How to yank a Rover from a field

[Bostonian1976]

All,

I'm finally downsizing and have sold my gray Rover. It's been in a field for two years and sunken just a bit. I want to get it out tomorrow while the ground is thawed. What is best approach given weak frame? I have a recovery shackle on my Toyota - can I use a tow strap to get it out with that? Thanks in advance

[mearstrae]

I think, if it's sunk in, that removing some of the dirt in front of the wheels would be a great help. Then the Toyota should have no trouble, and stress to the aged frame would be reduced.

'95 R.R. Classic LWB
'76 Series III Hybrid 109
'70 Rover 3500S

[gambrinus]

Make sure all the tires are aired up and that it's in N before you start yanking with the tow vehicle... If it is sunk a bit, breaking out the highlift and tossing some rocks under the tires might not be a bad idea.. it isn't rocket science, and as has been said, "Don't be a dumb ass". However if you do decide to do something stupid, make sure you're buddy is there getting it all on video for our amusement.

[disco2hse]

Pump up tyres, yes.
Dig out around the leading edges of wheels, yes.
Put gearbox and transfer case both into neutral, yes, and if there are freewheeling hubs, that they are set in the off position.

But...

Use a bridle and two anchor points on the stuck vehicle. If you do not have anchor points, around the chassis on each side, next to the spring hangers. Don't pull from the bumper.

Don't yank it if it is that rusty. Pull it out slowly. A winch would be better to get it onto firm ground, then pull with a tow rope.

Don't use a snatch strap, they are designed to assist partially bogged vehicles, with the stuck one also providing motive power.

Make certain the hand brake is off.

If it has been there a long time it may be a good idea to jack the wheels up and give them a turn, or make certain they will turn. Although dragging will sometimes free up frozen wheel bearings.

[Bostonian1976]

mission complete! Thanks for the advice

[disco2hse]

Good stuff. That ground really is boggy isn't it.

[Jim-ME]

Jason,
Glad to see you got her out in one piece.
Jim

[Terrys]

Good stuff. That ground really is boggy isn't it.

Our ground isn't normally like that, but we came out of one of the wettest years on record. Also, the ground has yet to freeze in all but the northern parts of New England. Hell, New Years day was almost 50 here.

[Bostonian1976]

Good stuff. That ground really is boggy isn't it.

Big time. It had just melted briefly enough that I could get the truck out (it's fairly high elevation so it freezes earlier than most places). It was so mucky that every time I dug it out, it would refill with mud within 3-4 minutes. I was caked in mud by the end of it. Good thing I spent a year in Oregon to learn how to deal with rain/mud like it didn't even exist!