snatch recovery with automatic transmission

[jsttry]

I haven't had to do it yet but wondering if there is any different process to use when using an auto to do snatch recovery. Normally you put the clutch in and the car bounces back if the snatch doesn't work. I'm assuming there would be a lot of load with the strap still fully extended and then having to go up to Neutral to take the load off?

Hope that makes sense.

[Gwagensteve]

Just back off the throttle, revs drop below stall speed and if the strap has much tension on it it will pull you back wnough for the tension to drop then you can pull reverse to have another go.

Unless you have an extremely tight converter or 11billion:1 reduction gears, the car won't pull hard enough in gear at idle to keep much tension on the strap - you will pull N or R with no problem.

It's never been a problem for me in years of dirving auto offroad, or any other auto I've seen.

You won't know until you try!

Steve.

[jsttry]

thanks steve. Will do some tests to see what its like. Never had to do a snatch with an auto before and now have an auto T/D 80 series cruiser so thought I'd ask the question.

[GUJohnno]

Most snatch recoveries only need a gentle pull and low 1st gear will do it easy.
There's not really anything you need to do different.

[A12]

With an auto can you do a 'gentle' snatch. I have used this on the sand several times to recover 'soft-roaders' without recovery hoods, just the tie down loops. It reduces the sudden application of the load.

1. Connect up snatch to both vehicles.
2. Stuck vehicle selects appropriate gear (N if manual, D is auto)
3. Stuck vehcile puts on brakes and holds them on.
4. Pulling vehicle slowley takes up slack, then pulls the strap tight till you can't go forward anymore (use year head here, full throttle ona V8 is too much).
5. Stuck vechile releases brakes and used energy in strap, to 'pop' them out, and as they move forwards, the pulling vehicle can move forwards as well.

The ability of the auto in the pulling vehicle allows you to put a lot of energy in the strap, and as the stuck vehicle moves, you move forwards to retension the strap....would not work for a very stuck vechile, however works well to pull out a Honda CRV that has overheated the 2nd diff and bogged them selves in the middle of the track....or a commodore that is a company car....

When snatching bigger vehicles, it is the same process as normal, but you can use this first to reduce the stress on all concerned if all they need as a little help...

Greg