Yikes!! What would you do to save the tractor from getting smashed?!

[Old Gray Mare]

Howdy...

I'm in northern Arizona and there was a huge showstorm (rare!) and this is what I found :









How would you get the tractor out without damage?
The weight of the carport is sitting precariously on just a small place on the ROPS under a beam!
Should I be concerned with damage to the frame/wheels/tires?

I've started a claim with my homeowners insurance, but would like to be informed before the appraiser (most likely a city-dude with no knowledge of tractors) comes out.

Any ideas or feedback will be appreciated!

~~Judy

 

[Jasonferguson81]

I'd jack it up a little and back out from underneath it. If your not up to it just prop it up with some 2x4's for now until you can get some help.

 

[MossRoad]

Prop it up with some 4x4's so it can't come down any further. Get a roof rake and remove as much of the snow as possible. Let some air out of the rear tires and see if the ROPS clears the beams, then back it out.

 

[Old Gray Mare]

Thanks for the sugggestions, but the whole roof is staying up with a couple of rusty nails. Not sure I want to go pushing/pulling/poking/propping around underneath it.
Here's a couple more pics:





The post at the left rear is splitting at ground level. There was another mid-span, but it's snapped off. The one on the left rear is also leaning.

I am 70 and live alone and the neighbors are lazy and unhelpful...lol

Should I be concerned with the weight of the load on the tractor?

~~Judy

 

[airbiscuit]

Prop it up with some 4x4's so it can't come down any further. Get a roof rake and remove as much of the snow as possible. Let some air out of the rear tires and see if the ROPS clears the beams, then back it out.

A local carpenter could do this for you easy enough.

 

[ruffdog]

For the next 2 weeks the weather will be in the high 40's to low 50's and not much wind. Maybe let the snow on the roof melt before you mess with it?

 

[tree farmer]

I would not do anything with it until the insurance company gives you an answer. This is why we pay big bucks to them every year. If you try to rescue the tractor and the roof falls on it and/or takes you down with it, they will say you're at fault and walk away. Around here anyway, insurance company will take care of the building and its contents. Wish you the best....Dan

 

[hosspuller]

The tractor ROPS was designed to support the full weight of the tractor... protecting the operator in a roll over. The roof weight doesn't come close. Other than some paint scrapes, I expect no damage to the tractor. I would support the hanging beam with something stable that won't be damaged by water. * Roof is being held up only by the attachment of the rafter (on ROPS) to the beam. Then, let the snow melt while you hire someone to fix the shed.

* suggestion: A tripod made of three 2x4 's. Since the roof columns are broken, you can't rely on them for stability.

Edit.. If it were my problem, I would use the tractor to lift the beam. Start the tractor and raise the FEL. The loader arm will lift the beam enough (a couple of inches) to put a support at the end. Stand on the ground beside the tractor while lifting. If anything should fall, the tractor will stop it.

 

[Old Gray Mare]

Yea, Tree Farmer, I was kinda thinking the same thing...waiting for the insurance dude to see it.

The roof just might fall all the way since the header nails are pulled out also and it's tilted. I don't have a pic of that.

Hosspuller, how would I know there's no damage to the frame of the tractor? It has less than 500 hours on it and has been pampered since it was bought new in 1996. If there is hidden damage, I want the insurance to fix it.

The snow has started to melt, but there's s storm Wed/Thurs and more this weekend. The wind can be fierce at times.

Thanks to all of your suggestions!

~~Judy

 

[rangerfredbob]

There's no "frame" of a tractor other than the ROPS and as stated it is meant to support the whole weight of the tractor. Tractors are built to do stupid things compared to cars/trucks and that whole tractor weighs at least 5 times as much as that canopy even with that much snow on it... worst that can happen is a bent steering wheel or bent fenders or hood