Re: (ET) Snow!

["Christopher Meier" <mr23 mn rr com>]

Definitely use the chains.  I put them on in the fall, after the last lawn
sweeping pass, and take them off in the spring.

-Chris

----- Original Message -----
From: "Dave Krafft" <dkrafft bitstream net>
To: <elec-trak cosmos phy tufts edu>
Sent: Monday, February 03, 2003 2:19 PM
Subject: Re: (ET) Snow!


> At 11:02 PM 2/2/03 -0600, you wrote:
> >     Here in Minneapolis we have finally had enough  snowfall to haul   
> > I
> >was a little concerned that  I'd have enough traction,....
>
> Well, I learned a few small lessons in the traction department today with
> our first good snowfall of the year! I live pretty near Chris and when it
> snowed there was a solid layer of mush and ice below about 6" of fresh
> snow. The tractor (E-15) had plenty of power but the slush turned to 
> slick
> ice as soon as you exposed it to the air. Got stuck several times on flat
> ground (Lesson #1: take smaller bites) dug it out. Started taking smaller
> bites. Started sliding around as exposed slush froze, got stuck again!
> (lesson #2: get more weight over back wheels) added rear box with about
> 100lbs of brick. Dug it out again. Started plowing again, better until I
> realized that I needed to rearrange the big piles I had created, Oops, 
> not
> enough traction for that! (Lesson #3: get out and put on chains) Dug out
> the tractor again. Put on a set of chains that sort of fit. Better. Now
> wait a minute this has taken over an hour of which 45 minutes has been
> digging, normally takes 45 min total to shovel the drive (lesson #4: 
> Leave
> tractor set up for next storm!) Go inside get some Ibprofen and a warm 
> cup
> of coffee and contemplate today's experiences!
>
> Happy plowing!
>
>
> Dave Krafft
> St. Louis Park, MN  USA
> http://www.mnhpva.org
> ph: 952-929-2978