pulled on to job today 11:00 28 yds set up on top of steep driveway level at top 30 min into job snow starts last truck bearly makes it up the drive asked form co. to get someone to get some sand for the drive he says ok nothing got done finished pouring mixer slides all the way down onto street everyone left me to fend for myself so at the end of the drive is about 15 ft of road then 4 ft drop into front lawn started down got half way down front end starts to slid to the right so i stop call mix com. to see if they could call builder to get sand so i can get down the rest of the way without ending up on the lawn called town for the road town would not sand the road its private so while wating for an answer from builder truck desided to go the rest of the way on its own standing on the brakes she went on down stopped 2 ft from the edge not a good feeling going backwards with no control oh well no damage except my undies love the winter lol

NOTHING is as selfish, stupid and dangerous as deserting a pump operator before he is washed out, folded up and pointing the correct direction on a public road. It should be included on every pump ticket; and then enforced. 

I am glad that nothing bad happened to you or your unit. Sometimes people just do not think!

cifa,I can sure understand how you felt.Had exactly the same thing happen to me.A simple radio call to office (52m),Hey guys no chains no move pump.It took about 1 1/2 hrs for them to get there,drove about 3 miles to bottom.Now understand I hate chains as much as spinach and still do, but got back clean side up.Got razzed but that machine made my paycheck,saftey.

Chains, GOOD IDEA!!! That was a lot of STRESS!! I had to get pulled of the ice today. WINTER SUCKS!

Seed,

Don't you folks chain up?

No way! Never seen it or heard of it ON PUMPS! Sounds like a GREAT IDEA! How does that work? You just roll on to the chains, clip them and off you go? How expensive are a set? I could have used some today!

Learning how to chain up is easy. Finding out what happens if it is not done right is the hard part. Torn off brake pots, chains stretch wrapped around axles... it is a real learning experience.

I will give you a couple of hints/tips. Many, I am sure has more since he drove a big wrecker for a spell.

1. make sure they are the correct size

2. tighten the inside first

3. when in doubt, use another bungee strap... or two

4. no loose or flopping ends

5. have your heater going full blast to thaw out your frozen fingers

6. slow down, stay slow & recheck after a mile to make sure they are on tight.

7. be thankful that your unit has outriggers ;~)

Hi seed,Bob made a good presentation.I would say finding yourself in that perdicement is frustrating.My best thoughts.

1) don't get lazy,install 100%.I know your cold,wet,tired but they are like hand granades if you didn't do right.

2) warm tires stopped on ice make for strange bedfellows,start sliding and who knows where you will stop.

3) If you use outriggers to jack keep in mind they will slid as fast or faster on ice,use resourses on job or alongside road such as sand or gravel.

4) this is the key,know when to say when.Tire chains are a great invention and required in many states in the winter months.Alot of indicators you can see by just looking around,cars sliding,in ditch,they are telling you something.A specialized piece of equipment such as pumps require more prudent actions.

5) http://www.carspace.com/videos/play!id=.59e575fe a video I found on car but trucks very much the same.Remember use them before you get in trouble.

Sounds like the chains are a great tool but can be dangerous or damaging! I would not mind having a set. I think I will do my best to avoid BLIZZARD PUMPING! 

Here is some food for thought...If you are traveling and chains are required and you do not chain up and get into an accident and kill someone, it's the difference between an accident and negligent homicide. Pumps are nice and heavy and dont travel to bad in the snow. Chain up and drive slow. Cable chains are the best but don't last near as long as real chains but are easier to install and remove.

Least not forget the fines are very hefty for non-complience of chain law/use