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General Forestry => Firewood and Wood Heating => Topic started by: svart ole on April 22, 2016, 10:19:31 AM

Title: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: svart ole on April 22, 2016, 10:19:31 AM
This is what happens when two old guys have no adult supervision.


(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/38267/Photo_to_post~2.jpg)
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: r.man on April 22, 2016, 10:31:50 AM
Looks good. Does the saw travel down instead of pivoting? Have you run it much?
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: svart ole on April 22, 2016, 10:34:28 AM
Up and down on V rollers. Did a few short tests, waiting for the paint to get hard.
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: Gearbox on April 22, 2016, 12:58:41 PM
I am the other old guy .
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: svart ole on April 22, 2016, 01:00:53 PM
Point of fact, he is the OLDER old guy.
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: sprucebunny on April 22, 2016, 06:24:12 PM
Looks good !!
I like the brooms... my kind of engineering  :D
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: Ox on April 22, 2016, 06:34:02 PM
Good ol' backwoods engineering.  Lots of heavy steel in it.  I love it.  Any chance of getting a video up showing it in operation for us?
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: Gearbox on April 22, 2016, 07:17:55 PM
Soon as the paint hardens a bit . Just aired up the tires . Sunday ??
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: thecfarm on April 22, 2016, 07:46:42 PM
Looking forward to more pictures.
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: r.man on April 22, 2016, 09:14:19 PM
Ok I will be the one to bite, why BT-6870, is it first initials and ages?
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: Gearbox on April 22, 2016, 09:19:24 PM
r . man you win the prize . 2 blocks of split red oak but you have to come to MN to get them . Bob 70 Ted 68 .
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: Hilltop366 on April 22, 2016, 09:37:24 PM
Looks great!
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: lopet on April 22, 2016, 09:44:43 PM
Interesting design.    Like that lime green  too. :)
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: Deeprut on April 22, 2016, 10:49:49 PM
What kinda bristles are in the brooms?
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: svart ole on April 23, 2016, 08:52:42 AM
Deeprut,

Palmyra bristles, they resemble split bamboo and are quite stiff. The broom heads where available locally. Time will tell how the bristles hold up in the wet weather. The paint should help keep them from getting soggy.
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: Gearbox on April 23, 2016, 09:01:44 AM
Ace has them called driveway broom . Morning Ted
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: GAB on April 23, 2016, 09:39:32 AM
Quote from: r.man on April 22, 2016, 09:14:19 PM
Ok I will be the one to bite, why BT-6870, is it first initials and ages?

Is the BT-7072 on the drawing board yet?

The funniest drawing I remember seeing was of a toilet seat.  In the revision block for Rev A it read "added hole in middle".
Gerald
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: svart ole on April 23, 2016, 02:44:34 PM
GAB.

We regularly discuss future projects at or frequent planning and evaluations meetings. The meetings are normally held mid morning and or mid afternoon and most often involve coffee cups and cake pieces. Although bars, cookies and rolls are more often on the table. We seldom use the drawing board as a scrap piece of wood or the end of a block of wood is normally used. Design involves the frequent use of our two on board data bases and access to the whatworkshistory folder. As of late the individual files in the folder do not always open of the first try. I understand that this may be a RAM issue and is not uncommon in older models.
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: bigblue12v on April 23, 2016, 03:13:35 PM
Lol! You guys are a hoot! Wish you were my neighbors we'd get into a lot of trouble! I'm younger but we could make a BTE-697130 model! Lol
Anxiously looking forward to videos of it in action. How about details on the heart and soul in this thing while we wait on paint (engine, hydraulic system specs and layouts, saw details etc)

Eric
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: Ox on April 23, 2016, 06:17:08 PM
You guys are a hoot!  The wit and candor is always amusing.  Your wit, sir, is legendary.
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: Gearbox on April 23, 2016, 08:12:09 PM
You guys aren't going to get too many details yet and the vid coming up may be from a bit far away .  will release details as you guys pick up on them . It is different than most builds .
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: bigblue12v on April 23, 2016, 09:51:08 PM
Aww now don't be this way.... Propane powered? Aircraft engine? Rotary engine? Jet turbine? 3 phase electricity? Hydrogen powered? Diesel/electric hybrid? 2 cylinder John Deere engine? Steam engine (wood powered??!!! The irony!)
Kinetic splitter? You're killing me here....
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: Ox on April 24, 2016, 08:11:26 AM
It could be powered by a flux capacitor with a re-bi-cycling system for the headlight fluid, which in turn jettisons past the radiator at a speed just under the speed of light, allowing the manifold to spark sufficiently enough to capture the excess energy in a double wrapped electron storing device (a battery) which is used to energize a highly efficient light emitting diode (LED light), illuminating the lug nuts, thereby allowing the user to more easily check the hydraulic pressure in aforementioned lug nuts.  ;D
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: Gearbox on April 24, 2016, 09:53:04 AM
Gas powered with 91 @ 50 to 1 Amsoil . In a 272 Huskey . STAY TUNED
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: svart ole on April 24, 2016, 11:52:13 AM
I thought about this engine but the only place it would fit was on the gooseneck and that was not a option. Picture the guy in the blue hard hat sitting on the deck with a coffee cut in his hand. This is a long video so be warned.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xa9-pUGJQa8

There is one motor other than the saw that at this point is a 272 Husky with the option of other saws like a 394XP. Only one hydraulic device driven by the second gas engine and the rest is driven by DC gear reduction motors.

We have wet weather for the next few days with any luck I can post a video by the end of the coming week. As they say a picture is worth a thousand words. We promise not to keep you in the dark for too much longer. Maybe just a little bit. I want to show the critter in operation, I figure that will clear things up to some extent.  The setup is somewhat unconventional so there is no fun in just telling the whole story all at once, there is no entertainment value in that.

As a side note the tank engine in the video link above was used to run a sawmill at one point. NOT by me. Having a MOS of 67N20 the guy who bought it wanted me to get it started for him so he knew it would run. Had fun doing it. 

Some history on the engine here.  http://www.enginehistory.org/Diesels/Ch3.pdf
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: svart ole on April 25, 2016, 09:48:31 AM
Raining now and looks like it will for a day or two so outdoor video on on hold for a bit. But figured we needed some signs for the side of the machine. Tossed some tamarack in the boiler and warmed up the garage. Figured a nice wood V carved sign would be nice. Now that can be a bit of a job but not if you use the right tool. So here is a video of that process. Life is a learning process and sometimes embracing new technology is not a bad thing. As soon as the paint drys enough I will take a picture of the finished product.

https://youtu.be/l9Ob19N0O34

Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: WmFritz on April 25, 2016, 10:22:10 AM
You guys are killing me with suspense! The video is private.  :'(
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: Shotgun on April 25, 2016, 10:26:50 AM
Can't get to the video.  ;)
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: svart ole on April 25, 2016, 10:34:52 AM
First time putting a video on YouTube. Changed it to unlisted. Hope that works. I have not had my coffee yet so I am somewhat dysfunctional.
Well somewhat more than usual.
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: Jeff on April 25, 2016, 10:36:47 AM
How does the plastic snowman fit into all of this? :)
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: Gearbox on April 25, 2016, 10:42:44 AM
Jeff that snowman is the quality control engineer .
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: WmFritz on April 25, 2016, 11:25:05 AM
Svart ole, that engine story was an interesting read. At 6ยข a gallon for diesel, it was less then $12.00  to fly from Dallas to D.C. I looked  at a snowmobile in Naubinway Mi, with a tank engine similar to this one. I didn't look at it close enough to remember if it was gas or diesel, but now I'm curious enough to go look again.

BTW... what does MOS 67N20 mean?
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: svart ole on April 25, 2016, 01:16:48 PM
WmFritz

It is a Army Military Occupational Specialty 67N20 is a Single Engine Turbine Powered Utility Helicopter Mechanic (UH-1 Huey). With that you can be a Crew Chief/Doorgunner on UH-1B model gunships Among other things the prerequisite for that MOS was you had to have a MOS of 67A10 Basic Fixed Wing Aircraft Mechanic first. As a bonus it got you a all expense paid trip to South East Asia. 
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: svart ole on April 25, 2016, 01:30:57 PM
Ok guys here is what you end up with after all that commotion. This is one of two that where cut out of one 8 ft. 2X10 with a 90 degree V bit at one time after making a leveling pass with a surfacing bit. You have to V carve into flat stock or the image can end up very distorted as the width of the cuts are not correct when you are done. Then it is a trip to the planer or sander and hope for the best. If you skip that it is a good way of wasting a very expensive chunk of imported hardwood. You only do that once. As my Dad would say, "You never learn a valuable lesson unless it costs you something".

Yes, I do make signs.

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/38267/P_20160425_115310.jpg)
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: WmFritz on April 25, 2016, 02:51:23 PM
I'm glad I asked and thank you for your service. I've never heard it expressed as an 'all inclusive paid vacation before.'  ;)
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: svart ole on April 25, 2016, 05:54:37 PM
Ok so it quit raining for a bit and we put the signs on. Took a few pictures. I will feed you some a bit at a time.



Signs installed

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/38267/Goose_Neck_Sign~0.jpg)


Feed Trough Pusher Drive

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/38267/Trough_Pusher_Drive~0.jpg)







Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: Logger RK on April 25, 2016, 09:38:03 PM
Looks well built. It'll be nice to see it working. You's get double thumbs up from me just for the color  ::)
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: r.man on April 25, 2016, 10:39:45 PM
Hey B or T, what are the DC motors off of?
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: svart ole on April 25, 2016, 11:18:47 PM
Think about winch
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: svart ole on April 26, 2016, 12:35:46 AM
Next up we have the drive on the descrambler deck. Same DC drive as on the pusher.

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/38267/Descrambler_Deck_Drive~1.jpg)
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: svart ole on April 26, 2016, 12:38:11 AM
May as well give you a picture of the descrambler as well.

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/38267/Descrambler_Deck_from_Front~0.jpg)
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: svart ole on April 26, 2016, 12:43:54 AM
In the photo above the dog leg stakes are in the transport position and held in place by the straps for now. They will be rotated 180 degrees for normal operation. We found we could not purchase any ready made conveyor chain off the shelf so we made our own. The fingers we made ourselves the chain is standard #80.
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: svart ole on April 26, 2016, 12:51:20 AM
If I ever set up another sawmill one of those descramblers is going on the end of the log deck to make loading logs a snap. The lower end would be close to the ground and all you would have to do is dump your logs in and go at it. Maybe I should make a few and sell them to band mill guys.  ;D
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: r.man on April 26, 2016, 08:56:13 AM
Have you tested the descrambler or is it a known design. Now that you mention it the drives look like a winch with a sprocket instead of a cable drum.
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: barbender on April 26, 2016, 10:23:00 AM
     I live in the same area as these 2. With them being all enigmatic and mysterious about this process, and me having a few days off due to the soaking rain we got the last few days, I could do some sluething and find their top secret location and get some stealth pictures off the machine.
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: svart ole on April 26, 2016, 11:21:59 AM
r man,

Descrambler is a common design more or less. HF 2500# with drum modifications and propitiatory controls. :-X


barbender,

Give a call but be ready to sign a nondisclosure agreement.  ;D
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: WmFritz on April 26, 2016, 01:25:23 PM
Quote from: svart ole on April 26, 2016, 11:21:59 AM
barbender,

Give a call but be ready to sign a nondisclosure agreement.  ;D

blindsmiley
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: barbender on April 26, 2016, 01:36:44 PM
  I'll have to look you two up some day. We could triple the trouble we could get in. Plus, I'm not very smart but pretty strong, if that would be any benefit ;D  (Someone told me I was strong like Ox, smart like tractor ;D)
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: Ox on April 26, 2016, 07:16:26 PM
Heh.  Reminds me of a T shirt I saw once being worn by a big guy stacking sandbags in a flood area.  It said "I may not be very smart but I can lift heavy things".  Cracks me up every time I think of it.
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: r.man on April 26, 2016, 09:21:03 PM
Mine is " I am not very smart but I can lift heavy boxes."
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: svart ole on April 27, 2016, 05:04:55 AM
A few more pictures.

2 of 4 v rollers on saw mount.

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/38267/Saw_Mount_Slide~0.jpg)

Operators platform

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/38267/Operators_Deck~0.jpg)

Splitter outfeed right

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/38267/Splitter_Outfeed__Right~0.jpg)

Splitter outfeed left

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/38267/Splitter_Outfeed_Left~0.jpg)

Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: OH logger on April 27, 2016, 08:48:13 PM
prolly the dumb question of the day; but what are the brooms for? to center the log? don't laugh too hard but it is killin me that I don't get it.  :-[   I like clean firewood as much as the next guy but... :D
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: Gearbox on April 27, 2016, 09:54:14 PM
Yes the brooms hold the wood centered on the beam . Also with small wood I can put one on the beam then put two on top to be split by the 4 way wings . We were doing some small dead pine out of Ole's woods today and after a little tune up by Ole it started to work well . looks like it will kick out a 20 in. 4 way split every 11 to 13 seconds . May need to put on an oil cooler when the weather heats up .
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: Gearbox on April 27, 2016, 10:02:04 PM
I am going to have to screen those pics Ted put's on here . My back yard looks like a junkyard . Anyway guys that is the project row . The Bobcat is one of 3 and this one needs a clutch , the tractor needs a battery the 4 wheeler needs nothing but time for me to ride . The ford with the cab needs brakes and I need to be 3 more people .
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: DMcCoy on April 28, 2016, 07:40:17 AM
I like the pusher design for advancing logs, and the HF winches.
I like the brooms too.  I would never tell my wife if I was you but they might be really useful for killing spiders.
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: thecfarm on April 28, 2016, 07:51:30 AM
I like your back yard. OWB and all the other great stuff.  ;D
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: Ivan49 on April 28, 2016, 08:05:52 AM
Quote from: Gearbox on April 27, 2016, 10:02:04 PM
I am going to have to screen those pics Ted put's on here . My back yard looks like a junkyard . Anyway guys that is the project row . The Bobcat is one of 3 and this one needs a clutch , the tractor needs a battery the 4 wheeler needs nothing but time for me to ride . The ford with the cab needs brakes and I need to be 3 more people .

That is not junk. It is work in progress. I have an area the same as yours and that is what I have to tell my wife when I bring more home ;D
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: lopet on April 28, 2016, 08:47:33 PM
As much as we don't understand women  they don't understand men.  ;D :)
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: barbender on April 28, 2016, 10:12:32 PM
     Gearbox, I also need to be 3 more people ;)
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: coxy on April 29, 2016, 06:10:07 AM
nice work   its the first time I ever seen a goose neck trailer hooked up to a bumper pull  :) :) is that legal to tow down the road like that  :-\ not that I would ever do something like that if I would have thought about it ;D ;D
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: svart ole on April 29, 2016, 10:03:20 AM
Quote from: coxy on April 29, 2016, 06:10:07 AM
nice work   its the first time I ever seen a goose neck trailer hooked up to a bumper pull  :) :) is that legal to tow down the road like that  :-\ not that I would ever do something like that if I would have thought about it ;D ;D


It is no different than pulling a trailer with a long reach pole on on it when you think of it. Legal....... not a problem here. Although I would not be surprised that some states my think it is a no no. The only issues are paying attention to ramp angle drive up on a good hump may result in unintended modification of your tailgate. It also maneuvers like any trailer with a long hitch length. The real reason it has a goose neck is that the trailer came that way. I can see us converting that to a standard hitch at some point and we have another gallon of old guy green paint so no problem.
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: Ox on April 29, 2016, 03:15:14 PM
You guys are awesome.  The humor and banter is refreshing.  I wish I had yas for neighbors.  I just know we'd all get along fantastically.  Glad you guys joined the forum, as are others I'm sure.
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: Gearbox on April 29, 2016, 03:30:14 PM
coxy this is north Mn logging is ag in MN ag does not require much,  kind of like a farmer pulling  3 corn wagons behind a ford ranger . the cops can't be bothered . Oh ya that is me with the ford ranger full of saw's pulling a grain wagon with a 11/4 cord of green Red Oak . Just make sure you have a slow moving vehicle sign
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: Ox on April 29, 2016, 09:20:12 PM
Same thing here in the sticks.  Orange triangle (or not) and you're good to go with anything ag related.  That's the one thing the cops don't seem to bother with around here.  Everything else is game.  To a fault.
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: hedgerow on April 30, 2016, 05:47:59 PM
In the good old days it was like that around here the DOT was a small group that worked for the weights and measures  and just didn't have time and man power to worry about farmers. Not any more they are part of the state patrol and lots of them. They won't bother you if it is hooked to a tractor but if it is hooked to a pickup or a semi a slow moving sign won't get you off the hook. Any more I load my dozer on a trailer and pull it with a farm tractor because I can't scale it with the trailer and semi I have. Around here now the DOT will run the county black tops looking for farmers breaking the law. 
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: Ox on April 30, 2016, 08:07:38 PM
hedgerow - where is "around here"?  It doesn't tell us in your profile.  :)
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: hedgerow on May 01, 2016, 06:20:55 PM
Ox Sorry about that around here is eastern Ne. Here in the midwest Kans Iowa or Ne the minute you hook a trailer to a pickup you better have all the brakes and brake away devices in place a slow moving sign is no pass on the laws like it use to be. Not too many people in our area haul grain with tractors and wagons. Most of the time the distance is too far. Dot to the most part will leave those over loaded wagon s alone but not a over loaded straight truck. Not many single axle straight truck left. They just nailed the old neighbor two miles from me this last fall for the tune of $1,000 dollars for over axle and over gross. Can't be hauling 500 bushels of corn on those single axle straight truck. Dot was setting down by the local elevator so running the gravel roads didn't help him. He was *pithed he had been loading that way for years. I told him some day they will get you he said I don't go to Lincoln like you do so I am not worried.
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: Ox on May 01, 2016, 07:40:03 PM
Yep, sounds like a typical DOT story.  It seems they are revenue collectors more than anything anymore.  Makes it harder for us average working joes to get by.
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: Logger RK on May 01, 2016, 10:30:56 PM
I've heard in Minn,Troopers can go to Mill's & look at scale slip's & send over weight tickets in the mail if there over.
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: Ox on May 02, 2016, 02:08:01 AM
That is so underhanded if it's true.  Don't they basically have to "catch you in the act" to get anything on you to write a ticket?  I just don't know what to say or think anymore...
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: Gearbox on May 02, 2016, 08:00:44 AM
They do in MN but give you a wide margin . In the winter we can go 99 on 6 axel they don't write and send tickets until 105 or6 by that time you know your over .
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: DeerMeadowFarm on May 02, 2016, 09:46:37 AM
Anxious to see it working!
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: svart ole on May 02, 2016, 05:08:32 PM
While everyone is waiting for a video of the processor in operation I will give you something else to think about.

Did some horse trading with my brother today and this is what I ended up with.

No it is not some DIY deal. It is a International TC-5 "speed skidder" they where manufactured in Canada by IH in the early to mid 1960's. Based on a 500 crawler.


(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/38267/TC-5_right_side~1.jpg)
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: Gearbox on May 02, 2016, 05:19:31 PM
Got a little pile to do on Wednesday so we may have a vid then .
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: Ox on May 02, 2016, 07:37:19 PM
Now I wanna see that IH in action!  Listen to us, huh?  I want, I want I want!  Like a bunch of durn kids!  :D
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: thecfarm on May 02, 2016, 08:23:43 PM
Get that over in the Timber Havest Thread!!!!!!! That way I will be able to find it again.
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: Logger RK on May 02, 2016, 10:07:14 PM
My neighbor had one that looks identical to that   Skidder. I told him if he ever wanted to sell it let me know. He'd rebuilt the 4 cyl gas motor probably 10 years ago but only ran it a month or so & parked. I asked if he'd start it once in a while. Turns out not often enough. He said he was going to pull plugs to break it free. I go over a week later he's got most of it cut up for scrap. I told I'd seen one on Craislist the guy wanted $11,000. Said there collectors. He did save the Gearomatic 9 winch & arch & blade. Think he got less then $200 for scrap. :(
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: Ox on May 03, 2016, 12:31:45 AM
Some people, I swear.  :(
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: thecfarm on May 03, 2016, 06:45:18 AM
On no.  :(   :o   :-\
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: DeerMeadowFarm on May 03, 2016, 07:56:07 AM
That skidder is cool! It looks like something that Loggah would find and fix up!

Why does the rear rim have what appears to have a U-shaped section cut out of it?
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: svart ole on May 03, 2016, 07:04:33 PM
The hole in the rim is there for a reason just like to one in a sprocket on a regular crawler. You position it over the cap on the output shaft that runs through the clutch assembly. So you can remove the cap, pull the shaft and lift the clutch/brake assembly out the top for service. Better than pulling off a track and removing and sprocket and wheel to get at it.
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: svart ole on May 03, 2016, 07:18:23 PM
There is a post on the Forestry and Logging area about the TC5 if you want to post comments there about this machine. This thread is getting long enough without addressing both that and the processor here. In retrospect I should not have added that subject in this thread.
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: OH logger on May 04, 2016, 08:44:02 PM
Quote from: svart ole on May 03, 2016, 07:18:23 PM
There is a post on the Forestry and Logging area about the TC5 if you want to post comments there about this machine. This thread is getting long enough without addressing both that and the processor here. In retrospect I should not have added that subject in this thread.

I was wondering if gearbox approved the addition to the thread? you have to keep the partner happy you know :D ;D
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: Gearbox on May 04, 2016, 08:51:34 PM
gearbox is good . Ole is the photographer Im the operator {last week I couldn't even spell operator now I are one ]
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: svart ole on May 05, 2016, 04:20:44 PM
Here is some video of it out on the first little job to test it out.

Cut/Auto Split/Load

https://youtu.be/K6ZPhA2-Dis

Autos cycle on splitter

https://youtu.be/ciM9AZehzmc

Dealing with a crooked stick.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1t1XtSR8-g
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: Gearbox on May 05, 2016, 06:10:35 PM
Well guys With a small problem of forgetting to finish welding a sprocket on the hub I guess it worked as expected . I need to get all the switches and functions down then it will be better .
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: Ox on May 05, 2016, 07:00:58 PM
What a fantastic homemade machine!  Takes more than half the work out of it.  You two should be proud.
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: Hilltop366 on May 05, 2016, 07:33:15 PM
Great !!
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: Logger RK on May 05, 2016, 10:50:47 PM
Looks good
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: Gearbox on May 06, 2016, 09:34:52 PM
Well guys I just got a bunch of blow down to start on soon . The processer will be busy for a while . pics to follow
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: svart ole on May 06, 2016, 10:41:51 PM
Gearbox,

That is why I am going through the steering clutches on the TC-5. May just drop the belly pans and skid plates and clean the decades of compost it is carrying around in the bottom. As long as the tracks are off and it is sitting on the cement floor I can try out my new creeper. Sounds like a fun way to spend a Saturday.

The smoke rolled in late this afternoon from Canada and viability dropped to about half a mile or less. Had to check to make sure it was not from something much closer. So thick it made me wonder. I have spruce and pine plantation on three sides of me and a black spruce and tamarack bog on the other. Smoke gets my attention real quick. The house is going to smell like the boiler shed for a while.
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: DeerMeadowFarm on May 09, 2016, 03:30:19 PM
Looks great! How is your chainsaw counterbalanced?
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: svart ole on May 09, 2016, 05:47:07 PM
The large pipe/tube on the back side of the saw holds a lead counter weight. Cable runs up over a pulley on the top and hooks to the saw bracket.  You can move the saw up and down with one finger. Counter weight was made form small bits of stuff in front of the backstop at the indoor range at the gun club.  ::)
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: DeerMeadowFarm on May 10, 2016, 09:01:57 AM
Perfect re-use for those "small bits"!  ;)
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: Gearbox on July 08, 2016, 07:34:25 AM
Well Ole and I have been running the BT 6870 for a few cords now . It seems there will be a oil heating problem if I run more than a cord without a break in hot weather . Also the 4 way wedge is causing some problems . It will run a cord an hour . We will try to get a new video up soon .
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: lopet on July 08, 2016, 07:13:21 PM
With all those coffee and cookie breaks can't you just work it in between ?  :D :D

The oil on my blockbuster normally gets too hot at this time of the year, that's why it's sitting idle. ;D
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: Gearbox on July 08, 2016, 09:49:31 PM
lopet It was at 169 degrees the other day . oil won't last very long at that temp . Oil cooler made from a air conditioner condenser from a car on the [ drawing board] paper towel.
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: Gearbox on July 16, 2016, 10:32:08 PM
Well the oil cooler made from a car condenser did not work out very well . It is taking some heat out of the oil just won't flow enough oil . So I will reuse the mounting frame that is welded down now and put the biggest trany  cooler I can find at the salvage yard then will try it and see what it does . The temps were at 152 after doing .7 of a cord . More to come this week .
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: Ox on July 17, 2016, 03:33:42 PM
How about using a condenser off an a/c system in a large car or pickup?  High pressure if needed and might flow enough for you because of lines that are about twice as big as tranny lines.
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: Gearbox on July 17, 2016, 07:46:06 PM
That's what I used .The condenser itself has too small of passages . Tranny cooler it is . Going early tomorrow befor it heats up .
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: North River Energy on July 17, 2016, 08:54:56 PM
What about using a few lengths of salvaged hot water baseboard?
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: Gearbox on July 17, 2016, 09:05:56 PM
N R E That might work but I think the wife may have something to say about me useing our baseboard . Even if we don't use it in the summer .
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: Ox on July 17, 2016, 09:17:42 PM
Crap.  I'm such a dunce.  Somehow I read what you were doing as you using a tranny cooler.  Crap.  Well, I hope this next one will work out better for you.
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: North River Energy on July 17, 2016, 11:36:53 PM
What, no salvage yards out your way?
Craigslist, perhaps?
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: Gearbox on July 18, 2016, 08:05:56 PM
Solved the oil heat problem for now . Set up a box fan blowing over the cylinder , controls and tank dropped the temp a lot 142 degrees after a cord in an hour . I can live with that until I get a cooler made .
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: Corley5 on July 18, 2016, 08:51:03 PM
What about a bigger oil reservoir?
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: Gearbox on September 17, 2016, 11:00:16 AM
I solved the heating problem for now . Added the biggest tranny cooler I could find in stock at Car Quest . Added a second fan . Changed to ISO 46 oil . I am still running 140 plus at the pump body around 120 on the tank . We will see what happens when the weather warms up in the spring .
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: dave_dj1 on September 19, 2016, 06:49:55 PM
WOW, that thing is amazing, great job. I want to build one but I have no need for one..lol.
I have some parts already though. Just need some time and money. Keep the pics and vids coming, you know how we like pics and vids.
Thanks,
Dave
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: barbender on September 24, 2016, 10:37:13 AM
The BT-6870 in action, if my link works. Bob, was this the job right off of the River Road?
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=sEtEb6X68sM
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: Gearbox on September 24, 2016, 01:50:41 PM
Yes Birch and Tamrack . Ran well Birch not as well as Tamrack . Thanks for the help .
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: barbender on September 24, 2016, 04:27:35 PM
So the birch processed better, or the tamarack? Some of the worst stuff I have ran through my splitter is black spruce, the fiber is just tangled up and doesn't like to let go. And your welcome, all I did is copy the address and paste it into the post. If I can do it, I know you can figure it out ;)
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: Gearbox on September 24, 2016, 09:40:43 PM
Barbender Birch will not slide on the steel chute Pam cooking spray helps but it still tangles up . mostly because of small and crooked wood . Tamarack splits well and is just fun to run .
Barbender I can build machines but know nothing about computers that is what FF friends are for.
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: svart ole on September 25, 2016, 11:01:34 PM
New video posted yesterday.
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: dave_dj1 on September 26, 2016, 05:54:17 AM
You'll have to give us more to go on!  ::)
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: Gearbox on October 05, 2016, 10:34:19 AM
Dave what is it you would like to know .
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: dave_dj1 on October 05, 2016, 08:52:29 PM
I guess I miss understood, I didn't realize the video was already posted, I was waiting for a new one.
I dig it man, I want to build one for no other reason than the self satisfaction of building one.
Keep up the good work.
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: Gearbox on October 06, 2016, 07:40:34 PM
Last add on was a 200 watt inverter to run the oil cooling fans and a new battery . Will have to see if the Briggs has enough alternator to keep the battery up . Next update may be a while Deer season Grouse hunting and a little lumber to saw . SNOW expected tonight wood piles all under cover .
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: archertwo on October 30, 2016, 09:49:27 PM
Nice build. Seems to work well.
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: Gearbox on October 31, 2016, 11:08:51 AM
Archertwo is that processer built by you ? IF it is thanks I watched that vid on you tube and was going to use you saw mount then found vee rollers . Next mod will be a hydraulic adjustable 4 way wedge . If you look at the first post you will see the live deck is built like a descrambler . It tangles up once in a while , it holds almost a half cord .
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: archertwo on October 31, 2016, 08:13:31 PM
Yes, that's the processor I built. I tried putting in just a link but see the actual youtube vid is what I ended up with.
You or anyone else can use any of the things I built into the processor. Most of the things I used you can find in the posts on here somewhere. There are some quite knowledgeable folks on here that readily give out their information for others to benefit from.

My processor is still a work in progress. Doesn't even look like it did when I originally built it in 2009. All I was looking to build was a splitter with an elevator attached then a friend gave me a 5 handle control valve. You can't leave those with nothing connected to them right. :D :) 8)
Most of the initial framework is still intact and I added even more valves too.

I like your descrambler. I doubt it would work with the lengths of wood I use though. They are mostly 12 to 20+ feet long so quite a mixture. Mine also holds about 1/2 cord.

The 4 way is a pretty easy build however you set it up, whether the piston is above or below the wedge or pushing on a pivot point that moves the wedge up and down.
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: Gearbox on December 19, 2016, 07:42:19 PM
Just a update on the processer . It now has a hydraulic adjustable 4 way wedge . It will 4 way from 9 inch round to 19 inch max .  Just moved into my brothers sugar bush to clean up about 10 cord of blow down .
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: hedgerow on December 20, 2016, 04:11:55 PM
Gearbox We need some pictures of that 4 way and a new video of the processor with the four way at work. I hope the warm air is pushing your way. It is all the way up to 43 here in eastern Nebraska. A lot better than Sunday morning at minus 10 and the wind blowing. I may have to get back to working some wood myself. Have a great Christmas.
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: Gearbox on December 20, 2016, 06:21:10 PM
Hedgerow we have a heat wave here . Started every thing without a problem this morning . I think it was  20 this morning . One 1 ton load cut and split . Hydraulic issue Couldn't build pressure on low flow stage . took it apart didn't find any thing put it back together works now . Them darn woods gremlins got me .
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: Gearbox on December 31, 2016, 09:30:12 PM
Oh I just learned that I hate hard maple with knobs on it the size of your fist . A 18 inch maple + a 4 inch cylinder set at 3000 my welds didn't stand a chance . One of the knobs caught on the block holder and pushed the weld right off . An hour with the welder and a bit of finessing with a 8 pound hammer and went back and finished the job . Will think long and hard be for I do  another hard maple job . The last 6 logs were so dirty I sharpened the saw 3 times .
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: Ox on January 01, 2017, 11:18:41 AM
Dirty wood suuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuucks.  Cutting in the dark looks like 4th of July sometimes.

Nothing like some serious hydraulic pressure to check your welds, eh?  I bet mine would fail as well.  Would layering flat stock on around the worst places and welding it on help at all?  I fixed an old silage wagon this way.
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: Gearbox on January 01, 2017, 07:03:21 PM
I think staying away from hard maple is the way to fix the problem .
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: barbender on January 01, 2017, 10:26:07 PM
I've gotta catch up with ya' Bob, one of these days and see that beast in action ;)
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: Gearbox on January 01, 2017, 10:57:08 PM
Barbender I will let you know if I take it back out befor spring . I will start bucking and pile this week as the landing is full . I moved the Bobcat Friday and need to put the bucket back on to clean up the white stuff coming . 
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: Gearbox on March 28, 2017, 07:44:35 AM
One more update . I did 10 cord of the Ash that was ugly Forks and crooks . Processer worked well temp was in the 30 s and the oil temp ran up to 130 . Came home and started adding another 16 gal of oil tank . will give me about 20 gal total. I am shooting for 130 to 140 in the summer running the engine at 3000 . We will see at least the oil will only change once a min.  .
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: Gearbox on May 24, 2017, 09:27:56 AM
WAHOO I just got my 272XP back from rebuild. The processer will be happy now the old 044 is getting tired and has many broken parts still makes a spare . With the added oil tank the temp is staying down . starting on 20 cord of mixed Red Oak and Maple next week . Just about done with my wood for 2018 .
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: GRANITEstateMP on June 09, 2017, 12:20:50 PM
Good to hear you got it running well Gearbox!  Do you stack all your wood for next year or pile it for now and stack it later?  I try to stack mine as soon as I run it off the processor, it doesn't always happen!
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: Gearbox on June 09, 2017, 10:25:21 PM
I process wood for other people so I just run it in a conveyer pile . I push the conveyer side to side with the Bobcat so my stacker pile ends up about as long as the log pile . The 272 XP melted down after 2 cuts . Thinking there must be a air leak in the carb itself . It vacuumed and pressured tested good . 2 melt downs in less than 1 tank of gas .
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: barbender on June 10, 2017, 01:21:51 AM
That really stinks! It must be a bad air leak for it to burn down that fast.
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: Gearbox on June 10, 2017, 08:11:20 PM
Taking it to Detloff this time .
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: newoodguy78 on June 11, 2017, 07:17:34 AM
Big time bummer sorry to hear that.
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: Gearbox on June 16, 2017, 10:10:18 PM
Well the 272xp went to saw parts pile . My mechanic had a used 475 polan Yellow saw . 84 cc of pure grunt 18 inch Elm in 6 seconds . The BT6870 and Bob are happy campers now . OOOps I was mistaken it is only 75 cc.
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: barbender on June 17, 2017, 01:17:59 AM
I was thinking, one of those old big cube beasts would work good for that. Some of the big old saws you wouldn't want to run like a normal saw anymore, but mounted on the BT6870 they are restored to glory ;) I have an old friend that borrowed me an old beast of a Stihl once, I think it was an 084? I just remember it was huge, with no chain brake and a manual oiler. That thing would work great on a processor!
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: Gearbox on September 24, 2017, 10:43:17 PM
If any one builds a chainsaw mounted processer. I found out that if I ran just a small amount of wood without a mask on I would wake up in the night coughing . Went to a North mask with dust filters all is good now . I go through a tank of gas & oil in the saw per cord . That's a lot of saw dust and oil spray . JUST PROTECT YOUR LUNGS YOU ONLY HAVE 2.
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: barbender on September 24, 2017, 11:15:20 PM
I find the same thing with the sawmill, Bob.
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: hedgerow on September 25, 2017, 07:58:28 PM
Gearbox
A good reminder. I don't think it would be a bad thing to were a mask running a processor with a hyd motor operated saw. Seems like no matter how you position the processor the wind will give you a face full of oil saw dust.  Don't forget the ear protection.
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: Gearbox on October 24, 2017, 07:51:32 PM
Repowered the processer today with a Predator 13 HP . The old Briggs was getting tired and couldn't pull to 2500 psi . I put a 12 in block in cross ways and it held right at 2500 . Ready start cutting for next years wood .
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: hedgerow on October 24, 2017, 09:20:26 PM
Gearbox
You will like that 13HP  motor I have one on a cord wood saw and it has a lot of hours on it and zero problems. I run 20/50 Mobil one in it.
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: Gearbox on October 25, 2017, 09:17:48 PM
I am running 5w 30 in it for 1 tank of fuel then I will switch to Mobil 1  0 w 30 . I run that in all my small engines .
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: hedgerow on October 27, 2017, 04:04:12 PM
Gearbox
I have had good luck using Mobil one in air cooled small engines. Have a Kohler 25 with a couple thousand hours on it and in 70 hour oil changes it never takes any oil. Have a 25 year old 16 Briggs twin  that I should have put a hour meter on it but didn't probably gets 200 hours a year on it and all I used in it is Mobil one change it twice a year and it doesn't use enough oil to add any between changes.
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: coxy on October 27, 2017, 06:37:38 PM
Quote from: Gearbox on October 24, 2017, 07:51:32 PM
Repowered the processer today with a Predator 13 HP . The old Briggs was getting tired and couldn't pull to 2500 psi . I put a 12 in block in cross ways and it held right at 2500 . Ready start cutting for next years wood .
one thing ill tell you about your motor is take that vent tube that comes out of the gas tank and goes to the back of the carb other wise when the tank vents in the sun it will fill the crank case up with gas and hydro lock it i got one on my walk behind concrete saw and could not figure out how the gas getting in the oil after 3 oil changes in one day   i was sitting there and heard a gurgling noise and found it took the line off the top of the tank and that little vent shot gas a foot or so out of it so mine has been on hooked for about 6 years now
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: Gearbox on October 22, 2019, 09:36:37 PM
Just another bump for 2019 firewood season . With a machine that's built like this there are always things to change . I will be bringing it home during Deer season to change to a auto cycle valve . The linkage works but limits the stroke . Will need to start on a new splitter so I can change it out during breakup . The beam and wedge are just not strong enough. I have twisted the 1 inch by 6 inch main wedge . Right now by myself I am putting 2 cord on my dump trailer in just over 2 hours . that includes carrying the wood from the pile and loading the deck 4 times . 
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: hedgerow on October 27, 2019, 11:09:23 AM
Gearbox
 I assume when your talk autocycle your talking about the prince valve. I have owned two and probably wouldn't own another. The first one was a early model and they replaced it twice on the company because it wouldn't ever work right. The third one worked ok but took some adjusting on and off. A buddy bought that splitter and he didn't like messing with it so I took it off and he sold it. The one I currently have is on my processor and you have to adjust the pressure on and off. Right now it works good when you first start out and as the oil warms seems like the o'rings swell and it won't kick out when it extends. So I adjust the pressure a little and it will work again.Next time I start out I have to adjust it again. I do run a cooler on the processor to keep the oil temp in check as I run it a lot in the heat of the summer. I think this winter I will buy a o'ring kit and put that in and see if it will help. Just food for thought before you spend your money. 
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: Gearbox on October 27, 2019, 07:54:34 PM
It's on the shelf already . I hope it works . I have been told by other MFG to mount it vertical . That's what I am going to try .
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: hedgerow on October 28, 2019, 11:06:44 AM
Gearbox
I hope yours works better than mine does. I not for sure why they think vertical mounting the valve would make it work better. When winter sets in and it gets a little slower around here I may have to call them and see if they think vertical mounting and a new o'ring kit in mind would make it work better.The idea of auto cycle is great when it works but if you always have to be adjusting on the valve that doesn't work so well. Its a real pain when my helper is trying to run it and I am on the skid loader and he doesn't know what to do when it starts acting up. He doesn't want to start adjusting it. 
Title: Re: BT-6870 built by two old guys
Post by: Gearbox on October 28, 2019, 09:33:03 PM
I know a guy that runs a Wolf Ridge splitter and has 1800 cord through it . Has had no problems with it . Chris from Wolf Ridge will be my first call if I have a problem .