Search results

The paint dried on Mr. T and the weather cleared up so I got a chance to test him out. First thing I learned is that all that angst I had about "should I paint it, or just go ahead and use it?" was a waste of time. Just go ahead and use it because it doesn't look "all purdy" long. Powder coat...

Back in the summer when I was shopping I heard that it was a good time to get a L3800 because the tier 4 engines were about to be introduced and the prices would go up. Did prices go up? How much? -- Carl

I was quoted a price, once I got serious and asked about payment options I was told there was a $1000 discount for cash. If I wanted the 0% financing it was based on the original price. -- Carl

I appreciate the kind words. The discussion here made me think the problem through and consider a bunch of alternatives, changing my mind about what to build. I like what I've ended up with and wouldn't have got there without help from you guys, thanks! -- Carl

Beefed up the chain grab, capped the tubes, cleaned up the welds, and put some paint on it. There's a Tennessee fan out there somewhere thinking, "I gotta make me one of those!" :) -- Carl

If I'm doing the work myself I'm already saving money, so I use OEM parts. That way the "mechanic" doesn't run into "hey, this almost fits" scenarios that chew up my time. I have enough handicaps already... :) -- Carl

I get what you're describing, but I left you in the dark on which joint I was asking about, sorry. :o Here's the one I meant:

Okay, new and improved. I call this version "Mr. T" because of the shape and because it lays trash-talking hickory trees out flat on the ground... :) Still working with 2x3x1/8" box beam. I've got about four feet of height and width now with 1/4" gusset plates front and back. Added a grab...

Nice work! What thickness 4x4 tubing did you use? In the last picture you have a piece of square tube welded to a round pipe. All of my experience has been on "make the pieces fit as seamlessly as possible before you weld" joints. What do you do differently to bridge the gap between the tube...

Ok, I know you guys like pictures so here you go... First picture is my take on what Skeets described. I've got a 48" section of 2x3x1/8" steel tubing with a base of 1/2" and some 2x1/4" bar at the top for the "U". Let the welding technique critique session begin! :) Second and third picture...

I'm taking a cut at what Skeets described in post #8. Some of the trees I want to pull are surrounded by established cover that I'd like to preserve. If I take the tractor in there and dig around it will look like an excavation site by the time I'm done. Running a chain in there will be less...

I'm jealous of you backhoe guys! :) -- Carl

I apologize for not reading the whole thread before replying, because you DID know a better way and you WERE holding out on me! :) Thanks for the suggestion, and bonus points because I've even got enough parts to try it out. How do you calculate the leverage with that setup? Is it height of...

I was with you until step #4... because I drive an '87 Toyota Camry. :) My L3800 in low with 4wd will lift off the ground backing up, that's with filled rears and box scraper on. Any other type of tree that small and it would be out of the ground. I'm developing a lot of respect for hickory...

Yeah, that's kind of what I have in mind. I wonder how much force it takes to pull up a tree, anyway? Maybe I could use an I-beam as a lever and lift it with the FEL to experiment cheaply. Seems too simple, has to be something dangerous I haven't though of yet... -- Carl

Hadn't thought of the 3pt drawbar, have to give that a try. Good point about topping the trees, I'd have realized that after the first one smacked me in the back of the head! -- Carl

Wait a minute... is there a much simpler way to get rid of them that I'm missing? Come on, man, stop holding out on me! :) On a more serious note, I like hickory trees and we have some nice ones. I think the squirrels must be on the hickory payroll, because they plant those things like...

I have a bunch of 2" to 4" hickory trees that I want to pull. They have a large, deep tap root. I don't get anywhere trying to pull them over, the trunk bends and I get no leverage. Digging them out is like trying to dig up a phone pole, the root just keeps going. Best thing to date has been to...

The banked turns at Daytona are 31 degrees... you just need more speed! :) -- Carl

Got mine, too. Thanks guys, keep up the good work! -- Carl