Excavator and Dozer Work: Clearing Large Trees and Preparing for Snow

Morning Preparations and Initial Clearing

• ❄️ The excavator received a 15-20 minute warm-up due to very cold morning temperatures.
• 🔥 The immediate goal was to condense the fire pile by stacking more brush and larger trees.
• 🚜 Robert arrived with a dozer, loaded with stumpers and attachments, to assist with clearing bigger trees.

Managing Debris and Burning Piles

• 🪵 Large logs were moved to the top of the pile to aid in burning.
• 💨 The dry conditions made burning a concern, with a risk of setting the entire farm ablaze.
• 🧹 Using a rake helps to sweep debris into the pile, minimizing dirt mixed in, which burns down as the pile consumes itself.
• 🌲 A large stump was left in place, with brush piled around it, as it was too large to remain on top of the pile.

Equipment and Weather Challenges

• 🌨️ Anticipation of significant snowfall impacted the day's work, with plans to finish raking before it arrived.
• 🧰 The rake was used for sorting, though the bucket was preferred for its grabbing ability, despite worn teeth.
• 💰 New bucket teeth cost approximately $12,500, so the current worn set was being used to its full potential.
• 🥶 Robert was working with chainsaws, taking breaks to warm up in the dozer.

Introducing the Volvo 350

• 🚀 The Volvo 350 excavator was brought in to handle larger trees and speed up the clearing process.
• 🪵 Its massive bucket size was highlighted in comparison to a pickup truck and a chainsaw.
• 🛠️ The stumper attachment was utilized on the 350 to tackle large stumps.

Taking Down Large Trees

• 🌳 The 350 was used to take down large sweet gum trees near property lines, reducing debris in fields used for crops.
• ⚡ A significant challenge involved maneuvering a large tree near a power line and guide wire, requiring careful handling and camera monitoring.
• 💪 The 350 proved capable of handling very large trees, described as comparable to picking up a smaller dozer.
• 📸 The impressive size of one tree warranted taking a picture.

End of Day Progress and Future Plans

• ✅ Robert finished his work, leaving the operator to continue clearing.
• 🪵 A large stack of hardwood and miscellaneous wood was prepared, with plans to haul some off rather than burn it.
• 🌨️ With 5-8 inches of snow forecasted, the team was satisfied with the day's progress, having cleared significant brush, felled trees, and stacked debris.