#473

In this video I use my new ‪@Kubotatractorcorp‬ U35-4 mini excavator to stack a load of firewood logs onto the log pile in the woodyard.
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Featured Equipment at the Dude Ranch:
- Kubota L3901 Tractor
- Kubota U35-4 Mini Excavator
- Baumalight TRL620D Mini Skid Steer
- Eastonmade 22-28 w/ Attached 16' Conveyor
- Eastonmade MS-324
- Maratach Log Grapple
- Big Tool Rack Tractor Carry All
- Everything Attachments 55” Wicked Root Rake Grapple
- WoodMaxx MX-8800 Chipper
- Land Pride RCR-1260 Rotary Cutter
- RuggedMade RS-737 Log Splitter with Auto Cycle and Hydraulic Wedge Lift
- Stihl MS 192 T
- Stihl MS 200 T
- Stihl MS 201 T
- Stihl MS 290 Farm Boss
- Stihl MS 362
- Stihl MS 500i
- Husqvarna 455 Rancher
- Husqvarna 580 BFS Backpack Blower
- Milwaukee Hatchet Handheld Chainsaw
- Mingo Marker Firewood Measuring Tool
- Accu-Mark Magnetic Firewood Marking Stick
- Polaris Sportsman 500 H.O.
- International 4700LP Hook Lift Truck
- Sure-Trac 7'x14' Low Profile HD Dump Trailer w/ Custom Built Log Arch & Winch

[@1jeffkatt]

My tip on stacking is starting by putting cribbing closer together and try to put any forked limbs on bottom so they don’t roll as it’s being stacked.

[@haracuna]

Great work! If I were you, I would rearrange the work yard a little and put all the logs to the left of your splitter. As close to the splitter as possible = saving time. And out of the way, because now your logpiles are pretty much in the way 🙂

[@DudeRanchDIY]

I like being able to access the piles from both sides so I can take the older logs first. But I do like the idea of moving it to the left…

[@MikeSkelton-it3hc]

I would suggest using your foot boom swing when you’re trying to stack logs to make your load parallel to the pile.

[@DudeRanchDIY]

That could help for sure

[@oldguyfirewood]

I have mini x envy Jake! You will be an excellent operator within a month. I’ve seen you learn quickly with the tractor and mini skid. You have the natural skills.

[@WoodysRTBFirewood]

Well said Dick, I agree that he’ll be proficient before he knows it. That machine definitely makes life a whole lot easier. Cheers Woody !!!

[@DudeRanchDIY]

Thanks Dick! Getting better with time!

[@stuartpulvermacher6861]

Get a frost point for your excavator they work well with the thumb ,lot cheaper than a grapple and more usefull it also is great for bucking because it is not in the way of the chain bar

[@fabricating_firewood]

Great video! Excavators are game changers in this business. I just got my LX040-4 and I’m looking to get a narrow root rake for it so I don’t have to use my 12” bucket.

[@DudeRanchDIY]

Yep I’ve been looking at the same kind of thing!

[@fabricating_firewood]

I have looked and looked for a root rake for my KX040 that is 16” or narrower to buck my logs easier and reduce the weight. The only one I could find was the Work Brau 18” or 24”. I called them to see if they could make a narrower one but they said they couldn’t. Anyways, 18” $1900+tax at Edwards Equipment, Danville Indiana with a 5 week lead time. Now I wait. 😢

[@SemiReTired]

New scriber here, Good to see another tuber in my state. Look forward to checking out your channel,

[@DudeRanchDIY]

Thanks for checking out the channel!

[@michaelmiller8914]

Most people don't like dealing with little sticks. Average and above seems to be the trend. 😂

[@DudeRanchDIY]

That’s what she said.

[@nmancini]

Always a good video worth the watch, have you tried on real time doing a voice over to explain some of your thought process. It usually helps fill the time instead of hearing just the machine running

[@DudeRanchDIY]

I could try that!

[@buckinfirewood]

My only tip is keep doing what your doing.. look back in a couple months and you'll see the difference between now and then..

[@DudeRanchDIY]

That’s for sure! Practice practice practice

[@HometownAcres]

lol 45 hour long videos for letsdig18. That’s about right

[@DudeRanchDIY]

lol

[@TheRustyGarageandHomestead]

Great video Jake. Your gonna have that machine figured out real quick. Great job.

[@DudeRanchDIY]

Thank you!

[@user-td2qw6dg7w]

Great video. Practice will make you better. I learned to run a tree length crane back in 1976 for International Paper Co. For 2 weeks I took off the pile & put back on the pile before I unloaded my first semi tractor trailer. I was nervous but I over came it & loved it. Just remember to keep the blade grounded & your load close & know the limits of the machine. Have fun, keep the videos coming. Dave D. from Southern Maine.👍

[@DudeRanchDIY]

Very cool thanks Dave

[@ronnieriley5557]

Do it how you want jake

[@lyleharkness-rv5vf]

Jake you are doing fine 👍 It takes time to develop fine motor control and muscle memory. Like you have said, more than once, you need more seat time. I, personally, don't mind the different types of content you put out. Bring us along on your journey on mastering the excavator, it compliments what you already do 😊

[@DudeRanchDIY]

Thanks for watching

[@oleberg4196]

Practice, Practice. I would get a rake attachment like Mike Morgan has .I think it would be more versatile than a grapple.

[@DudeRanchDIY]

I’ve been looking into them!

[@jramsdenbb]

Good video, Jake. As you said, you’re still really new to the mini but you’re going to figure it out. It will be interesting to see your skills improve but your content shouldn’t track every minute of your learning- it’s not where you started. Mixing up your content has been keeping me coming back. You mentioned Let’s Dig 18- I watch him religiously because he is probably one of the best operators I’ve ever seen and can do things with a mini excavator as well as his 220 and 330 that most can’t. Remember though, he’s been doing it for over 20 years… No one starts out as an expert. You just need some stick time. Keep up the good work!

[@DudeRanchDIY]

For sure! I try to mix up the content, but at the end of the day the videos are a true reflection of the stuff I do and have to get done!

[@1966poker]

Put your stringers closer together

[@bobfitch607]

I like these style videos that was my work before retirement. Try curling the bucket in after you close the thumb. Will put more pressure on the load

[@DudeRanchDIY]

Yep trying to balance the curl with the thumb

[@davidedwards3734]

Great video!! Practice, practice, Practice!! Working with any piece of equipment, takes practice!! Stay Hydrated and Have a Safe Day

[@RobertFramejr]

Hey jake how are you doing I'm good I like watching anything u do on the channel have a nice trip

[@DudeRanchDIY]

Thanks Robert

[@Stihl-Alive044-nc8op]

Now you need Andrew to send you down an Eastermade 40c processor, for all of the pole logs. All of it will burn. Your better off stacking the logs with your tractor with the grapple, mini hoe is made for digging.

[@DudeRanchDIY]

lol that would be sweet!

[@VeryHappyHamster]

I don't normally like these types of videos but I would like to own an excavator within the next few years and it was enjoyable seeing this pov with the commentary of someone that doesn't already have a lot of experience. I don't think I would mind another video or 2 like this in the future though, like you, I prefer your normal video style.

[@DudeRanchDIY]

Thanks!

[@user-JamesLacy]

I like the video. The wood you said was to little little I would love. I would cut it 2 foot and put it in the furnace with out spliting it. I have Hardy hot water outside furnace. Like I said I just cut my own, 68 years old and burnt wood all my life. Keep making the videos👍.

[@DudeRanchDIY]

Yep that’s why I usually give it to my buddy with a boiler

[@user-JamesLacy]

@@DudeRanchDIY 👍

[@josephgilbert6437]

You make great videos

[@DudeRanchDIY]

Thank you!

[@okanagansawmill]

Hey Jake your getting better on the excavator keep at it! Just wondering couldn't you have the log pile another 20ft or so closer to the splitter? Make a big difference in time saving.

[@DudeRanchDIY]

I like to be able to maintain enough distance to be able to drive my truck and trailer around the log pile so I don’t always have to back all the way down the road.

[@okanagansawmill]

@@DudeRanchDIY Ahh yes of course totally make sense.

[@SKFirewood]

Ive seen people use metal L bracket type things so they don't roll away

[@williamklein6649]

Sounds like the excavator needs some grease.

[@DudeRanchDIY]

I’ve greased it and heard the noise you’re referring to, sometimes it’s there other times not

[@Brushwhacker]

Sounds like your boom still isn’t getting grease, starting at 4:21 of the video.

[@guerrydotson3213]

I thought same. Jake will figure it out…..

[@DudeRanchDIY]

Yup that’s one of the points that won’t accept it. Working on it…

[@jeffjackson7592]

Jake your wood yard is getting smaller and smaller time upgrade with more space.

[@DudeRanchDIY]

Haha I know

[@bobwilkinson4377]

that was like watching paint dry dude not your best

[@DudeRanchDIY]

lol as I said, not my favorite type of video either! Some people do enjoy them though!

[@jakealexander7733]

as many camera angles as possible

[@DudeRanchDIY]

I bet you like POV