WH Tractor Survival Stories.....

[Crow Horse 8]

Yesterday I had quite the experience while gathering firewood with my B-80. The terrain on our property is generally rated hilly to steep so after cutting a wagon load of wood I charted a return decent from up in the woods. I made the mistake of overloading the wagon (read - loaded too high as well as too much weight) and I knew it so I picked my line carefully and slowly worked my way down. At one point there's a slight off camber line and this is where my slide for life/Nantucket sleigh ride began. With my trusty Lab Thor leading the way home, the wagon tips and dumps while the tractor (and me) began our uncontrolled slide down the "hill" (read- steep, rocky and leaf covered). All the contents (wood and chain saw) of the wagon were ejected and strewn along the trail while I stood on the brakes and steered clear of my canine buddy and trees. Frankly, I was a impressed with the WH's ability to steer even while sliding. To make a long story short, my slide was app. 40 ft. long and I managed not to hit Thor and any trees. The garden wagon was pretty bent up and the chain saw survived it's ejection. The only real casualty of this incident was my shorts, as I still cannot locate them even at this moment....

There is much wisdom for me to gleam from this incident....

[Suburban 550 28]

Sounded like a hairy ride. As long as you and your canine buddy survived the ordeal without any injuries, that's the main thing. :scratchead:

[Crow Horse 8]

It certainly was! I think the most profound statement I could muster when I came to a stop was "HOLY CRAP".....

[Sarge 3,470]

Yep, you need a set of ags and weights for sure. The WH is just like the Sami, never lock the brakes downhill , allow it to turn the tires for control . Easy to forget how much weight they will pull until it all goes wrong...lol .

Glad you and Thor are ok...

Sarge

[Crow Horse 8]

I'm running Ag's now. I need to get a set of chains front & rear... (cha-ching$$$)......

[Sparky-(Admin) 24,031]

Any chance you could do it again today, but get us some pics this time !

But seriously, good to hear that there no injuries.

Mike.........

[stevasaurus 23,518]

close calls are never forgotten...glad you are OK...don't need pictures of this one...can see it in my head. :scratchead:

[Sarge 3,470]

LOL-chains will just let you pull more weight and get into deeper trouble! Just remember, keep those wheels turning downhill, just like wheelin but smaller and no locker! Probably have a spare set of chains if you need some, most of mine fit 23x10.50's...

Sarge

[Crow Horse 8]

Sarge, thanks for the offer. I'm running 23 x 8.50's Ag's. Despite my current close call, as well as the fact that I probably go beyond the tractors original design capabilities, I do "baby" it. Even when I'm working it, I do try to be kind to it. When it's in the garage I'm certifiably anal about taking care of it. It's almost 35 years old and I'm hoping to keep it running another 35 years. That is predicated on keeping me running for another 35 years.......

[Crow Horse 8]

I certainly don't want to get deeper into trouble but a roll cage w/ side bars might be the way to go......... :scratchead:

[Sarge 3,470]

I do have extra chains, they should fit the 8.50 tires just fine. Even own a pair of those odd breaker pliers for working on them -comes in handy if you break a link or need to modify them. I'll try to get time tomorrow to fit them up to a pair of tires, what brand/size are you running, exactly.

The roll bar really isn't necessary. Add liquid or wheel weights and it will stay pretty well planted . These things aren't easy to roll out of the box and adding a roll bar would actually worsen the problem with the added weight.

I know how anal you are about taking care of your equipment, no doubt that thing will be looking forward to it's best years . If you do break anything it would probably be the rear axle, but that's no big deal as you can easily swap in the heavier units in a day or less...

Sarge

[Crow Horse 8]

Sarge, sent you a PM.......

[wfopete 15]

Also check your tire pressure. It can make all the differance in the world when it comes to traction.