???Mirror above mill to assist in loading with tractor?

[caveman]

I have been considering mounting a mirror, preferably like the ones used in hospitals to view around corners, above the mill on the shed purlin.  The fork rack that I made for my tractor works okay but it totally blocks my view of the forks at mill height and I have to be really careful when loading logs onto the mill.  I may try a truck door mirror until I can find a big, round one.  Do any of you have such a setup or were all of you smart enough to make your fork rack so that you could view your forks?

 

[beenthere]

Instead of loading logs direct to your mill, build a simple deck that the logs can be placed on, and then rolled onto the mill.
A mirror will also work for loading the deck too.

[wesdor]

x2 with BeenThere.  Build a deck and put logs there.  It saves wear and tear on your mill.  I cut some 6x12 pieces that are about 8' long and move them to the mill when I need to load logs.  (but I only have an LT15 which is a small manual mill)

[thecfarm]

I myself try to keep my tractor away from my mill. I am not the careful type.  :(  I put 2 logs that I sawed flat and I stack my logs on that and roll the logs onto the mill with a cantdog.

[caveman]

I have a portable log deck planned but for now, we still have to load with the tractor.  After the post I made earlier, I located a mirror and hung it above the mill.  Also, I hung shade cloth on the south side of the mill shed today.  It can be raised or lowered with the pull of some mule tape and a rope.  It needs another lifting point but I think it will keep the sun off of the mill and the stacked wood.

  

 
It was dark before I got around to hanging the mirror.  Spent a little time looking for the nut driver I dropped into the sawdust pile.  Trying to get as much done before I have to go back to work next week.

The log deck I have planned will have adjustable legs similar to the supports on a Wood-mizer  mill.  The thing that I have not figured out yet is the arms that will drop and raise to connect the mill to the deck.  We did run a water line and electrical wire to the mill shed this week.  Having water close by is a real asset and when we get the electricity hooked up that will also be a huge improvement.

[Kbeitz]

I had the same problem not seeing my forks.
I put a 12v Lazer light on the side of my bucket.
I have a momentary push button back on the dash.
When I push the button the Lazer shines on the ground
along side of the bucket at the same level as the forks.
It helps a lot. I'm also going to make a log deck.

[starmac]

I have one of those big round mirrors. I bought it an an auction at the university. I do not have a use for it around the mill, but mounted it in my shop, so I can look in my truck mirror and check all my lights before I pull out of the shop. Yea, I know I'm lay, but it is especially handy when you are working on lights.

[customsawyer]

I have been thinking about mounting one of those remote cameras on my forks. Don't know if they come wireless or not. I have lots more research to do.

[caveman]

Most of the rental vans I have driven over the past few years have had cameras mounted on the rear bumper that display on the dash.  There should be some of those available used that came out of wrecked vehicles.  I assume they are connected with wires though.  A camera showing the forks would remove some of the driving by brail.

Customsawyer, are you after the early bird award today?

[beenthere]

There are wireless systems.. even with small 7" screen.
http://www.amazon.com/Wireless-Transmission-Vehicle-Equipment-Forklift/dp/B00J94588M

Also hard-wired on market...

[Kbeitz]

Low as $60.00 on E-bay...

[Chuck White]

Wireless would work pretty well.

I got a back-up camera for my truck last Christmas for hooking up the sawmill, works good.

The camera is mounted on top of the license plate and a wire down to the back-up light wire and the sending unit is tucked up in behind the left tail light.

The video receiver is suction-cupped in the corner of the windshield and a wire plugs into it and goes to the power point (cigarette lighter).

[customsawyer]

Caveman 0400 is my normal getting up time.  So I am not looking for any awards but willing to receive them as long as they are positive.

[47sawdust]

Speaking of mirrors.......
A couple years ago there was an Lt30 for sale in southern Indiana.This was on Craigs list.There was a large rear view mirror mounted above the control panel.Curiosity got the best of me as I couldn't figure out why you would need a rear view mirror.Well the owner laughed and said his wife ran the mill and had to put on the mirror to keep from running over his as* on the gig back.Guess he was a little slow tailing slabs and boards.

[Chuck White]

I have had a rear view mirror on my mill too, I don't like to be surprised to get back to the hitch, turn my head slightly and see that there is someone standing there that was nowhere around just a couple of minutes ago!   

[petefrom bearswamp]

I have nudged more than a few objects with my forks which are out of sight from the seat.
especially when entering the lumber pile.
Remote camera if inexpensive as kbeitz has posted would be great.
I m heading for ebay as soon as i get through reading the current threads.

[caveman]

We have not sawn anything since I added the mirror the other evening.  A camera seems like a good idea but it would have to be easily removed-my forks take a beating.  One day they will be piling brush, the next they may be piling stuff into a fire and the next they may be fishing logs out of my pond.  I am usually pretty gentle with the forks around the mill.  The log deck should really help improve efficiency once we get it built.

We may saw a couple of oak logs Saturday.  If so, then I will get an idea of the mirror is going to be an asset.
Caveman

[Kbeitz]

Use a magnetic base for your camera.

[Larry]

I bought a mirror from Amazon about 3 years ago.  Its a big help and I really miss it when sawing away from home.