On Tuesday, this 22T machine got itself stuck whilst trying to rescue one of the dumpers, which had also gotten stuck whilst moving sand back down the beach. After various rescue attempts using equipment on site, they saved the dumper but unfortunately the machine remained stuck. Those who know this area will also know its called Weston-super-mud for a reason!
AJ Autos of Weston were approached by the operator on Tuesday evening, asking if they could recover the machine. By this time, the tide was coming in and it was deemed too dangerous or late for any rescue plan to be made or attempted. We were contacted by AJs that night, asking out thoughts and if we could assist them with making a plan and some heavy tackle for the recovery.
So, the early hours of Wednesday saw Richard and Elliot heading to Weston ready for the low tide which was early afternoon. The plan was to use a smaller 13T machine to clean up around the stuck machine, whilst a pump was used to remove excess water. We then rigged the Foden with a 4 part line using the 2 dumpers as deadmen. We also had another recovery vehicle further up the beach as back up incase we encountered a problem or breakdown with any of the kit.
Large bog mats we placed under the cables to assist with a bit of lift and also a platform for the machine to be dragged on to. Once rigged, we then attached the small machine via a strap to the dipper arm as a safety precaution, just incase the machine decided to do anything silly like fall over!
The 50T machine assisted with some lift whilst also preventing the dipper arm from digging in and causing damage or other problems.
Everything went to plan and there was only minor problems which are always expected on jobs of this type.
Once recovered, the final drives were removed and the 50T machine towed it to the top were it was to be removed by a low loader the next day.
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