What have you done to your Branson today?

   / What have you done to your Branson today? #1,021  
At 167 hours, my 4820R had its first regeneration. I've had the tractor almost a year, so I don't thinks it's too often. I've been leveling a site for our new house and using the loader and box blade for the past couple of weeks. It took 30 minutes. Didn't smell good but not real bad either.
 
   / What have you done to your Branson today? #1,023  
Not much work yet, but spring is coming. All the snow is gone, just have to wait for the fields and yards to dry out.

Moved a few things around with winter over, put the remaining tote of firewood back in the shop building, and took the sand bags out of my work van and back of my truck.

Organizing the totes...

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Bringing in the sand bags. That's 1400 lbs of sand + pallet...
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Glad for the big weight capacity on this FEL.
 
   / What have you done to your Branson today? #1,024  
This weekend was trying to finish the deer fencing meaning building H Braces. I used a hole saw to make a round flat mortise and the FEL to help hold the brace in place. String level, hole saw, chain saw, chisel, battery drill, long bit for the pilot hole and a single jack to drive the 12" x 3/8" spikes. Next weekend will be the high tensile wire to tie it all together.

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   / What have you done to your Branson today? #1,026  
Bob,

I have to admit I would be uneasy running around without an implement on my FEL. A bucket, or forks or something. That SSQA hitch won't take much abuse at all with nothing on it. I'd hate to tweak or twist it out of square by hitting the corner on something.

I like that picture with the sunset behind it.
 
   / What have you done to your Branson today? #1,027  

Thanks Dan.

Bob,

I have to admit I would be uneasy running around without an implement on my FEL. A bucket, or forks or something. That SSQA hitch won't take much abuse at all with nothing on it. I'd hate to tweak or twist it out of square by hitting the corner on something.

I like that picture with the sunset behind it.

In order to fit the tractor in the garage when the backhoe is attached, I have to remove the FEL bucket. I guess I was too lazy to attach it when I started the fencing. Thanks for the thought, Slim. (y)
 
   / What have you done to your Branson today? #1,028  
Branson Bob-you say 12" spikes? I built our home in 1979-80 using 3/8 x 12" spikes (they are a common nail style) which was common practice for stack log homes back then. I pre-drilled mine with a 5/16 bit, beat them in with a 6#, short handled sledge.
Since then I've used pole barn spikes a few times in my post-frame farm buildings. They are strong but can be cantankerous too. They are also very hard and eyes can be damaged easily, plus they are pricey and ask to be beat on in awkward positions.
In my current off-grid cabin build I'll use the now commonly found timber screws. They are stronger and with better holding power while also easier to drive via hex heads or Torx/star drive using cordless tools or high torque corded drivers. Zero pre-drilling, don't break, seriously strong and fast to drive.
Prices vary a lot. Avoid low quality Asian ones on the market.
Know that box store prices are too high unless you only need a handful. My source is Corr-Tenn in Knoxville, TN. Ask for the log & timber frame sales guy.
12" spikes and large nails are long gone from building trades for log home and timber frame builders. Torx drive timber screws rule the day. Spax is a VG brand but can be pricey not bought where it's best pricing.
Spring? :rolleyes: it came a month ago here then left the state of KY, snowing today, soon it'll be really hot.
 
   / What have you done to your Branson today? #1,029  
At 167 hours, my 4820R had its first regeneration. I've had the tractor almost a year, so I don't thinks it's too often. I've been leveling a site for our new house and using the loader and box blade for the past couple of weeks. It took 30 minutes. Didn't smell good but not real bad either.
FWIW: My 4820R is at ~ 109 hours and has never done a regen yet.
 
 
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