Still getting ready and awaiting completion of the mill. There are a few logs left here and there yet to be dragged, but have to clear a path to get them to the stacks.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/13641/tractor%20stacking%202.JPG)
I believe I will have plenty to 'practice' on when the mill does arrive.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/13641/close%20up%20tractor%20stacking.JPG)
Rather than to build forks to replace the bucket, this time I opted to build forks that attach to the bucket (ease of on/off).
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/13641/close%20up%20forks.JPG)
The forks are two pieces of quarter in. 2" angle iron welded together. I got the upward curve in them by welding the bottom first (full weld), then the top.
The brackets welded to the bucket are channels built from two pieces of inch and half angle iron. The forks slide into the channels and bolt in with 4 half inch bolts.
I wanted an edge up on these forks so they would break roots, etc. a bit better than the flat.
The center of the forks backguard is beefed up fer chainin' stuff.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/13641/front%20forks.JPG)
This contraption helps me get logs moved about.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/13641/rear%20of%20tractor%202.jpg)
As of yesterday's count, I've got 32 stumps for the stumper (that he can get to), and am ready for him to get them so I can level things out a bit.
I surely do need to turn them logs into boards. ;D
TCS,
I must have missed it in a previous post, what kind of saw are you getting?
Quinton
Quote from: Qweaver on June 12, 2006, 12:26:46 PM
TCS,
I must have missed it in a previous post, what kind of saw are you getting?
Quinton
Well, let me see if I can remember....Oh, yeah ;D, what I have ordered is a LogMaster, LM1 manual bandmill, with a trailer package and a 6' extension...and a box of blades.
Anticipation.....is making me wait. Wasn't there a song like that? How far behind is the order?
Well, when we made the deal, the ETA was 6-8 weeks. We're only a couple weeks past that timeframe thusfar.
However, I had set quite a bit of stuff up for that relative timeframe. But then too, I have been around long enough to thoroughly understand and accept that things don't always adhere to human time. ;D
I don't know about down your way, but it's been so nice out here it's hard to concentrate on work. Prolly a lotta fishin goin on.
Quote from: tcsmpsi on June 12, 2006, 10:50:57 AM
This contraption helps me get logs moved about.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/13641/rear%20of%20tractor%202.jpg)
How does that contraption work for you? That is kind of an interesting approach. You wouldn't happen to have a pic with a log in tow woud you? Maybe a pic from the back as well? Does it get tippsy with you?
You do have a good whack of logs going there. When the mill arrives, you'll be having a grand ol time 8)
Good luck to you tc ! I am really liking your homemade forks , yes sir ! :)
Well....I never have been a dyed in the wool fishing enthusiast. I've done a lot of it, but if I sit very long in one spot, that must mean (in my 'biological clock') that it's time to sleep. The fishing I've done, I like throwlining for catfish on the river and creek more than anything else, using them big ol' lunker crawfish for bait.
Actually...my wife's not here...I have always liked being grungy with sawdust and sap (even more so than fish slime). ;D
I thought I had taken more pics of the fork brackets (I took the forks off as I am working the pond in the evenings now that it's dry enough) and the boxblade attachment. BUT...seems they didn't transpose from the camera. In the picture there, brdmkr, the tongs are just 'resting'. There is a length of chain with hook on the end welded to the end of the short boom to adjust the height of the tongs, then it's just attach, lift and scoot. Actually, it works better than I anticipated. I'm sure that with a sure 'nuff big log, it might be a little weighty taking the front wheels up. But heck, that's why them tractor's got two brake pedals...so's you can steer when the front wheels are off the ground. Isn't it???
That is a whack of a stack you got going there!
Better start crackin' the whip on them boys at Logmaster smiley_whip
Unless of course they would like to sponsor the FF... smiley_idea smiley_mellow
I haven't pushed the FF envelope just yet with them. I figure on completing our current business before putting anything more on their plate.
However, as of this morning, my headrig is ready but are awaiting some upgrade components to the trailer/chassis.
And, of course, I did remind him that I had logs just sitting there looking all lonely like.
Hey, brdmkr, here is one of the photos you requested. Sorry for the delay, but it took me a while to get the next logs I needed to render.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/13641/log%20skidded.JPG)
That log is about 90 yr old growth, that came from this spot:
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/13641/log%20on%20ground%202.JPG)
One that Rita put partially down, hung in an old oak. What took so long to get it, was getting to it.
The path to the log:
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/13641/tractor%20path%201.JPG)
Of course, no path is complete without the 'fork in the road'
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/13641/tractor%20path%202.JPG)
Taking the path to the left,
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/13641/tractor%20path%204.JPG)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/13641/tractor%20path%203.JPG)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/13641/tractor%20path%206.JPG)
And one might ask, why go to all that for one (or two) trees. Well, it is because once one gets down in a ways farther, we open up into some families of these little jewels:
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/13641/tree%20to%20sky.JPG)
Thanks for the pics. How big is the tractor you are using? I think that log would pick up the front end of my 4600.
tcsmpsi.
The pictures are like taking a walk in the woods...thanks! It looks like you really enjoy "woods work". It is very gratifying work indeed. Seeing your work area and paths so clean I can tell that you like things neat. Wait till you see the mess your going to make with that mill ;D. I spend as much time cleaning as sawing it seems. Thanks again for the tour.
Greg S
Hey Greg...I just don't like tripping on stuff. ;D
I probably spent more time in figuring the 'path of least resistance', than I did in actually clearing. Actually, I was thinking the tractor path was pretty cluttered yet. ;) I had one standing recently deceased and one hung proper high in an oak that I had only Sunday to get down, render, haul and stack. Hauling the logs up helped 'grade' it.
To go much farther back, I have to build a bridge for the tractor. I have a couple of foot bridges.
I suppose you could probably tell, I don't like disturbing any more than I really have to. It is a pretty close fit for the tractor in spots.
Yes. I do like the woods. The farther, the deeper, the better. The 'silence' of shadows.
I thought somebody might enjoy the little 'walk'. Probably even smell it. ;)
brdmaker, I have a 7510 w/loader. I had a 6200 I bought back in the 80s in the building/remodeling business. Dug lots of piling holes (16"), set lots of pilings and moved LOTS of dirt inside forms, and lots of clearing. The 7510 is a little bigger, but still fits in the same basic area (moves around well without disturbing much) ;)
Yep. With a good load on the back, the front can come up, depending on how much as to whether I use counter weights (elevator weights), or just use the brakes to steer with.
With the log in the picture, since it is all uphill from where it was hauled, the front did come up a time or two.