Author Topic: My Wife's Hide/Part 1 (Read 12722 times)

Bigdave_185 · « **Reply #100 on:** May 12, 2021, 11:40:03 PM »

Quote from: KensAuto on May 12, 2021, 08:57:52 PM

Quote from: Bigdave_185 on May 12, 2021, 07:44:01 PM
Utah just had a UDOT week thing going on right no. Kinda like the click it or ticket deal. Trucks pulled over getting checked by UHP and full inspections at the ports. Been nice rolling past in a empty truck all week.

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Well that's not promising

I think you’ll be in the clear. Your not running DOT numbers and your under the weight gvw right?

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KensAuto · « **Reply #101 on:** May 13, 2021, 12:34:30 AM »

Quote from: Bigdave_185 on May 12, 2021, 11:40:03 PM

Quote from: KensAuto on May 12, 2021, 08:57:52 PM
Quote from: Bigdave_185 on May 12, 2021, 07:44:01 PM
Utah just had a UDOT week thing going on right no. Kinda like the click it or ticket deal. Trucks pulled over getting checked by UHP and full inspections at the ports. Been nice rolling past in a empty truck all week.

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Well that's not promising
I think you’ll be in the clear. Your not running DOT numbers and your under the weight gvw right?

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I sure hope so. Guess it doesn't really matter because my buddy is hauling this one. I'm hauling the RV. Haha

Bigdave_185 · « **Reply #102 on:** May 13, 2021, 08:19:33 AM »

That’ll make it easy to wave and keep going lol

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Flyin6 · « **Reply #103 on:** May 13, 2021, 10:22:51 AM »

Great job of organization there Ken. The Air Force looks for guys like you to help organize loads on their big cargo aircraft.

Sure is exciting building your own place, having to literally hack it out of the forest. JR/Me/You, Maybe Tex, a few others would know all about both the hardships you encounter and the satisfaction you get to enjoy!

KensAuto · « **Reply #104 on:** May 24, 2021, 12:41:15 PM »

Built a pad away from the future cabin site, tucked away out of sight. It's one of the flattest areas on the property, that's accessible.
We only had to cut out 3 feet on the uphill side to get the needed 20' width.

Only 20 trees were harmed in the making of these pics.

KensAuto · « **Reply #105 on:** May 24, 2021, 12:42:59 PM »

Had a mama moose and yearling stop by to check out the commotion.

JR · « **Reply #106 on:** May 24, 2021, 01:03:52 PM »

I hear they can be mean, much less with a little one. Beautiful, but be careful.

Flyin6 · « **Reply #107 on:** May 24, 2021, 05:33:02 PM »

Quote from: KensAuto on May 24, 2021, 12:41:15 PM

Built a pad away from the future cabin site, tucked away out of sight. It's one of the flattest areas on the property, that's accessible.
We only had to cut out 3 feet on the uphill side to get the needed 20' width.

Only 20 trees were harmed in the making of these pics.

Ken, that a SVL-75 or the 95?

KensAuto · « **Reply #108 on:** May 24, 2021, 10:55:50 PM »

75.... biggest one they have.

My goodness, this is one of the hardest, most frustrating things I've ever done.

Only took one pic today. Pure mud and rain. A real suckfest. And behind the schedule.

Flyin6 · « **Reply #109 on:** May 25, 2021, 09:07:56 PM »

Rain pretty unusual for that area :facepalm:8-0

Just push through it!

KensAuto · « **Reply #110 on:** May 25, 2021, 11:29:14 PM »

Quote from: Flyin6 on May 25, 2021, 09:07:56 PM

Rain pretty unusual for that area :facepalm:8-0

Just push through it!

Yeah yeah yeah. I hear ya.
Hey, I gotta complain to someone!

I may not get the roofing tin on, but we tried, and still trying. Setting the posts 3.5 feet down, perfectly plumb and spaced, with boulders and 6 inch roots at 2 foot was quite challenging, but just finished.

KensAuto · « **Reply #111 on:** May 25, 2021, 11:43:10 PM »

Had 4 loads of rock hauled in just so we could stay out of the mud. The truck couldn't make it all the way to the pad so we had to move it with the kabota...first layer was large, like 4-20" rock (they called it 2-6"), then a layer of 2 inch (actual) and then 3/4".
Ended up with a 6" layer after tracking it in.

KensAuto · « **Reply #112 on:** May 25, 2021, 11:48:37 PM »

As planned, we're staying in a small Airbnb cabin for the next few nights, to clean clothes and stretch out a little. Trying to take care of the free help. Almost had a mutiny yesterday.

JR · « **Reply #113 on:** May 26, 2021, 12:03:56 AM »

That does not look like fun. But you have to do what you have to do.

Remember, they are working for sasquatch!!

Flyin6 · « **Reply #114 on:** May 26, 2021, 07:09:59 PM »

Ken,

You and crew are real soldiers for nugging that out.

Kudos to all who waded around in that mess

TexasRedNeck · « **Reply #115 on:** May 26, 2021, 08:22:35 PM »

Way to suck it up Ken. That’s miserable. Looking really nice.

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stlaser · « **Reply #116 on:** May 26, 2021, 10:42:35 PM »

Ken, that reminds me of Indiana. I don’t miss it…..

Just remember all that builds character supposedly.

KensAuto · « **Reply #117 on:** May 27, 2021, 12:08:46 AM »

Thanks guys, once again.

Did some of my sketchiest work today. Looking back.... well... I don't wanna look back to be honest.

The peaks of the rafters are 16'+ tall .....mini x reaches 12.5 feet. Just high enough to put the headers on, like barely. There's no crains nearby, so....

...and if it wasn't for the dozer blade lifting an additional 8 inches, it still wouldn't have worked.

stlaser · « **Reply #118 on:** May 27, 2021, 12:28:48 AM »

Trailer was a great idea, I’ve made a lot of rafter booms from 4” x 1/4 wall square tube to mount on machines over the years.

Bigdave_185 · « **Reply #119 on:** May 27, 2021, 01:03:36 AM »

I’m not saying osha would approve but I sure do. Some times ya have to take a walk on the edge

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JR · « **Reply #120 on:** May 27, 2021, 01:06:09 AM »

Looks totally normal to me. Now if the skid was holding a ladder, still OK

dave945 · « **Reply #121 on:** May 27, 2021, 08:03:27 AM »

At least you didn’t have to make a pile of rocks to pull the trailer up on for additional height. You gotta do what you gotta do to get the job done.

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JR · « **Reply #122 on:** May 27, 2021, 10:58:00 AM »

Quote from: dave945 on May 27, 2021, 08:03:27 AM

At least you didn’t have to make a pile of rocks to pull the trailer up on for additional height. You gotta do what you gotta do to get the job done.

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That would be safe!!

Sammconn · « **Reply #123 on:** May 27, 2021, 03:04:04 PM »

I see nothing wrong here.
Well. Mostly.

That is some gross work.
The boots don’t appear to be 25000 extra pounds like red river gumbo but none the less a wet slog.
Good o on you and the crew for gittin’er dun.

Bob Smith · « **Reply #124 on:** May 27, 2021, 06:20:14 PM »

You are working in Idaho after all. If you live to tell about it, all is good.

KensAuto · « **Reply #125 on:** May 29, 2021, 01:10:24 AM »

Decided to stop at the 40' mark (length of trailer) after it started raining again yesterday. Supposed to head home tomorrow but going to stay another day.

Had to buy another ladder today to use as scaffolding because nothing else was working, trying to get the panels in place. It still sucks, but is what it is without a source for scaffolding nor man lifts anywhere close.... not to mention flat ground.

Oh, and it's a real bad time to buy 2x10s, as if no one knows. $200 for 3 sticks at 16'.

About 5 hours to go 20 feet:

KensAuto · « **Reply #126 on:** May 29, 2021, 01:16:18 AM »

...and a new load of gravel to smooth things out before returning the skid steer.

Bigdave_185 · « **Reply #127 on:** May 29, 2021, 02:07:35 AM »

Looks like a great parking place no matter how long it takes ya. Them trees are great

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TexasRedNeck · « **Reply #128 on:** May 29, 2021, 08:50:18 AM »

Ken that looks really good. Well made and will last a lifetime. Love the way its just tucked into the woods. You’ll really enjoy being able to stay in the camper. It will make it start to feel like a destination.

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stlaser · « **Reply #129 on:** May 29, 2021, 10:13:04 AM »

Looks great Ken

Bob Smith · « **Reply #130 on:** May 29, 2021, 10:30:12 AM »

Very creative Ken, nice addition to the place. Never enough covered area.

Flyin6 · « **Reply #131 on:** May 29, 2021, 11:20:01 AM »

Good job with that Ken

Better job at pushing through all that suck

You have Army in your DNA?

Sammconn · « **Reply #132 on:** May 29, 2021, 02:43:03 PM »

Looking good Ken!

This redneck approves of your scaffolding.

oklawall · « **Reply #133 on:** May 29, 2021, 07:33:07 PM »

Looks great

KensAuto · « **Reply #134 on:** May 30, 2021, 09:46:32 AM »

"Maybe a shorter trailer next time"...the voice in my head. (Less tall)

stlaser · « **Reply #135 on:** May 30, 2021, 02:11:07 PM »

Hey, you got it under roof now at least!

KensAuto · « **Reply #136 on:** May 30, 2021, 07:04:18 PM »

Quote from: stlaser on May 30, 2021, 02:11:07 PM

Hey, you got it under roof now at least!

Yeah buddy. Heading home now, a day late, with a lot of the other memorial day idiots.

Ya know, I don't remember Charles whining when he did the Casita roof so maybe I'll just thank the Lord we got as much done as we did, and no one got hurt.

Got the cameras set up and a bear fence hooked up. One already ripped the mini x fuel door open and scratched a Volvo decal off.

stlaser · « **Reply #137 on:** May 30, 2021, 07:14:32 PM »

Is “bear” the code word for H? Asking for a friend….

KensAuto · « **Reply #138 on:** February 10, 2022, 08:16:14 PM »

Hears a recent pic off my game camera.
When I'm griping about the cold here in Arizona, upper 30s, I look at one of these pics and promptly go back to work with a grin.

KensAuto · « **Reply #139 on:** February 10, 2022, 08:29:39 PM »

The reason I'm revisiting this thread is because of a new project.
I've been looking for a used tracked skid steer but they're hard to get right now. Some that would normally go for sub $20k are 35-40k.

Came across a semi worn out dozer so I went that route. It's a Deere 350C. I'll be able to haul it on the gooseneck, weighing only 11,000 lbs.

The choice was made because of the amount of meadow/tree clearing and trail making I'll need to do eventually, and if I need a skid steer they can be rented locally. Dozers can't.

My plan is similar to Don's. If I decide to quit working on cars, I'll start doing something enjoyable again. Having a small dozer and mini x should net a decent income in the area. We'll see.

KensAuto · « **Reply #140 on:** February 10, 2022, 08:37:47 PM »

So, started taking it apart this week.
I wanted the blade out of the way so I had to figure that out. The manual said to just "remove the blade". Turns out it has to be rotated 90 degrees to remove.
After that I removed the radiator, then spent several hours digging out grease from everywhere (several leaks....oil cooler, crank seal, hydro pump, etc) then steam cleaned it.
...filled up a tub just from the junk built up in the belly pan!

KensAuto · « **Reply #141 on:** February 10, 2022, 08:56:02 PM »

I then pulled the engine to check the flywheel isolator. Basically it's a clutch like disc, suspended by 5 large springs that absorbs the pulses from the diesel, saving the transmission (the disc hooks straight to the input shaft...the clutch is in the transmission). They are notorious for breaking springs, pins, and/or stripping splines causing engine lockup.
This one knocked real bad, but I guess they knock even when in great shape, like this one after seeing it.

Bigdave_185 · « **Reply #142 on:** February 10, 2022, 09:16:53 PM »

This should be a good one to watch. The simplicity of the old dozers is awesome!

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TexasRedNeck · « **Reply #143 on:** February 10, 2022, 10:35:57 PM »

Quote from: KensAuto on February 10, 2022, 08:56:02 PM

I then pulled the engine to check the flywheel isolator. Basically it's a clutch like disc, suspended by 5 large springs that absorbs the pulses from the diesel, saving the transmission (the disc hooks straight to the input shaft...the clutch is in the transmission). They are notorious for breaking springs, pins, and/or stripping splines causing engine lockup.
This one knocked real bad, but I guess they knock even when in great shape, like this one after seeing it.

Oil change

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Flyin6 · « **Reply #144 on:** February 10, 2022, 11:05:55 PM »

Right out of the blue...This is pretty cool

Right you are Ken, on several counts.

Machinery is sky high. My Kobelco that I paid $23K for then with repairs maybe $1500 more. I am telling people now that it is not for sale in the low 30's

Old machines = simple and they still do great work. Witness my old Case 1150B (Sarge) IT was a dirt digging machine. Pushed over trees like nothing. It did twice the work as my 100HP Kubota right about half as fast

Kub wins out because it has AC!

But a 500+ cu in diesel makes a sound that is addicting.

Ken, tell you what. I now plan to just buy a new CTL every two years. When it comes time to trade this new one in, I'll sell it to you for the trade in price...

KensAuto · « **Reply #145 on:** February 10, 2022, 11:51:58 PM »

Quote from: TexasRedNeck on February 10, 2022, 10:35:57 PM

Quote from: KensAuto on February 10, 2022, 08:56:02 PM
I then pulled the engine to check the flywheel isolator. Basically it's a clutch like disc, suspended by 5 large springs that absorbs the pulses from the diesel, saving the transmission (the disc hooks straight to the input shaft...the clutch is in the transmission). They are notorious for breaking springs, pins, and/or stripping splines causing engine lockup.
This one knocked real bad, but I guess they knock even when in great shape, like this one after seeing it.
Oil change

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That's what happens when you buy 2000 miles away.
I basically bought a freshly painted antique at a premium. It wasn't falling apart, but not up to Dave standards either.
Actually that's not quite true. The alternator was falling off, the water pump is bad, and the main crossbar that holds the track assemblies on lost 1/4" of steel to rust, and I haven't figured out what to do about it yet.
Oh, and it smokes blue under load.
...and the fuel tank looks pretty bad.

But hey, at least they changed the hydraulic and possibly the transmission oils!

Flyin6 · « **Reply #146 on:** February 12, 2022, 06:49:34 PM »

I dropped $16k into mine right out of the chock blocks

KensAuto · « **Reply #147 on:** February 12, 2022, 08:44:11 PM »

Quote from: Flyin6 on February 12, 2022, 06:49:34 PM

I dropped $16k into mine right out of the chock blocks

Wow.

So now the engine is tore down and the kit has been ordered, and the head is at the machine shop.

JR · « **Reply #148 on:** February 12, 2022, 10:18:31 PM »

And I thought I was ambitious with these?? I almost pulled the handle on one last week, just $3500. Just can't justify it right now with having 3 tractors and my pad/road is 99% done. Boy was I tempted though, Cat D4 (about the same size) but I could see the drive wheels were shot in the pics already too.

I have been following this guy rebuilding a 1950 D4, very cool. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apf3cJIaeDw&list=PLkzQBXOwxGo_DZVRcJsvQ2qsB0rQOpH87

Sammconn · « **Reply #149 on:** February 13, 2022, 11:30:18 AM »

That escalated quickly.
I see piston an sleeve, that’s not good.
Was this the knock?