Work Complete - FEL Pump

Aug 19, 2016

Today I'm back at the land, but this time I stop by Timberjack, a local equipment dealer that also deal in hydraulic fittings. They were able to hook me up with a simple reducing hydraulic fitting that allowed me to hook the hose to the fitting directly to the pump discharge. Once I had this in place, I started the tractor, worked the FEL controls and EUREKA! No leaking and all functions of the FEL working properly. Satisfied with the results I call it an early day to wrap up some things at home.

Time: 4hrs

Work Continues - FEL Pump

Aug 13, 2016

I go back to O'Day's hardware for hydraulic fittings before going to the land. Pretty sure I have the fittings I need, to complete the job today. When I arrive at the land the pump is still on the tractor, now one stole this one.  I proceed to work on the discharge and get things all hooked up with luck, the thing is still gushing fluid. Another trip into Cleveland for more pipe fittings and to search for hydraulic fittings. I had no luck, after several hours shopping and high frustration level I call it a day.

The other cool thing I did today before I left was install two game cameras pointed at the tractor, so if this or anything like it ever happens again, maybe I can catch the culprit on camera. As I was putting up the last one, it started to rain, so good time to call it quits for the day.

Work Begins - FEL Pump Replacement

Aug 12, 2016

Supplies gathered and now on to connect, fortunately the combination of fittings I have successfully allow me to connect the discharge. I now fill up the reservoir with the hydraulic fluid after draining the remainder that was in there.

The moment of truth. I crank up the tractor and work the FEL and fluid sprays everywhere. The leak is coming from the fittings at the discharge, apparently the pipe fittings are no good for the pressure of the pump. I call it a day and head home.

Time: 4hrs

FEL Pump Supplies Gathering

Aug 5, 2016
Today was spent gathering supplies to install the new FEL hydraulic pump that arrived yestarday. I'm going off dimensions that I gathered the day the pump was stolen so I hope I can find the right parts. With just the pump, I had to get everything else and I start out at O'Day hardware hoping to get all the supplies I need.

(2) Mounting bolts to mount pump to drive shaft
(1) 1" diameter hose for suction side and connections to mend hose and attach to pump nozzle
(1) 1" Threaded by barbed end fitting to connect suction hose to pump
(1) 3/4" reducing fitting to 1/2"

I found everything I needed at O'Days so I was in luck. In addition I had to get hydraulic fluid to refill the reservoir and would make a trip to Tractor Supply Co for this. All supplies gathered and now wait a week before I can install.

FEL Pump Stolen!

I was excited about getting to the Fifty Acre Wood today, I had got the tractor un-stuck my previous trip, its been dry for a couple of weeks now, and I would be able to get a lot of work done. That's what I thought, someone else had other plans for me. As I got up on the tractor and got it started I reached for the lever to lift the front end loader and nothing happened. I shut it down and went to take a look thinking perhaps I has busted a line and there wasn't anymore fluid. Well when I got to the front of the tractor I was surprised to see that the hydraulic pump that services the front end loader was missing. Someone had stolen my hydraulic pump!

After getting over the disbelief and anger that some one would actually steal my hydraulic pump, I surveyed the area to find a few missing parts that might help me figure out what I would need to replace the pump.

I sat there a while, going through my mind, what type of person would knowingly go on to another man's property (trespassing) and disassemble part of his tractor (destruction of property) and steal another man's property (theft). The tractor isn't exactly in plain sight from the street, hidden back among the trees, so its not like a casual passer by would see the tractor and decided they needed to strip it of a hydraulic pump. No this had to be some one local, that knew the tractor sat on the property and took the time, probably during the day and week, disassemble the pump. A targeted intentional and calculated theft!

After getting over my initial shock and anger, I got to work doing the only thing I could do, disconnect the front end loader so I could move the tractor and assess the what might be needed to get a replacement pump. This meant getting model and serial numbers, making sketches and dimensions of the pump area to hopefully find someone who could provide a replacement.

After all this was done, I left dejected from not being able to work the land as I had expected and was hoping, I had such high hopes for the day.

(I had to remove the bucket to move the tractor)

(Here it stands bucket-less)

(Mount for the hydraulic pump)

(Atleast they didn't destroy the hose)

(They did manage to cut the non-pressure hose)

Re-engage Alternative Brush Clearing

I met Bryan Parish with Alternative Brush Clearing at the Fifty Acre Wood today get him re-engaged in clearing the perimeter of brush piles and grading for tractor mowing. If I can get the perimeter cleared and graded then I can plant grass seeds to help (I'm hoping) control the brush and also have a nice "green belt" around the land that I can drive the bugge and truck and start building fences. 

I also explained how I would like him to work at digging a pond and figuring out how to drain the land to the road ditch so the property isn't always under water. We also talked about driveway improvements and priority of all the work I'd like him to do.

Tractor Has Been Set Free

It wasn't easy but I was able to free the tractor from the stuck condition I left it my prior trip. I tried several methods of getting it unstuck; pulling with the truck, pushing it free with the front-end loader and come-along. The method that finally set it free was good 'ol elbow grease and a whole lot of digging. One thing that was hindering the process was that the box blade was also sunk, so I dug that out to a point where I could disconnect it, then I dug out the sides of the rear wheel and started a gradual grading of the dirt behind the wheel. I then stuck a big 'ol log under the rear wheel for traction that would travel from the rear of the wheel to the front. I gave the tractor some gas and eased it out of the whole only to stop, before I got the front wheel stuck in the hole the back wheel had come from.

I now had to fill the hole with logs to build a bridge for the front wheel to drive across as I eased the tractor out of its original resting spot. As you can see from the pictures this worked and the tractor was set free.

Land Check

We had a pretty fierce storm blow through last month so today I’m hoping its dry enough that I can get some tractor work done. I know my last trip I noticed the storms had knocked down trees on the driveway so I know I had some tree clearing I would have to do.

The land appears to be drying up, hopefully work will resume, I’ll have to call Bryan and get him out here. In the mean time, I spent the day cutting up trees that were blocking the driveway. Towards the end of the day, I decided I’d start doing a little land clearing. This turned out to be a bad thing because the ground wasn’t quite as dry in some areas and I got the tractor stuck again.

Days After the Storm

Had some nasty weather this past week with flooding and rivers still threatening to leave their banks. I know the Fifty Acre Wood will be wet, but to what extent I’m not sure.  The pictures that follow give an idea to the amount of water on the road getting to the place.  I surveyed the property and noticed there were several large trees that had been up righted, it must have been some heavy winds to take these big trees down. Luckily nothing fell on the tractor.

(red road off I-69)

(entrance to the Fifty Acre Wood)

 (oak tree number 1 fallen)

(tree number 2)

(drive way blocked)

(looking at future pond)

More Clearing

Once again I’m back clearing an area for the Tractor shed. I haven’t quite figured out how I want to construct this thing. I have two lines of thoughts here, make a small pavilion type structure as a temporary cover for the tractor that can be converter later to a covered picnic area once a proper barn is constructed. My other thought is to build something nicer that can be repurposed later into a work shop or material barn later. Until I get this area cleared none of that will happen so I better get to work.

(my resting spot)

New Project

All the rain we’ve had this year has really kept the ground wet and the heavy equipment out. Today was different, I was anxious to get on the tractor and try out the box blade, its been over two weeks since I bought it but haven’t been able to use it due to the weather.

Since my plans to have the perimeter cleared has stalled, I decided I need to get something done and that the tractor needed a cover at the very least to keep the weather off it.  So my focus now will be to clear an area that I can build some kind of cover for the tractor. My initial thought is that I would build a simple pole structure with a roof and open sides, to cover the tractor and implements. Today I started clearing that area and using the box blade, mostly getting accustomed to using the box blade.

Its not as easy as one might think, not knowing what I’m doing I just lower the bladed and start scraping at random. After some time, I think the best strategy that seems to work is to use the rippers to rip up the ground then back up from the start and use the blade to collect and smooth out the area that had just been ripped up. Once I figured this out, the work start going better and progress could be seen.

Deliver box blade

Today was a beautiful day to drive out to the Fifty Acre Wood and drop off the box blade, it will also give me chance to check on the place and see if it’s drying up. As I arrive I’m met by the neighbor from across the street, Akylis, who is eager to see my payload but doesn’t speak a word of English. As I’m trying to figure out how to unload it out of the back of my truck, Bryan Parish shows up. He’s here to pick up the last of his equipment until work restarts. His timing couldn’t have been any better, he offers to help unload the box blade with the skid steer that he’s picking up. We get the box blade all chained up and with the ease of the skid steer he’s able to load it down in a spot to where I can hook up the tractor and move around. Unfortunately the ground is still too wet for any work, I couldn’t even try out the box blade due to the soggy ground for fear of getting the tractor stuck again.

Box Blade Purchase

I haven’t had much to be excited about lately, with the rain we’ve had, I know the property has stayed wet, thus prolonging the suspension of work. My shopping for fence components has taken a wait and see attitude since I don’t see the opportunity to build fences while the property’s perimeter is still not cleared for building and I don’t have space in the garage to stock pile fencing components.

So to cheer myself up I went shopping for a box blade for the tractor, hoping I could start plowing some of the brush in the property’s perimeter and start the fencing work. I went to several places and ended up at Alvin Equipment where I purchased a Modern brand five foot box blade. I think this will help me get some things done around the Fifty Acre Woods while waiting for the heavy equipment to work. The guys loaded up in the bed of my truck and I will deliver it to the Fifty Acre Wood tomorrow.

No Thinning Grant

After review of my paper work and onsite inspection it was determined that I do not qualify for the thinning grant. The reason for rejection is that the grant is to help small owners cover the cost of getting loggers out to thin their property. In my case it was determined that I have a large volume of marketable timer and would not have any problems getting loggers to harvest my timer, thus not supplemental grant money would be needed. I’m disappointed but not discouraged, I’ve already contacted and forestry consultant to get the work done, just a matter of the land drying up so work can get started.

Stump Grinding on Hold

I got a call from Bryan today, confirming what I suspected. He is going to postpone work until the property dries a bit more. After getting the dozer stuck, the got the skid steer and the excavator stuck also trying to extract the dozer. He had to bring in another excavator to finally get all this equipment unstuck. I could hear in his voice that this had him beat down. So we agreed to suspend work until the property dries up, I just hope it dries up enough to start work as we head in to the rainy season.

Progress of Stump Grinding Work

So I got an email from Bryan’s wife, Amy, informing me that work has started on the Fifty Acre Woods, sounds like a field trip to see the progress is needed. When I show up I am excited by the equipment that has been moved in. In order for the work to progress with the current over growth, Bryan was going to clear some brush with a bull dozer and compact the brush piles and start burning them while grinding stumps. As I arrive on site I see an excavator, two skid steers and a stuck bull dozer. I do see where grinding has begun, but apparently he started on the low side of the property where the ground is soft and got the dozer stuck. This does not look good.

(work has begun)

(the skid steer doing the grinding)

(not sure why the excavator)

(stuck dozer, reason for excavator)

Bayou City Lumber

Today was a fun trip, a visit to Bayou City Lumber to start buying fence posts. Instead of buying the corner posts, line posts and h-braces all at one time (which would be a huge expense) I thought I would start buying corner post components one month at a time and build up my stock pile. Today I bought components to build one corner post section; (3) 6in X 7ft treated posts and (2) 4in x 6ft treated h-braces. Storing all this in the garage with the 80+ t-posts and (6) rolls of barbed wired should get interesting. I need to start building fence.

Once I get the perimeter cleared and buy some line posts and intermediate h-bracing I should have the necessary components to start building a thousand foot section of fence, or one side of my property.

Forest Thinning Evaluation

The start of the year is bringing hope. I got a letter in the mail a month ago from the Texas A&M Forestry Service regarding grants available for prescribed burning and thinning for property owners to help control Pine Beatles and preventative for forest fires. The prescribed burning grant I just didn’t have time to get things in place for submittal before the deadline, however, the thinning grant I have time and initially seems I might be eligible.

After submitting the required paperwork, I’m meeting with Jason Calvet with the forestry service so he can evaluate my property and see if I qualify. Even if I don’t qualify, I have learned a lot going through this process and talking to several individuals with the forestry service about managing my land. Regardless of the outcome of the grant review, I now know that I should hire a forestry consultant to get a thinning to help out with the over growth and health of my timber.

In order to be eligible for the thinning grant, a landowner must have marketable timber (I do) and must have an estimate basal area of 120 or greater (I had areas greater than 120), which is the density of trees in an area. After meeting with Jason, it was encouraging as I met the qualifications for the grant.

New Hope with Alternative Brush Clearing

It’s a new year and I’m anxious to get work done this year so I fired my previous dozer contractor because our schedules didn’t align. My focus this year is going to be on getting the perimeter cleared of brush piles and stumps so I can mow as needed with the tractor. Brush and weeds are starting to grow in the perimeter area I had the loggers cleared and I’m afraid nature will cover all the work and expense spent establishing this green belt.

Today I’m meeting with Bryan Parish from Alternative Brush Clearing, I used him previously to do the original mulching of the perimeter after the surveyors marked my boundaries so I could walk the perimeter. Bryan’s has a stump grinder attachment for a skid steer he’ll be using to grind the stumps below grade, this should allow me to mow the perimeter without hitting stumps. He’s also going to burn the brush piles in this green belt area so I won’t have to mess with that work either.

I’m hoping by the time this work is complete, I’ll be able to mow all around the perimeter of the property and start building fence sections at my leisure.

Tractor Upgrade

Finally get a chance to make it to the Fifty Acre Wood since November of last year. Since it has been raining and the land was sure to be wet, I didn't plan for any major activities. Today was more about tractor upgrades. I purchased a new proof-meter and temperature gauge and was excited to finally get a day where I could install them and today seemed like a good day.

When arriving I check out the tractor, after six weeks it appears it is as I left it. With the key in the ignition, clutch pushed in turn of the key and tractor turns and turns but won't turn over. After a couple more failed attempts I check the fuel tank and it is empty. After adding gas it turned right over. As this is not the first time I have done this, a mental note to always check the fuel tank before trying to crank the tractor.

A little warming up and I finally ease the tractor to the designated "fixin' spot", a shade tree off the pseudo driveway. Replacing the proof-meter was pretty straight forward after removing the necessary body panels to get access, it was a simple as replacing the gauge. I will find out later if the new gauge works. After I removed the old one, the rattling sound it made when I shook it assured me that the gauge has seen better days.

Now if only the temperature gauge goes this well it will be a fruitful day. Unfortunately, the sensor into the block is in a tight space and the tools I had with me were inadequate to start the job. I guess this will have to wait for another day.

One last job on the tractor, installing a fire extinguisher, on these old gas tractors I have read that some times the valve under the gas tank which is above the engine can leak gas and ignite. I though it might be a good idea to have a fire extinguisher handy should this ever happen. Easy install for this with a couple of zip ties and extinguisher in place.

Tractor work done and now its time to move it back to its hideaway. This is when my day took a turn, as I'm taking my turn to back prepare to back it in, the front tire sinks into a squishy spot in the turf that I did not see. Since the ground is mushy, as I try to back out, my tires spin, as I go forward my tires spin. Using the front loader I try to lift the front end and back it out, but again not success as the front loader just compacts the turf. I'm stuck!

With the ground as soft as it is, I don't risk trying to pull with the truck, just can't any traction. With no equipment to help with getting the tractor unstuck, the best I can do is to try and get the front wheel out of the mud since by this time, it is totally covered with muck. I pile up what logs and tree limbs I can find under the front loader to give it a solid base to push and jack the front up. After some work and configuring the pile, I'm finally able to lift the front out of the mud. I throw some logs in the hole so the wheel has a solid foundation to rest. Still with no option for getting the tractor unstuck the only option I have is to leave it for a dryer day when the wheels will catch and pull itself out. I hope I'm right.