We Bought Tractor Forks But They Couldn't Lift This Log

[@ld5714]

Katie, it was so nice when Greg shared how proud he was of you for your growth and all you have learned over the last 6 years. Since I have been following you two, I have seen you grow and develop your skill set enormously and have always been very impressed with your work ethic and abilities as they continue to grow. You two got a lot done and I imagine the hot tube was a welcome relief after cutting and splitting all that wood. Greg, I can see a difference since you were able to leave your job and devote full time to the homestead. You seem more relaxed with all the extra time, and are talking more in the vids. The forks are a great addition and will be very useful to you. Have a great week ahead you guys. Larry, Central Valley, Ca.

[@mv.alibiii4685]

Man!! You just put everything that I wanted to say but couldn't find the words!!! Well done 😎👍🇨🇦

[@bobmartin9518]

If you don't have loaded tires you can let some air out of the tires before you put the chains on then reinflate to tighten up the chains. I also lay the chains on the ground streached out then drive over and bring the chain up over the tire and fasten. In adition I put bungie cords on to take up any slack works well.

[@johnjaco5544]

OMG,dude,you lay the chains on top of tire and roll over the chains,not the other way around,it's 100% easier.

[@evilborg]

@@johnjaco5544 either way works.... what ever you feel comfortable with.

[@bobmartin9518]

first John I'm not a dude I have done the drive over for years and without help it is a lot easier. @@johnjaco5544

[@DennisAinsworth-xj9jb]

On Fire Engines we jacked each wheel off the floor.

[@izzygirl9591]

I agree take some air out . You can even do loaded tire's if you put the stem to the top. The tires should only be filled to that point so if a little chloride comes out its OK.

[@PoorMansHomesteadCanadaBC1961]

Now you see how Greg has to pick up those logs he is getting older you know and harder on his bact and if he had a gravel bucket he wouldn't have to pick up those and they wouldn't get crushed by a log rolling off the forks and getting hurt😊😊😊😊😊

[@SunraeSkatimunggr]

You found yourself a person willing to learn, change and grow besides you. I'm glad you count your blessing with eachother.

[@silverfoxes65]

Katie, if your ax gets caught trying to split firewood. Try turning it over and bang it down ax head first. It will generally split the wood without not much energy, Trying to fight the ax out of a log that won't split is hard work.

[@bobbygrace7520]

Picking up axe and wood is not easy

[@mahalathacker6513]

Katie reminds me of my niece so much, she is an only child so she is her Dad’s sidekick for everything.

[@melvinmarks7831]

a lot of views , but not many likes. come on people. it is had work editing these for us to enjoy. Well done Katie and Greg .Really enjoying watching you channel. 🙂

[@juliestrother167]

❤ oh that is just so lovely to hear you say that about Katy, Greg, she really is awesome ❤

[@carolholmes3633]

Before changing oil on the sawmill again, go buy a nipple and coupling to put between the mill and the plug giving you room for the funnel and keeping the oil off of the mill. This would also work on the generator. Place is looking better but need to get the siding finished.

[@Jay.Kellett]

I have a Summer place on a lake in NH, and live in Mass, The Winter takes it's toll, and we make a prioritized list of stuff to fix in the Summer, while leaving time for fun. The list never seems to get done.

[@TheBearDenPhotography]

Congrats on the new forks. Might I suggest building a pallet style platform for the generator to sit on. It would be way easier, and safer to move around with the tractor & forks. As well, maybe construct a simple wooden platform to place the forks and bucket on, raised off of the ground, to prevent rusting and damage to the equipment. You guys are doing great with your homestead. Keep up the great work. Yup, winter is arriving, and you would do well to be fully prepared for it. Stay strong, keep safe and well.

[@leonasimmons162]

Good idea.

[@trudyschaffer8016]

Great video! I think you should consider a wood splitter to be the next thing on the Patreon wish list! What do you think? Trust me.. I split wood my entire life, and now, at 65, my shoulders are telling me it would have been a grand idea…🎄👍

[@PoorMansHomesteadCanadaBC1961]

And a grapple bucket would make a very nice Christmas present right you all😊😊😊

[@mugseyoneone367]

Hi ya ! Best thing that worked for me on tire chains to keep them tite after years living in north Idaho is criss cross heavy duty rubber bungies , on both sides of tractor tires , take care !

[@benzie692]

FOR TIGHT CHAINS - Best way I have figured out is to use the backhoe to lift the rear of the tractor right off the ground. That way you can freely spin the rear wheels when fitting the chain to the tire. I was also told that I could deflate my tire some, put the chains on tight and then add air back which will really snug it up. That all said, my experience tells me that a good firm fit is good, but don't want it TOO tight that nothing gives when you're really working the machine. I'd rather something give on the chain rather than potentially damage my drivetrain...I push my equipment really hard. Congrats on the forks!!! You will never look back... most valuable attachment for sure!

[@jjohnson2553]

For putting chains on, I always air my tires down pretty low, put the chains on as tight as I can, roll/drive around a little to let the chains adjust/settle, then re tighten the chains and air the tires back up.

[@barrymurray8264]

Very nice video ! Nice maintenance work Greg, your grey matter is still kicking ! Remember maintenance,maintenance, maintenance, you will not be sorry ! A lot of us watchers DO commend you 2 as a team ! Remember, the 70 yr old guy from Middletown De enjoys you sharing ! Thanks.

[@cainsriverhideaway]

Well im happy as a lark that you got forks for the tractor.... best choice for moving logs to your mill and so much safer!!!!!! the colder the weather the easier the wood splits...

[@KevinChristiansen-i2q]

Great job splitting wood Katie

[@doncaranci2547]

She really is a hard working lady.

[@elizabethblackwell1200]

You guys are by far my FAVORITE KZbinrs!!! Katie and Greg, you are amazing and I love the humor and the chemistry you two have! I’m hooked!!! Love from Atlanta, Georgia - USA

[@bobbygrace7520]

Ditto from MEMPHIS

[@THEFALCON58]

A log splitter is what you need, tuff katie

[@billmcdowell4826]

Wow! Every man's dream there. Your a lucky man Greg. GREAT TEAM

[@bobbygrace7520]

Crikey! What a little BEAUTY!❤️

[@donmoore502]

If you want to get chains on tight, jack up the rear so that tires are off ground. Let some air out, install chains, add air back and go on your merry way.

[@AndirHon]

Also, this may be obvious... but don't lift with the forks, lift with the boom. Adjust the forks to get under your load, but after you are under it, your lifting should be done with the arms. You may need some extra ballast weight on the back of the tractor for those big logs!

[@stephenkennedy7931]

I am so proud to claim you two as fellow Canadians God Bless from your Canadian friend

[@forestmcclain2682]

Greg, you were doing the tractor chain as far as I could see but didn’t catch which side you hooked first. Always hook the inside as tight as possible before the outside and then just keep pulling and working with it is all you can do. After that put good tarp straps at 90degree angles to one another on the outside to keep them pulled tight while running. Be sure to crimp “S” hooks closed so they don’t rub holes in your tires.

[@ronbell7920]

I have read a lot of comments about adding ballast. When your tractor can't lift something it is telling you STOP! Check the rating on the loader, their is a maximum! Busting the axles out of your front end is an expensive reward for dragging out a load to big for your tractor. Handling is severely impacted by overloading the front end, get on a slope and twist the frame on your machine, good choice! Be careful, stay inside the design limits of your machine and have fun! Dragging that log out and rolling it up on the mill works! Good luck!

[@mv.alibiii4685]

Love your winter bikini!!!! You guys are a Awesome couple!!! Just enjoy your life together! You guys deserve all great things coming your way!!! From a old dude in Pender Harbour BC ❤

[@bobbygrace7520]

🤣❤️

[@Gssilver49B]

Good buy, the fork for the tractor. You should make a garage with the building you bought with the acres of land. This will protect your equipment. I wish you a wonderful and happy vacation. Rest well. From Montreal, Qc.

[@dwainefowler2089]

Greg you should be proud of her .she has come a long way from the beginning...thank you for the awesome videos

[@ginozanga2129]

Lumber jack Katie, I love it! She’s bad ass with that ax. I was thinking is there a way of making some counter weights out of concrete like 25lbs each on back and somehow placing them on a pallet or something so you can lift heavier loads on tractor so you don’t rock back and forth.

[@davidelwood8777]

Suggest that a minimum of 300 kgs as a counter weight will help

[@johnstadler5202]

Just a suggestion , switch out the headlights on the tractor to daylight led bulbs and you will see much clearer and farther , youll fall in love with them and want them everyware !

[@southwestlivingwithval]

The snow came! I know it is cold but it sure is pretty. I love the hot tub! I need one of those. Have a great day.

[@teresawoodruff1170]

This old WVA man has found the best way to put chains on is let the air out of the tire. Then put the chain on as tight as you can get it. Then air the tire back up. Guaranteed it will stay tight. Hope you find this helpful 😊

[@Tanks-Link]

Now put about 150 pounds of liquid ballast in each tire you’ll have a lot more traction and you don’t have to worry about your tractor being so tippy while trying to haul loads. Make sure to put antifreeze or something in it so it doesn’t freeze.

[@ninemoonplanet]

That atmospheric river should be there, expect several feet of snow. You're doing great at getting winter prep done. Hopefully the snow doesn't turn into flood conditions, the passes may be sketchy because of landslides or avalanches this week. Very, very soggy West Coast.

[@MickeyMuterspaugh]

You guys should look into a ballast box for the back of the tractor to offset the heavy weight out front when lifting! Great job on transforming your property!

[@JohnLloyd-zn3xn]

Cast a concrete one.

[@flowerstone]

Leaving the backhoe on makes fire good ballast.

[@johnjaco5544]

That's why you have filled tires and keep an implement In the back

[@deanhatch4179]

Yep, just leave the hoe on for a counterweight

[@MikeOrazzi]

I usually have a 6 foot brush hog on mine for a ballast, the forks and brush hog are my most used attachments.

[@garyhill9193]

on your snow chain situation you need a total of 4 bungee straps on the outside of each tire connection location 12o'clock to 6 , 2 to 8 , 3 to 9 and 5 to 10 ..you may substitute with small ratchet straps

[@bobbygrace7520]

I have even used heavy duty tie wraps(metal interior) temporary only!

[@1944chevytruck]

Greg, just weld a length of ready rod or a piece of flat bar on outter side of shift fork to stop from bending. good job!

[@markreynolds6162]

Hey Greg would be a good idea to take the old connecting rod and cut the ends off of it and weld it to the new one to double the strength of it

[@carolfaberpeake857]

Looks like you are ready for a snowy winter in the mountains!!!! Enjoy your vacation in Mexico with family ❤🎉❤

[@MrMikelambert62]

Another fabulous video, Another perfect example of why Everyone wants and needs a Katty!

[@bobbygrace7520]

Most of us guys have fallen in love with Katie long ago! I would add that i love hearing you talk to all your critter babies!

[@presceskys]

Man, Katie! Splitting logs like a pro!!! Impressive! 👏🏼 Also, I laughed when you told Greg not to watch you. There are like 100,000 of us watching you, but only Greg's opinion matters. 💕

[@davidelwood8777]

You’re doing a great job. Suggest you make or purchase a counter weight to mount on the three point linkage of your tractor this will assist with the stability and safety When handing heavy loads while using your forks on the tractor. It will make a massive difference.

[@scrappymom123]

Katie you handle that chainsaw like a boss!!

[@richardwhite4277]

@ 36:20 time for the second wood shed so that you can switch from seasoned wood and back and forth

[@richardwhite4277]

Katie your axe form is greatly improved @ 39:45 I am really impressed at the amount head speed you generate on you axe head on the down swing

[@CDNcatskinner]

The way you put your chain on is the correct way. Constant adjustment as they wear is needed. But do you want tight or just not loose. There is a difference. The chain rail link that you reinstalled at the start can be helpful, we would have spares, cut up inner tube into “elastic” bands and using rail links attach them around the outside of the tire, would keep the chain from slapping. An extremely tight set of chains can wear into the tire and cause damage too. And a set of tire chain pliers can spread links and re-close them when doing repairs, very useful tool. Finally, if you ever want a replacement set of chains look up Trygg H pattern chains, common in the oilfield and logging industry, very agressive.

[@KevinChristiansen-i2q]

Great video Greg and Katie

[@jdram58]

Sometimes adding antifreeze to tires also is a cheap way to add weight to your rear tires to but gotta remember your lift capacity to or you now your rear tires may lift off the ground I have lots of fork lift experience and loading and unloading trucks but also something called a "log arch" you can build or buy very handy for moving logs around in the bush in tight spots usually have some type of wench as well as log lifting devices like an old farm jack can be handy for many things at times. Now that ur in heavy equipment with your bull dozer u need to think bigger tools as in 1 inch drive or larger for sockets. and such and impact wrenches.

[@glendajune9140]

Great job cleaning up for the winter Katie,& Greg. Nice way to soothe those muscles, after a hard days work. Hot tub is awesome. Stay safe, healthy, warm,& blessed.💯👏🏾😉💜✝️🙏🏾🇺🇸

[@PoorMansHomesteadCanadaBC1961]

Unfortunately with those old style changed same as I used to run on my Chevy at least 3 been in a four Will drive all I know is you gotta keep driving on him a bit and tightening Them Especially the inside part then your bungee cords on the outside

[@tomjohntig]

Greg is so right Katie has grown so much it is a pleasure to see a young inexperienced girl turn into a capable woman who can hold her own doing any job on the homestead and to have Greg along side her to guide her in my opinion makes the a perfect couple. Merry Christmas to them and their family’s. Tom. Uk

[@jbbrown7907]

Load light Go often.

[@mosenmasoumi8048]

I am following up your videos for a long time, Katy has progressed a lot. I remember the day she could not tell what you guys are doing on building the house, now she is in full control, go Katy, you are wonderful and excellent family supporter,

[@scottmorris4914]

Lots of work. Totally agree on how Katie is doing. Both you guys are hard working, sharing the load. Good work guys.

[@Scoop985-f8z]

At 68 i'm proud what you 2 have done. Your lucky to have such a partner. Now do not over load your hydraulics, it will be a costly fix. The chopping block is way to high , your power with the axe is a lot lower, if the ground is frozen that is good enough. Farmed all my life, split 10 cords a year to heat the house. You have become my adopted family on youtube.

[@robertdouglas4130]

What a great way to end the day, with a soak in the hot tub! You guys have accomplished so much this year. Enjoy your vacation and the more relaxed winter time. The snow is beautiful!❤

[@brianblum4591]

I think I've said this before. Y'all make a great team. Katie is worth her weight in gold.👍👍

[@jacjak5961]

hi guy's, you got loads done & cleaned up ready for season change, well done, you have both grown a lot over the years. Congrates on getting the new forks, looks like it makes life that bit easier. Was wondering if you have considered building two more wood storage sheds, could have, 1 for Dry wood, 2nd for drying wood & 3rd for wet wood, fresh chopped, then just rotate. Don't know how much the wood shed holds & it's size is deceiving on camera, therefore having one may suit your needs fine. Just an idea as you are having to get dry wood from the back & putting wet wood in the front, potentially dangerous. have a blessed week. L&L

[@larryherriman4843]

Another idea would be to add a door on the back of the woodshed, so you can use the dry wood first. Everything is looking good, keep up the good work!

[@bobbygrace7520]

Wondered about this! Can you comment on how you address keeping wet wood separate, or getting wood that is dry? ✌️💓

[@billroberts3864]

You two have so much energy and get a lot of work done each day. Katie, you are a fantastic wood splitter. Blessings to you both.

[@KarenSmith-ys3sk]

Wow those forks help you 2 do everything, so lucky to have them. So much work but a machine makes less work on the body. Always work be4 the cold. Yalls place is awesome. Thanks for sharing yalls life with us the viewers!

[@dropshot1967]

Looks like you need ballast on the rear of the tractor to lift these big logs. It also helps if you put the weight as close to the tractor as possible and not on the tip of the forks. The maximum weight your tractor can lift is calculated at the point where the forks are attached, the further out you go the lower that maximum will be.

[@suezaple4950]

Appreciate all the hard work you and Katie have to do with living an off grid lifestyle and what you both put into your video's . Katie has come a long way with her skill's and doing extreamly well. So caring of you Greg to show how proud of her you are, That was a great deal of work . Bet the hot tub soak was welcoming after all that hard work love the lights around it so relaxing. epic video. thank's folks .

[@JosePerez-fm6km]

Remember that it's not just about ballast when working with heavy loads because you don't want to exceed the limit of your cylinders.

[@cliffmorgan31]

Put the fresh oil in by the wood stove for a few hours before adding it to the engines. Also shorten the skinny end of the funnel some… Also if it is cold out, it is a LOT easier on the chainsaw motor if you let it idle for a couple minutes before you work it. Your chainsaw manuals probably tell you that, too.

[@bobbowers4755]

Tighten the inside chain on the tire. tighten the outside as much as possible. Add two or three/four rubber cargo straps across the rim to the other side of the rims chain

[@grandpaworley3898]

I like how Katie said “don’t watch me” while 15,000 other men and some ladies are watching. lol. I think we all wished we had a woman willing to do that kind of hard work and hang out side by side. Love you guys!!!

[@bobbygrace7520]

💓💓💓

[@DeanFlumerfelt]

As a driver that put chains on and off daily in the winter, the easy way is chain up as usual, put a few bungees across the face off the tire, drive a little bit, and then adjust the tighten the slack in the chain and replace bungees

[@michaelkreed2403]

Greg and Katie, Years ago I learned how to split firewood from an old uncle.. He always used a double bitted axe fairly heavy to split hard wood blocks. The weight of the axe plus just as the edge of the axe head enters the surface of the block give a slight twist of the rist. It helps force the split. Took me some practice but after the several hundred cord of oak and maple I did just fine. As they say, FYI , Great "real" life kids.

[@bobflores]

That hot tub must feel spectacular after processing all that firewood. Forks on the tractor really help in moving those logs around. Once the ground freezes and there's a layer of snow on the ground you should be able to drag that big pine log to the sawmill. Thanks for the episode.

[@glynndavies8857]

Greg's right on Katie, you rock! you wield a mean axe too! I always have such a smile on my face after watching you both, esp when you said it's time to go hop in the hot tub and then you cut to the herd of goats running up as if they all wanted to get in there too... 🙂

[@RekimNZ]

wow, Katie is super strong ... wood chopping skills are on point... 100%.... and everything else Katie does ! ... Go Katie ! - Both of you are just awesome, what an excellent off grid homestead you are creating together. :)

[@frankkirby5763]

I have been watching for a few years and really enjoy each video. Can’t get a grip on the snow and log splits. Thank you so much for sharing and best wishes.

[@gosteel]

We have the exact same tractor and love our pallet forks as well, BUT be very careful that you have your forks as wide as possible when moving your IBC totes with water. I nearly tipped over with mine. I'm considering getter wheel weights to help with the tippyness of this tractor.

[@OrestesValledor-OV]

WOW Katie has come a long way and improved so much from that video when she first stated learning how to split logs. Great job and good technique Katie, good teachings Greg. You both are Awesome.

[@DebDeBoop]

Glad you were able to get the forks!

[@thepragmatic6383]

When the ax is planted in the log, invert the log with the ax in it and drop it onto the splitting log on the ground. The weight of the log will make splitting easier when it hits the large splitting log on the ground.

[@PoorMansHomesteadCanadaBC1961]

Just start running 2 different oils sitting in the winter and sick in the summer I always like my 20 -50 Castro L

[@donnavickery9623]

I admire all of your skills and your ingenuity!!!

[@dondavis5577]

Katie you are definitely a keeper, a real asset to the progression of the property. Greg your patience is so calming and your fearlessness to try anything (or attempt anything)is so reassuring that with teamwork anything is possible. I am always trying for perfection and more often than not getting disappointed and to watch you two go with the flow helps me get a better perspective on my own projects. Keep going, together anything possible!

[@John_Ridenour]

Make sure that when you push down on the diff lock, that you push lightly, and let the tractor move a bit, until it pushes down easily. It can get in a bind if not lined up yet, causing the connecting rod to bend if you try to force it.

[@keyper555]

Great job Guys, and Kudos to Katie, she is a true frontier woman now. The next investment I would make is a Log Splitter, since you have to burn to keep warm might as well invest in one and save your backs, besides they are fun to use and make quick work of that firewood which you need all the time. Also much safer, all it takes is one slip and your too far from any medical help!

[@toddarcher9338]

I agree lay the on the ground and drive on, then hook the inside together first then the outside. They make “chain binders” bungees with hooks for chains, any farm store will have them or just regular bungees in a star patern will keep them tight!

[@jeremyj612]

So glad to see you guys were able to get some forks. Real ones too, not the ones that clamp on the bucket. The longer you have them the more uses you find and the better you get with them. I love being able to go back and forth to the bucket really quick. Can’t remember if your tires are filled. The forks will show you how bad they need to be and get you considering wheel weights too. Great video as always! Back to watching quietly…

[@mikedekker9161]

Congratulations on the forks for the tractor. Make easier

[@TonyMoss-u3k]

Loved your video getting thingss wrapped up for the winter.loved the view looks like a Winter Wonder Land with the snow.Enjoy your Vacation. Be Safe

[@Hawksnest1976]

I’m glad to see you got those forks those will help you a lot You’re right Katie is a fantastic woman. She learned a lot is afraid to work. You’re a lucky guy.

[@jimbo16720]

Two things they make straps to tighten the tire chains that go in front and back of tires to pull chains tight. You can make your own with some chain and a couple turnbuckles that will pull them tight...they crisscross in front and back of tire. And second there's no way that tractor wouldn't pick up that big log after seeing the load of logs you piled on it.

[@realamerican6101]

So, you two are going to Mexico or stay home. And another I pound of both of you because you make a great team and happy you found each other.

[@sutdave1]

When you change your oil; let the waste oil drain a while longer and then leave the plug out and pour just a little fresh oil in from the top. That will help flush out any sludge or trash built up.

[@richbadour6002]

At 12:01 if you are using a large ratchet strap to move…. Air compressor or generator take the same hook-up as you have there but on each fork go around the fork one or two times with the strap on each fork! This way once you lift whatever the compressor or generator will not slide around while in transit!

[@johnwonder9466]

Just a idea, you have a sawmill , if you build another firewoodshed you can store next year wood in one and use one now , no problem with wet wood, happy hollydays from denmark ps, i use ibc pallets for wood, much easyer to move around

[@mrbill8542]

Katy, you are a genuine "lumber Jill"--Way to go !!

[@dandufoe4594]

You guys are doing great, from a guy who cuts trees for a living instead of taking your hand off to hit the chain break use your left hand and roll it forward to hit the break it’s a little safer and still have both hands on the saw in case you were to trip or fall but I love what you guys are doing such a good team

[@Deck1ngUK]

Just tell Katie how proud you are of her occasionally, sometimes us guys tend to forget 😉

[@garykuiken6191]

These hints on chaining up are based on chains that have both boomers and cams. Drap chains over tires so the front just tucks under the front of the tire. Drive ahead till the fronts are sticking out the back. Take the chain and slip it through the boomer as far back as you can and still hook it to the last possible link, slip the loose end of chains over the boomer . Now attach boomer to that last link of chain. Roll unit forward a few feet and adjust boomer if needed. Using the cam tool rotate the cam 180 degrees to lock it. You should be good to go. Make sure chains are flat over the tire surface so as to not damage the tires.

[@ChrisBogle]

I enjoy watching your videos. There is just one other thing I have to say. Your “woman” is a keeper. NEVER let go of her!

[@TF856]

Most people I know Lay the chain out flat on the ground and then drive over it and pull it up around the tire to fasten it. It does not need to be tight. The tire will not spin inside the chain. Some people do put a chain tightener made of rubber on the chain.

[@1947maco]

Use a whole mess of bungee cords once you get the chain tight....Install diagonally across the tire (@180 degrees) measure from chain to chain.. eg: if you got around 20'' try a 12'' bungee cord... You can buy bungees in multiple of 3 inches (6 9 12 15 18 21 or more etc ) If a bungee is sloppy tie a knot in the middle to shorten it Bungees of course on the outside only. so try & get the inside chain as tight as you can when installing... You installed chains correctly by driving over them...But they need tighting up usually after driving as they settle in .....You also can put bungees on the inside But install last & don't run them too close to the axle... Oh did I mention Katie is a keeper !! Good work both of you !! Kudos from Ontario...

[@ritahall8653]

Katie you are getting really good at cutting that wood