Nice set-up DaveGunter ... I can't remember if you had a claw on the JD, DaveGunter ? If this is your first claw... you may have noticed that perpetual grin in the mirror every morning? Nuthin like it...
I did not have a grapple for the JD, and I am already loving it on the Kubota after just a few hours of woods work. Kubota feels like a beast compared to the JD. The JD was a great, just not as capable as I needed. I shopped larger JDs for the new tractor, the larger Kubotas just made more sense to me.
I was thinking about what was the most gratifying "grab" with my little claw... even though it's always cool to grab 2-3 long logs... for me, being able to open wide and clamp onto a big pile of branches, and take them all away... just makes my ole muscles relax, knowing how much work it just saved...
I don't like having to do it, but sometimes a ditch is necessary. Have had good luck using cheap 4" PVC for 'culverts' in some wet spots. One of my biggest chores of trail maintenance is getting the water off my trails. I have a lot of hills, which creates rutting issues on trails, which means lots of water bars and some ditches.
I almost got stuck last week and couldn't bucket out. Every time I rolled back and reset the bucket I kept sliding back down the hill to where I started. I wasn't even much of a hill...just REALLY greasy mud.
I’m all caught up on firewood so I’ve been getting after it hard making 8-9 ft long half round cedar logs for the wet spots in the trails. Nice working in the woods with snow cover and the ground still firm. Most of the trees are dead standing. Fell the tree and drag it to the trail with the winch so when I limb it the brush is right next to the trail for chipping later. Loving the grapple but I find I can carry more with the forks. Im just piling them up near the wet spots for now. One wet area in particular can get pretty deep with standing water, so I’m leaving some of the logs longer thinking I might try laying them in line with the trail then laying the smaller ones across them. The trail is not wide enough to carry them, skidding them with the winch. Carrying my stuff like this for now but I have a saw carrier and some tool boxes coming that mount to either the loader stanchion or the ROPS. The tractor is not disappointing.
Looks like you're making a lot of progress on the new lot Dave... and you're going easy, enjoying the whole experience. Nice...
Found this company the other day Welcome to ITC Quick Attach - ITC Quick Attach, WORLD's STRONGEST CHAINSAW CARRIER! All kinds of cool stuff for tractors, I bought the Sawboss, 3 tool boxes, and a carrier for chainsaw stuff that has a dual chamber gas/bar oil can. It can mount to either the loader stanchion or the rops and the attachments are all interchangeable just pull one pin ant the attachment comes right off. American company! Made in the USA, even the tool boxes, and gas can! Lifetime Warranty! A little pricey, but the good stuff usually is. Loader mount SawBoss with chain box, the scabbard is metal with a plastic liner Toolbox can mount to either the loader or the ROPS sweet little compartment on the top, fits a spare chain perfect ROPS mount. Mounts kinda high on my tractor, but just pull the pin and take the whole box off, if you really need to go digging for a tool. Cahinsaw stuff holder
Looks well made! I'll have to give these a look and a ponder. It would be good to hear your thoughts after a few weeks of use!
Couple other options for a saw holder, both also all USA! SawHaul Complete Kit for Tractors Adjustable loader saw mount
Great thread! I like your method of laying down wood on the wet areas before putting down the chips. I’m going to have to give that a try on a wet area I’m currently dealing with.
A fun ride! I am amazed at how stable you kept the camera. Wish I had some country like that to play in!