Recent content by sdef

I had the same problem with my grapple. As others have mentioned, it is due to pressure buildup in the lines due to temperature changes. I built this simple apparatus to attach to the grapple ends of the connectors while in storage. Each side is simply the two plastic pieces viewed, available...

How about something like this: Amazon.com

Another vote for mounting to the drawbar. I use a similar setup mounted to the front bed of equipment trailer for loading disabled vehicle. But I find I have more options using my RAM 2500 4x4 diesel with its front mounted winch. I also have various sized, quality, recovery ropes.

I have been using gasoline and electric powered units for many years. I use an electric unit from Northern Tool for washing vehicles. It is getting old and less powerful and I am going to purchase that Westinghouse unit next, that someone else posted earlier. The typical electric units are very...

I have not read this entire thread. We do have mice I have been fighting who seem to have an affinity for the "shoe tags" I tie to each 5 gallon can of stored fuel that is outside under a tarp. I caught a lot of mice in traps but not enough to help much. I was able to finally fix (crossed...

I have bolt-on or welded grab hooks on all of my FEL attachments so chains can be used to stabilize a load that is being carried in or by the bucket. I would find it difficult to work safely without these hooks.

Another vote for adding a layer of material, working it in and seeing how it works. I built my new driveway and retirement home located in SC in 2014. My soil is clay and very rocky- finger sized to 3' in diameter- like mountain property with the driveway on a moderate grade. The property is...

It happens. I got my tractor stuck in a similar, but not quite as bad situation while I was working on my new home build during a 100 year rain/flood event. A contractor with a large track steer was on the property and pulled me out. After a heavy rain event, I also dropped the entire left...

I also use the work lights on a stand but needed multiple light stands due to me blocking the light as I moved around the weld area when welding something like pipe and preferring to make a continuous weld. Stand lights warmed up the area when welding inside my workshop during the hot months...

I used to mix my own 2-cycle fuel using name brand oil (which one escapes me now) and non-E fuel for my Husky XPs, that were picky about their fuels. I stumbled onto an excellent Home Depot TruFuel sale eight years ago, and my stock of 2-cycle oil has sat unused since. I do not use much...

I had a similar predicament some years ago when I decided to clear my deeply wooded (oaks primarily), very hard clay and large rock encrusted property for our retirement country home site. Investigation showed purchasing a CUT and basic implements would most likely pay for themselves, and in...

From the picture, I can't get the nitty gritty detail of how bad this is, I did similar while having my home built a few years ago and we had a lot of rain that year. Fortunately a big Cat track steer was on the property and he pulled me out.

+1 on the dozer. A few years ago I needed to clear a spot in virgin timber for a home site, driveway, yard, garden and workshop. Long story short, after digging out a few stumps of large, old oak trees with my 45 HP tractor and stump bucket, I gave up as it was FAR too tedious and I was...

Another vote for a grapple bucket, along with lots of counterweight on the 3PH for the largest rocks. I have dug, moved and placed many tons using this method at my home site. With practice, one can get pretty accurate with placement, along with a narrow stump bucket for adjustments once in...

When I was clearing my property for the new home build and then the workshop build- which also serves as tractor, truck and UTV storage, my vehicles were stored outside for several years. We have our share of mice around here and had zero mice issues using small mesh bags with a few moth balls...