Author Topic: Hide/bugout site build thread Part 1 (Read 196737 times)

Flyin6 · « **Reply #350 on:** August 19, 2015, 09:05:54 PM »

Quote from: Flyin6 on August 19, 2015, 05:22:10 PM

Quote from: cudakidd53 on August 19, 2015, 04:10:36 PM
Boy, I thought 5 new students speaking 3 different languages was rough........I predict a "Hit or Miss motor" showing up down there in the near future!
Right now I have a hit or miss tractor!

Mike,

Words have power!
I am giving these no authority over my tractor motor down there!

I've run into this everywhere. You run stuff hard and it breaks. Simple really

Just don't drive yourself crazy trying to stick to some schedule

Flyin6 · « **Reply #351 on:** August 22, 2015, 10:43:43 PM »

Well, the carnige continues

I might be winning, hard to tell. I keep pouring $$$ into fixing things, and then beat back nature a bit more each time

So I am making steady progress.

This past week, we hauled most of the big pieces of scrap steel out.

I had the electric company disconnect and move the security light so I can cut down the pole before it gets burned when the house comes down

Here is the MX-6 bush hog after repairs

Flyin6 · « **Reply #352 on:** August 22, 2015, 10:46:38 PM »

I guess I wasn't moving fast enough...

Shortly after arriving at the Farm, I was under the tractor installing that new steering hose. I'm looking up and a big shadow sweeps over me and I hear wings flap.

I am sitting right beside the electric pole where they just installed that new security light and look what landed on top of that pole:

Flyin6 · « **Reply #353 on:** August 22, 2015, 10:48:45 PM »

I wonder if he thought I was dead and was thinkin' of snackin' on me?

He was pretty fearless. I crawled out from beneath the tractor, walked over to the truck to grab the camera and he just followed me with those beady eyes.

Anyway here was the culprit on the tractor:

Flyin6 · « **Reply #354 on:** August 22, 2015, 10:52:00 PM »

Sorry for the smudge marks on the lens...Hydraulic fluid

The new tool box was kickin' butt, at least for awhile, but I quickly found two weaknesses.

First was no wrenches bigger than 3/4" or 18mm

That's a non starter. The other is no snap ring pliers. I'll show you in a bit why I could have used them

I added a factory steering hose to the spare parts in the "Glove box"

Flyin6 · « **Reply #355 on:** August 22, 2015, 10:53:11 PM »

Got all the greasing, hose changin', Bush hog repair, and lost pin replacin' done by 1300

Flyin6 · « **Reply #356 on:** August 22, 2015, 10:54:21 PM »

About time for a new watch...

While going over the tractor, I examined the locust stump installed intercooler hole

Flyin6 · « **Reply #357 on:** August 22, 2015, 10:56:06 PM »

Boys were busy burning and shootin' stuff...Ranger had their back

Flyin6 · « **Reply #358 on:** August 22, 2015, 10:59:11 PM »

This freaked me out!

I was driving along the side of a field bush hogging. I was part in and part out of the trees.

I emerge and felt a "Weight" tugging on my sleeve

This demon possessed thing was crawling up my arm!

Look at the size of that

Biggest bug aside from camel spiders I have every seen!

Flyin6 · « **Reply #359 on:** August 22, 2015, 11:02:12 PM »

Next, this hose started leaking, the upper one. Failed packing I think

TO get to that fitting, you have to remove the top of that cylinder...which is held in place by a pin, secured by two snap rings

Yea...

No snap ring pliers

No fixey

No more using the 4-1 bucket for yanking down cedar tree limbs...

Flyin6 · « **Reply #360 on:** August 22, 2015, 11:05:03 PM »

Progress continues

The plan remains the same.

Improve the site

Widen the road

Get the camper down, then harden it some

Build some sustainment with a support shed, electricity, more and better tools,

Then improve from there

Nate · « **Reply #361 on:** August 22, 2015, 11:09:44 PM »

here is the info on that caterpillar you showed us.

https://www.google.com/search?q=hickory+horned+caterpillar&biw=1208&bih=708&source=lnms&sa=X&ved=0CAUQ_AUoAGoVChMIj-jKsZu-xwIVAdWACh1GHQhg&dpr=0.95

Flyin6 · « **Reply #362 on:** August 22, 2015, 11:12:38 PM »

Yep

Hickory horned DEVIL

I knew it was demon possessed!

Flyin6 · « **Reply #363 on:** August 22, 2015, 11:14:05 PM »

What about the bird Nate...Turkey Buzzard?

Nate · « **Reply #364 on:** August 22, 2015, 11:30:27 PM »

truthfully, I got lucky when I google'd horned caterpillar....?

Sammconn · « **Reply #365 on:** August 22, 2015, 11:34:44 PM »

Quote from: Flyin6 on August 22, 2015, 10:59:11 PM

This freaked me out!

I was driving along the side of a field bush hogging. I was part in and part out of the trees.

I emerge and felt a "Weight" tugging on my sleeve

This demon possessed thing was crawling up my arm!

Look at the size of that

Biggest bug aside from camel spiders I have every seen!

Wow! That is one nasty looking bug!
Can't say I've ever heard of it, go figure not partial to this climate.
And it sure is size large!
Sheesh.

TexasRedNeck · « **Reply #366 on:** August 22, 2015, 11:47:18 PM »

Reminds me of the time I walked the course behind the ropes with Lee Trevino. While waiting on the group in front, Trevino looked up to see a vulture and remarked: "look, it's the official bird of the Sr. PGA tour!"

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Nate · « **Reply #367 on:** August 23, 2015, 12:06:55 AM »

at least he has a sense of humor?

Flyin6 · « **Reply #368 on:** August 23, 2015, 11:04:02 AM »

I know the feeling

Can't help feeling that bird thought I was a meal!

cudakidd53 · « **Reply #369 on:** August 23, 2015, 11:07:55 AM »

Quote from: Flyin6 on August 23, 2015, 11:04:02 AM

I know the feeling

Can't help feeling that bird thought I was a meal!

Vultures are guided by smell primary, sight secondary............so just don't smell dead!

Dawg25385 · « **Reply #370 on:** August 24, 2015, 01:14:31 PM »

That is one of the gnarliest looking grubs i've ever seen!

Sammconn · « **Reply #371 on:** August 24, 2015, 01:46:32 PM »

More on the topic, that's a nasty hole in the intercooler. Did it kind of self heal? Or is it leaking some like I'd expect? And is is playing havoc on engine efficiency?

Bunch of random thoughts, but could it be soldered in situ or will it need to come off.

KensAuto · « **Reply #372 on:** August 24, 2015, 02:32:52 PM »

That poooor tractor. wow!

...and that's a big crawly thing no doubt!

Flyin6 · « **Reply #373 on:** August 25, 2015, 09:44:56 AM »

Quote from: Sammconn on August 24, 2015, 01:46:32 PM

More on the topic, that's a nasty hole in the intercooler. Did it kind of self heal? Or is it leaking some like I'd expect? And is is playing havoc on engine efficiency?

Bunch of random thoughts, but could it be soldered in situ or will it need to come off.

It is somewhat pinched off, but leaking a bit

The engine was running hotter than normal. Turbo charge air actually cools the combustion (More air) and with the leak, no doubt has an incorrect air/fuel ratio.

I did find a ton of crap between the oil cooler and the radiator, cleaned that and the engine instantly ran cooler.

I think you could JB weld the ends closed and be done with it. Its only 20 to maybe 30 psi tops...

KensAuto · « **Reply #374 on:** August 25, 2015, 10:30:43 AM »

Yeah, I bet they want a pretty penny for one of those.

If the jb doesn't work, find a rad shop that does aluminum. They can cut an access hole in the tanks, at each end of the tube, and weld it shut from the inside.

Sammconn · « **Reply #375 on:** August 25, 2015, 11:50:09 AM »

Quote from: KensAuto on August 25, 2015, 10:30:43 AM

Yeah, I bet they want a pretty penny for one of those.

If the jb doesn't work, find a rad shop that does aluminum. They can cut an access hole in the tanks, at each end of the tube, and weld it shut from the inside.

^ what Ken says may be the best solution as I would expect this piece of aluminum to be worth is weight in gold.

TexasRedNeck · « **Reply #376 on:** August 25, 2015, 09:44:12 PM »

I'm thinking tractor "fluid change"! Don, I'm sure you can get an aftermarket intercooler and make it bigger and better. Maybe a bigger turbo while you are at it....or compounds....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8QTprCYgD8

moto123 · « **Reply #377 on:** August 26, 2015, 01:41:10 PM »

Are you seriously giving him excuses to avoid starting up square d?!? You gotta start one engine before you tear apart another!

Flyin6 · « **Reply #378 on:** August 31, 2015, 10:09:35 PM »

Continued land prep down at the hide site.

It is a never ending process of maintenance like fixing the road or bush hogging and prepping the site where I will build and pushing back nature which is proving to be relentless

I managed to prep another 300 meters of road and cut back 2.5 fields from 5 foot tall weeds and grass.

Flyin6 · « **Reply #379 on:** August 31, 2015, 10:10:46 PM »

Fields are getting back into shape

Flyin6 · « **Reply #380 on:** August 31, 2015, 10:12:22 PM »

The barn is in poor shape. I plan to remove the siding and use the good pieces to trim out the inside of the cabin, in a few rooms

Flyin6 · « **Reply #381 on:** August 31, 2015, 10:14:24 PM »

While clearing the land of debris and trash, I came across several old disc/plows. I hesitate to sell them for scrap iron. I wonder if they have any value as an antique??

Flyin6 · « **Reply #382 on:** August 31, 2015, 10:16:03 PM »

Speaking of scrap metal, I trashed out that brand new bush hog wheel yoke...again!

Flyin6 · « **Reply #383 on:** August 31, 2015, 10:17:20 PM »

The bush hog and tractor is starting to look "well used" Not necessarily "Used-Well!"

Flyin6 · « **Reply #384 on:** August 31, 2015, 10:18:37 PM »

I yanked off the damaged intercooler. I'll repair it and bolt it back on next time I go down there

rasimmo · « **Reply #385 on:** August 31, 2015, 10:20:11 PM »

I think you would be better off building your own tail wheel yoke.

Flyin6 · « **Reply #386 on:** August 31, 2015, 10:20:12 PM »

Now, at least I can pretty safely drive all over the property without fear of trashing out the Chevy...which is a definite improvement.

Sammconn · « **Reply #387 on:** August 31, 2015, 10:32:14 PM »

Depending on the seriousness of the corrosion in the disc bearings, they may be of use for breaking sod for garden etc. They cut stuff up pretty good when functioning properly.

KensAuto · « **Reply #388 on:** August 31, 2015, 10:43:26 PM »

That's what I was thinking...put them to work, if needed ?.?.?

OldKooT · « **Reply #389 on:** September 01, 2015, 10:35:45 AM »

Some plows have some collector value in certain areas of the country. Depends entirely on what they are and condition. Horse drawn being the usual era of some value.

As example we have two old plows as "yard art" here along with a Conestoga wagon and a old bang board wagon. They were all used/owned by my forefathers so.... yard art they are LoL

I am with Ken, straighten out lube and use that disk. Yr Dmax could pull it.

Flyin6 · « **Reply #390 on:** September 01, 2015, 10:39:35 AM »

Quote from: OldKooT on September 01, 2015, 10:35:45 AM

Some plows have some collector value in certain areas of the country. Depends entirely on what they are and condition. Horse drawn being the usual era of some value.

As example we have two old plows as "yard art" here along with a Conestoga wagon and a old bang board wagon. They were all used/owned by my forefathers so.... yard art they are LoL

I am with Ken, straighten out lube and use that disk. Yr Dmax could pull it.

I think they may be a bit far gone...Maybe I'll check em' out closer

Plan to purchase a 3 bottom plow, a tiller, and a disc to start the growing project down there

Was thinking of putting in a couple rows of Lilac. If it doesn't melt down, then good money...If it does go Ka-Plouey, then the place will smell great in April!

OldKooT · « **Reply #391 on:** September 01, 2015, 10:58:17 AM »

How many acres do you foresee being worked for food growth?

BobbyB · « **Reply #392 on:** September 01, 2015, 12:03:52 PM »

Quote from: Flyin6 on September 01, 2015, 10:39:35 AM

I think they may be a bit far gone...Maybe I'll check em' out closer

Plan to purchase a 3 bottom plow, a tiller, and a disc to start the growing project down there

Was thinking of putting in a couple rows of Lilac. If it doesn't melt down, then good money...If it does go Ka-Plouey, then the place will smell great in April!

I've seen worse discs being used to break up the ground. Clean them up, check the mounts put behind the tractor and pull away. They might need a little TLC but it'll save you some money in the long run, in my opinion. Unless they are completely rotted through, and to me they don't look that bad; well in the pics anyway.

Flyin6 · « **Reply #393 on:** September 01, 2015, 03:35:25 PM »

Quote from: OldKooT on September 01, 2015, 10:58:17 AM

How many acres do you foresee being worked for food growth?

It could get up to 60-70, but likely with a critter pen or two and a bigger pond, I'd keep maybe an acre for our garden then maybe 20 or so for a real food field, then the rest free roam or critter pasture

cudakidd53 · « **Reply #394 on:** September 01, 2015, 03:46:59 PM »

Mowing strategy to avoid tragedy.......don't try and mow the whole place each time! Section fields up with 2-3 contoured parts following the perimeter/contour of each field- drop a forward gear, up your rpms - slow down and enjoy the mowing without racing to get it all in between repairs. I used to be part of a training lease where you mowed as part of your payment to train dogs on the place. 260 acres, trees, tree lines and sculpted edges around "objectives" for the dogs to run. Once I slowed down, I broke down less and actually spent more time mowing, less time fixing. 3 laps around everything each time out, next time 3 laps around next section inside everything cut last trip and so on- always cut roadway/paths, but bulk of fields only went totally away once/twice a season with the edges being contoured as above so that cover thin in middle field, edges grew-up tapered for wildlife etc. Restarted every season along the tree-lines so that the tapered effect/rotation was consistent. Lease I was at was enrolled in CRP Program, so some areas stayed uncut until the next year- not thinking you'd go that route, but you could generate cash that way if you'd want to.

IF, you should find a farmer in said area that you trust, you could arrange for them to come and cut the bulk of it for hay and save yourself some of that time and hassle- or you could hay it yourself and sell it, but equipment for such is costly, dangerous to operate/maintain and nasty hot work unless you enjoy doing it. Another option, is to burn those fields- would bring back prairie quite quickly, with new growth producing top quality wildlife habitat and hay that a farmer might be interested in, without the cost of planting alfalfa etc. and said farmer MAY actually pay you something for taking the hay off of it. Norm could probably give you the straight path on this tack should you be interested.

(Sorry for droning on, needed mental break from "Diabetes and You" video for work!)

Dawg25385 · « **Reply #395 on:** September 01, 2015, 04:07:05 PM »

Wondering... would a sickle-bar be any faster/more efficient in cutting your pastures than the brush hog?

EDIT: nevermind, answered my own question... brush hog faster/less maintenance

BobbyB · « **Reply #396 on:** September 01, 2015, 05:21:11 PM »

Quote from: cudakidd53 on September 01, 2015, 03:46:59 PM

or you could hay it yourself and sell it, but equipment for such is costly, dangerous to operate/maintain and nasty hot work unless you enjoy doing it. Another option, is to burn those fields- would bring back prairie quite quickly, with new growth producing top quality wildlife habitat and hay that a farmer might be interested in, without the cost of planting alfalfa etc. and said farmer MAY actually pay you something for taking the hay off of it. Norm could probably give you the straight path on this tack should you be interested.

Yay field work.... oh wait.. I'm not falling for this again.

cudakidd53 · « **Reply #397 on:** September 01, 2015, 06:39:53 PM »

Quote from: BobbyB on September 01, 2015, 05:21:11 PM

Quote from: cudakidd53 on September 01, 2015, 03:46:59 PM
or you could hay it yourself and sell it, but equipment for such is costly, dangerous to operate/maintain and nasty hot work unless you enjoy doing it. Another option, is to burn those fields- would bring back prairie quite quickly, with new growth producing top quality wildlife habitat and hay that a farmer might be interested in, without the cost of planting alfalfa etc. and said farmer MAY actually pay you something for taking the hay off of it. Norm could probably give you the straight path on this tack should you be interested.

Yay field work.... oh wait.. I'm not falling for this again.

That type of work taught me about the bale tossers refrigerated bottle - glass gallon jug wrapped in wet burlap set in shade - nice cool drink! OR, I was just so hot that air temp. water tastes really cold....? Either way, great work-out/weight loss plan..........if you're young.

Wilbur · « **Reply #398 on:** September 01, 2015, 09:06:54 PM »

Hey Don when you get raisin' critters look at a rest rotation grazing system.....can carry more animals per acre an use the leftover to generate winter feed if you want.

Gotta love all us armchair quarterbacks telling you how to use YOUR land! ;D

BobbyB · « **Reply #399 on:** September 02, 2015, 03:05:51 AM »

Quote from: cudakidd53 on September 01, 2015, 06:39:53 PM

That type of work taught me about the bale tossers refrigerated bottle - glass gallon jug wrapped in wet burlap set in shade - nice cool drink! OR, I was just so hot that air temp. water tastes really cold....? Either way, great work-out/weight loss plan..........if you're young.

Part of living in a farming area was field work.. lol