Tractors and wood! Show your pics

[Jstpssng]

How Trees Grow, Part I

Understanding how trees grow helps arborists and foresters do a better job of caring for trees. In the first of this two-part series, we will focus on tree height. In part two, we will focus on diameter growth.

extension.unh.edu

 

[BackRoad]

I've got about 100 yds x 20 yds of mixed Maple, some Cherry and pine that I'm clearing to open up the long view from the house.

I'll use the Maple and Cherry for firewood next year or the following.

I've decided it's a LOT more fun to just cut down trees than it is to limb them and clear the slash (even with a grapple)!

 

[WinterDeere]

I've got about 100 yds x 20 yds of mixed Maple, some Cherry and pine that I'm clearing to open up the long view from the house.

I'll use the Maple and Cherry for firewood next year or the following.

I've decided it's a LOT more fun to just cut down trees than it is to limb them and clear the slash (even with a grapple)! View attachment 2534801View attachment 2534819

Beautiful location, BackRoad! Reminds me of my family farms in New Hope PA, prior to the mid-1990's, when all the neighboring farms sold and the townships became covered in mansions on a few acres each.

There were a lot of farms around here until the generation operating them, mostly born before WW2, started retiring or dying. Several reasons for that, but sad all the same.

 

[Gordon Gould]

I've decided it's a LOT more fun to just cut down trees than it is to limb them and clear the slash (even with a grapple)! View attachment 2534801View attachment 2534819

It is indeed. But feel happy you have a flat place to lay them down in the open where you have good grapple access.

gg

 

[Portuguese Farmer]

I've got about 100 yds x 20 yds of mixed Maple, some Cherry and pine that I'm clearing to open up the long view from the house.

I'll use the Maple and Cherry for firewood next year or the following.

I've decided it's a LOT more fun to just cut down trees than it is to limb them and clear the slash (even with a grapple)! View attachment 2534801View attachment 2534819

X2

 

[BackRoad]

New Hope is a very unique area...it's pretty with much history, nestled next to the Delaware - and it's walking a tight rope.

It's tries to provide a "simple, quiet country life" with multi-million dollar small acre lots, all with "high expectation" owners.

Somehow, I don't think many there would fully appreciate your Stihl...!

 

[bdhsfz6]

I have a question for those with wood splitting experience:

I just had some acreage timbered and the loggers, at my instruction, left the tops and trunks that had no value, for me to cut and split. I can only work a few hours per day when weather permits. Do I rent a splitter or buy one with the idea of reselling after the project is finished?

It's hard to estimate the number of days the project will take, and the days I can work will often be non consecutive. That means making a 45 minute drive to the rental yard on those days I need the splitter. I'm looking for a 30 ton horizontal / vertical model and no one around here offers long term leases.

Rough cost estimates for renting vs buying are a wash if I can get 70% of the cost back on a resale. From what I've seen on C.L. and Facebook marketplace, this is not unreasonable around here for a lightly used almost new splitter.

I also looked into hiring a contractor but no one around here does that type of work.

So... Do I rent or buy? If I buy, what type splitter would work best? I have a 60HP tractor with rear remotes but the low CFM would make for a slow cycle time on a 30 ton splitter. Splitters with a separate PTO pump are an option but cost more. Both would require the tractor to be running while splitting and not available for moving rounds or split wood. They are also harder to sell.

Self powered splitters seem to be more cost effective and much easier to sell. Any ideas or options I've missed?

 

[Rockbadchild]

I have a question for those with wood splitting experience:

I just had some acreage timbered and the loggers, at my instruction, left the tops and trunks that had no value, for me to cut and split. I can only work a few hours per day when weather permits. Do I rent a splitter or buy one with the idea of reselling after the project is finished?

It's hard to estimate the number of days the project will take, and the days I can work will often be non consecutive. That means making a 45 minute drive to the rental yard on those days I need the splitter. I'm looking for a 30 ton horizontal / vertical model and no one around here offers long term leases.

Rough cost estimates for renting vs buying are a wash if I can get 70% of the cost back on a resale. From what I've seen on C.L. and Facebook marketplace, this is not unreasonable around here for a lightly used almost new splitter.

I also looked into hiring a contractor but no one around here does that type of work.

So... Do I rent or buy? If I buy, what type splitter would work best? I have a 60HP tractor with rear remotes but the low CFM would make for a slow cycle time on a 30 ton splitter. Splitters with a separate PTO pump are an option but cost more. Both would require the tractor to be running while splitting and not available for moving rounds or split wood. They are also harder to sell.

Self powered splitters seem to be more cost effective and much easier to sell. Any ideas or options I've missed?

I would buy a used one and sell it at (or least try to) the same price, even if its a electric one... I don't know what is your physical condition but you can also consider doing it by hand. (axe, wedge and a sledge hammer)

Also could you rent/borrow to someone you know, a friend or something ? better giving some money to a friend vs a rental place, and a splitter is very hard to break so the risk are minimum.

 

[FriendwithTractor]

I have a question for those with wood splitting experience:

I just had some acreage timbered and the loggers, at my instruction, left the tops and trunks that had no value, for me to cut and split. I can only work a few hours per day when weather permits. Do I rent a splitter or buy one with the idea of reselling after the project is finished?

It's hard to estimate the number of days the project will take, and the days I can work will often be non consecutive. That means making a 45 minute drive to the rental yard on those days I need the splitter. I'm looking for a 30 ton horizontal / vertical model and no one around here offers long term leases.

Rough cost estimates for renting vs buying are a wash if I can get 70% of the cost back on a resale. From what I've seen on C.L. and Facebook marketplace, this is not unreasonable around here for a lightly used almost new splitter.

I also looked into hiring a contractor but no one around here does that type of work.

So... Do I rent or buy? If I buy, what type splitter would work best? I have a 60HP tractor with rear remotes but the low CFM would make for a slow cycle time on a 30 ton splitter. Splitters with a separate PTO pump are an option but cost more. Both would require the tractor to be running while splitting and not available for moving rounds or split wood. They are also harder to sell.

Self powered splitters seem to be more cost effective and much easier to sell. Any ideas or options I've missed?

Do you have a rough estimate of the size of the project? I would strongly recommend a horizontal splitter with a log lift instead of the vertical ones. Also, look for one that will push against a wedge rather than bringing a wedge down. I can't tell you how much time I've saved with mine having the option for 4 way or 6 way wedges at 32 ton.

That being said, your budget might not stretch that far. Your mileage may vary.

 

[Jstpssng]

How much wood are you talking about, i.e., how many acres did you have cut, and how much hardwood did you get paid for. Also, how big are the tops? I would buy used as has been suggested, although once you get one you may find that you don't want to part with it.