Went around all three houses and down the road trimming the limbs that have dared to encroach to the point of brushing passing vehicles and assaulting mower operators. That resulted in probably a couple dozen little brush piles like those above scattered around the residential portion of the property.
After that was done swapped the forks that were on the L for the grapple. Chipper was already on it.
Then had one of those moments where I felt really stupid but glad for it at the same time. When I hooked up the grapple it would open maybe an inch and then it was like either there was a mechanical stop or a hydraulic dead head. I’ve had this happen before when a quick connect “looks” hooked up but isn’t quite. Disconnected and reconnected. No love. Messed with it for about 30 minutes swapping quick connects around and verifying no mechanical obstruction (definitely a hydraulic issue). Pretty much cleared potential issues on the front of the loader. Have had the grapple off and on numerous times since the loader was last off, so didn’t suspect problems on the valve end but when I started looking at the valve end of the circuit I see this.
No clue how it popped loose. There was enough chipper dust in it to suggest it had been that way for a little while. Cleaned both sides, popped it back together, and all was well. In hindsight, checking the quick connects on both ends of the circuit (not just the front) should have been the first step. Would have saved me a half hour and a few tablespoons of SUDT2.
Of course after that I had to test it for leaks on those fittings that were R/I’d.
A chunk blew out of one of the apple trees a couple days ago. It was sort of hanging upside down attached by splinters. Pulled it the rest of the way out and dumped it on the brush pile. Also chipped some of those small brush piles mentioned earlier straight into the nearby woods.
Started the day mowing with the T2290. Enjoyed the results for a bit with my wife at the end of the day. And no, those ain’t my feet.