hit the brakes hard but not being used to the hydro I hit it with both feet but one of them was the brake and the other was the gas. No damage to the tractor or me . I know alot of you take the bucket off when hogging but I kept it on so I could scoop up some of the stuff that had made its way into the field due to a spring flood (tree stump or two and some decent sized loggs. I actually got one of the stumps scooped up on the third try )

Any way sorry for the long post but was curious how long it took some of you to change you instinctive reaction in such cases so that you lift your foot instead of mashing it when you need to stop with a hydro? Anybody else keep the bucket on while hogging?

Chris

 

[namvet69]

Hope you didn't wipe out any gate posts. I wouldn't take the bucket off, it can be very useful at times if you get in a bad situation.

NV

 

[jinman]

If I think there may be limbs or other obstacles to move, I leave my FEL on. Otherwise, I at least drop the QA bucket before mowing. I prefer to mow with no FEL. I have lots of trees that have evidence of my misjudged turning radius.

 

[jbrumberg]

cperky:

It is all part of the "Learning Curve" . All of the "honest" members of TBN have at least one or more stories of "Learning Experiences" . My learning curve was pretty steep and every now and then I still learn something new . I wish TBN was around 25 years ago . I keep my FEL on and low for rotary cutting my lower field for balance and as a "obstruction finder". Jay

PS: Send pictures. We like pictures.

 

[Skerby]

I definately leave my grill guard on (loader bucket)! I'd rather put up a new gate than buy NH sheetplastic $$$

 

[Wombat125]

I agree with jbrumberg. Most of us probably have an incident or two in our past that would rather be forgotten.

Many years ago I was backing a cement mixer on a trailer up to the pickup with our old JD 316 hydrostat tractor. I twisted around looking behind me an got my forwards and backwards reversed. Result: Cement mixer forcibly evicted from trailer. My Dad wove a tapestry of obscentities that still hangs over Eastern Iowa.

Personally, I think your gate had it coming.

 

[Tig]

I have been known to feel my way around using my FEL or BB. Just yesterday I replaced some siding on my new garage that got damaged while I was wallowing in the snow last winter.
When I first got my tractor I aimed for precision operation within 4". I have repaired a few things since then and now have reset my comfort zone to minimum 4'.

 

[Jimbrown]

You did not hit the gate! The dang thing just jumped out in front of you. I seen em do it.

 

[PBinWA]

Tractors need (yet another) warning label: Resist the urge to get as close as possible to things! It always ends wrong!

 

[AGM]

cperky I agree with Jimbrown, things will jump out in front of you. One day while mowing ( my wife will tell you I was going to fast ) a tree jump out in front of me. The FEL hits the tree, the tractor comes to a sudden stop, I slide forward in the seat and my middle age waist line comes into contact with the steering wheel. After catching my breath I put the seat belt on and resume mowing at a slower speed. My wife often comments that it now takes longer for me to mow than it use to.