Getting Stuck Plowing Snow With Our Old Tractor

[oldjeeplady]

I got our tractor stuck in the culvert and the end of the driveway plowing snow. I mean really stuck, as in the front was down at such an angle I was sliding forward just from gravity. Now our working tractor is a 1941 IH Farmall Model A rear wheel drive, with chains, with NO live hydraulics.

So every time I raise the plow, I have to shift into neutral first, and I forgot to step on the brakes, so I rolled into the culvert before I could get the tractor into reverse. Of course it was snowing like crazy and this tractor has no lights (well it has brand new lights - they just aren't installed...) I am spinning the rear wheels digging into the traffic bond (crushed limestone) on the shoulder and going nowhere fast. I have no luck and the rear of the tractor is just on the edge of the road, not that anyone could tell where the road was. There isn’t a whole lot of traffic as this is rural county road, but I don’t want to cause an accident. So I leave the thing running with the steam rising from the front end and trudge about 300 feet to the barn to get the Explorer 4x4 thinking I will have hazard lights and a way to pull myself out. I call my husband who is somewhere in ND (Truck Driver) and he reminds me of the separate brake pedals for each wheel.

Yah, I forgot about that.. He suggests I try this method first. So I drive the Explorer to the end of the driveway and park it with the hazard lights flashing. The tractor seat is covered in snow and everything is really slick as I climb aboard again. It feels like I’m at more of an angle than before. The right wheel is the one spinning, so I tromp on the right brake pedal with all I’ve got. The tractor starts to move, but the steering is turned and I have to get it straight before I can back out. So now I have one foot on each brake pedal, kind of rocking it back and forth and I am just about to get it to really bite and back out and you guessed it.......here comes a County plow, with wings, in my lane, headed right for me. I think, surely he sees me, but he keeps coming..…so I start waving one arm as that’s all I can spare....….Finally he sees me and gives me a wide berth and a dirty look for being in his way. Shortly after he passes by I finally get the front wheels straight enough and back out of the ditch. My heart is pounding as I pull the tractor back into the driveway. Geez, there is gravel everywhere... I tried to fill in the holes that the rear wheels dug. The right side was very deep. There is now a giant pothole just north of our mailbox loosely filled with gravel and snow... I really don’t want to cause problems for our mail delivery person. I drive the Explorer back to the barn and grab some tools to work on the big holes. When I get back to the driveway I discover my son has come home from work and is climbing aboard the tractor to finish the plowing... Whew!! What a relief!! I am terrible at plowing snow with this tractor...

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We have a plow for one of our CJ’s and I sure hope it will be installed on one that works for next winter. Plowing snow with a CJ has got to be easier than what I was doing…...of course there is always operator error.......but don’t even go there….

 

[Old Dog]

sounds like a fun time
Sure glad the snowplow driver saw you.

 

[0822]

Great story

 

[Petescj]

Im reading this whole story and picturing it while I . Im a little worried about the eyesight of Wisconsin Plow truck drivers though.

It wasnt a boring afternoon and you learned some things. Thanks for sharing and yup , put the plow on the CJ.

 

[mtnwhlr]

Glad everything turned out ok. I think you son needs to get over earlier to help you out when the old mans on the road.

 

[Bowbender]

Sounds like there is a bit of multi-tasking required to plow with the tractor! Glad everything worked out OK. Ya gotta love fighting snow! Plow on the CJ is a worthy goal for next year.

 

[oldjeeplady]

Glad everything turned out ok. I think you son needs to get over earlier to help you out when the old mans on the road.

Thanks everybody!

Unknown to me - my husband called my son who was already on his way home after I called him and told him I was stuck...my guys do try and take care of me....I just get myself into trouble sometimes....

I should point out that our oldest son now lives with us (again). He graduated from University of Wisconsin - Platteville on December 15, 2012 with a BS in Software Engineering (Mechanical Eng. emphasis). So now we have three Engineering degrees in the family.... Anyway, he started his new job on January 21 in Milwaukee and is commuting from home. He really helps out with things and its wonderful having him home again.

Sounds a little crazy, huh - not this guy - he's a real gear head too.....And he enjoys working on the CJ's... Free rent - more like free mechanic...