Hide Site/Bug-out location Construction, Part 4

[Flyin6]

The next morning, it was not cool and shady, but we gutted it out anyway and punched out the roof metal

[Flyin6]

I then installed some metal tabs to mo-better wind proof this big wing I just tempted mother nature with

[Flyin6]

True to my desire to always improve my werkin-abilitiee, I added the chalk line and estwing rock hammer, and a couple other things which I forgot about just after drinkin' this smooth eight o'clock quoffee

[Flyin6]

If nothing else all this stuff adds color...Like man cave art

[Flyin6]

Next, I reinstalled that bent up tractor part, and guess what? The uppin and downin' lever now raises and lowers the three point and belly mount higher and lower. Makes me wonder if it was ever installed correctly until just now???

And remember those pesky belt guarde that are always falling off and gettin' runned over? Well, I nutted them in place with some Kintucky torque and was off to the races!

[Flyin6]

Oh yea, I added this thing for some reason...

[Flyin6]

^^^ That thing right there will mill a layer of skin off your right knee with every turn. I had to quit mowin' when I exceeeded the maximum millable depth of my eppy-dermis. But before that, I got the grass cut!

[Flyin6]

Yea, the old house is comin' down soon...

I had 30+ tons of #57 gravel hauled in because I had too much money in my bank account, and there is no faster way other than outright burning your cash, than to have materials hauled in!

[Flyin6]

I think I'd like to buy one of those things.

Man charges me $100 per load to haul the stuff in.

Gravel itself is practically free. Just dollars per ton.

Iffins I bought a truck, I could just pay for it out of the fees I pay for having it hauled.

Secondly every time someone delivers something, someone else gets to see the place and say, "Wow, I had no idea anything like this was back here!" Of course what you don't hear is what is going on in their mind, "Can't wait to tell all my buddies about this, looks like this boy has loads of money...I wonder if Jonny is out of prison yet, he'd love to know about this..."

So, anyway, I started to spread it around my "Staircase" and some other places

[Flyin6]

I was moving gravel beneath the pergola, leveling that up, when this moved in:

[Flyin6]

I did manage to install a new higher capacity chem pump onto the sprayer, and kill a bunch of useless weeds

[Flyin6]

And get a bit of cleaning and maintenance done on the little tractor loader

[JR]

Roof looks good and those straps will save you some headaches.

[Dawg25385]

Lookin good!

Hey, why not just get a large dump trailer? More trips, but more versatile too maybe? You can get a 14k Gross (10k payload) bumper pull (http://www.bigtextrailers.com/14lx-tandem-axle-low-profile-extra-wide-dump/)... that's a decent amount of gravel. Could use it to move material around your property too, like run your chipper chute right into it and then haul directly to where you want it spread. Can stack logs in them too, and then dump right at your mill.

[wyorunner]

This^^^^^^


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[JR]

I am surprised with all he has that is not sitting there already.

[Dawg25385]

My dad and I share a much smaller version (7k gross)... and we use it ALL THE TIME. Hauling mulch, dump runs, firewood, lumber, blah blah blah. We had a 10k gross version, but was a bit much for dad's half ton so we down-sized. C-Max could handle the 14k model in the rural 'Tuk just fine me thinks. They make gooseneck verisons, but figured you'd want to stick with your pintle hitch due to the canopy

[Bob Smith]

Dump trailer, way better than a dump truck. I have the 14,000lb and it gets used all the time. Less maintenance cost for the normal person maybe not Don. If you are dumping lots in a day, you might need another battery but for normal use one does the job.

[stlaser]

I had a couple different dump trailers, my favorite was a bri-mar built unit. By far the best quality & I've owned two big Tex trailers which were quality just not equal to bri-mar imo

[rpar86]

Dump trailer is a good idea when you factor in the cost of maintenance on a dump truck (even a small one), along with the possible need for CDL and the higher registration costs... though he could probably register it as a farm vehicle...??

[Dawg25385]

I had a couple different dump trailers, my favorite was a bri-mar built unit. By far the best quality & I've owned two big Tex trailers which were quality just not equal to bri-mar imo

I don't doubt bri-mar is better. I just have had Big Tex's so that's what i'm familiar with. Load Trail is a nicely built trailer too from my understanding

[stlaser]

I had a couple different dump trailers, my favorite was a bri-mar built unit. By far the best quality & I've owned two big Tex trailers which were quality just not equal to bri-mar imo

I don't doubt bri-mar is better. I just have had Big Tex's so that's what i'm familiar with. Load Trail is a nicely built trailer too from my understanding

My father in law had a load n trail & he liked it.

If it were me I would trade those lawn mowers with loaders, & that low deck trailer in for a good size enclosed skid loader w/ AC & attachments & a big dump with ramps. But that's just me....

[Bob Smith]

My dump trailer is an ABU, it has a heavy duty lift system which helps on uneven ground. Mine is only 6ft wide inside, just a couple inches too narrow to haul my jeep around. It is wide enough for the Kubota tractor.  Many good brands out there, but some not so good so look them over good.


Stake pockets on the dump trailers allow for many different side heights and heavy duty bull rings welded into the floor allows good tie down points. Barn doors are ok but if you can get a combination door set up it is much better including the ability to spread gravel and dirt.

[Sammconn]

I had a couple different dump trailers, my favorite was a bri-mar built unit. By far the best quality & I've owned two big Tex trailers which were quality just not equal to bri-mar imo

I don't doubt bri-mar is better. I just have had Big Tex's so that's what i'm familiar with. Load Trail is a nicely built trailer too from my understanding

My father in law had a load n trail & he liked it.

If it were me I would trade those lawn mowers with loaders, & that low deck trailer in for a good size enclosed skid loader w/ AC & attachments & a big dump with ramps. But that's just me....

^THIS would serve Big D very well me thinks as well.

[Bear9350]

If it were me I would trade those lawn mowers with loaders, & that low deck trailer in for a good size enclosed skid loader w/ AC & attachments & a big dump with ramps. But that's just me....

That would depend on where he plans to head with a farm.  There are some things a tractor would be nice for.  A skidsteer would definitely handle the type of loader work Don is trying to do better.

I would probably keep the bigger of the tractors to use for "field" type work.  Sell Sarge. Chief can handle the majority of the jobs Sarge would be used for and a bigger skid steer can handle the loader work.

I honestly think Don would get far more productive use out of a good skidsteer then the rest of the equipment combined.

[Sammconn]

Agreed.

[stlaser]

I had a couple different dump trailers, my favorite was a bri-mar built unit. By far the best quality & I've owned two big Tex trailers which were quality just not equal to bri-mar imo

I don't doubt bri-mar is better. I just have had Big Tex's so that's what i'm familiar with. Load Trail is a nicely built trailer too from my understanding

My father in law had a load n trail & he liked it.

If it were me I would trade those lawn mowers with loaders, & that low deck trailer in for a good size enclosed skid loader w/ AC & attachments & a big dump with ramps. But that's just me....

^THIS would serve Big D very well me thinks as well.

Honestly, he has an excavator now. Say so long to Sarge too or maybe trade it for a small dozer.....

[JR]

Talk about from all sides,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

[Bear9350]

Dump trailer, way better than a dump truck. I have the 14,000lb and it gets used all the time. Less maintenance cost for the normal person maybe not Don. If you are dumping lots in a day, you might need another battery but for normal use one does the job.

For farm side use he could probably pull the trailer around with the larger of his tractors.  With a couple custom hoses and maybe a couple valves he could probably dump using the tractor hydraulics.  Would allow him to run all day and dump from the seat easy.

[KensAuto]

Well Don, looks like the jury is in. You have to get a skidsteer and a dump trailer (been looking at dumpers for a couple months myself).


...oh...how's that sagging gate? :pokeD

[stlaser]

Well Don, looks like the jury is in. You have to get a skidsteer and a dump trailer (been looking at dumpers for a couple months myself).


...oh...how's that sagging gate? :pokeD

Just like H's sagging er uh Everything!!!

[Flyin6]

If it were me I would trade those lawn mowers with loaders, & that low deck trailer in for a good size enclosed skid loader w/ AC & attachments & a big dump with ramps. But that's just me....

That would depend on where he plans to head with a farm.  There are some things a tractor would be nice for.  A skidsteer would definitely handle the type of loader work Don is trying to do better.

I would probably keep the bigger of the tractors to use for "field" type work.  Sell Sarge. Chief can handle the majority of the jobs Sarge would be used for and a bigger skid steer can handle the loader work.

I honestly think Don would get far more productive use out of a good skidsteer then the rest of the equipment combined.

I have been eyeing a good skidsteer. I keep going to the 100 HP range and the Cat all terrain or the ASV unit. Very high ground clearance. I could see me having a tooth bucket and something like a FECON forest murderin' device...But that is down the road some.

[Flyin6]

Funny how all this talk of a dump trailer suddenly cropped up...

I am looking at this little gem

2004 Sterling, 45,300 miles Cat 3126 175 HP engine (Same as LMTV) Allison 6-speed, AC, PDL, PW, Air seat, interior is in great shape, very low miles and on and on. Asking $22K

Haven't made any decisions, but I do know I have about 200 loads of gravel and rock required on site at the moment. That number will vary with how I go about solving problems.

[stlaser]

Don, something to keep in mind when looking at skidloaders. Make sure they have a lift rating of over 2k imo. Also I rented a fancy new cat skiloader on rubber tracks. I have run many different brands and owned two. The process to make the bucket float on this CAT flat out sucked. It's always been an easy process & for whatever reason they made this CAT unit very difficult to engage the float position on the bucket. Something to keep in mind as you will use that a lot grading drives and fill etc.

[Flyin6]

Oh, has a GVW of 42,000 so easily 13-14 tons per load

Three loads a day saves me $100 of costs, of which I'd probably have used maybe $50 of fuel, and set back for tires and oil change. Add in $100/month for insurance and tags

Do that 2 times per week on average and cost savings are at $500 per week, times 4 = $2000 a month - $100 for insurance and let's say another $200 for additional maintenance and I am getting the same material for $1,700 less a month.

Let's say I do that six months out of the year.
$1,700 X 6 = $10,200 savings per year.

In three years all 200 loads have been trucked in
I would have saved $30,600
I paid $22K for it so I made $8,600

I sell it in the fourth year for $13,000 (Or possibly more)

I would be $21,600 ahead of if I had just paid for material being hauled in

Essentially I would have gotten the truck for free and paid something between $5-10K on the gravel

[Flyin6]

Don, something to keep in mind when looking at skidloaders. Make sure they have a lift rating of over 2k imo. Also I rented a fancy new cat skiloader on rubber tracks. I have run many different brands and owned two. The process to make the bucket float on this CAT flat out sucked. It's always been an easy process & for whatever reason they made this CAT unit very difficult to engage the float position on the bucket. Something to keep in mind as you will use that a lot grading drives and fill etc.

It's way out in the future I think...Depending on what I could sell Sarge for. Realistically a 1976 track loader isn't going to bring more than 15K and likely closer to 10K
With just getting 10K out of that cool machine against a used ASV at $30K, I wouldn't be interested in trading. I am still not made of money so I have to cherry pick at the moment

[Flyin6]

Oh and no CDL required in Kentucky if you own a farm and the truck is for your use at the farm...Cool!

I love freedom...

[Flyin6]

If it were me I would trade those lawn mowers with loaders, & that low deck trailer in for a good size enclosed skid loader w/ AC & attachments & a big dump with ramps. But that's just me....

That would depend on where he plans to head with a farm.  There are some things a tractor would be nice for.  A skidsteer would definitely handle the type of loader work Don is trying to do better.

I would probably keep the bigger of the tractors to use for "field" type work.  Sell Sarge. Chief can handle the majority of the jobs Sarge would be used for and a bigger skid steer can handle the loader work.

I honestly think Don would get far more productive use out of a good skidsteer then the rest of the equipment combined.

In building the pond I found a situation where an Excavator and a loader work very well together.

I can dig out an area and swing it over into a pile. Then using Sarge, I can maneuver out on that rather tall, and sorta skinny berm which impounds the water. Sarge does a good job of tracking in the mess at nearly 30,000 pounds it turns loose clay into stone in an hour or so. It is working well so far, and I wouldn't dare drive Chief out onto that berm until I get it maybe five feet wider which it is going to get.
I think I would love to use a tracked skid steer, and will own one someday, but for now the chief/sarge combo works, unlike the Armee where sergeants always argue with Warrant Officers who seldom ever listen to the noise the sergeants make, and little if anything ever gets done!

[Nate]

Just remember that every good and smart soldier (including the wo/cwo ranks..... ) always listens to their PSG......

[stlaser]

If it were me I would trade those lawn mowers with loaders, & that low deck trailer in for a good size enclosed skid loader w/ AC & attachments & a big dump with ramps. But that's just me....

That would depend on where he plans to head with a farm.  There are some things a tractor would be nice for.  A skidsteer would definitely handle the type of loader work Don is trying to do better.

I would probably keep the bigger of the tractors to use for "field" type work.  Sell Sarge. Chief can handle the majority of the jobs Sarge would be used for and a bigger skid steer can handle the loader work.

I honestly think Don would get far more productive use out of a good skidsteer then the rest of the equipment combined.

In building the pond I found a situation where an Excavator and a loader work very well together.

I can dig out an area and swing it over into a pile. Then using Sarge, I can maneuver out on that rather tall, and sorta skinny berm which impounds the water. Sarge does a good job of tracking in the mess at nearly 30,000 pounds it turns loose clay into stone in an hour or so. It is working well so far, and I wouldn't dare drive Chief out onto that berm until I get it maybe five feet wider which it is going to get.
I think I would love to use a tracked skid steer, and will own one someday, but for now the chief/sarge combo works, unlike the Armee where sergeants always argue with Warrant Officers who seldom ever listen to the noise the sergeants make, and little if anything ever gets done!

FYI: I buried that tracked CAT in clay, I dug myself out. However, owning wheeled skid loaders with steel tracks is still the best imo. Also those tracked skid loaders go no where when it snows......

[Flyin6]

If it were me I would trade those lawn mowers with loaders, & that low deck trailer in for a good size enclosed skid loader w/ AC & attachments & a big dump with ramps. But that's just me....

That would depend on where he plans to head with a farm.  There are some things a tractor would be nice for.  A skidsteer would definitely handle the type of loader work Don is trying to do better.

I would probably keep the bigger of the tractors to use for "field" type work.  Sell Sarge. Chief can handle the majority of the jobs Sarge would be used for and a bigger skid steer can handle the loader work.

I honestly think Don would get far more productive use out of a good skidsteer then the rest of the equipment combined.

In building the pond I found a situation where an Excavator and a loader work very well together.

I can dig out an area and swing it over into a pile. Then using Sarge, I can maneuver out on that rather tall, and sorta skinny berm which impounds the water. Sarge does a good job of tracking in the mess at nearly 30,000 pounds it turns loose clay into stone in an hour or so. It is working well so far, and I wouldn't dare drive Chief out onto that berm until I get it maybe five feet wider which it is going to get.
I think I would love to use a tracked skid steer, and will own one someday, but for now the chief/sarge combo works, unlike the Armee where sergeants always argue with Warrant Officers who seldom ever listen to the noise the sergeants make, and little if anything ever gets done!

FYI: I buried that tracked CAT in clay, I dug myself out. However, owning wheeled skid loaders with steel tracks is still the best imo. Also those tracked skid loaders go no where when it snows......

This one does:

Tracked ASV's. Check them out
Real suspension and they can be fitted with a special track for deep mud and snow

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ko91vMjUClQ

[stlaser]

 

[Bear9350]

What makes the "farm" a farm legally speaking?  As far as I can tell you don't have any crops or livestock?

[Bear9350]

If you are planning on bringing in a bunch of gravel I would pick up a skidsteer sooner then later.  Skidsteers are built for that type of work.  Compact tractors with front end loader are not.  You will save a lot of wear and tear as well as time with a skid steer.  It doesn't need to be a super fancy tracked one.  You have 4 wheel drive tractors for the off road stuff.

[longball]

Am I too late to help Chief spend his money? The dump truck makes sense if you have that much gravel to haul but there are a lot less expensive options out there. Maybe not if you require a/c though. Thing to remember with those types of truck is the longer they sit without being used the more they cost every time you start it. Buy it, use it for what you need it for, then get rid of it.

Also, I'm sure the gate is on the ground by now.


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[TexasRedNeck]

Id probably stick with a dump trailer.  More useful longterm and less maintenance.

https://sleequipment.com/7-x-16-heavy-duty-dump-trailer.html?fee=8&fep=524826&gclid=Cj0KCQjwtpDMBRC4ARIsADhz5O6UIOf0U_dgmLYM8NRUMdh4aG8Z5YDIV4hz5QRRm5Bv1WlhouvyB20aAg1LEALw_wcB#product_tabs_additional_tabbed

[rpar86]

How's he going to pull a gooseneck Tex?

[Flyin6]

What makes the "farm" a farm legally speaking?  As far as I can tell you don't have any crops or livestock?

In the KY, has to be 10 acres or more, and you need to file a form F with your taxes annually.

[Flyin6]

Am I too late to help Chief spend his money? The dump truck makes sense if you have that much gravel to haul but there are a lot less expensive options out there. Maybe not if you require a/c though. Thing to remember with those types of truck is the longer they sit without being used the more they cost every time you start it. Buy it, use it for what you need it for, then get rid of it.

Also, I'm sure the gate is on the ground by now.


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Gate hasn't changed!

[Flyin6]

Id probably stick with a dump trailer.  More useful longterm and less maintenance.

https://sleequipment.com/7-x-16-heavy-duty-dump-trailer.html?fee=8&fep=524826&gclid=Cj0KCQjwtpDMBRC4ARIsADhz5O6UIOf0U_dgmLYM8NRUMdh4aG8Z5YDIV4hz5QRRm5Bv1WlhouvyB20aAg1LEALw_wcB#product_tabs_additional_tabbed

The one thing I like about a goose neck, is that I would need to buy a dually to tow it ;-)))