3R Home and Barn Project

[3RRL]

Here's how I did that.



Once I managed the tank down, I had to reposition the straps so they were on the top end of the tank. This was a tricky operation. I needed to tilt the tank upright very slowly with the Gradall until it would right itself. The tank is super heavy too, like about 800 lbs. My plan was to use 2 x 4 planks place all around the concrete pad. So when I tilted the tank up, it could stand up but not necessarily right on the pad. I got lucky and when I tilted it, it gently slammed down but standing upright. I would use the 2 x 4's and leverage to get it centered.



Well, we were very lucky no one got hurt. I was especially careful not to have anyone around or near the Gradall when I was moving or tilting the tank...only myself. That thing is really nice and powerful.
After we got the tank upright, we had to twist it on the pad so the outlets and top door were in the right position. So what I did was use the straps around the diameter of the tank loose. Then I put three 2 x 4 planks in the strap equally spaced and started twisting them to tighten up the strap. When they were all tight, I again used leverage, with the 3 of us using the 2 x 4's pushing them into the ground at the same time. We were able to twist the massive tank exactly in the center of the slab and also with the openings facing the right directions.
Loretta took several videos of the me in the Gradall moving the tank around, but I figured LOL ... you had already seen what you needed to without cringing too much.

Hope you enjoyed THAT story as much as I did.

 

[sandman2234]

Since I first noticed the people of California buying tanks for water storage, I have seen most people use 10,000 gallons. Five for fires and five for household. Are you planning on returning to get another one, or have you had enough of that?
David from jax

 

[3RRL]

Since I first noticed the people of California buying tanks for water storage, I have seen most people use 10,000 gallons. Five for fires and five for household. Are you planning on returning to get another one, or have you had enough of that?
David from jax

LOL David, it was quite an experience.
Luckily I don't need another tank. This one is for the fire department with 1000 gals over their requirement (4000 gals required in my county). I'm not planning on using any of this water for household use. I might tap into the tank to use the surplus 1000 gals for irrigation later.

 

[sandman2234]

Shucks, I was hoping for another story, but I guess one is enough.
David from jax

 

[tommu56]

Rob as usual a good set of postings

At least we don't have to pass the hat for your bail

tom

 

[sandman2234]

Amen to that Tommu56!!
David from jax

 

[Spiveyman]

At least we don't have to pass the hat for your bail

Yeah I'm glad as well. I guess I can tell Willie Nelson we won't need him afterall.

Great posts and great job there. How convenient that you happen to have a spare Gradall laying around the place! Who does that?!?! Ha! That just cracks me up. When I saw the pics and realized your Kama wasn't quite going to do the trick, I was thinking, "OK, how would the Egyptians get 'er done?" Then the next thumbnail is of that fork truck on steroids! I'm sure that was a blast.

One other question, where's the hydraulic operated elevator to that tree house? You can't tell me you have a box blade that you can make a PBJ sandwich with and you make your kids climb a ladder!!!

 

[3RRL]

Thanks guys,
I'm glad you guys don't have to raise bail for me. I didn't need the time off. I wonder if they have computers in jails now to read your forums? Otherwise it's no use getting arrested.
Don't forget this is only the beginning of the project so I'm sure there will be a few more stories to tell before it's over. I forgot who is going to do the trenching for all the water pipes. Probably me. With that in mind, there's a good chance I'll dig out my own electrical lines I buried! I made a sketch of where they went but heck, that was a year ago.

As far as the tree house, the kids have to climb up. (did you see the stairs?) But they rigged a bucket and pulley system to haul their stuff up. When I built that, you should have seen me hanging from the tree by ropes until I got the first corners screwed together. The ladder only went up so high. It was ten times harder to build than the camp decks.

And speaking of a spare Gradall lying around, when they bulldozed my road in, they left a 110,000 lb Cat D9 on the property. Except that operator took the keys with him. Man was I ever tempted to hot wire it and drive that thing. He pushed over some 2 and 3 foot diameter Oaks like they were match sticks. The ground trembled when it was operating. It was awesome.

But I'm glad the Gradall was there. It sure made it a lot easier. I thought about dragging the tank with the Kama and yanking it up with ropes. When I was a young man I was pretty beefy and strong. Maybe wrestled it into position? Now I'm a mere shadow of my former self.

 

[GuglioLS]

Awesome pictures, videos and story to go along with. I cracked up on the audio portion of the first very short video -"This could give us a problem".

Yea the keys were in the gradall, you mean the screwdriver to jump start it right? Lucky you they left the keys in the ignition, next time they will know better like the D9 Dozer operator. I remember when you called to say you loaded the tank onto your flatbed, and that the tank was 10' diameter, plus it was off the ground another 2' being on the trailer. I laughed so hard (to myself) when I asked you how you gonna get it off, and you said "with the FEL on the Kama". Then I thought, well maybe Rob's got a 20' boom pole for the FEL he did not tell us about. Little did I know you were setting the stage to "innocently" hijack the Gradall ! HaHaHa the joke was on me.

Looks like the gradall was a good tool for the job, I bet it was fun to drive.

The Log home is coming along nicely, South camp is looking spiffy too with all the repairs.
Are you going to do all the plumbing and electrical for the water tank yourself ?

I would suggest to use the tank water so that it stays fresh by constantly filling and using the water, that way good water will be available in the event the well or it's plumbing needs maintenance.

Do you have to tap in at the 4000 gallon mark? or could you use the water from the bottom, provided there was an interlocked means to prevent it from going below 4000 gallons. It could be done with a float set at the 4000 mark tied into a solenoid. The tank I installed is rigged up with two floats. One to stop it from filling, the other is a low level alarm that also shuts off the jet pump to protect it. Do you have a means of getting inside the tank? I ask that because in order to install fittings you have to get inside - I did that on mine but it was much smaller tank.

Brad would be proud of you that you used Gorilla tape on the new tarp above south camp. I've seen that stuff in stores but never bought or used it, now that you have had a chance to use it, what do you think? how good is it? Does it foam up when it dries like the glue does?

Oh yea the "little" detail of selling your home in Rancho. Yep the housing market is not favorable for selling right now. Hopefully it will turn around soon. My prediction is 2-3 years out, then it will start a slow comeback. Too many new homes were built in too short a time and sold to those who could never have afforded them in the first place, the surplus is huge. It will take a while to shake out. Maybe consider renting or leasing it out if it's allowed? I'm sure you will be exploring all options.

All your adventures and stories (confessions?) will be great ones to tell your grandchildren around the camp fire.

Larry

 

[tommu56]

Rob only you could make a 10' diamater oil filter wrench to turn tank

tom