Fixing the Bale Unroller / Spooler - The Project List

In one long night we get to tackle a midnight version of the project list. The ranch runs 24/7 and we also see all seasons in a few short hours, a long night turns into an early morning snow where we save a calf and we try a repair on the broken bale unroller.
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Our Wyoming Life
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Join us on our journey as we leave a life in corporate america to come back to Wyoming and help on the family ranch.
Our Wyoming Life features our Wyoming ranch and our ranch family. Giving you a look into the workings of ranching from raising cattle to raising and harvesting crops. Erin will join you weekly out of the garden, showing you how she helps provide for our family through growing produce and selling at local farmers markets, and Mike will take you along as he tends to the animals and land of ranch, from calving to fencing to planting and harvesting hay.
~-~~-~~~-~~-~
Please watch: "Calving and Technology on the Ranch"
• Calving and Technology...
~-~~-~~~-~~-~

[@terri6342]

You're a professional family man, rancher, businessman, and last but not least husband. Well done sir.

[@OurWyomingLife]

There are a few hats under this one. Thanks for watching - Mike

[@oby-1607]

The weld held and that is what matters. And all of that on the graveyard shift. Mike, you deserve a medal for that. If there was one. Part of being a rancher.

[@OurWyomingLife]

Yeah, no award show here lol Thanks Miguel - Mike

[@lionsresourcefulness5033]

Mike, Sounds like the long night I had. Thank you for your verbal directions. I can understand your posts even if I am not watching. You and others have inspired this grandmother to buy a vacant piece of land to build up with a I can do it attitude.

[@loriehabel1552]

The oldies are always the goodies👍 nice weld job. Good for another 10 years👏

[@OurWyomingLife]

I sure hope so. Thanks ! - Mike

[@davidgilbert6017]

Mike, you impress me about every time I watch you and I check in quite often. You sure are a dedicated man. I'm sure your Father-in-law would be very proud of you.

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you very much David, that means alot to me! - Mike

[@kriss7397]

Kind of a welder myself,the good feeling when everything works,can’t beat it!!

[@brentderksen]

Something Peaceful about working when all is quite and everyone is sleeping. Well, that's what I thought when I was up with our kids when they were younger.

[@OurWyomingLife]

No doubt. It was kind of nice and time flew by. Thanks guys! -Mike

[@ninehigh99]

That was great viewing! Exciting, couldn't believe you could make all those decisions, do all the work, and film it all throughout the all-nighter!

[@OurWyomingLife]

Sometimes I cant believe it either. Thanks for watching - Mike

[@46rambo49]

at some point you may want to splice a piece on both of those to reinforce the plates on top and bottom. Never seen a bale roller that lasted very long. Welding after dark is always a calming thing. Eat it up, wear it out, make it do or go without! Thanks again Mike for sharing. ZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

[@OurWyomingLife]

Hopefully we can get it to last through this season, then the plan is to rebuild it a bit over the summer. Thanks! - Mike

[@jessegoucher8813]

Sorry just caught up with your videos, I've been working on the website, last few weeks. just trying to make it better. great videos this week. thanks again for your time. Jesse

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thats cool. Thanks Jesse - Mike

[@gearheadted5110]

Nice work, Mike. Hard work, long hours, persistence and sometimes innovation keeps the farm, or your ranch, going. I had the great fortune of growing up on my great grandpa's farm/homestead before it became a state bird refuge. I remember helping Dad and Grandpa with many tractor and implement projects.

[@OurWyomingLife]

They always say that you learn from the way grandpa did it. Thank you very much - Mike

[@clarkcarroll5790]

definitely can tell the CORPORATE LIFE is out of your blood fixing old instead of buying new CONGRATS looks good on you guys.

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you very much - Mike

[@fionajane56]

An upgrade is due....Worlds Awesomest Ranch Welder ....sounds good to me. Buying new has become too accepted. We salvaged old pasture gates when we built the new fences here. they are just fine inside the barn and shut the two big pens. Your heifers are in great shape and you must be pleased with the calves. Great video all around.

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you very much, I can feel my head getting bigger as we speak lol Yea you have to recycle around here too. Thanks Fiona - Mike

[@geggs1]

Your cut from different cloth Mike. It’s very refreshing. All the best to you.

[@OurWyomingLife]

As long as its not wool...makes me itch. Thanks for the compliment and thanks for watching - Mike

[@jeffryblackmon4846]

Both welds look like a nice "stack of dimes." Good work!

[@leroysouza5066]

So much for beauty sleep. Lol. I’ve been around welders for a long time. That weld looks pretty damn good. Good job. Love the videos. Also that foreclosure pending sign cracks me up.

[@OurWyomingLife]

Beauty sleep...thats what I'm missing lol Thanks a ton, really appreciate it! - Mike

[@josephspinozzi7427]

Great job like usual. Hope you got some well deserved rest soon.. All the best to you and your family.

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you very much. Glad you liked -Mike

[@IronClad292]

Good job !! Hopefully the manufacturer of the bale roller will bolster that area in a future revision, although it did last 10 years. There's always room for improvement, even on a well made piece of equipment.

[@OurWyomingLife]

Very true, thank you very much - Mike

[@jimcameron6297]

good stuff mike i like your vids wish i was in the ranch business my dad had a ranch in the 60's i am sorry i did not stay with it now 74 can't start over !!! thank for your vids

[@OurWyomingLife]

You are very welcome Jim, thanks for watching - Mike

[@erichager4280]

The super bailer unroller 6000r works like a brand new one. Good job

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you Eric - Mike

[@lakesideranch]

Great repair Mike !! 7018 rod is a repairmans best friend. Good looking welds there !!

[@OurWyomingLife]

I end up using it most of the time, I think I might be out though. Better put it on the list Thanks - Mike

[@danielweber4432]

That was a good fix, Mike. Out on the farm you learn that you are the mechanic. There's not one handy in your back pocket. That's how I got my welding experience "on the farm". It has helped me through-out my life. You never forget, you just get a little rusty.

[@OurWyomingLife]

Very true, I'm sure if I had plate steel and everything on hand I could have done a different job but this will work for now. Thanks Daniel - Mike

[@herdingcats3850]

Good job. Good bead on the spooler. Hadn't welded since high school agri class.

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you very much - MIke

[@calumanderson5617]

At least youve spotted the other brake on the bale spoller before you've tryed it ! I can guess the bleeper audio box on the commentary would have been on over drive if it failed, certainly with me anyway. I enjoy working through the dark mainly 1 it's peaceful in the tractor at night. 2 no audience looking or being around (apart from cow's and sheep) and 3 no one can see any mistakes I made ! (or video it and put it on utube!) Lol . Great video Mike 👍

[@OurWyomingLife]

There are times that the youtube thing seems like not such a great idea! I like it too, quiet, peaceful and the time flies. Thanks Calum - Mike

[@keithhill77]

You are definitely not a welding hack. Good tight beads. Well done sir. Since this now over a year old video.... is it still holding? Respect from Texas🇨🇱. Without y'all our farmers/ranchers in this country we'd be screwed.

[@johnbergeron5015]

maybe my favorite video you ever posted. thanks!

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you John - Mike

[@bettykuykendall2083]

Yeah, we did.! AWESOME BLOSSOM.! 🌻

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you Betty ! - Mike

[@bks7842]

Dude, you ARE the worlds OK'est welder. Not bad!!

[@OurWyomingLife]

haha, thank you very much - Mike

[@highstepperARF]

Good job! Self reliance is good for your confidence!

[@OurWyomingLife]

Very true, thank you very much - Mike

[@OBIOsim]

Mike...that weld looked good to my not professional welder's eyes. If it holds, it's a good weld in my book. Keeping equipment working via some elbow grease and sweat equity is a lot better than huge bank loans and future sucking interest payments. Another great video, Mike. Keep them coming.

[@letysmallwood5042]

Git er done. Great attitude to adapt and overcome.

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thats all ya need, thanks - Mike

[@huntingpro9955]

Also I like your attitude towards your weld

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you - Mike

[@farming4g]

A great mechanic in our area a long time ago once said, "Well, it'll hold until it breaks again."

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thats kind of how it works. Thanks - Mike

[@pcsweeney3898]

Great job Mike. I’m a self taught welder too. Mine may not look good, but they hold. Your welds looked great!! I enjoy everything about this channel.

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you thats a great compliment! - Mike

[@mikefortune4796]

Hi Mike great job Mike you should be very proud of yourself

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thanks Mike! - Mike

[@mikefortune4796]

Your welcome my friend Mike im 66 years old now i worked on farms for some years and i really do admire you guys its hard work and its 365 days a year there is not one day will go by without a problem but you handle it like you have been doing it all your life and thats the University of reality

[@OurWyomingLife]

Lucky for me I can edit video and you dont see me standing there scratching my head for 10 minutes to come up with a solution lol Thanks though, that means alot to us

[@SithLordmatthew]

I fix a lot of broken steel as a landscaper as well. I would of done that a tad different. I would of gouged out the crack to a V as best I could then welded that up then ground down the bead and welded a plate over the entire crack. Your rethink it when you have to do it again.

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you very much for your constructive criticism and thanks for watching - Mike

[@messianichebrewshawnkawcak1550]

Makes it stronger that way, more surface area and maybe get rid of some of the fatigued metal I would guess. And depending on how thick the metal is you might have to clean up the bead and run several beads stacked. Putting a plate over the top would be good too if you have the room on the other side by the bolt.

[@tommathews3964]

I'm impressed! Your beads look just fine! Also impressed with your work ethic and the care you give your livestock and equipment. That's dedication! That seems like a natural fatigue point for the arms on the spooler, I look forward to your solution. Maybe welded joints and a piece of flat stock cut to shape for top and bottom and welded and bolted into place with holes for the pin (may take a larger pin with the thicker arms). I don't know.....you'll figure it out! Good luck with the rest of calving season!

[@OurWyomingLife]

I think once I am out of feeding season it will get reworked. Thank you very much Tom - Mike

[@joehairston4159]

Nothing wrong with that weld. Good job👍

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you Joe, I am pretty proud of it. Thanks for watching - Mike

[@paymaker11]

Mike, you really are darn awesome! Thank you again for the great video!

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you very much, we also consider you awesome for watching - Thanks - Mike

[@MrGkoplitz]

Nicely done, I hope you are able to get a little rest!

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you, I am getting some here and there. Just scattered. - Mike

[@lostnation5348]

Nicely done. Thank you for sharing.

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you and thanks for watching - Mike

[@austinrandall3685]

Congrats on getting the spooler back into business, I’m sure that cows are appreciating it :) hope the little new born is doing well!!!

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you, he is doing well, hanging out in the barn still with mom. Thanks for watching - Mike

[@TheJoshuacox]

Just found your channel a few days ago... fantastic work !!

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you very much. Glad you found us and welcome aboard! -Mike

[@chihuas454]

Cool Video! See you Thursday Mike

[@OurWyomingLife]

See ya there! - Mike

[@patricksmith3316]

Miss ya being on the ranch, Mike. 😔

[@roundprairiedairy7006]

Your voice and the way you talk makes you seem like you could be a news anchor for Farm Gate haha

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you very much and thanks for watching - Mike

[@daletractor6637]

Bro, the weld looks great. Mine have boogers all around 'em, both from me and my crappy welding. Well done!

[@OurWyomingLife]

haha, I hate it when welding makes you sneeze. Thanks for watching - Mike

[@dallascoppernoll8543]

My step dad is an awesome welder he can weld practically anything

[@OurWyomingLife]

Awesome. Thanks for watching - Mike

[@Robasteerjock51]

Mike, you impress me with your initiative for working on your equipment. Looks like the comments have already noted about grinding out a little the crack.. with that said you weld flow was excellent Thanks for taking us along sir Hopefully you will get some rest.

[@OurWyomingLife]

I hope so too. :) Thanks Rob - Mike

[@bluemtnsman]

Good job Mr. Mike. Good attitude as well.

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you very much - Mike

[@mattm4239]

hey mike just an idea on welding up old broken farm equipment when a piece that your butting together like that breaks grind a V in it then fill the V with weld even better if you do both sides then you could even plate it and weld the ends of the plate

[@OurWyomingLife]

Great advice, this wes a fix that will hopefully get me through feeding this year, over the summer I will be reworking it. Thanks for watching - Mike

[@mikestone9129]

Buying a new one when the old one will do is wasteful, money needed else where. Good job.

[@OurWyomingLife]

I agree, thanks - Mike

[@scottgreenlee5207]

I love fixing broken stuff. When successful, it’s like depositing tax free money in the bank!

[@OurWyomingLife]

Very true. There's a good feeling you get from it. Thanks Scott -Mike

[@builtfordguy]

Good job on the welding and i am watching from mexico and whe do farming and some team roping here and i know some big time ranchers like you are here on the border cross new mexico and i sure love your videos keep the good work up

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you very much! - Mike

[@sheilamclaughlin963]

Not a bad weld for learning, practice makes perfect

[@davidharris6581]

Good Job Mike!

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you David and as always thanks for watching - Mike

[@gardeningpreacher]

I enjoy your videos! My brother lived in Buffalo, WY for 5 or 6 years...he loved it there...

[@andrewterry8092]

Some angle iron on the bottom of those welds should help to reinforce it. Nice work.

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you Andrew - Mike

[@mikea1893]

Ha love the videos. A little advice on the welding. next time grind the edges of the broken peace at a 45 deg. angel so you will have a better penetration of weld. weld one pass and then grind it smooth and lay a mother pass on it tell you have built up snuff to fill the reaper . grind it smooth and then cut a diamond pice of mental and weld it to the top of the reaper to ad strength to the reaper. Mike

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thanks Mike, I really do appreciate it - Mike

[@jerrybeaver9212]

Well done Mike, I stick,mig,and tig weld, you're better than "ok" in my book! Here's hoping you don't get to stressed with all you have to do. Blessing to the ranch buddy, I'll be watching the live feed for sure, tell Erin hi -Jerry

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thanks Jerry, Erin says Hi back. Thanks for the compliment! - Mike

[@henrymorgan3982]

Family of values.

[@tonyburelle6633]

Nice repair job, good looking weld, wish mine could look that good

[@OurWyomingLife]

Sometimes I surprise myself. Thanks Tony - Mike

[@johnhatt1219]

A job well done Mike up the good work

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you very much - Mike

[@markmortensen4341]

Your welds looked pretty darn good but my standards. And your test seemed to proceed us both right!! Take care good luck and stay warm.

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you Mark, I was a little worried. Thanks for watching - Mike

[@rgs4x]

I admire you for working by yourself at 3 am. I guess that's what ranchers do.

[@OurWyomingLife]

Actually, aside from the lack of sleep it was kinda nice. Thanks - Mike

[@FiremedicGross]

Strong work

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you and thanks for watching - Mike

[@davidmiddlebrooks929]

My first job out of high school was a mechanic\welder. Your welds look very good. Only a couple of things I MAY have done different. I MAY have put a piece of 3/8"x 1/2" or 3/4" flat across the break as a stiffener and/or used the grinder to "V" out the crack for better penetration. I say "MAY" because I'm not there and can't see what you see, but those Low Hydrogen (6018 or so) welds look very beefy and good. Just something to think about when you have TIME, LOL. Ya know, if ranching was easy, everyone would do it! May God bless ya brother!

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you David, I really just wanted to get it going again. No welding supply stores or steel yards open at 4 am but this summer when I can and have time I am hopefully going to be able to get it fixed up more. Thanks - Mike

[@jerrycoon4504]

Good Job! I'm not a great welder either but that weld looked pretty good to me.

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thanks Jerry - Mike

[@melissawilliamson7907]

Lol, I automatically looked away when you started to weld, habit I guess. My hubby suggested putting a gusset on your welding repairs, it will make it stronger, but they looked pretty good to me.

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thats funny, I caught myself doing the same thing when I was editing it. Thank your husband for me and thanks for watching - Mike

[@curtalford6126]

Good work! I hope that weld holds for another 10 years for you.

[@OurWyomingLife]

As do I, but I would be happy if they hold until I'm done feeding this year, then I think I'm going to have to rework it. Thanks - Mike

[@ronneal74]

+Our Wyoming Life. IF U. HAVE FLAT METAL. U. CAN CUT PIECE. ADD. 2. WHAT. U. HAVE. 4. RENFORCEIN. & ACTUALLY. HOLDS. WITH. GOOD. WELD. ! COURSE. U. GOTTA. USE. TORCH. MAKE. HOLE. 4. .PINS. !! U. CAN. SO. IT. !!! US. OKIES. DO. THAT. !!

[@ronneal74]

+Our Wyoming Life. IF U. HAVE FLAT METAL. U. CAN CUT PIECE. ADD. 2. WHAT. U. HAVE. 4. RENFORCEIN. & ACTUALLY. HOLDS. WITH. GOOD. WELD. ! COURSE. U. GOTTA. USE. TORCH. MAKE. HOLE. 4. .PINS. !! U. CAN. SO. IT. !!! US. OKIES. DO. THAT. !!

[@terrybruce5923]

You have a lot of grit working though the night...and might be due a promotion to Reasonably Good Welder :) That made me tired...I need a beer...haha Terry - Justin TX

[@OurWyomingLife]

Have one for me, a beer might knock me out! Thanks Terry - Mike

[@md_outdoors4623]

fantastic job my friend welding looks good and glad that calf is fine keep the videos coming our day is bot complete here til we check what's going on there

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you very much - Mike

[@aldoloya9672]

The welds look pretty good

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you ! - Mike

[@willirish9962]

great video again Mike thanks

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you Will and thanks for watching - Mike

[@eldenblume8555]

You guys should put up on sight security cameras they are really nice

[@OurWyomingLife]

We have had to install some security around here, I'm not a fan of the motion detectors, they dont like wind. Thanks Elden - Mike

[@jeffallen1151]

Good job mike and just look at the money saved

[@OurWyomingLife]

Exactly, thanks Jeff - Mike

[@jrod264winmag]

Decent looking weld there iron Mike. Looks like a 6010 rod.

[@OurWyomingLife]

7018 actually but I do keep 6010 on hand too. Thanks - Mike

[@barrybeggs8543]

Weld looks great. If I may,grind a v on the crack, weld both sides of break, Grind the weld on top flat weld a small plate on top of the welded crack at least1\4 thick

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thats the plan after I get through feeding season. It will probably get a bunch of work Thanks - Mike

[@AdrenBt]

from now you can call your self-good welder. good job

[@OurWyomingLife]

haha, moving up in the ranks Thanks - Mike

[@noltehsu]

Great job!!

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you - Mike

[@atheanicholls2199]

hi good morning Mike and Erin my tablet was giving trouble that's why I'm late to the channel, but it's always a pleasure watching the project list, enjoying the channel tremendously, till the next video have a wonderful day today God bless 👋 bye 🐂🐂🐂🐂🐂🐮🐮🐮🐮🐴🐴👍👍👍👍.

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you very much Athea! - Mike

[@atheanicholls2199]

Our Wyoming Life you're both welcome 🐂🐂🐂🐂🐂

[@brianvaughn4528]

Great Video! Best one so far!

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you Brian - Mike

[@paulshakespeare2967]

Lol last time I went out in the dark to pull lambs a huge fog came in. I got disorientated and followed my fence the wrong way for a few mile 😂. Have you ever been lost out there ?.

[@OurWyomingLife]

Many times, especially in low visiblity. Usually I can find the lights on the house but if I cant see them then I'm guessing sometimes. I have missed gates also.. good thing I'm alone and no witnesses. Thanks Paul - Mike

[@hansherygers4324]

Weld looks ok to me. This summer you could cut those plates off and replace them with thicker ones.

[@OurWyomingLife]

That is the plan, or just reinforce them, not sure yet. We will see. Thanks Hans - Mike

[@charlie19649]

Looks like a great repair job to me.

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you very much - Mike

[@jaydenclinton4397]

Nice work

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you very much - Mike

[@dodgeman3299]

Nice! Watching from a little north of you up here in South Dakota.

[@OurWyomingLife]

Awesome! Thank you Cody - Mike

[@JamesTRyder]

Nice Job !!

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thanks James - Mike

[@keenankelley187]

Awesome job man

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you very much - Mike

[@GrantTravels23]

I wouldnt advise doing so on your tractors because of the bigger front tires. But I grew up rolling bales out using the front tire of the tractor. But I am glad to see you at least got to roll the bales using the bucket. 😂😂 Welcome to that club 😂😂

[@erictarrant4500]

Great work Mike on the little spooler that could!

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you very much - Mike

[@steve647my]

Nice weld. Looks good.Where is a will, there is a way. There is only one thing wrong , the hours suck.

[@OurWyomingLife]

Haha, I wish I had hours! :) Thanks for watching - Mike

[@kaycox5555]

Congrats for fixing!

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you very much - Mike

[@wisconsinfarmer2668]

Kayinfso Here rsvsg

[@williamdunn2525]

Nice Job Mike. Glad to see that spike on the roller is still holding as well. I was gonna give some advice, but a couple people beat me to it. But have a fast and flawless calving season.

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you William, this fix will hopefully get me through the end of feeding season then we will be reworking it and bracing it better. If you don't mind I will probably pick your brain for help. Thanks - Mike

[@williamdunn2525]

No problem Mike. FYI my email account doesn't always notfiy me of new emails. So if I dont reply, it's not because im ignoring ya, its because of Google.

[@snapstring3134]

Good work.

[@tommylund7527]

Nice work fixing it lets hope it holds up for sparing a other thing that you can cross off the project list for now👍

[@OurWyomingLife]

Just enough to get me through feeding season, then I can rework it over the summer is the plan. Thanks a bunch Tommy - Mike

[@russellmoore943]

Awesome video mike

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you very much - Mike

[@juvenaldominguez7022]

We all have different ideas u the best Mike

[@boatworkstoday]

I'm guessing that the ONLY dislike is from someone that got confused and accidentally hit the wrong button on their phone ;-) Great job you guys are doing!

[@OurWyomingLife]

I always wonder about them. By the way, I need to thank you. You were one of our earliest subscribers and I would love to talk to you. If you ever get a chance shoot me an email at [e-mail]. Thanks - Mike

[@JesseHires]

@BoatworksToday Out of curiosity I headed over to your channel. Turns out I've watched your video on building a toboggan a few years ago and building one has been on my project list since.

[@toddbrewer8215]

Farm good work, Fixing it like that twice a year is cheaper than interest on a new one.

[@OurWyomingLife]

Very true! Thanks Todd- Mike