[flatfoot]

Or maybe operator just had his reading glasses on trying to configure the auto-steer to drive around power poles!

Tractor Fire Near Outlook After Vehicle Hits Power Pole: SaskPower Live Line Tips - Local News - Westcentralonline.com

Or maybe the poor operator, just froze when he saw the power pole coming and didn't know what to do!

Or maybe ........

 

[offroadnt]

"SaskPower says drivers should generally avoid live lines,"

Really? I wouldn't have guessed that? Who writes this stuff?

 

[whatswrong]

"SaskPower says drivers should generally avoid live lines,"

Really? I wouldn't have guessed that? Who writes this stuff?

The same kind of guy that thought that tractor was backing up when it hit the pole.
The original news item said the pole was backed into.

 

[Don Boles]

O...K

The fire destroyed the tires.

Oh yeah.
And the rest of the tractor is in such pristine condition!

I am a bit puzzled, the tractor did not knock the pole down nor do see the assumed line that fell on it.
Sure looks electrical though.

Just so I know...what make/vintage was that tractor?

 

[wheatwhacker]

The fire destroyed the tire and SCORCHED the poll.

If that is scorched I would hate to see some actual fire damage. You don't suppose he hit the pole because the tractor was on fire and he lost control and got it stopped just as he hit the pole?? It looks like a direct hit with the tires you would sure have thought if he hit it as full field speed it would have knocked something obvious down.

 

[bdpolar]

There was better pictures on twitter. It was a CaseIH. Its a heavy transmission line that has double poles, the hood of the tractor hit the other pole and knocked it down, then the line must have fell on it. Extremely lucky for the driver to get out.

 

[Don Boles]

There was better pictures on twitter. It was a CaseIH. Its a heavy transmission line that has double poles, the hood of the tractor hit the other pole and knocked it down, then the line must have fell on it. Extremely lucky for the driver to get out.

Ah, I see, thanks bd.
Yes, very fortunate.

 

[lanwickum]

I almost hit a pole this year. I knew it was there. Was having problems plugging. Was looking backwards much to often. Looked to my side and the pole was only a foot or so away from the tractor track. My side mirror almost hit it. That will get you back on your toes for a long time.

 

[pete gads]

Nieghbour was seeding with a 52 ft air drill in dry dusty condition. Got to end of field made his turn and headed back to other end of field. On his way back seen fire trucks and smoke. Pole was down and grass caught fire. As he was makiing his turn seeder caught pole , knocked it down and he said never even felt it.

 

[f_armer]

There was better pictures on twitter. It was a CaseIH. Its a heavy transmission line that has double poles, the hood of the tractor hit the other pole and knocked it down, then the line must have fell on it. Extremely lucky for the driver to get out.

I was pretty sure he had a Versatile.

 

[handic]

It was a Versatile.

 

[whtbaron]

We've had a few power lines pulled down locally by folded air seeders, one pole knocked over by the same outfit... some guys just get in too big of a hurry when they're busy. The news clip says he was "able to survive". Anyone hear how bad he was hurt, if at all?

 

[Don Boles]

Anyone hear how bad he was hurt, if at all?

Not hurt.
Pride took a beating however.
Here's a pic from earlier in the weanie roast:

Tractor burns near Outlook - The Western Producer

Yep, a Versatile.

 

[Diesel Dan]

I've pulled lines down with the drill or field cultivator before, but never hit a pole!