In loving memory of Kenis D. Keathley 6/4/81 - 3/27/22 Loving father, husband, brother, friend and firewood hoarder Rest in peace, Dexterday

Skidding wood out of the creek

Discussion in 'The Wood Pile' started by Dok440, Jan 17, 2022.

  1. Dok440

    Dok440

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    We have a break in the rain long enough the ground is pretty solid. In the back of our land there is a ravine with a creek at the bottom. The slope down to the creek is full of downed oaks. I stated skidding them up to the landing so I can CCS all in one place.
    Here's the area I am working on:
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  2. The Wood Wolverine

    The Wood Wolverine

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    Good grief that's a mess!
     
  3. Dok440

    Dok440

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    The Massey did a good job skidding up the fairly steep slope (for a tractor). It has the Ag tires mounted wide for a little extra stability. I'm teaching my 11yo how to operate it so I would skid to where it gets more level and let him take over.
    Brad

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  4. Dok440

    Dok440

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    The landing is full, time to start cutting!
    Brad

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  5. Dok440

    Dok440

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    Its a huge mess! We bought this property a little over a year ago. We had to remove a dozen trees around the house for fire insurance so I was busy last year on that project. This year I want to get whatever good wood out of that area and thin the brush as much as I can.
     
  6. Backwoods Savage

    Backwoods Savage Moderator

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    Lots of work to be done there.

    Is there a reason you skid rather than cutting where they fall? Dirt is my concern.
     
  7. buZZsaw BRAD

    buZZsaw BRAD

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    Lot of mess, lot of wood, lot of work. Nice you can skid them out.
     
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  8. MikeInMa

    MikeInMa

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    Looks like most of those pieces are still real solid.

    Happy wooding!
     
  9. Redneckchevy

    Redneckchevy

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    Nice work, looks like that use to be one h*ll of a place. Old horse property?

    Looks like you will have it looking in tip top shape again in no time
     
  10. Warner

    Warner

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  11. Dok440

    Dok440

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    It's too hard to get the rounds out. My pickup can't get all the way down there so I would have to carry the rounds uphill. For most I can choke the butt ends to the box scraper and lift them off the ground so its mostly the smaller stuff that is dragging. The pictures don't show it, but its sketchy on the tractor on that slope.
     
  12. Dok440

    Dok440

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    Thanks! I'm starting from scratch on the wood hoarding here so trying to get a few years ahead. I'm burning oak that has been seasoned for a year and its not ideal.
    Brad
     
  13. buZZsaw BRAD

    buZZsaw BRAD

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    It happens. Great hoards werent built overnight.
    And there's something special about wood hoards built by "BRAD's" ;) :thumbs:
     
    Last edited: Jan 18, 2022
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  14. Mag Craft

    Mag Craft

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    With all of the fire issues that have plagued Cali I do not blame you for getting things cleaned up.
     
  15. Dok440

    Dok440

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    Its part of an old cattle ranch that was subdivided in the 70's. Most of the property is blue oaks with some buckeye and live oak mixed in. It's just that ravine that's choked with brush, manzanita and live oaks. I want to get that thinned out a bit for wildfire protection, plus I need the firewood!
    Brad
     
  16. Dok440

    Dok440

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    I scored some pine from my neighbors tree guy. They removed two big trees and didn't want the wood so I had them drop it in my driveway. Well, they kind of missed the driveway and put it in the island. I gave the widow lady some money for the wood and she was so appreciative. Here's a pic of my 18yo learning how to buck with the 440. He got better and better as the day went on.
    Brad

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  17. The Wood Wolverine

    The Wood Wolverine

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    That's great. About that age is when my boy started loosing interest in helping dad with firewood. Savor the time!
     
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  18. Dok440

    Dok440

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    Two out of three love to work outside with me. I'm blessed! Letting 18yo run the 440 was fun to watch. He has been using the 346XP for a couple years. At first he was tentative with the 440 and looked serious, really concentrating. It didn't take long before he started looking more comfortable. He then buried it in the main trunk and I saw the biggest smile! Once everything was bucked I showed him how to noodle the big rounds, put another big grin on his face. I think I got him hooked on running the saws.
    Brad
     
  19. Yawner

    Yawner

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    How awesome for you!
     
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