Excavator and Chainsaw Work: Clearing Trees and Preparing for Winter

Clearing Brush and Preparing the Burn Pile

• 🪵 Loading brush and stacking it onto a growing burn pile is the first task, with a focus on using hardwood for cleaner burning.
• 🪵 Larger stumps are strategically placed on the pile to ensure they burn down effectively.
• 🪵 The area is cleared of brush to create more open space for dropping trees safely.

Tree Removal and Equipment Issues

• 🌲 Trees are being dropped towards the burn pile to minimize mess and prepare the area before snow.
• ⚠️ A joystick sensor error occurs on the excavator, highlighting a mechanical issue just after the warranty expired.
• 🌲 The speaker reflects on the sixth driest winter on record, noting the unusual dust in the ground despite it being winter.
• 🌲 Large, old trees are being cut, with some logs being too heavy or too small to salvage.
• 🌲 Poison ivy is prevalent on many of the trees being removed.

Chainsaw Work and Battery Woes

• 🪵 After extensive chainsaw work, the operator realizes they are underdressed for the cold but has managed to cut up necessary wood.
• 🔋 The dump truck's battery dies due to the cold, requiring a jump start and a plan to keep it running to recharge.
• 🪵 Loading logs into the truck is a priority, with some large logs being too thick to cut and destined for the fire.
• 🪵 A very large stump is loaded into the truck, with concerns about clearing power lines during transport.

Additional Work and Shop Projects

• 🚜 A 350 excavator is brought in to assist with taking down more trees, including large ones and those in the field.
• 🔋 The dump truck's batteries are successfully recharged after running for an extended period.
• 🛠️ The speaker plans to have bed extensions fabricated for another truck (Fred) at the new shop.
• 🛠️ There's a desire to sandblast and repaint the older truck to improve its appearance.
• 🔌 The power company has installed the power line trench, but further work is needed for hookup and meter installation, delaying power to the shop.
• 🛠️ A heavy-duty shop table is being constructed with a smart design for clamping.

Final Tasks and Cleanup

• 🪵 The last load of brush is hauled for the day, with the remaining work involving chainsaw cutting.
• 🪵 The truck is useful for moving brush, especially small pieces that would get mixed with dirt if pushed by a dozer.
• 🪵 The day concludes with significant progress in clearing trees and preparing the burn pile, despite equipment and logistical challenges.