Bogging the tractor
October 26th 2006 09:39
A sweet memory of wet paddocks!
It’s the middle of winter - and in he comes cold and grumpy after a long walk home, usually in the rain. Then comes the dreaded words. "I need you to come and pull me out." I stop what I'm doing immediately - one doesn’t argue in these circumstances. He’s probably spent the last two hours out there trying to dig himself out, so I know when to move. I pull on the rubber boots and, heart in mouth, follow him out the door. After collecting the drag chain from the shed we both climb on the second tractor, him in the driver’s seat and me perched precariously on the mudguard (don’t tell the safety people). The reason he drives is if we get this tractor bogged, he can’t blame me! He has heard it all before. “Couldn’t you get the neighbour to help you – look he’s just over there shifting sheep……” But to no avail – it’s me or no-one.
Then the instructions come. "Now just push down this pedal and take your foot off that pedal - but do it slowly - don't jerk it forward." Now I am on my own - and he's on the bogged vehicle.
Controlled panic sets in. The imagination sees me pulling the whole front off the other tractor or the whole back of my tractor. Or the chain will break and flying debris will kill one of us. I inch forward - 'Am I too slow or too fast" then yank and everything shudders. I pray I don't spin my wheels and get bogged too. Miraculously, if we are lucky, the bogged vehicle starts to move forward and slowly comes out. I continue to move forward watching the chain straining and taut at full length. Then relief, as his hand goes up and I can stop. Drag chain un-done, and then I get the thrill of driving the extra tractor home - until the next time.
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