Freeing a Mired Machine

Attempting to free a mired machine can involve safety hazards such as the mired tractor tipping rearward, the towing tractor overturning, and the tow chain or towbar ( a cable is not recommended) failing and recoiling from its stretched condition.

Back tractor out if it gets mired down in mud. Unhitch any towed implements. Dig mud from behind the rear wheels. Place boards behind the wheels to provide a solid base and try to back out slowly. If necessary, dig mud from the front of all wheels and drive slowly ahead.

If necessary to tow with another unit, use a towbar or long chain (a cable is not recommended). Inspect the chain for flaws. Make sure all parts of towing devices are of adequate size and strong enough to handle the load.

Always hitch to the rear drawbar of the towing unit. Do not hitch to the front pushbar attachment point. Before moving, clear the area of people. Apply power smoothly to take up the slack: a sudden pull could snap any towing device causing it to whip or recoil dangerously.

IMPORTANT: Use side frame slots to attach chain. DO NOT attach chain around axle to avoid damage to steering cylinders or tie rods. Pull tractor straight forward. Use drawbar to tow tractor out of mired condition if pulling tractor from the rear.

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