One of the Ways I make and use an IBC Tote for Firewood. #6

I take a new IBC Tote apart and build it back up to be used to store and move a Face Cord of firewood.
Find us on Social Media on:
Instagram / maddymaefarm
Facebook / maddymaefarm
NEW FIREWOOD Website www.doylestownfirewood.net
Zip Ties Used : www.amazon.com/TR-Industrial-...

[@jamespotestio1074]

I would buy firewood from you all day long. You take the time to crunch the numbers and make sure the customer is getting what they pay for. Nice video.

[@maddymaefarm5502]

Thanks! That's really what its all about. Customer service.

[@inthebackyardwithdel438]

Great way to use the totes . I like how you cut them in half . I’ve seen others cut them diagonally but never cared for that . I appreciate the info and very good video . Del

[@maddymaefarm5502]

Thanks Del.

[@Redhackle]

Thank you for taking the time to show us this. Ken

[@gregzais9248]

Great video. Thx for sharing your knowledge!

[@sureflamefirewood4174]

I've seen lots of people use them but this way is the best I think... you have the roof and you managed to make a true 1/3 cord fit ... you might have me turned back onto using IBC totes.. great video

[@maddymaefarm5502]

As long as you can source them at a reasonable price I think they are useful. I also use them for retail bundles at stores where I sell. We paint them up to look good. I will be putting a video out about that soon also. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@WSTMike]

Hey Scott! Very cool idea. Never thought about zip ties to hold the roof in place. Very good video and instruction. Thanks for sharing! WST

[@maddymaefarm5502]

Thanks Mike it was a failure at first when I used standard zip ties but the big ones are working well.

[@Flatlander3060]

Great idea for the liners.

[@maddymaefarm5502]

Thanks. really not my idea though lol. Learn a lot from this firewood community!

[@donovandaniel]

Dig the good info/strategy and the clear, concise, direct instruction. You gained a subscriber for sure. Would love input on acquiring the IBC totes.

[@nickeckemoff7631]

I used screws not zip ties, though your method is easier. I also cut the plastic to give it a pitch to give it proper height in the front and used the center metal cut out to help the roof support. However when I bought these pre-COVID, they were $50 cash for the larger 330 gallon ones, but today they're $100+ for smaller ones, usually 1+ hour drive's away. For $150 (in material cost), I just build movable sheds out of treated wood. I make mine overbuilt and someone else can likely build it cheaper (estimated under 100 or even under 50 if you use existing pallets). 4x4 foot base with front roof 6.5 foot one side and 4.5 foot on the back side. 2 rows of 18-20 inch splits with a sideways row in in the middle all the way up is at least 1/2 cord (a little over depending on how you stack it). 2 sheds = 1 cord...3 IBC totes would cost me $300, but for that much I can build 2 larger sheds. Kubota L47 loader will lift a full 100% green oak shed, but it's a it's limit (about 3000 lb total, lifting 2 foot in air). Once it's dry, it's easy, and non-oak wood is significantly lighter and no problem (less than 2000 LB full), but still you want Kubota MX+ sized tractor to lift them. The only downside of building the sheds is it takes 2+ hours to purchase and cut the materials and then 3+ hours to assemble them (in sets of 2)... realistically, you basically give up 1 full day of work +$300+ to build storage for 1 cord of firewood and the labor cost of that (depending on much you value your time) is $200 at only $25 per hour (in my case, I'd say it is well over 2-3 times that...). Regardless, my superior sheds will ensure dry mold free premium firewood after 1 year, but IBC totes don't keep the water out unless you built roofs over them, which most people don't. IBC totes was cool idea, but thanks to youtube nowadays everyone knows about them so supply is low and prices are high.

[@DanielAtkinsFirewood]

Good explanation on how you use these totes.. See you on the next one

[@tiredtrucker4life]

Awesome way to maximize an IBC tote's capacity. I have the same sized totes and this will really change the way I do things from now on. Thank you!

[@maddymaefarm5502]

Awesome so glad this idea will work for you. I continue to improve on these ideas all the time from the great comments I get from this community.

[@michaelroth408]

@@maddymaefarm5502 How did you come up with the height to stack and get 43 cubic feet. It starts 36" w x 32 d x ?(4'3" or 51") h = 43 cf

[@nelsonridgefarm]

Great details on a great technique! Appreciate the video, cool that you get those food-safe containers! Awesome! -Brad

[@maddymaefarm5502]

I fell into a good source and buy up everyone he gets. Thanks for stopping by Brad.

[@russwoodward7601]

This gives me lots of ideas for sure.

[@maddymaefarm5502]

Great! I'm always looking to improve on things too. Thanks for checking me out.

[@VirginiaWolf88]

Cool Creation!!!!

[@jkeane39]

Hi , great video. I live in Midcoast Maine your face chord is so much bigger then what they sell here it's sloppily put in lots of holes in it comes level to the top .Your a honest man. Bless you brother.

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Nice video. We like using the IBC totes for our firewood too.

[@maddymaefarm5502]

Agreed they are handy.

[@sunseeker6088]

Very informative video

[@TheZehnerhjk]

Thank you sir.

[@KNLFirewood]

Love it! Thanks for sharing. Its nice that you get food grade totes. Those are hard to come by around here.

[@MySliceOfHeavenoutdoors]

They are hard to find around here too. And when you do find the food grade totes, they want an arm and a leg for them.

[@maddymaefarm5502]

@@MySliceOfHeavenoutdoors I'm lucky that I made this connection. And because I buy all of what he has, which helps him, he gives me an amazing price.

[@42lookc]

Great way to make a roofed wood tote! Those tops are pretty translucent, so I see a little bit of solar cookage if they are able to be placed right!

[@maddymaefarm5502]

You are correct. I find the wood is drying a bit faster in these totes with the tops.

[@jamessanders4310]

I would just zip tie one side to start. Then you flip the cover out of the way. Fill w wood . Flip over the cover. No need to cut out the front of the cover. Easier to put wood into…

[@davidberrier5894]

You need it cut for taking wood out

[@amishjim]

Good stuff, homie

[@MySliceOfHeavenoutdoors]

great way to use a tote, and holds a face cord perfectly.

[@maddymaefarm5502]

And the look pretty good when placed in a row.

[@edsecorr7812]

Very nice thank you

[@bennym1956]

Neat trick to make a roof.

[@shiningone3538]

Some good ideas.. Especially using the bladder like that... I i know it looks great stacking... But... If left the bladder bigger you could chuck it in there unstacked... Save a heap of time and get the same results... Cheers from Australia

[@user-zb2jk6fx4n]

I do my totes similar, but I take a magic marker and using the horizontal bars for a guide I mark the bladder for a straight cut, I cut it a little longer to come down to the second vertical bar then after cutting the bladder I insert 2x4s cross ways to hold it level then instead of zip ties I use metal roofing screws and screw it to the top vertical bar, either way it works.

[@otisbailey5455]

Nice video.

[@keithm.6650]

Great video! Thanks brother.

[@CliffsideStables]

U-Line is a good source for purchasing zip ties. They have a variety of lengths and strengths.

[@maddymaefarm5502]

Love U-line. Did not even think to look there for zip ties. Thanks for the info!

[@vdsgw52]

You might try a angle grinder with a 6" cutting blade. Cuts with no vibration. Might work on the tub as well. I have not cut the tubs I have yet.

[@maddymaefarm5502]

Great idea. Probably a much easier way to handle this task.

[@mossman7527]

Good video

[@RayOrbandArg]

a video on how to build a tiny house with ibc tote would be a good idea. regards

[@rickberlin3711]

Skill saw works great to cut bladder in half,and I would drill holes before I cut it

[@nebraskawoodstr]

Just found you and subbed. Started my channel couple years ago. Look forward to following your channel. Nebraska WoodSTR

[@danclas5983]

I'm not having much luck finding totes for what I feel are reasonable prices. Saw another guy on youtube cutting the bladders at an angle to give the roof a slope. Thought that was a good idea too.

[@maddymaefarm5502]

I have a few totes where I did the angle cut to make a sloped roof. They don't hold as much wood and the roof never fits on the tote as nice. Not saying its not a good idea just has not worked for me in my application.

[@Joe-vg4mm]

How do they hold up with prevailing rain?

[@robertsedlak7853]

What do you do with the leftover plastic i hate to put it in a landfill i have no options where i live

[@arthurperrea3714]

Nice build just one ? How do you stack wood up to your high mark do you take roof off

[@maddymaefarm5502]

I have many of these totes and as I continue to grow I add more. Stacking is through the front where I have removed a small section of the metal cage and cut out a section of the plastic. Hope that answers your question?

[@priscillamutungi6627]

I really like the video, very informative. What's the lightest tool to split wood for older lady, any advice? I cut about 4 of my giant trees and would like to split fire wood

[@FatherOfTheParty]

I would look into an electric log splitter. Yardmax, Boss, Wen, Central Machinery all make them in the 5 - 9 ton range. You don't have to maintain a gas engine (or start it) and these tools are capable of splitting most wood. I have paired that with an electric chainsaw and my wife cuts a lot of wood for the wood stove.

[@natehayward7999]

What are people typically paying for these totes. I found some for $65 each. Is the reasonable? Thanks, great video!!

[@adamgrebenc9705]

What tractor are you using, looks like an LX. Can it lift a full tote?

[@rwetmore2386]

What size/make of tractor are you using to move those around? Does it have any issues or seem to be maxed out on weight? Any idea on what a full tote weighs? Thank you!

[@mattbroct]

Can answer, most totes weigh in around 1500lbs full of wood. Each tractor differs on lift but most 35-45 hp can lift. More importantly if buying a new tractor is strong pto in back. Runs your implements like bush hog, snow blower, etc. try to get the most hp to the back you can and have dealer run extra hydraulic line to help with things like a thumb on back how or turning on off some function like tree grapple

[@1966cambo]

I was wondering if you have tried to slit the corners on the bladder so they can be pulled over the sides to keep rain from running down into the tote?

[@maddymaefarm5502]

Great idea. I'll start trying this on a couple!

[@mwnitz]

@@maddymaefarm5502 How did slitting the bottoms and fastening over the tote work for you? I’m thinking of doing what you do but adding the slits. Great video, BTW!

[@garylaszewski7380]

The next question, is: how to deliver totes to the customer without manually handling all the firewood again: //kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJ-neoWCgdKDhtE //kzbin.info/www/bejne/oYjLaGaDl6pqndE In the interest of reducing the # of manual touches of firewood for everyone, the above method seems to be the best. It isnt cheap, and forces the customer to pay ~$30 (for the tote) and maybe $100 for the wood, for having the tote placed into their garage, with no further piling and mess. The next time they need another refill, you just deliver another full tote, and take back their empty tote, and charge them $100 for just the wood, since they already paid for the tote!

[@mattbroct]

What recording mic? Like it? Thanks for sharing!

[@maddymaefarm5502]

Rode wireless mic. Thanks for checking the channel out.

[@stanleykeith6969]

A lot of guys cut those at a 45 and in this way can use them on two totes.

[@maddymaefarm5502]

Yes I have a few that I cut at a 45 but have found it does not work at well for me. The reason is that when cut at a 45 this limits the amount of wood you can stack inside. Also I still am able use the cut bladder on two totes. Nothing is wasted.

[@krististanley8508]

I heard no sound except the rooster crowing.

[@gregbrown1083]

Scott, what would happen if you cut the bladder 6 inches from the bottom to give more height. Would that extra heighth let you slit the corners and bend the bottom edge outside the tote? Good luck.

[@maddymaefarm5502]

Yes that would totally work. However, by cutting the bladder in half I get two roofs instead of one. So I then have spare roofs if the get damaged. Also I like to have a measured amount of wood in the totes. The amount I like to keep in them is 1/3 cord. So the wood only needs to be stacked 4 feet 4 inches in the tote to equal 1/3 cord. I would love to put more in but unfortunately my tractor often has a hard time even moving 1/3 cord if the wood is green. Love the idea though and maybe I will use your idea for my personal wood stock where a measured amount is not required. Thanks for the comment and idea.

[@gregbrown1083]

@@maddymaefarm5502 Having had wood bins 49" tall in the past has resulted in many head banging events for my wife. I try to make as much height for loading and unloading as possible. I have a tractor that won't pick enough either. My crane will pick enough but I have yet to figure out the best way to rig the totes. I bought a few totes lined with tin. After my snow melts I will have to figure out how to remove most of the tin. Good luck. Greg

[@maddymaefarm5502]

@@gregbrown1083 Yes all these things seem to be trial and error and figuring out what works best for our own given conditions. I have smacked my head on a number of occasions but for me that's probably a good thing LOL.

[@sunseeker6088]

Great video…..now when my wife acts up, I have a place to put her.

[@fatefarmspa]

New subscriber here I’ll have to try that on our channel 👍

[@charlescoker7752]

If you have friends who garden. They could plant plants in the part of the bladder you throw away.

[@maddymaefarm5502]

Great idea however I guess I was not clear in what I do. I do not throw away any part of the bladder. I cut them in half and both parts are used to make roofs.

[@charlescoker7752]

@@maddymaefarm5502 How long do the bladders last?

[@maddymaefarm5502]

@@charlescoker7752 really for ever. They are a pretty thick plastic. The only time I have had to replace one is if I got careless with the pallet forks on the tractor and damaged one.

[@bradjenkins932]

Why do you buy food grade totes for fire wood?

[@maddymaefarm5502]

Great question thanks! I have a small farm here with some animals. Also my drinking water is from a well. So I do not want to introduce any chemicals to my property. When I first started getting these totes I was not as picky and some had oil, antifreeze, and road paint in them. So I then had the extra work of properly disposing of those chemicals which was a huge pain. So I would rather buy food grade and if there is something left in them, which there always is, I can just dump the contents on the grown without worry.

[@scootertasmania6619]

Your muscly looking ...all that wood cutting looks like it's good for you lol.

[@daveklein2826]

1/3 of a cord is NOT a face cord. Full cord is 128 cubic feet, half cord is 64 cubic feet, 1/3rd cored is 43 cubic feet.... It is what it is

[@fricknjeep]

i thought that is what he said john

[@maddymaefarm5502]

I agree with your statement. I think we are saying the same thing. Although I would like to know what your exact definition is for a face cord. I use the term as the front stack of a cord of would which would be 43 cubic feet if the cord is stacked in three rows of 16 inch sticks 8 feet long and 4 feet high. I know in different parts of the country the term may mean something else.

[@fricknjeep]

@@maddymaefarm5502 hi there here in Maryland wood can't be sold by a face cord because there is no set amount , the 4x8 is a set amount but the width can vary , i haven't sold firewood in years , to much work for the reward . although i have a pretty good system that not to many can beat . good luck on Y/T john

[@maddymaefarm5502]

@@fricknjeep Yes here in PA the same rules apply. I generally use the face cord term as a slang way to describe the 43 cubic foot measurement. I should probably just say 1/3 cord. Thanks for the comments and insight.

[@amandadavis9726]

Seems good to me. If he knows that a face cord is a 1/3 of a cord (43 cubic feet),…then it must be what it is. Never understood how some people get bent out of shape, while repeating what someone else said. He doesn’t even have the balls to admit that his comment made no sense, whatsoever. 😂

[@jimmyhuffman2103]

Can't fuking hear ya.

[@maddymaefarm5502]

Ya sorry man rookie KZbinr. I have since bought high end wireless mic's to solve that problem. Thanks for checking the video out!