This section allows you to view all posts made by this member. Note that you can only see posts made in areas you currently have access to.

31

General Outdoor Furnace Discussion / Re: Burning Coal

« on: October 17, 2015, 07:03:50 AM »

Yes, I have grates.  I ended up buying smaller bags of anthracite instead of bulk.  Im not anxious for that time of year, but am anxious to try it.  Its nut coal that comes in 40lb bags.  I have no idea how long of a burn a bag will achieve when mixed with wood.  Ill have to experiment.

32

General Outdoor Furnace Discussion / Burning Coal

« on: October 13, 2015, 07:28:14 PM »

Firing up in a few weeks for another long winter.  I may have access to a dump truck load of coal, but not sure if I want to deal with it.  Ive read previous posts on the topic.  Im considering using it only for the coldest times of the year.  For the guys that have burned coal.....is it worth it?  Would you do it again?  Im not sure what kind of coal it is.

33

Equipment / Re: Question for Skid Steer Owners

« on: March 09, 2015, 08:43:44 AM »

Going back to the op's situation. You said transporting after getting the logs out of the woods is your bottleneck. Would maybe a dump trailer be a better investment for you? It's a big timesaver for me. I would never try to talk someone out of getting a piece of equipment, I'm just throwing some options out there for you.

Yes, I have thought about keeping my tractor and getting a dump trailer.  So many options for me.  Right now I'm leaning towards skid steer.  I like the idea of cutting large chunks of tree and using the grapple to get them out of the woods.  My tractor struggles to drag large trunks so I end up bucking them, and either dragging out smaller pieces or hand loading them into my small bucket.   In a perfect world, a skid steer and dump trailer would do the trick. 

34

Equipment / Re: Question for Skid Steer Owners

« on: March 06, 2015, 07:27:48 AM »

My woods are thick and full.  My little john deere 855 gets through my trails, but a larger tractor would not.  Im hoping a skid will maneuver through my woods and still have a lot more power than my tractor. 

35

Equipment / Re: Question for Skid Steer Owners

« on: March 05, 2015, 12:29:26 PM »

Sounds like I need one....let the search begin

36

Equipment / Re: Question for Skid Steer Owners

« on: March 03, 2015, 10:54:40 AM »

I drop them and drag them out now as well.  So I guess I won't be saving much time as far as that's concerned.   Where I struggle is loading them by hand into my small end loader and making countless trips back and forth.  I'm hoping that with a grapple, I can easily grasp a pile of logs and make fewer trips, while saving my back.  Is my reasoning wrong for making this decision?  Seems like I can purchase a decent used machine for $20K.  Hoping to sell my setup for $12-15K.

37

Equipment / Re: Question for Skid Steer Owners

« on: March 03, 2015, 07:07:50 AM »

Thanks guys!! I wasn't considering tracks until you're suggestions.  I didn't know realize that it was easy to get them stuck.  I'm just trying to figure out an easier and faster way to get wood out of my woods.  This is my first year burning, and it has been a chore.  Loading the OWB isn't a big deal, but spending every weekend lumberjacking is getting old.  Trying to find ways to expedite the process. 

38

Equipment / Question for Skid Steer Owners

« on: March 02, 2015, 03:48:49 PM »

I was cutting wood this past weekend with a guy who has a skid steer with a grapple and I was blown away.  Picking up huge oak trunks and cleaning up the ground with the rake on the grapple was a big time saver.  Naturally, I want to buy one now.  I have a John Deere compact tractor that I use to drag wood out of the woods, but it doesn't have the power to lift large logs.  I need to sell this before purchasing a skid steer.  My question is: how do you like your skid steer for working in the woods, and other yard type projects?  My john Deere has a backhoe and mower that I'd be giving up, but I think it would be worth it.  Would you buy a skid steer again for gathering firewood?

39

General Outdoor Furnace Discussion / Re: What to do when on vacation??

« on: February 03, 2015, 03:03:23 PM »

Thanks guys...I don't have close neighbors so that is out.  Looks like I'll just let it burn out and leave the pump on.  I have a heat exchanger in my forced air furnace so that should keep the lines safe.  I've never heard about an "aquastat".  That sounds very interesting for a future add on. 

40

General Outdoor Furnace Discussion / What to do when on vacation??

« on: February 02, 2015, 07:49:49 AM »

I'll be leaving for a little fun in the sun in 2 weeks, and am not sure the best approach to take with the OWB as this is my first year.  I know that I need to keep the water pump running.  Is it best to let it burn down to ash, or shut it down with some coals left?  Not sure if I could get the coals to light back up when I return.  I want to have the OWB off, and the house furnace on before I leave for peace of mind.

41

Equipment / Re: In the market for a saw

« on: January 22, 2015, 01:04:56 PM »

I went through this same thought process this past summer.  I already had a smaller saw, and needed a larger one.  I ended up spending more than I wanted, but purchased a Stihl 461 with a 25" bar.  Not a day has gone by where I haven't been happy spending the money.  It cuts wood like a beast!!  It's heavy, but its a huge time saver. 

42

General Outdoor Furnace Discussion / Re: I need some help!

« on: January 14, 2015, 09:09:14 AM »

Definitely not an expert, but I can share my recent experience.  I cut a load of marginal wood this past weekend.  I have no idea what species, but its soft.  Since burning this wood, I have woke up to nothing but ash in my firebox.  I'm going back to the woods today to find better wood.  I also think that Heatmaster recommends E series running the fan at 100%.   Its frustrating to woke up to a cold stove.

43

Equipment / Re: 3 point wood tote for tractor

« on: January 12, 2015, 08:53:59 AM »

Looks good to me..thanks

44

Equipment / Re: 3 point wood tote for tractor

« on: January 07, 2015, 10:19:56 AM »

Cando...that's a great idea!  Do you have any close up pics?  I'd like to try and duplicate it for my tractor. 
Anyone know where to buy bolt on forks for a loader?

45

HeatMaster / Re: Wood usage.

« on: January 07, 2015, 09:24:01 AM »

I'm in my first year of heating with wood, and I've already gone through 5 cords of wood.  I'm heating a 5000 sq ft home(including basement) that has 25' ceilings and DHW.  I sure wasn't expecting to go through this much wood, but I haven't hardly budged the gauge on the LP tank.   I'm just cutting and piling wood now, so it will be tough to get a gauge for cord usage going forward.  It's a lot of work, but its definitely worth it.  I wouldn't be going on vacation in February if I had to pay for LP.