Note to Self

wngsprd · Dec 5, 2013

This is a reminder to me, because I'm sure none of you would be as careless as I was today. I almost kissed the side edge of the bucket on my tractor very hard.

I had cut down a dead oak, sawed it into logs, and drove the tractor as close as I could get. I picked up the largest log to carry to the bucket, and surprise, I stepped in a hole from an old rotted out pine stump from 40 years ago. It was completely hidden by all the oak leaves that had filled it to the same level as the rest of the forest.

Well, my forward momentum, and the weight of the log carried me forward and downward. My face was inches away from the bucket side edge when I regained control.

So, note - always do a complete walk around my work area to look for holes and hidden branches and vines that could trip me up.

murphy1244 · Dec 5, 2013

And buy a Grapple.

creekbend · Dec 5, 2013

Thanks for posting.

Bird · Dec 6, 2013

I stepped in a hole from an old rotted out pine stump from 40 years ago. It was completely hidden by all the oak leaves that had filled it to the same level as the rest of the forest.

I almost turned my little B7100 Kubota over once back in the woods when both right wheels fell into a trench that I didn't know was there and was filled to the same level with leaves.

LJH · Dec 6, 2013

A cardinal rule for all equipment and one I sometimes forget too. Thanks for the reminder and I'm glad you didn't get any blood on your bucket.

oosik · Dec 6, 2013

I did a "nose dance" with my first tractor. Scooping wet sand with the FEL - went to lift it and the rear wheels lifted instead. Felt like they lifted six feet but I'm sure it was a foot or less. Fortunately, it didn't fall off to either side and I was able to gently lower this mistake. My knees hurt for a couple days after that from knocking together so hard.