If you think I can't see where I'm going in this shot, you're absolutely right. With that wall of hay in front of me, I only have a general idea of where I'm steering the tractor, but it's much more efficient to move a lot of hay in each trip that smaller loads in more trips. I have about 18 bales (@70 lbs each = 1,260 lbs or 570 kg) in each load, stacked on a wooden platform we move with pallet forks on the front end of the tractor.
If I stand up to look over the stack of hay while driving, the engine automatically cuts out -- an annoying but probably useful safety feature that relies on a weight sensor in the tractor seat. (Definitely more annoying than useful, though.) However, I learned a long time ago that if you're super quick about it ... if you stand up really fast and then drop back into the seat really fast, you can keep the engine from shutting off. This makes me look something like a gopher on steroids, popping up out of his hole only to disappear again in an instant. But, I haven't run into anything yet. Yet.
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Please vote for the ranch in the Shelter Challenge -- and you can vote every day! We're currently in third place, putting us on track to win $3,000 for the animals. Enter "Rolling Dog Ranch" and our state postal code, MT, for Montana, and it will bring up our listing.
Vote in the Shelter Challenge here.Last year we won $3,000 in the first round and then won the $20,000 Grand Prize in the second round, so your votes really do add up and make for a wonderful gift for the animals here.
Thank you!
This is another hilarious post! You have such a wonderful sense of humor. Someone took my idea. I know there has to be a dog that likes to ride on the tractor that wouldn't mind sitting in your seat while you steer & drive & SEE where you are headed! Please be very careful during these transports!
Posted by: Colleen & Sweet Kitty Erin | February 22, 2010 at 08:37 PM
I'm sure there are plenty of things that you could use to put weight on the tractor seat, if you really wanted to stand to see where you are going. Just use that marvelous imagination of yours. I'd bet the wind chill factor is a little less in the sitting position. Be careful! In my days of hauling round hay bales for cattle when there was snow on the ground back in the late 70's, the Allis Chalmers didn't have a seat that shut off the engine. (but then that was a while back and in another state!)
Warm hugs all around,
ginger, Tobias & Tlingit
Posted by: ginger, Tobias & Tlingit | February 20, 2010 at 02:22 PM
Love the way you write...you have such a great sense of humor! I agree...some sort of mirrors would probably help. In the meantime, just hope that you left the gate open!
Posted by: Ann | February 19, 2010 at 09:28 PM
Hmmmm, is this where you put the heaviest dog at the Ranch on the seat and you stand and drive? Must be one of those much loved mutts who would like to go for a ride! Go gopher!
Posted by: Miranda | February 19, 2010 at 12:33 PM
I was thinking that Madison, who enjoyed riding in the ATV, would sit in the seat for you. And I agree, Alayne must get a video of you!!
Thanks for the chuckle.
Posted by: Lynn (in Louisiana) | February 19, 2010 at 12:19 PM
Wow Steve
I can understand how frustrating it can be to not see where you are going. Plus you group of blind dogs cann't really help much.
Be safe and stay warm.
Posted by: Eric | February 19, 2010 at 10:33 AM
oh Steve you made me laugh with the gopher on steroids comment. Wishing you, Alayne and all the kids at RDR a fabulous weekend!!
Posted by: Kristi Gross | February 19, 2010 at 10:18 AM
Would love to see a video of the "gopher on steroids"! I'll bet that would go viral on UTube!!
Posted by: Maureen | February 19, 2010 at 08:54 AM
Oh, the days of tractor-driving -- I must say that was quite fun!
I'm glad to hear the ranch is doing well in the ARS's challenge. I'll keep voting!
Posted by: Beth | February 19, 2010 at 07:51 AM
I'd love to see a video of you playing whackamole with that seat, lol!!
Posted by: Debbie | February 19, 2010 at 07:46 AM
You are so funny! :) Your blogs are wonderful to read before I shut down the computer for the night!
Posted by: Shirley * James/Portland, OR | February 18, 2010 at 11:43 PM
Maybe you could get a big sack of Equine senior to placate your weight sensor, and then drive standing up? :)
Posted by: ColleenaMareena | February 18, 2010 at 11:29 PM
LOL! LOL!!
Posted by: Leila - Washington | February 18, 2010 at 11:25 PM
So, where's the "gopher on steroids" shot?
You just need to install two huge side view mirrors, like the kind on roads that let cars look around the upcoming curve. ;-) I would think by now that you pretty much know where you're going and what's in the way.
Posted by: Janet in Cambridge | February 18, 2010 at 08:25 PM