Physics problem: Why pulling a chain attached to a tree stump that went over a mound of dirt in between caused rear bumper to bend upwards?

I know this might sound like a really stupid question. but I had read online that having something for the chain to "go over" in between while pulling it out of ground would give it more leverage from an upward angle and was told that this upward pulling (instead of straight forward) would cause the stump to come out much easier since pulling up is best. but INSTEAD what happened is it bent my bumper upwards. EXTRA QUESTION: SO, WOULD I BE ABLE TO "STRAIGHTEN OUT" BENT REAR BUMPER NOW BY PULLING DIRECTLY WITHOUT THE MOUND OF DIRT IN BETWEEN? WHY OR WHY NOT? ******************** so should I be able to bend the bumper brackets back straight again by pulling with chain attached to a lower point ? (like not pulling it over a mound of dirt this time, but make sure the chain is at a lower point? I mean in that case it would bed it downwards?) so should I be able to bend the bumper brackets back straight again by pulling with chain attached to a lower point ? (like not pulling it over a mound of dirt this time, but make sure the chain is at a lower point? I mean in that case it would bed it downwards?)
Answers

Joe

I'm thinking that the line of force between where you connected the chain to your bumper, and the point where your bumper connects to the frame of your truck was at an upward angle. The mound of dirt probably had little to do with it. If you have some kind of energy absorbing bumpers, you'll probably have to replace some parts. They are designed to be pushed, not pulled.

ignoramus

The bumper bent because the tree stump is stronger - MUCH stronger - than your bumper. Why on earth do you reckon that more pulling will send it back into shape. No, you'll just make the problem worse. You need to get a proper mechanic to look at your bumper ; it may not even BE repairable, in which case you will have to get a new one. And stop trying to extract tree stumps without knowing what you are doing and get some proper equipment, or an expert. Tree stumps are stronger than you - and smarter.