When Things Don't Go Our Way | Winter Repairs & Modifications

[@SimpleLivingAlaska]

Comments restored! 😁We always appreciate the feedback and suggestions. Thank you all for letting us know when there is an issue. We made a switch to 4k a few videos back and are still tweaking our audio. Hopefully it has improved, we think we have it finally honed it for the next video. Cheers! ~ Eric + Arielle

[@hxhdfjifzirstc894]

The audio is great. Some people don't understand how their volume knob works.

[@Kjs_interests]

Have you tried food grade diatomaceous earth in your chicken dust box? We use it with sand and soil. It doesn’t float around like ash does and it also keeps your birds bug free in the warm months.

[@TheBest-ob1kj]

Great video Snow is so beautiful. I miss it, ours melted away again . Lots of projects always waiting. Chains do help❤

[@davemi00]

We get the Oil Undercoating You could skip every other year. It makes working on my vehicles a lot easier.

[@TR-rz1xt]

@@Kjs_interests This - definitely works :)

[@richardengelhardt582]

I think one reason we all love your blog is that we are in awe of your competence to do virtually everything.

[@donnamurphy3084]

I agree. Two very hard workers👍

[@stacyhall3061]

the "can do" attitude and stamina are so inspiring.

[@Gam1928]

Yes!

[@WaterisJoy]

They are so evenly matched. They can both do so much and help each other along the way. And I love how Eric has no problems saying Ariel came up with a better plan.

[@Gam1928]

And you can always talk about your chickens. It's all so interesting.

[@istvanbally2817]

The sped-up grooming / ploughing part cracked me up! :D

[@lewih7135]

Same! 😂😂😂

[@bobpeck8013]

@@istvanbally2817 I was waiting for some Benny Hill music play. 😂😂😂

[@miarosie]

I had a puppy lying nearby when this part played, he nearly twisted his head off listening to it. Had to let him watch it.

[@stephaniewilson3955]

I bet they wish they could clear the snow that fast...

[@HughJorgan1]

I love how you guys always show when things go wrong. You’ve always been that way and it shows you have integrity.

[@SomeOne-gc3er]

I loved the time lapse of you guys zooming around in the snow

[@mrmoshpotato]

Yeah. That made me laugh.

[@mindabovematter]

Same! 😂

[@Alastair6]

Some days you're the statue, some days you're the pigeon. I'm glad to know I'm not the only one who has days like this.

[@sledawgpilot]

Your intros are works of art Ariel.

[@Judy-fi7ce]

Always amazed at Eric's persistence. He does not give up E V E R ! It's always a joy to see a new video pop up. Much admiration for the both of you.

[@kusterflattail]

Your videos are mentally stimulating, i feel thirty years younger and more ambitious about tackling more projects around our place. Thank you and i look forward to more of your life experiences.

[@RoyIsrael-d7f]

the wife and I really thought it was great to run into you guys. I'm so glad that she finally got to meet you. we were headed to our cabin on Christmas Day. when we crossed paths with you. we look forward to your videos every week.

[@Montana_ty]

Should be able to adjust the wheel spacing into multiple widths suiting all your needs! The rim section and center spoke can be bolted and unbolted while flipping center dish to adjust! Mix and match to width as needed

[@davidbarnett4246]

I was surprised that I couldn't make a comment when I watched earlier. The beginning of the video with the trail camera was amazing. Eric is the man, dude can fix anything. I could tell he was frustrated things didn't go his way but fought through it and stayed positive. I don't know what he said to Ariel off camera. But he got it done end the end. That tractor was your best purchase.

[@arnielowrie2395]

Your wheels can be adjusted out, looks like your wheel centers are dished in. The wheels can then go on either side of the center. On my tractor it can be adjusted in 2 inch increments.

[@terranno]

Correct your owners manual should have all the wheel settings listed

[@ozbonfim4525]

Having a heated space to work in now is a game changer in winter.

[@homesteadingdays]

Good day! I saw your wood stack in the background I would recommend to put spacers in between every board not just to dry faster but to prevent mold and rot in them even though kts a heated shot mold grows really fast! Thank you for your videos You are inpiration to us!

[@TheDanArt]

Was thinking the same thing about the planks

[@yourrestoration111]

I saw it too!

[@john0017]

Wife and I follow your vids for awhile now and there great. I use a piece of fence post for chain link fencing on the bottom of my blade. Works great and doesn’t rust cause it’s galvanized.

[@johnensminger7675]

Thanks for restoring the comments!! Always appreciate following you guys! Thanks for sharing your life with us!

[@shellybielawski1773]

Amazing Amazing Amazing you guys are that plus much more. I love your determination for getting things done. I do hope that y’all take time every now and then just to admire the appreciation all that you’ve accomplished so far its remarkable to say the least. Love 💕 y’all!

[@waynerogers864]

When cleaning the cement mixer at the end of the day I would put a couple of shovels of 1 1/2" stone with water in it and let it run for a while. Cleans the blades and most of the nooks and crannies pretty well. Dump it out and then a quick rinse.

[@deedawson6074]

My grandfather did this too.

[@susanB24F]

Brrr. Lots of jobs done! Your closing photography with the tractor going down your drive with the snow covered trees looks like a Christmas card. Beautiful

[@danamama6766]

As a chicken person for years I have had many good females that are friendly and loving however the ones that we are taught to fear and usually are not that nice some of the best I have loved that loved me back hard are Roosters. I can so see how wonderful that guy is. Who ever thought a Rooster could be so appreciative...Happy New Year :) hugs as always

[@richardclaus4751]

Great to seeing you able to work in the shop at 60-degrees....makes it worthwhile.

[@fredolsen9651]

We put wool blankets over our chicken co-op windows to keep the heat in and it helps we even put it over the door on the inside.

[@BLAM777]

Your right about the rust. We're up in the north east and it's a constant battle. I have a friend who does undercoating with wool wax and that seems to be working well. As you know, toyota trucks aren't cheap, so I'm trying to keep it good as long as I can.

[@alicefouse1342]

Thanks!

[@JRR0013]

I think you guys should build a sauna. Just getting warm would be wonderful. Also, the rust comes from the salt on the road to melt snow. I so love to the chickens and how well they're doing. They are gorgeous. And Miss Pepper Kitty, I love to see her, too.

[@harvestmoonhomestead-iowa]

It’s a fairy egg! They are said to be indicative of good luck 💖

[@journeywithnichole]

Love it when you talk about the chickens & how you care for them!

[@gconn190]

Thank you for the video. Was laughing out load when you guys were snow removing in fast motion and the little whistle sound cracked me up.

[@sarahhajarbalqis]

The introduction. What magic you bring us ❤

[@bobross5580]

You two are survivors and very full of life! I started watching 3 or so years ago and was hooked on the spot. I admire the planning and completeness of every project you take on, it is incredible the things you have accomplished since the move!

[@diannebayley4644]

Love your channel... love that we see your well-loved chickens, and that Pepper usually gets a show-in. She's a beaut.

[@AussieTracy]

It is currently 37°C here in Vic Australia. Watching all the snow makes me feel a little cooler. Poor fox (yes I now they are not good for the environment) with his sore leg. Love the intro as always. 💕

[@sgrvtl7183]

So nice that your shop is warm! A definite tie plus👌‼️

[@robertcross8860]

Insulated storm shutters for the coup, fitted to the outside would stop that frost! Plus add a double wall to the outside if the coup. This would save a lot on fuel !

[@michelleghisson]

We never had good fire extinguishers until we had a kitchen fire … then we bought good ones … all your hard work - be sure to have em! Love your content !!!

[@stuartrinker]

We used barrels for our solar panel mounts. They weigh about 1000# per. Ballast in your tires would be around 600-800#. With what you did you will be happy.

[@PaulMcCloskey-e2h]

You dont need spacers for the wheel on tractor, just flip the centre dish. Thats why they are designed with dish in the centre. Love the videos keep them coming.

[@teresalyday-selby9468]

A pullet egg! One of your little girls is just starting to lay eggs! So sweet!

[@bobpeck8013]

Great video again.👍 Loved the scenery, felt sad for Mr fox limping around though. Eric you’re truly a modern day MacGyver.😂😂 TTFN 👋

[@AngieMorton-p7j]

I laughed out loud at the sped up footage of snow grooming. I know it’s hard work but it looked like fun. Angie from Ohio.

[@debbiemitteis743]

My favorite alaskan friends love your blogs Debbie from Tennessee

[@NorthernRetreat]

I felt your frustration with all the problems. Can be a bit overwhelming, especially with cold temperatures. Walked out my backdoor into a waist deep snow, which makes things interesting here in Northern Ontario, Canada.

[@goingagainstthegrain]

We thoroughly enjoy the landscape and nature shots in the beginning. So beautiful! When you two are in maintenance mode, you remind us of things we really need to get done! Take care, stay warm and God bless.

[@terryrobinson1416]

You can also fill your back tires about halfway with windshield washer fluid for extra ballast. The fluid doesn't decay the rubber. Had it in my john deere for years now.

[@PVK52]

Eric ... not pushing any other YT, but Springdale Cottage Farm guy fabricated a metal pipe & blade attachment that seems to be easy on-off and works for protecting blade and gravel. Bet you could make one for the workhorse. Video is called "QUICK + EASY DIY Steel Snow Plow Pipe : Damage Free Plowing!!" Maybe it will give you some ideas. Anyway, best wishes for New Year!

[@SimpleLivingAlaska]

Thank you! Happy New Year 😁

[@bjtucker404]

Nice video. You can flip the centerpieces in your wheels for wider spacing. No need for spacers.

[@woodenu2]

Eric, when plowing snow let the plow float and go a bit faster. Better results. great content from the both of you!

[@zingerdoutdoors2311]

100% on the float if you have it and speed is your friend!!!

[@neiltheplayer]

push boom down then harder and if if it goes fwd and locks then you have float. My bobcat with a plow works the same way. usually cuts too much but when I use the float it loads up but never too much. Does a wonderful job with the plow

[@terrysharp4376]

I cut the plow skids off their pin,s and welded a 2" piece of pipe to them so you can adjust the heighth. If you have another function for your front you can add hydraul8c rams so you can angle from your seat. I do this with truck snow plows <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="2269">37:49</a>

[@a8f235]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="2239">37:19</a> I'm sitting here laughing so hard from the zooming noises of you going around and around 🤣

[@HughJorgan1]

That was hilarious. It needed Benny Hill music lol.

[@icybar]

I feel your frustration - you manage to come over so calm despite the aggro of things not quite fitting, or other problems appearing as you go. Always so impressed by all your capabilities but staying calm is a huge one. Well done, and hope the New Year is a good one for you both.

[@georgieoldham8322]

That Branson is one sexy tractor! I really like that you are so good to your chickens. 60 degrees in the hut when its -20 outside is perfect. You guys are rocking it. ❤

[@tacozilla3762]

If you flip the wheel centers it moves the tires out without needing to buy spacers. It looks like currently you have the centers flipped in. You can also play around with mounting the centers on the front or back of the wheel shell pads to get different widths. There are maybe 6 different widths you can get just by moving the centers. Wheels are made to do that also so your not hurting anything or doing something they didn't plan on.

[@T.Nilsson]

Nice to get yet another great video! I live even further north than you guys (but in Sweden 🇸🇪) and here everyone is using old tractors with chains on the back wheels and a v-type snowblower. I’ve upgraded to a bigger four wheel drive tractor for this season - and I think you’d get great use out of a snowblower instead of that front blade. You won’t get any problem with the tractor spinning or gliding sideways and the road will stay the same width all winter long 👍

[@elenamariarothenquijada71]

A mí me encantan tus videos ..me gusta conocer muy lindos paisajes la nieve , cuando salen a pescar. Todo es hermoso. Cariños ❤❤ los amo a los dos bendiciones abrazos Chile 🇨🇱🇨🇱🇨🇱🇨🇱

[@tinglelingaling6]

Thanks for fixing the comment. I love when you have snow. It just makes everything look magical. I'm sure it is hard work, but fun at the same time. Cheers

[@SimpleLivingAlaska]

You nailed it! It has its rewards 😃 winter is my favorite season for the scenery.

[@tinglelingaling6]

@@SimpleLivingAlaska I live in Portland OR and we haven't had any real good snow in years. I miss it.

[@queenbee3647]

​​@@SimpleLivingAlaska I get plenteeee of snow in the Ohio snow belt but I appreciate the quiet beauty it brings. Your opening with the animals was beautiful. The red fox was limping with a wounded rear left leg. I understand how nature works but now Ill be praying hes ok. And both of you as well. Happy New Years. 🥳

[@georgesprangers2395]

Especially on that gravel/dirt throwing that pipe on the cutting edge and then leaving the loader in float while your pushing will make plowing really easy

[@kevinknight470]

When You mentioned Towing, I thought of Transmission Fluid and Filter change. Food for thought.

[@ClanXmigo]

And rear diff fluid

[@sailme2day]

consider adding thermal mass to the coop , bricks on the walls help by chicken wire or pavers. yes a steel slotted pipe with a few welded drilled steel plates to the pipe , top and bottom , with buggies cord to secure it . Looks like all the gear is still keeping the homestead warm and happy. Great nature bonuses as always. Have you considered block heaters for the trucks , tractor and snow mobiles ?

[@jeffbrown3305]

You can take bailing twine or wire to crisscross the chains to keep them tight

[@shadetreehomestead4276]

Just fill up your tires with anti freeze and water. It will give you all the weight you need. Ditch the drum. Love your videos. You two are a great team!

[@davidbarnett4246]

That is a great ideal. Does that work. I have never heard that before

[@trippw88]

Cheaper yet and safer is I see a lot of guys using windshield washer fluid

[@lloydbutler7479]

The antifreeze would be RV antifreeze not auto coolant. Since they get f’n cold, would not add any water to dilute at all.

[@pennykafai4645]

Well done Eric for not giving up when you hit problems- you had in this video they seem to come thick and fast! But, you sorted them out with research and perseverance. The hens looked to be warm and cozy in their home. It’s a look of hard work maintaining your property- well done guys.

[@jaypoindexter1222]

Hey guys, for the tires rubbing the tire chains - you might look to see if your wheels can be “flipped”. Some tractor wheels/tires can be flipped to give you a wider base for stability and clearance. Good luck, we love watching you two.

[@norm4907]

Eric, I’m sure you know this but put on your spring schedule to open and clean that diesel heater. They sooth up fast especially on low. I’m OCD but you may like this. Make yourself maintenance sheets per equipment to check off tasks performed. Then build an excel sheet with 12 months. You then put your maintenance sheets per month and balance them out, especially that some are seasonal and others may require 2 or more per year. This may sound silly but it clears your mind of remembering to the tasks and lets you concentrate on other things. God knows you have enough.

[@bent8024]

That counter weight for the rear of the tractor should be awesome. I thought you’d maybe just lock the sway arms centred so that it wouldn’t rock side to side and then possibly not have to worry about wheel spacers but you’re using the full width 3 point linkage. I have the same problem with our ol’ Kubota Tractor with swaying. Great episode 👍🏻

[@adrockey]

Great video!!! Definitely put a steel pipe on the bottom of the snow plow. If the chains are walking around I put 4 to 6 bungees on each side of each wheel. Like a spider web on the outside and weave them on the inside so it doesn’t hit the axle.

[@keithN6]

Next time think about filling the barrel with gravel. It’s easier to dump out if you need to. Also put some pipes in it to put shovels and things in.

[@LindaNoland]

I am in the middle of Missouri and just now getting our first snow,watching your film makes me want a big snow storm. Thanks 🙏 for the film

[@arkansashomestead2926]

I love the way you care and take care of your chickens. I have heat also and air condition in the extreme heat for my chickens. Thanks for the great videos 😊

[@berntjohansson879]

Deflate the tires, put on the snow chains, fill the tires with air and you will get tight chains that have better grip

[@nanigoose]

Absolutely seamless ending into the beginning, once again. Your videos never cease to amaze me!

[@cheryls7782]

Ariel it would be fun, not sure possible, to have a chicken you feature each month. Talk about their personalities. I enjoyed hearing about the rooster! 💕 🐓

[@Pixelplanet5]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="240">4:00</a> how the remote start works is not a flaw, its a feature. The reason why the car shuts off when you unlock it is that the remote start is meant to be used to preheat your car and theoretically someone could just get in and drive away when the engine is running and it doesnt shut down when you unlock the car.

[@trippw88]

Mine works fine and only shuts off when the brake pedal is touched

[@rachelfrees1268]

Great time spent with you two. So glad you spoil your chickens.🎉

[@shirlydejarnette]

I thought I had done something since the comments were not available last night. I swear you guys can do anything, I wish I had that ability. I had to laugh this morning (1-05), I was dressed with more clothes and layers to feed the chickens this am then you did at 0 . Our temps are dropping, and high winds. 55 to 28 in 2 hours here in central Oklahoma. Thanks for sharing!!!

[@MtnMamaCarr]

Eric, you definitely should put the “cup” bases in under your air bags for all the flexing you do up there.

[@BenSnyder-ti5cm]

Great video as always. It looks like you can still flip your rim centers. That will move the wheels out 6” or 3” depending on if you bolt the rim lugs to the inside or the outside of the rim center. Spacers are not ideal, puts a lot more stress on the axle. Your PVC pipe probably got pretty brittle when it was out in the snow for a bit 😅. Get your 3 pth ballast on there and it should go along just fine for you. All the best in the New Year !!

[@ivankagren2746]

Your place really is coming along. You have made so much progress. It's just amazing.

[@robertconner5126]

I like how you adapt and overcome. Thank you for sharing.

[@frank-p4o9f]

You two are both so great to watch and learn. Thank you

[@jeffo9024]

Great video and that’s one tough fox in the beginning of the video…and loved the intro with all of the animals too!!!

[@garryarmour3896]

Great videos!! You might want to try screw in ice studs for the front tires. They work great!!

[@honeybadgers1996]

I remember all the maintenance Eric did last year. He is a very handyman. It definitely makes much easier to do all these work in your comfortable Quonset hut. You guys did a really good job building it. Thanks for sharing your video.

[@janhorton5197]

You guys must be so proud of your achievements this past year.

[@veronica1863]

Enjoyed your video. That’s a beautiful rooster. I love when you show your chickens and how you care for them 😊

[@lauramunson5888]

I love you two. Happy New Year. Thank you for sharing your adventurous life in Alaska!!

[@thetinyshinylife]

That tiny egg is called a “fairy egg”. It happens sometimes, more often with younger layers. Nothing to worry about, but Cool hey! ❤

[@loncotton3692]

I bet that heated floor was great, love all the lights

[@UncleScot]

A suggestion is build a lean to roof on the side of the wood shed this summer. The reason is you can park the snowmobile under the roof to reduce the amount of snow on the machine, but yet you can drive thru. Second suggestion is if you have hydraulic hoses on the tractor lifting arms, you can get a snowblower for the front of the tractor. If you don't, you can get a snowblower that attach on the 3 point arms and you can snowblow in reverse and you can have the bucket on the front to dig thru larger snow drifts

[@seasonandsprout2213]

i love the lights on the front of the quonset hut. they look great.

[@trippw88]

Just and idea for you on the diesel heater is if you run your exhaust through a length of pipe inside the building and then out the wall you can recover some extra heat, one guy I seen used an old-style in-house water radiator from an old house,

[@leslienichols5268]

I love when you talk about your chickens!

[@norm4907]

Believe your present auto start is aftermarket. What you are getting is a programming issue. You should be able to program it to keep running when you open the door.

[@jeanneamato8278]

You both are amazing at problem solving. Super important.

[@AlexanderStefano-ji3ps]

Eric you are the McGraver of the north. You have so much knowledge and common sense at figuring out things. Always looking forward to your videos. 👍

[@DavidCowan-vq6st]

Hello Eric and Arielle. Doing well despite the set backs and delays !! That's what life gives us all but I feel you handle that better than most !! My best wishes for you both !!

[@johncarlton3391]

Eric/Arielle We are planning a trip up to Alaska this summer with a double stacker trailer with a lot of extra room if you need anything from the lower 48. The tow vehicle is a Super C, so no problem problem with weight

[@mikep8080]

Since we moved to AZ we have the exact same situation flipped. We still have bees pollinating flowers here . We learned fast why so many cars were left running at parking lots. The entire summer we left our car running knowing it was secured with that old fob

[@alicefouse1342]

My cat loves watching your show. She hears your voices and joins me. I wish I could share the picture.

[@TJ33308]

Those are some beefy tire chains. You are definitely want to put the spring assy for them or bungie cord to prevent breaking when tires spin.