Thrill-Seeking Helicopter Pilot Required
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 310
Likes: 1
From: Indonesia
From a distance that is an ugly looking piece of transport.
However, if you can find a pilot with a death wish I recommend hiring the local fire service along with a water tanker and cut it out with a water jet.
Pull the vehicle onto planks or thick plywood.
I have seen a Puma pull a barge load of logs in the 90's and you can probably achieve more pulling to the side rather than a straight lift, now read the death wish bit again.
However, if you can find a pilot with a death wish I recommend hiring the local fire service along with a water tanker and cut it out with a water jet.
Pull the vehicle onto planks or thick plywood.
I have seen a Puma pull a barge load of logs in the 90's and you can probably achieve more pulling to the side rather than a straight lift, now read the death wish bit again.
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 928
Likes: 10
From: Regrettably far from 50°N
Mmm... there's only 50ft clearance with the trees as I said 
and with regards to towing sideways, we'll wreck the steering and exhaust AS WELL AS the suspension (which is so rotten it will be wrecked however we vacate the damned thing). Thought of it, but it appears that lifting upwards in some way (i.e. the catapillar tracked digger on the front end) is the only option.
and with regards to towing sideways, we'll wreck the steering and exhaust AS WELL AS the suspension (which is so rotten it will be wrecked however we vacate the damned thing). Thought of it, but it appears that lifting upwards in some way (i.e. the catapillar tracked digger on the front end) is the only option.
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 330
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From: St Johns, Newfoundland,Canada
Hey Gordy,
Hows the fires down south. We had a good go here in Quebec this last few weeks, BC next I reckon although hot in Ontario right now.
As for said Disco, phhffff...., did it today, 100ft trees and buried, although not quite as upmarket as a landrover. We pull stuff out all the time, simply because no other way, but helicopter. But the Disco should not be a problem, do what everyone here in Canada does with stuff bigger than a Disco, winch it out, standard practice daily in Canada. Don't need a Wokka I know where theres a few 214ST's that would have that out in a flash, although you mght want to go bury it in 200ft trees right after to give the crew a little bit of interest .......
Hows the fires down south. We had a good go here in Quebec this last few weeks, BC next I reckon although hot in Ontario right now.
As for said Disco, phhffff...., did it today, 100ft trees and buried, although not quite as upmarket as a landrover. We pull stuff out all the time, simply because no other way, but helicopter. But the Disco should not be a problem, do what everyone here in Canada does with stuff bigger than a Disco, winch it out, standard practice daily in Canada. Don't need a Wokka I know where theres a few 214ST's that would have that out in a flash, although you mght want to go bury it in 200ft trees right after to give the crew a little bit of interest .......
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 582
Likes: 1
From: Where I'm pointing...
The suggestion of a water jet (high pressure - maybe a fire truck might work), and putting boards, or ladders (regular or the ones used on 4x4 expeditions), is your best bet.
Dig or water jet under the wheels - put boards or ladders (or those purpose built 4x4 ladders/tracks) under the wheels, at an angle so when the vehicle is pulled it rides up and lifts off the mud.
AFTER you have dug under the wheels and put the boards in, use a water jet to clear the mud under the chassis (do NOT do this bit first).
If you have a tow hitch, use that, or that discovery should have a D ring on the back (I know it has one on the front) for attaching a towing strop - use a 5T strop - so rather the strop break than the car - and attach it to something that is going to pull up and away, rather than direct from the side.
This can either be done by attaching the strop to the bucket/arm of a JCB, or in some cases I have seen a jury rigged tower, over which a winch cable runs from a secure (possibly one/several) of the trees up to a high point over a pulley then DOWN to the vehicle.
(Hope this formats ok)
pulley on tower
/ ||| \
/ ||| \
/ ||| \
<winch>____|||________________<car>
It will be a bit of work, cost a shilling or two, but less than a replacement car.
Start slow - things can break and can go wrong quickly if you did not plan.
Remember the 6 P's.
Otherwise there is in outfit in Belgium or Switzerland that will charter you a Mi-26 for about $350k
Edited to add: Remember there is a 4wd low-range fixed diff gear shift setting on these cars for a reason... people tend to forget about that in the mud (or snow)...
Dig or water jet under the wheels - put boards or ladders (or those purpose built 4x4 ladders/tracks) under the wheels, at an angle so when the vehicle is pulled it rides up and lifts off the mud.
AFTER you have dug under the wheels and put the boards in, use a water jet to clear the mud under the chassis (do NOT do this bit first).
If you have a tow hitch, use that, or that discovery should have a D ring on the back (I know it has one on the front) for attaching a towing strop - use a 5T strop - so rather the strop break than the car - and attach it to something that is going to pull up and away, rather than direct from the side.
This can either be done by attaching the strop to the bucket/arm of a JCB, or in some cases I have seen a jury rigged tower, over which a winch cable runs from a secure (possibly one/several) of the trees up to a high point over a pulley then DOWN to the vehicle.
(Hope this formats ok)
pulley on tower
/ ||| \
/ ||| \
/ ||| \
<winch>____|||________________<car>
It will be a bit of work, cost a shilling or two, but less than a replacement car.
Start slow - things can break and can go wrong quickly if you did not plan.
Remember the 6 P's.
Otherwise there is in outfit in Belgium or Switzerland that will charter you a Mi-26 for about $350k
Edited to add: Remember there is a 4wd low-range fixed diff gear shift setting on these cars for a reason... people tend to forget about that in the mud (or snow)...
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,081
Likes: 189
From: Redding CA, or on a fire somewhere
Newfieboy:
Little slow right now---spent two weeks on the Apache NF in AZ, then had the 109,000 acre Jefferson fire on the Idaho Natl Lab area....now I sit and wait....slow start to the year...
Hows the fires down south.
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 3,670
Likes: 1
From: UK
Strip it - reduce the weight.
Reduce the tyre pressure and see if the semi flat tyres help with traction.
Drain the pond.
Hire these agricultural flat panels farmers use to prop up their dodgy roads on their land. (Look like cattle grids but much lighter).
Eventually - if all else fails, claim off the insurance and then buy it back from the salvage company the insurance company use to retrieve it.
Has to be said though - "what a bunch of dick heads".
Reduce the tyre pressure and see if the semi flat tyres help with traction.
Drain the pond.
Hire these agricultural flat panels farmers use to prop up their dodgy roads on their land. (Look like cattle grids but much lighter).
Eventually - if all else fails, claim off the insurance and then buy it back from the salvage company the insurance company use to retrieve it.
Has to be said though - "what a bunch of dick heads".
Avoid imitations
Joined: Nov 2000
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 15,110
Likes: 1,083
From: Wandering the FIR and cyberspace often at highly unsociable times
AeroMad, Unfortunately, underslung load lifting with helicopters is a specialised thing, it's not allowed by law for an unqualified pilot to just "have a go". Rope is not used; the design and use of the lifting equipment (e.g. steel wire or nylon strops) is controlled by law.
We can't hang any old bit of rope on an aircraft for jobs such as this, by the way. If it breaks under tension, the part attached to the aircraft may well fly up into the rotors and you will have two recovery jobs, not one, at best.
It's going to cost you dearly if the military won't do it and I am certain they will not even attempt it. For example, a TV mast was recently repaired near Oxford. I understand a helicopter was brought it from Sweden to do the load lifting.
Hope the roof restoration of the house is going well.
We can't hang any old bit of rope on an aircraft for jobs such as this, by the way. If it breaks under tension, the part attached to the aircraft may well fly up into the rotors and you will have two recovery jobs, not one, at best.
It's going to cost you dearly if the military won't do it and I am certain they will not even attempt it. For example, a TV mast was recently repaired near Oxford. I understand a helicopter was brought it from Sweden to do the load lifting.
Hope the roof restoration of the house is going well.
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 928
Likes: 10
From: Regrettably far from 50°N
As I said, wokkas not an option but wanted to hear opinions. Probably a catapillar digger jobby. The AAC probably wouldn't touch it 
.
Roof restoration fine - but the lead crumples in heavy winter winds and will need replacing AGAIN soon. For that we might well get the AAC in, it being a little more viable
.Roof restoration fine - but the lead crumples in heavy winter winds and will need replacing AGAIN soon. For that we might well get the AAC in, it being a little more viable
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,022
Likes: 2
From: In the air with luck
If there is enough water to fill holes dig around wheels we used to lash 45 gall barrels to them let the holes fill with water and the buoyancy would lift the vehicle clear of the suction, we did this on a sandy beach, (a regular thing on this beach)worked ok most of the time, they would even float in with the tide
requires big holes so lots of beer 
requires big holes so lots of beer
Last edited by 500e; 22nd July 2010 at 09:23.
Joined: May 2002
Aviation Qualifications: ATP+Mil
Posts: 18,633
Likes: 1,072
From: Downeast
A Wokka, a 250 foot line, hook to the rear bumper, two minutes....no muss....no fuss....and one very muddy Rover back on solid ground!
Just be prepared to make sure the thing lands on all fours as it is set down!
We have done that with Five Ton Three axile military Trucks before!
Cheaper alternative.....tracked excavator....a long steel cable....a pair of snatch blocks.....use the bucket to pull the cable or back the excavator....and Bob's yer uncle! Tie onto the frame of the Rover.....and not the bumper!
Have been there and done that!
Just be prepared to make sure the thing lands on all fours as it is set down!
We have done that with Five Ton Three axile military Trucks before!
Cheaper alternative.....tracked excavator....a long steel cable....a pair of snatch blocks.....use the bucket to pull the cable or back the excavator....and Bob's yer uncle! Tie onto the frame of the Rover.....and not the bumper!
Have been there and done that!
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 61
Likes: 17
From: Hampshire (UK)
I have a Unimog with a 16 tonne hydraulic winch/ground anchor ropes/strops/snatch blocks etc etc.I am in Nr Southampton if you want to pay for my fuel and a drink to do it over the weekend.Has the disco got a decent recovery point or towbar on the back and would it need to come out backwards or forwards?
Lastly, how far is it from the Disco to solid ground?
Lastly, how far is it from the Disco to solid ground?
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 928
Likes: 10
From: Regrettably far from 50°N
Thanks very much - we also have three Unimogs (406s), however one has a cherrypicker, one a faulty digger and one a tipper back and mower, but also has a dodgy clutch.
Will think about it - having driven one of our Unimog 406s down from Preston (with no brakes...), am aware that fuel will be about £75 from SOU. Bear in mind that our SAME tractor's wheels slip, but that shouldn't be a problem with your vehicle.
The Disco is about 15 foot from solid land but has hit a wet patch in the marsh - the rest of it is drivable upon - but you probably shouldn't risk it with all that gear!
Lovely idea and I appreciate how much effort it will be - will consider it and post again later - our village has a communal Fergie tractor that needs some resurrecting but has a winch and ground anchors.
Thanks again and will further inform you soon.
Will think about it - having driven one of our Unimog 406s down from Preston (with no brakes...), am aware that fuel will be about £75 from SOU. Bear in mind that our SAME tractor's wheels slip, but that shouldn't be a problem with your vehicle.
The Disco is about 15 foot from solid land but has hit a wet patch in the marsh - the rest of it is drivable upon - but you probably shouldn't risk it with all that gear!
Lovely idea and I appreciate how much effort it will be - will consider it and post again later - our village has a communal Fergie tractor that needs some resurrecting but has a winch and ground anchors.
Thanks again and will further inform you soon.
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 61
Likes: 17
From: Hampshire (UK)
Your village's old communal Fergie with winch and ground anchor would breeze it as would the Unimog.Mine is a U1000,has plenty of power and I "only" have 150ft of winch line spooled on, hence my question.I cannot believe you are only 15ft away from solid ground and it is still in there! I would have thought a 2 o r 3 4x4s in series would breeze it too.
I'll watch this one ever so slightly bemused.Please,please promise to post soem recovery pics.
I'll watch this one ever so slightly bemused.Please,please promise to post soem recovery pics.
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 10,804
Likes: 1
The thing your require is a Foden recovery wagon. If you phone round your local REME TA bases you might be lucky and they will still have access to them. If they don't its hard work but perfectly easy to recover it using a turfer winch and a couple of ground plates and pins.
From personal experence most folk try and use the easy option of using another motor to pull a bogged in one out and either bog that one in as well or knacker it.
If you do get a TA unit interested in recovering it as an exercise just be careful with the reccy mech's. They are a bit thick usually and also hard as nails. Don't use large words and use swear words as punctuation and you should be fine.
From personal experence most folk try and use the easy option of using another motor to pull a bogged in one out and either bog that one in as well or knacker it.
If you do get a TA unit interested in recovering it as an exercise just be careful with the reccy mech's. They are a bit thick usually and also hard as nails. Don't use large words and use swear words as punctuation and you should be fine.
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 354
Likes: 0
From: Jungles of SW London
Disco doldrums.
sss
Oh no, dear boy - the Disco is a far better off roader than many believe. I've waded a 200 yard lake in 3 feet of water and climbed out of a bomb hole you couldn't walk up and mine is automatic and is on road tyres.
Thomas coupling
My insurance company wouldn't let me buy mine when it got damaged last year. The insurance company had a contract with a salvage company and whatever my rights, they rode me out.
Birddog
Some do - if its automatic it may not. The device locks the 'centre' diff that balances power front to rear.
Shy Torque
My late and very much missed mate Graham Budden had that happen to him in a Chinook in the Falklands. The hook broke while lifting an empty 40ft ISO, but the rear strop hung on long enough to take the full, falling weight of the container before it too broke. The hook assembly spat back upwards and went round the fuselage three times, each time smashing blades on the front rotor.
Despite the massive vibration, Graham and his (Australian?) PH (?) managed to get it over land and virtually dropped it onto a cricket pitch opposite the 'Upland Goose'. When Graham saw the rotors, he was physically sick. The damage was very severe indeed and one blade was almost completely delaminated. After those sons of fun the engineers had fitted a new set of blades and done a rough set up, Graham had to fly it back to Kelly's Gardens on his own.
Roger.
Just leave it and buy a real LR maybe a 90 or 110.
Thomas coupling
Eventually - if all else fails, claim off the insurance and then buy it back from the salvage company the insurance company use to retrieve it.
Birddog
Edited to add: Remember there is a 4wd low-range fixed diff gear shift setting on these cars for a reason... people tend to forget about that in the mud (or snow)...
Shy Torque
We can't hang any old bit of rope on an aircraft for jobs such as this, by the way. If it breaks under tension, the part attached to the aircraft may well fly up into the rotors and you will have two recovery jobs, not one, at best.
Despite the massive vibration, Graham and his (Australian?) PH (?) managed to get it over land and virtually dropped it onto a cricket pitch opposite the 'Upland Goose'. When Graham saw the rotors, he was physically sick. The damage was very severe indeed and one blade was almost completely delaminated. After those sons of fun the engineers had fitted a new set of blades and done a rough set up, Graham had to fly it back to Kelly's Gardens on his own.
Roger.
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 582
Likes: 1
From: Where I'm pointing...
It has a "traditional" gearshift in front of the Auto shifter to select a combination of hi or low range, and 4wd diff lock or not.
I once got a Chevy blazer stuck (rental) in the mud on a friends farm in Mississippi because one wheel was in mud, and kept spinning while the 3 perfectly good wheels got not traction - had to pull it out with a tractor