New CK30 Stuck in Mud

[MSU_Keith]

After much debate, I finally made the choice and purchased a CK30HST w/FEL and 2365 BH /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif. It got delivered a week ago and I've been so busy using it that I already have 10 hours on it without even lookin in on TBN. After digging an embankment out with the FEL, dragging brush and logs into piles and somewhat taming the driveway my confidence in the tractor and my abilities were sky high - until this evening.

Thinking the softer ground after recent rains here would be a good opportunity to further patch some low spots in the drive, I got the CK30 stuck pretty good up to the axles and BH subframe in some heavy clay/mud. After using the BH and FEL to free the machine, I'm wondering what maintenence items need to be addressed besides a good cleaning and hitting the zurks with some grease? Anything special I should look for or do with the underside? Any help would be appreciated.

 

[DK35vince]

No special maintainance required, just keep right on using it.
I had a really bad area, always wet/swampy that I was trying to dry up and make usable. The only way to get drainage pipe through this area was to get down in there are dig a drainage ditch through it.
I was stuck BAD, REAL BAD multiple times before I finally got it.
A good pressure washing and I was on to the next project /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Enjoy that new machine

 

[TractorLegend]

Just patch up the old ego and move on...
greater things have happened to lesser men!!
BTW ag tires or ind tires??
Im keeping a portable winch handy at my property for just such an occasion---I have been busy clanging the rops bar on the storage container when putting tractor away "unfolded",
driving with park brake on and other hazardous duty with my new CK30HST /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
i"ll hazard to guess ind tire

 

[RedRocker]

I re-arranged some shingles on my carport with the ROPS. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

 

[MSU_Keith]

Yep, tires are R4's. The issue was not so much tire traction but the subframe getting hung up on a 'hump' with the tires in softer mud.

Pride definitely took a hit - this section of the driveway is now in much worse shape than when I started /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif. Oh well - I guess it means more seat time /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif.

 

[VictorW]

I haven't had a chance to get my CK30 stuck yet but I'm sure it will happen. I had my old tractor stuck many times. Just glad I could get my 4x4 truck close enough to pull it out. It's been dry here in NW Pa. and no mud to play in. I was thinking about taking the 3000# winch off my ATV and putting it on the CK. A little small but maybe just enough.
I think you have it on the maintenance after burying it. Check the steering tie rod. Someone here had bent theirs. It's a little lower than the front axle.
Have fun in the mud. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[TractorLegend]

The ag tires may or may not have saved you with a ground clearance issue--I think they're a bit taller(?), skinnier and more agressive tread--makes more weight per sq. inch of tire surface for less "floating" in mud.They'd prolly have less sliding in those muddy instances too, at least on paper.
I suppose if I had the backhoe and planned to do alot of 'hoeing in mud I'd a swayed toward the ag's- but I dont, so I didn't. I got the Ind tires as a trade off for not tearing up my grass and thought they look cooler /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[KiotiJohn]

Given the circumstances, I doubt any different tire type would have made a difference. Except for the small amount of extra height Ags would offer, if you got the subframe caught, the Ags would have simply dug you in more quickly!
One thing you should do is to remove the plug in the clutch housing just to make sure there isn't any water in there. Make sure you don't inavertantly remove the transmission plug instead.
As long as you didn't get below the oil filter, there's probably no water in the oil or hydraulic fluid, but it never hurts to check. If the oil looks milky, or the hydro fulid looks cloudy/milky, then you would have water in them. In that case, you would change all fluids and filters. Probably not the case, but safe is safe.
Isn't it nice to know that you were able to get out with the loader and BH? So far, that's as stuck as I've gotten, and I've been all the way down with the belly sucking mud.
John

 

[MSU_Keith]

Thanks to all for the advice. I had already checked the hydro fluid right after the incident but I'll check again in the morning. I saw the diff plug info in the manual but I have not yet had a chance to physically locate it. It must be a little more difficult to get to with the subframe on (and covered in mud) /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif.

 

[MSU_Keith]

Revenge is sweet - the hump is gone and the drive is cleaned up /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif. Now if I could only get gravel delivered on a Sunday.