Removing cattails

lhfarm · Aug 3, 2007

I actually started this project a year ago, and quickly learned that I needed a dump trailer. I incorrectly posted my trailer trials here, but have gotten those fixed. This is a small pond and the water level is down, making it a great time to dig out the cattails.

I'm not using the hydraulics on the farm jeep - I need to add remotes!. I had a pump that lifts great, but the reservoir was too small. Purchased a reservoir and welded up a little frame. I can slide the pump in the bed of the jeep and reach the lever from the driver seat.

It is still time consuming - need a farm hand - with only one driver. Hop off the BH and move the trailer. Move the tractor as needed, then repark the jeep. The jeep needs power steering too! Parking close to the tractor is a challenge, but I am developing good arm muscles.

These pictures were taken yesterday and I've made some more progress. Also found that I'm going to need a hoe with a longer reach in a couple of spots. The plan is to remove as many cattails as possible before I have to have a real machine come in.

But it is working! Thanks for all the ideas and suggestions on getting the trailer to dump.

Egon · Aug 4, 2007

The Jeep has character!!

lhfarm · Aug 4, 2007

Egon said:
The Jeep has character!!

It sure does. I spend more time in the jeep doing things than on the tractor. We are restoring (frame-off) a 1949 model. It will be mostly show, although my son insists it won't be a "trailer queen". The '47 may get some body work some day, but for now, she is just fine.

One of my favorite ads is "The "JEEP" is a Working Girl." You can see it at Vintage Farm Jeep Ads. Be sure to enlarge it so you can read the text.

Deadman · Aug 4, 2007

Why not just mow them down?

lhfarm · Aug 4, 2007

Deadman said:
Why not just mow them down?

They come back. Several years ago, I tried burning them during the winter. We had the best crop ever. The are like mangrove trees. They will fill in a pond over time. They collect sediment in their roots and build "fill" at a great rate.

The best solution is to increase the depth of the bank to they can't get a foot hold. I actually like the looks and a few are fine. But we will gain a great deal of surface area by doing the BH bit.

okie350 · Aug 9, 2007

Take a look in the powertrac forum. One of the posters made a neat rake for pulling them out, roots and all

lhfarm · Aug 9, 2007

okie350 said:
Take a look in the powertrac forum. One of the posters made a neat rake for pulling them out, roots and all

You right, I've already asked for detailed pictures. It might give me just the reach I need.

Thanks!

ToadHill · Aug 9, 2007

You can import a couple of muskrats, they'll eat the roots out for you in no time, then just trap them and give them to a neighbor.

dtd24 · Aug 10, 2007

Cool jeep!! I always wanted to restore one, but never got around to it.

Matt_W · Aug 10, 2007

lhfarm said:
It sure does. I spend more time in the jeep doing things than on the tractor. We are restoring (frame-off) a 1949 model. It will be mostly show, although my son insists it won't be a "trailer queen". The '47 may get some body work some day, but for now, she is just fine.

One of my favorite ads is "The "JEEP" is a Working Girl." You can see it at Vintage Farm Jeep Ads. Be sure to enlarge it so you can read the text.

thanks for the link
I had a 64 jeep cj5, 74 cj7, my brother had a 48 willy's.
I am sorry i got rid of it! My fav was definately the cj5.