I ran my tractor for 16 hours this weekend. It has a loader and I have a bush hog. It is a small 35hp unit, but it still weighs 2700 #. To make it ahort, I was pushing over small trees with the loader and a root ball just let loose. I ended up in the hole and greatful that I was in a low gear. I hit my legs pretty solid on the steering wheel, but not hard enough to bruise. Clutch in, throttle down and memory bank número uno. I pulled it out with my old Ford and took a break. Next, I was pulling part of a a downed tree. Bush hog off, chain set up as a choker. I pulled in 1st, 1st and could not budge the tree in loose dirt. 1 2, then 2 2 but it wouldn't get any momentum to pull the log up the hill. This is where the error on my part kicked in after too much heat, not enough water and a lack of patience. I should have been in 3 2, ended up in 4 3 and found out how quick a tractor will stand up on end. I have a nice roll bar that saved my life....that and not being off camber. I sat the tractor 90*, still pulling. Heart rate at 60BPM, I walked over, after being gently rolled off the tractor, throttled down, quick shifted into reverse and shut it down. Tractor dropped half a quart of oil and had zero damage.
It is the closest to death I have gotten since being blown up in Iraq years ago. Sadly, I accepted my ignorance and didn't get too upset. I have done a little more research on potential hazards, proper techniques and will make sure to be hydrated, alert and way more cautious.
Feel free to give any pointers or safety tips. It could save a life.