|
I loaded a dead NAA on a typical 16' car hauler with some chains and a manual come-along. The come-along only had about a 7' cable on it so I would have to stop and readjust periodically to get it done, but it was not physically difficult work. Hook some chains to each side of the front axle, outside of the radius arms. Connect the chains in front of the tractor far enough out so they don't scape on your hood sides. Connect both chains to a single chain running down the middle of the trailer and hook your come-along to the front of the trailer somewhere. Have some big blocks or wheel chocks handy. When the tractor clears the ramps it may want to roll downhill toward the front of the trailer. When it gets close to topping the ramps, put the chocks in front of the wheels to stop it. I found that I ran out of come-along with the tractor halfway up the ramps. I needed to chock the rear tires to keep it from rolling back down the ramps while I readjusted the chains to make more progress. Having help to keep the tractor steered in the right direction is nice. I didn't have any help so I would check it's direction of travel and adjust it as necessary after every 2 or three pulls on the come-along. Here's another way I helped a friend load a dead tractor once: With him on the seat of the dead tractor and me on the seat of a live one, I pulled him up on the trailer by driving to one side of the tow truck. You have to be careful not to let the tow chain come too close to the truck or ugly damage would result. At the end I was headed off at a 45 degree angle from the truck and trailer, but with John at the wheel of the dead tractor it stayed in the center of the trailer. Whatever you do, take it slow and be careful. Jim.UT
| 
