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 tow bar (a cable is not recommended) failing and recoiling from its stretched condition.

Back your tractor out if it gets stuck in mud. Unhook any towed implements. Remove mud from behind the rear wheels. Place boards behind the wheels to provide a solid base and try to back out slowly. If necessary, remove mud from the front of all wheels and drive slowly ahead.

If necessary to tow with another unit, use a tow bar 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 pull from the rear drawbar of the towing unit. Do not connect 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.

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