Hydralic fittings

[Dougster]

Dougster, Did you buy a new cylinder rod or new cylinder? Or are you just using it as is? How did you do it? I want to know so I can stay away from that place.
hugs, Brandi

It was sheer stupidity Brandi. After the rock splitting subcontractor destroyed the two large 16 Klb and 11 Klb surface rocks... and after I moved all the pieces away... we found another 7,500 lb mega-rock much too close to the surface. It had been hidden from view right under the 11 Klb rock. We tried drilling and "dexpan-ing" it... but it only broke off one weak corner chunk. It was either call back the rock splitter or bury the monster rock much deeper. We chose to do the latter.

But to bury the rock, I had to dig a big hole next to it... and then dig UNDER the rock itself to allow it to roll in (or be pushed in). Other rocks in the way made this extremely difficult. It was during that final "digging under the rock" stage that I was working so deep and so close to the big rock that the bucket curl action actually pulled the stick and the bucket cylinder rod right into the big rock. Instantly, the damage was done and I felt like a fool. There just went a good chunk of my profit from this job.

For now, I am using it as is... but it won't be long before the cylinder seal starts to let go. I've now got my first costly winter maintenance project on the list.

Dougster

 

[curly]

It was sheer stupidity Brandi. After the rock splitting subcontractor destroyed the two large 16 Klb and 11 Klb surface rocks... and after I moved all the pieces away... we found another 7,500 lb mega-rock much too close to the surface. It had been hidden from view right under the 11 Klb rock. We tried drilling and "dexpan-ing" it... but it only broke off one weak corner chunk. It was either call back the rock splitter or bury the monster rock much deeper. We chose to do the latter.

But to bury the rock, I had to dig a big hole next to it... and then dig UNDER the rock itself to allow it to roll in (or be pushed in). Other rocks in the way made this extremely difficult. It was during that final "digging under the rock" stage that I was working so deep and so close to the big rock that the bucket curl action actually pulled the stick and the bucket cylinder rod right into the big rock. Instantly, the damage was done and I felt like a fool. There just went a good chunk of my profit from this job.

For now, I am using it as is... but it won't be long before the cylinder seal starts to let go. I've now got my first costly winter maintenance project on the list.

Dougster

That's the pics you posted of those huge rocks...I didn't remember that you actually got that job. I guess being a one man op you don't have any cool pics showing the rocks pre-split and post-split and all that cool stuff huh? Meanwhile, I'm gonna go back to try to find that thread and see.

 

[Dougster]

That's the pics you posted of those huge rocks...I didn't remember that you actually got that job. I guess being a one man op you don't have any cool pics showing the rocks pre-split and post-split and all that cool stuff huh? Meanwhile, I'm gonna go back to try to find that thread and see.

Yes, I was eventually awarded the "rockscape" job. It is 95% complete at this point. Just waiting for the rain to end so I can do a final leveling and rake-out of the cleared, finished land. After everything, it came out extremely nice.

I am not into the job progress pix thing. I found that clients really don't appreciate that. Privacy is in today. It may be good for marketing and for a little fun here... but it's not so good for building trust and client relationships.

Dougster

 

[curly]

Yes, I was eventually awarded the "rockscape" job. It is 95% complete at this point. Just waiting for the rain to end so I can do a final leveling and rake-out of the cleared, finished land. After everything, it came out extremely nice.

I am not into the job progress pix thing. I found that clients really don't appreciate that. Privacy is in today. It may be good for marketing and for a little fun here... but it's not so good for building trust and client relationships.

Dougster

People now adays...crocky. Well, everyone loves the story board pics (except the clients I guess)...but it's hard to find time to take them when you're busy on the job. I kept meaning to get some grappling pics but never got around to it.

So, how did the guy split those huge rocks...did he drill into them?

 

[Dougster]

So, how did the guy split those huge rocks...did he drill into them?

Yep. Pneumatic rock drill to drill down into them... then use of a hydraulic rock splitter. It was quite impressive. Brought those two monster surface rocks down into a bunch of 1,500 to 2,000 lb pieces that I could handle.

Dougster

 

[curly]

Yep. Pneumatic rock drill to drill down into them... then use of a hydraulic rock splitter. It was quite impressive. Brought those two monster surface rocks down into a bunch of 1,500 to 2,000 lb pieces that I could handle.

Dougster

Crocky man, that's probably something I'll never get to see...and you with a concealed attacha-case camera could have made that possible What were you thinking man Ok, Ok, peanut butter was on your mind, sheesh

 

[Dougster]

Crocky man, that's probably something I'll never get to see...and you with a concealed attacha-case camera could have made that possible What were you thinking man Ok, Ok, peanut butter was on your mind, sheesh

I was just covering my ears and smiling broadly as I watched those ugly monster rocks get brought down to size. No generic peanut butter sandwiches. No attache camera. No nuttin'!!!

Dougster