Got a friend that may come down and help. Mini excavator might work, but would still need to be bucked down to firewood lengths. I think I have time. He is only worried about a couple of piles that will be in his way in three weeks. I should be able to get thme whipped aout as they are right on the side of the road. The rest I can cut when I want to.
Most are bigger than 24". I don't think the stem is coming down, at least he didn't say it was. I showed it to my wood cutting buddy and said if we could get the stem and get it on the ground, it would need to be sawn into lumber. It would be a saste to cut it up into firewood. His response was "I'll go buy a mill big enough to do it!"
If you go the mini escavator route, reserve for a weekend. Have all the rounds bucked prior to equipment arrival, then go beast mode. Now is the time to see who has a big ported saw for sale. Rental place may have a big saw also like 880.
Mini Ex if you can. Cut it to length & noodling doesn't go too badly. Pie cut it & it'll split apart fairly well. I've taken apart many 3 to 5' trees this way. it's work, but if you need the wood it can be done. 75cc saw is bare minimum there, but you can get it done. Keep the bar tip down & power head up to clear the noodles. I switch saws every few of those real big ones to keep the heat down in the saws.
I have a small tractor as well, I have split some large material using forks , scoop under neath and place on vertical splitter
In case people don't know a tw6 is commercial machine.. Other though still bolt in it drag with FEL..
Ran down there for a better look and to get a game plan. The two piles that need to go first are right on the road and on level ground. Cutting shouldn't be to big of a deal, but rolling to get the bottom to the top for finish cut will be a chore. Quite a bit of it is 34" as you can see in the pics from today. The smaller stuff won't be a problem. I have a 4' peavey coming tomorrow from TSC that should help. Supposed to have a buddy with me also on Thursday. Might get him splitting while I buck. If I can roll the big stuff, I can move the splitter to the big bucked pieces and chunk them out vertically. Never the less, a lot of work, but I think it will be worth it. More pics to come when I get started.
good luck with them bigfrank ! Those big uns can be a b%$#h to move but make lots of splits. Work safe and keep us updated.
Looks like your getting close, did you rent any equipment? Those pic, makes me want to call in sick and come help.
No, I didn't. I'm going to do what I can without rentals as best as I can. Then when I get to a point where I can't do much more, I'll get that part figured out. There is a lot more then I thought I could get without too much more tools. At least I think. We shall see...
Well I hit the hoard for the first time today. Got some bucked up and split, and some just busted down small enough to load by hand. Will finish splitting that part at home. Headed down tomorrow to load up what we got done today, and maybe get some more bucked down.. I'm beat!!! Here are a few photos...
You usually don't have to get a wedge driven in that far with red oak. I'm not saying it's easy but you can move right along. I've used a short handle maul to tap with. I think it's easier than swinging an axe.
You are making this FHC member proud bigfrank. Only thing better than git er done is got er done and it looks like you are making it happen.
The rounds on the trailer are 20" long and average 950# each 362 with 25" bar These pipe don't roll, but the wood slides on them fairly easy. 1 1/2" handrail pipe welded to angle iron. Do you have a FEL on your tractor? There are several ways to handle big rounds. We have 2 hooks welded on our bucket with short chain and log tongs. I have set huge rounds on foot of splitter with tractor. Roll the rounds with the Peavy.
