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Power-User

Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: 3rd rock from the sun,a small dust mote,in a small insignificant spiral galaxy referred to locally as the Milky Way
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A Log Jam Unstick Trick

01/24/2026 6:55 AM

I recently saw something I wish I had thought of; It is so simple after you see it.

A semi is spinning on a slick snow-covered road. The driver puts a properly sized log between the upper gap between the tires, acting as a gear to drive the forward set of tires at the same speed as the rear set. Simple but ingenious. So obvious once you see it. (hand smacking forehead !).

It seems like a commercial version would be a valuable item on a truck's tool inventory, of course, a set of tire chains should be required standard.

When a truck’s tires spin in loose gravel, they struggle to gain traction, often leaving the vehicle stuck. By placing a log between the tires and the gravel, we can utilize the principle of friction. The friction between the tires and the log provides a stable surface for the tires to grip, allowing the truck to push forward instead of continuing to slip. This method functions similarly to the use of a wedge in physics, where increased contact surface and applied force help move objects more efficiently. Rooted in basic physics concepts, this technique highlights how increasing the contact area between surfaces can enhance traction and overcome challenges, offering a simple yet effective solution in real-world scenarios. Follow @spacecameocommunity for more. #physics #friction #traction #physicsfun #sciencefun | Space Cameo | Facebook placing a log between the tires and the gravel, we can utilize the principle of friction. The friction between the tires and the log provides a stable surface for the tires to grip, allowing the truck to push forward instead of continuing to slip. This method functions similarly to the use of a wedge in physics, where increased contact surface and applied force help move objects more efficiently. Rooted in basic physics concepts, this technique highlights how increasing the contact area between surfaces can enhance traction and overcome challenges, offering a simple yet effective solution in real-world scenarios. Follow @spacecameocommunity for more. #physics #friction #traction #physicsfun #sciencefun | Space Cameo | Facebook

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Guru

Join Date: Jul 2016
Posts: 1367
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#1

Re: A Log Jam Unstick Trick

01/25/2026 10:43 PM

It’s my understanding that semi tractors are typically equipped with locking differentials that can be activated from the cab.

There is a drive differential for each rear axle.

From the Facebook video, I see the log is placed between the two wheels on each side or on the slipping side.

Maybe only Freightliners OTR tractors are equipped with locking differentials, though I would think they would be standard on construction vehicles.

Very clever solution!

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Guru

Join Date: Jul 2016
Posts: 1367
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#2

Re: A Log Jam Unstick Trick

01/27/2026 1:52 PM

It’s my understanding that semi tractors are equipped with locking differentials that can be activated from the cab.

There is a drive differential for each rear axle.

Assume the log is placed across the vehicle, between the rear tires, linking the 4 pairs of drive wheels together?

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Guru

Join Date: May 2018
Location: Under the spreading Bunya Trees, South Burnett, Queensland, Australia
Posts: 807
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#3

Re: A Log Jam Unstick Trick

02/23/2026 4:32 AM

We used to use a similar method to drive duel wheeled trucks over loose beach sand way back in the 60S, 1960s not 1860 as some wags have said about me. Just put the log between the duels and the sand and it acts like a railway track. Drive is provided to the log and the log acts as friction surface to the sand. Have got many a truck up a steep sandy slope.

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