Its amazing how easily big heavy things tip over.

keeney · Jan 29, 2002

I was graphically reminded the other day watching TV of how easily big heavy things like tractors roll over on hills, etc.

I was a show like Amazing / Stupid Home Videos. They had a segment that shows some guys hooking up a winch from a tow truck to upright a tractor that had rolled over on the side of a hill. Everything seems to be going OK until the tractor does its final flop to the upright position.

They must have forgotton to put on the brake, because the tractor then starts to roll forward on its wheels, diagonally down the hill. Still connected by the winch line, the very large tow truck gets pulled sideways and then rolls completely over twice, landing on its side.

Finally, the tow truck rolls back a little, pulling the tractor back over on its side.

Very funny to watch until you realize that the combined weight of the two things rolling around is probably 10 tons.

Those guys in the video were very lucky nobody got pancaked.

- Rick

Charlie_Iliff · Jan 30, 2002

Keeney:
Some years ago, a loaded 12 wheel dumptruck rolled over at very slow speed - probably 18-20, on a tight corner on a southern Pa road. Damage was minimal. A towtruck was placed across the road, and pulled it back on its wheels. The dump then rolled backward down the slope, pulling the towtruck over on its operator, killing him. Pictures were gruesome.
It was impressive how easily the dump turned over in the first place, as well as how dangerous it was not to set its brakes, and how little resistant the towtruck was to side loads.

scruffy · Feb 4, 2002

Which brings to mind the thought I had years ago when I drove a tow truck...they should be equipped with outriggers that need to be set before the line can be winched in. Personal opinion only.

RoyJackson · Feb 5, 2002

Which brings to mind the thought I had years ago when I drove a tow truck...they should be equipped with outriggers that need to be set before the line can be winched in

I thought the really big tow trucks had outriggers...y'know, the trucks they tow 18-Wheelers with...

gerard · Feb 5, 2002

all the big ones I've ever seen do have the outriggers but that doesn't mean everyone will use them!!

scruffy · Feb 9, 2002

True the big ones do, but how often do you see one of them being used to retrieve a pickup, etc off down over a hillside. The smaller tow trucks could well benefit from being so equipped.