xtremek
Well-known member
Dude, so jealous. My drag scoop isn't reversible. That makes it so much more versatile.
Above 1200 Sq/FT Bailey's Barn Build
- Thread starter mwbailey
- Start date
Wokspaces above 1200 squarefeet.
I figured the scoop would get xtremek's attention. Didn't get the load of chips that was promised -- maybe rain delay. Hope the scoop will work with better mulch. I certainly don't want to admit to The Wife that I just threw money down the drain (again?!).
Without the new chips to spread yesterday, Jesus was able to do a little clearing next to the house that The Wife wanted -- even though I was encouraging her to leave it more in the "natural state". So, then I had to reply, "Yes Honey [well, actually, I don't use that term of endearment, but it was something like that], that IS the neighbor's white, cast iron tub in his yard that you can now see [to the immediate right of the largest tree trunk] since the undergrowth has been cleared away." Maybe the Spring will bring some quick leaf cover. . . .
Without the new chips to spread yesterday, Jesus was able to do a little clearing next to the house that The Wife wanted -- even though I was encouraging her to leave it more in the "natural state". So, then I had to reply, "Yes Honey [well, actually, I don't use that term of endearment, but it was something like that], that IS the neighbor's white, cast iron tub in his yard that you can now see [to the immediate right of the largest tree trunk] since the undergrowth has been cleared away." Maybe the Spring will bring some quick leaf cover. . . .
The plan is coming together! The workshop included a 48 foot long lean-to for car hauler and boat storage. The new house was built on a lot with a loading ramp. In the area, you cannot install a NEW ramp but you can maintain an EXISTING ramp -- grandfathered in, so to speak. So, pulled the boat out of storage at the workshop and polished it up a bit, added 2-cycle oil, several gallons of gas, and washed down the insides. Next was to see if it would fit going down the old ramp. Success!
Interestingly enough, the next door neighbor who bought a NICE boat last summer and had a covered dock with lift constructed also thought it would be good to put his boat in the water. Now it was a race to see whose would crank first. Mine is a 1996 model and his is probably around a 2010. Fortunately, I was able to get mine in the water, cranked and cruising down the slough before he could leave the dock. I'm not sure he realized it was a race. . . but doesn't it look nice in the "glow of the sunset"?
I really have been pleased with this boat. I do little more than clean it and oil it, and it has cranked right off the bat for the last several years. Looking forward to summer.
Now, I wonder if I can get it on the trailer and back UP the ramp!!
Interestingly enough, the next door neighbor who bought a NICE boat last summer and had a covered dock with lift constructed also thought it would be good to put his boat in the water. Now it was a race to see whose would crank first. Mine is a 1996 model and his is probably around a 2010. Fortunately, I was able to get mine in the water, cranked and cruising down the slough before he could leave the dock. I'm not sure he realized it was a race. . . but doesn't it look nice in the "glow of the sunset"?
I really have been pleased with this boat. I do little more than clean it and oil it, and it has cranked right off the bat for the last several years. Looking forward to summer.Now, I wonder if I can get it on the trailer and back UP the ramp!!
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HOTFR8
Banned
Hot dog! HOTFR8, I got the boat back on the trailer AND up the ramp without much problem. I must admit, I was holding my breath pulling up the steepest part of the slope, but it didn't seem to lose as much traction as it did with the empty trailer. Maybe the extra down-force from the trailer's tongue helped out. . . . I had purchased the boat in '96 as a size I could trailer easily by myself. It's still working that way! I even backed it into the shed without a "navigator" to help me.
I was so pleased with the way things worked out, I forgot to put the hitch lock back on the trailer and take the key out of the ignition! We'll take care of that when we pull the tractor back in. The boat and tractor were hits with the granddaughter and grandnephews visiting over the weekend.
I was so pleased with the way things worked out, I forgot to put the hitch lock back on the trailer and take the key out of the ignition! We'll take care of that when we pull the tractor back in. The boat and tractor were hits with the granddaughter and grandnephews visiting over the weekend.
HOTFR8
Banned
Glad I was not holding my breath. Sounds like you had fun with the family.
xtremek
Well-known member
Hey, anyone want to buy a boat cheap? I found it just down the road from me with the keys in the ignition.
Yeah, well, I thought I had posted yesterday that the key has now been removed, lock in place, and tractor in garage! Fortunately, this neighborhood is pretty secure -- dead end road, only a handfull of houses, you know most of the neighbors, etc. Still, I didn't mean to make it so "available"!! Next time I'll put the boat in the water without running over the edge of a flower bed, I'll get it in the water straighter, and I'll not have to hold my breath pulling everything back up the hill. I'll also remember to take the hold-down straps off BEFORE the trailer is in the water. A little practice goes a long ways. . . .
xtremek
Well-known member
Rookie mistakes are fun. I had a boat back when I was in high school. The gf's dad left it tied to the dock when a big storm blew through and dropped a 6" branch through it. I work about 40hrs. and it was mine. He took the insurance and bought a nice little 16' fibreglass boat. He got his new boat just after I finished repairing my "gift", so we decided to drop them in the water the same day. We made it a huge family affair, with everyone on both sides attending. My grandpa insisted I made sure we had life jackets and oars in my boat. I went first and the "FiL" spent about 1/2hr. giving me a hard time. It fired right up and the gf and I sped off. FiL's turn. He gets it in the water and takes off. He starts screaming and waving his arms. My dad backs the trailer into the water and they drag his boat out. We motor up to the dock and hop out to see what the prob was. The boat was still draining water out when we walked up. Seems he forgot to put the drain plug in. My turn to shell it out. LOL. Anyway, glad to hear it went well and the kids had a great time with gramps.
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Anyone who trailers a boat with a drain plug will forget it -- once! -- sooner or later. My first runabout had a plug accessed from the inside of the boat. We'd pull it at speed to drain any accumulated water (no bilge pump). Current boat has screw-in from outside. My knees got a little weak when I tried to remember if I had really tightened it up. Not a drop of water came out when I pulled it up the ramp and unscrewed the plug.
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What have I got myself into now:
A good buddy had this piping sitting around since he took another approach for his compressed air. He gave it to me, so I figured I can't loose. But. . . .
There are about 75 feet of the larger diameter pipe for the main supply and 15 or so smaller sized downlegs -- most with valves.
I was considering a compressed air system, maybe this is the answer; maybe this is too much. We'll have to do some thinking. Still, it's hard to beat the price!
A good buddy had this piping sitting around since he took another approach for his compressed air. He gave it to me, so I figured I can't loose. But. . . .
There are about 75 feet of the larger diameter pipe for the main supply and 15 or so smaller sized downlegs -- most with valves.
I was considering a compressed air system, maybe this is the answer; maybe this is too much. We'll have to do some thinking. Still, it's hard to beat the price!
Firebrand
Well-known member
Boating without a drain plug is not a big deal as long as you keep moving! A real rookie mistake is telling a bunch of garage freaks you have too much black iron pipe laying around!
Love the build as I'm a barn guy as well!
Love the build as I'm a barn guy as well!
Thanks, Firebrand; still trying to clean the "barn" up enough to do some work. Got three more boxes out of it yesterday and found FIVE old contact lenses and two bottles of Dune cologne (Christmas gifts!) from the last box out of the bathroom when I moved last year. I guess I need to do some discarding!
Getting better with the boat -- backed down the ramp a second time much straighter and was sure to remove tie-downs and install drain plug before it was in the water. The Wife was still a bit anxious as I backed around the flower beds. . . .
Maybe if a garage freak or two relieves me of the pipe, I won't have to figure how to install it! Seriously, I need to move a few more boxes, then I'll figure out where I want drops and get started on the compressed air system.
Getting better with the boat -- backed down the ramp a second time much straighter and was sure to remove tie-downs and install drain plug before it was in the water. The Wife was still a bit anxious as I backed around the flower beds. . . .
Maybe if a garage freak or two relieves me of the pipe, I won't have to figure how to install it! Seriously, I need to move a few more boxes, then I'll figure out where I want drops and get started on the compressed air system.
Well, what do you know -- used the workshop as a workshop over the last couple of weeks. I'll have to admit that much of the effort was due to my stupidity.
Wondered if the ole Ford 8N was low on power -- could not go up boat ramp in reverse without using clutch. After things warmed up, sprayed water on each exhaust (port) on the header. Sure enough, cylinder #1 did not evaporate the water. Figured points, plugs, etc., wouldn't hurt anything. Problem is, the recommended approach for this engine is to remove the distributor to replace the points. The distributor sits on the front of the engine with a connection to the camshaft through a slightly (!) off-center tang. Sure enough, when putting the distributor back on the tang was 180 degrees off -- I KNOW I saw it like I re-installed, but I should have known something was up when tightening the bolts felt a little "soft". Broken tang.
So, then I had to get a new distributor shaft and associated bushing. Of course, the bushing was too tight, so off to NAPA for a brake cylinder hone. After a little effort, the shaft fit the bushing and the distributor fit on the end of the camshaft.
But, now the engine produced a lot of black smoke -- too rich? Next move was to adjust the carburetor. Maybe it was a bit rich, main needle valve was supposed to be about 1 turn open but I found it at about 2 turns. Seems to be running now on all four cylinders and not producing excess quantities of smoke. And all of this maintenance conducted in the shop -- I was very pleased, to say the least.
Felt so good about things that I gave the 8N a shower after using the dirt scoop to move some wood chips!
Wondered if the ole Ford 8N was low on power -- could not go up boat ramp in reverse without using clutch. After things warmed up, sprayed water on each exhaust (port) on the header. Sure enough, cylinder #1 did not evaporate the water. Figured points, plugs, etc., wouldn't hurt anything. Problem is, the recommended approach for this engine is to remove the distributor to replace the points. The distributor sits on the front of the engine with a connection to the camshaft through a slightly (!) off-center tang. Sure enough, when putting the distributor back on the tang was 180 degrees off -- I KNOW I saw it like I re-installed, but I should have known something was up when tightening the bolts felt a little "soft". Broken tang.
So, then I had to get a new distributor shaft and associated bushing. Of course, the bushing was too tight, so off to NAPA for a brake cylinder hone. After a little effort, the shaft fit the bushing and the distributor fit on the end of the camshaft.
But, now the engine produced a lot of black smoke -- too rich? Next move was to adjust the carburetor. Maybe it was a bit rich, main needle valve was supposed to be about 1 turn open but I found it at about 2 turns. Seems to be running now on all four cylinders and not producing excess quantities of smoke. And all of this maintenance conducted in the shop -- I was very pleased, to say the least.
Felt so good about things that I gave the 8N a shower after using the dirt scoop to move some wood chips!
Vernmotor
Well-known member
Good to see your still at it !
xtremek
Well-known member
Good to see you're taking care of the old girl. I read somewhere that people don't really own old tractors, we're just caretakers, since they'll out last us if they're properly maintained.
Have you started laying out the pipe for you air lines?
Have you started laying out the pipe for you air lines?
Thanks guys, yes, I'm still making progress, but slowly. Haven't really started on air lines other than my BIL is visiting today/tomorrow and I asked him of his opinion. He's an Industrial Arts teacher and is out for the summer. His first suggestion was to get a pipe threader to make sure the joints/threads are clean. That was good since now I have his word to help support the purchase of said pipe threader! We'll look at the pipes and workshop tomorrow to see if he has other suggestions. Didn't make it to the shop today since we made a 300 mile round trip for a family reunion -- he and Sis were up at 5 AM to join us and have already turned in for the night. . . .
Didn't get enough time to "design" the compressed air installation, but DID get the pipe threader as suggested by BIL. Looks like it will work OK on cleaning/chasing threads. Maybe I should get taps for the 1/2 and 3/4" pipes. . . .
Visitors coming next week, one with his 1960's Vette. I promised him a covered parking place, so I tried to make some room in the workshop. Will probably move Miata to workshop and leave him a spot in the "house" garage.
Good to have sand blast cabinet close to where it's suppose to be on latest layout design. Don't know what to do with dollhouse, 1985 vintage. Guess I need to put shingles on the roof and pass along to my daughter's daughter, now two years old!!
Of course, all I really did was stack some boxes in another bay!!
Visitors coming next week, one with his 1960's Vette. I promised him a covered parking place, so I tried to make some room in the workshop. Will probably move Miata to workshop and leave him a spot in the "house" garage.
Good to have sand blast cabinet close to where it's suppose to be on latest layout design. Don't know what to do with dollhouse, 1985 vintage. Guess I need to put shingles on the roof and pass along to my daughter's daughter, now two years old!!
Of course, all I really did was stack some boxes in another bay!!
Good luck on the air line project. If you wait a few more months, it'll make a nice winter project. If it helps, I think I have a few pictures in my Refurb thread when I put my airline in.
NUTTSGT, I had seen your compressed air system -- maybe a little more than a "few" pictures, but very helpful. Having seen your painted air lines, I thought I would go ahead with the project. So far, I've been able to hide the utilities -- electrical wiring, plumbing, etc. -- pretty well. I was afraid the air lines would stand out. Seeing your set up opened my eyes to painting the pipes (duh-huh), so I started thinking about how I wanted to approach it. That's about when the "free" pipes and valves showed up. I don't think I'll use orange -- as an NC State grad, I am not about to use Clempson orange!?!? Maybe a tan that blends with the wooden walls.
Re-reading your air lines episode brought me a few chuckles. I agree, there's no way to get a project done without at least three trips to the hardware store. I always recall a project a buddy helped me with: installing a 100 amp service in my detached garage about 100 feet away. He was an electrician by trade, specializing in pump stations. So, I figured he knew what he was doing. In fact, he had a Ditch Witch, so he HAD to know what was up. Due to his familiarity with pump stations (e. g., sewer systems), he suggested that I get a sewer line patch kit before we started digging, just in case. . . . Turns out, we never found the septic line, but we found my sprinkler system -- FIVE times. On the last evening of the job, he shows up at about 6 PM and says, "We'll have it finished by dark." Since this was winter time, I felt pretty good about that. Well, three trips to Lowe's later, he says, "That should be the last item we need." I said, "I hope so, Lowe's closed their doors as I left!" Fortunately, he was right; he finished up, turned his head, threw the switch, and checked to see if the kitchen light was still on. All good.
Re-reading your air lines episode brought me a few chuckles. I agree, there's no way to get a project done without at least three trips to the hardware store. I always recall a project a buddy helped me with: installing a 100 amp service in my detached garage about 100 feet away. He was an electrician by trade, specializing in pump stations. So, I figured he knew what he was doing. In fact, he had a Ditch Witch, so he HAD to know what was up. Due to his familiarity with pump stations (e. g., sewer systems), he suggested that I get a sewer line patch kit before we started digging, just in case. . . . Turns out, we never found the septic line, but we found my sprinkler system -- FIVE times. On the last evening of the job, he shows up at about 6 PM and says, "We'll have it finished by dark." Since this was winter time, I felt pretty good about that. Well, three trips to Lowe's later, he says, "That should be the last item we need." I said, "I hope so, Lowe's closed their doors as I left!" Fortunately, he was right; he finished up, turned his head, threw the switch, and checked to see if the kitchen light was still on. All good.
Got the ole Ford 8N back out the last couple of days to move more woodchip. Local arborist provided four truck loads of chips that he couldn't get rid of -- for free. Seems every time I get something free, it means more work. However, time on the 8N is mostly for fun and any productive activity is a bonus! The tractor can dump almost a wheelbarrow load on the edge of the drive each trip with the dirt scoop. Too many trees to get up under them. Will have to do that manually. Got one side of part of the drive done:
Here's an idea of what the "curb" looked like before. I guess I'll have to do some of this so the workshop will look OK, too!
Here's an idea of what the "curb" looked like before. I guess I'll have to do some of this so the workshop will look OK, too!
Got tired of the small dirt scoop loads of chips and moved some "stuff" around enough to clear up work space. So, why not fabricate a carry all for chips and other rubbish?! Many ideas on the Internet so I tried to combine a few. Used a Tractor Supply 3 point hitch frame and took advantage of several 2X10's left over from the house construction:
Added 2X10 sides on loose pin hinges so they could be removed fairly easily. Also, screwed bottom and back 2X10's to a couple of 2X4's and only used two carriage bolts per piece to attach bottom and back. Should allow easy removal; maybe frame could be used to move pallets.. . .
Just had to try it out although temperature was well into 90's this afternoon. Many more wood chips than dirt scoop or wheelbarrow, huh?
But lots of chips left to move.
First load dispatched in wooded area. Rear boards are 5/4 decking that can be taken out to load/empty or if not needed.
Not the best engineering on my part. Apparently, 2X10 treated lumber is about 5 pounds per linear foot. That's about 220 pounds for the carry all not counting 2X4's, frame, or decking. But, the pile of leftover lumber is smaller! Didn't feel like wood screws would be stout enough for the hinges so used 1/4" carriage bolts. Problem is, the extra length of the bolts kept the sides from closing all the way in; so turned bolts around. Heads still kept sides from closing all the way, but what the heck the sides were too long for both to close at the same time. Furthermore, can't figure out why you'd want to close them into the back of the carry all. Still, that was a feature of one of the examples on the web!
Oh well, it'll work for current needs and can be modified if necessary later.
Added 2X10 sides on loose pin hinges so they could be removed fairly easily. Also, screwed bottom and back 2X10's to a couple of 2X4's and only used two carriage bolts per piece to attach bottom and back. Should allow easy removal; maybe frame could be used to move pallets.. . .
Just had to try it out although temperature was well into 90's this afternoon. Many more wood chips than dirt scoop or wheelbarrow, huh?
But lots of chips left to move.
First load dispatched in wooded area. Rear boards are 5/4 decking that can be taken out to load/empty or if not needed.
Not the best engineering on my part. Apparently, 2X10 treated lumber is about 5 pounds per linear foot. That's about 220 pounds for the carry all not counting 2X4's, frame, or decking. But, the pile of leftover lumber is smaller! Didn't feel like wood screws would be stout enough for the hinges so used 1/4" carriage bolts. Problem is, the extra length of the bolts kept the sides from closing all the way in; so turned bolts around. Heads still kept sides from closing all the way, but what the heck the sides were too long for both to close at the same time. Furthermore, can't figure out why you'd want to close them into the back of the carry all. Still, that was a feature of one of the examples on the web!
Oh well, it'll work for current needs and can be modified if necessary later.
xtremek
Well-known member
Glad to see you're back. Between you and Bruce and his thread "East Texas Shop Build", I'm starting to get my fix taken care of. Can you use this as a scoop on the bark, or do you back up to the pile and shovel the stuff in?
Can you use this as a scoop on the bark, or do you back up to the pile and shovel the stuff in?Hey, xtremek, the East Texas Shop Build is a real "trip"; quite a goldmine of cars and tools. I'm afraid I would be overwhelmed with that to work on -- what I have is more than enough for me!
Since I only used a couple of carriage bolts to hold the floor of the carry all to the frame, I would be hesitant to try scooping up chips. So, I just use a spade to load the box. The chips are light so the job goes easily; it's just pretty hot doing anything outside in the afternoon. . . . I even tried dumping the load by pulling the pin on the top link and lifting the box with just the bottom two arms. I heard a pretty distinct "groan" as the box tilted, so I decided not to pursue that any further! It didn't take long at all to unload, so the risk of destroying the box was not worth the convenience of dumping.
Since I only used a couple of carriage bolts to hold the floor of the carry all to the frame, I would be hesitant to try scooping up chips. So, I just use a spade to load the box. The chips are light so the job goes easily; it's just pretty hot doing anything outside in the afternoon. . . . I even tried dumping the load by pulling the pin on the top link and lifting the box with just the bottom two arms. I heard a pretty distinct "groan" as the box tilted, so I decided not to pursue that any further! It didn't take long at all to unload, so the risk of destroying the box was not worth the convenience of dumping.
While it may not be a big deal for a lot of you Garage Journal junkies, when I fabricate something in the garage that is really useful I consider it quite an accomplishment! Put the carryall and the Ford 8N to good use yesterday moving wood chips/mulch. Even Jesu said the 8N and I made a good wheelbarrow!
HOTFR8
Banned
Anything that saves your back is a great piece of fabrication.
HOTFR8, I agree on saving the back. Only problem is, after we had moved chips for several hours, Jesu started digging a trench for a PVC pipe to drain the condensate from our HVAC system -- per The Wife's request. He had worked for 1 1/2 to 2 hours before he had to leave and only finished about 25 of the 40+ feet needed. He used a mattocks more than a shovel since he was working with pit gravel that hadn't seen rain in many days. 
So, I finished the job after he left and ended up with a significant pain in the back. I put the box scrape on the tractor to pull the dirt back over the trench, but that was a bit overkill for the job!!
I did visit a friend's garage for the first time to find a nice 1964 Chevy convertible with slightly built 327 (if you can call 375 hp on the dyno "slightly"), an Alfa Romeo Spider hardtop that had been sitting under a pine tree for 8 years, two 1920-30 era gas pumps, a couple of mid-50's Coke machines, several 1940's bicycle, a speed boat equipped with a 350 Chevy supposedly clocked at 78 mph, and one or two complete sets of SC license tags from the teens. The shop was a mess, so I plan to take The Wife back over so she will be more accepting of the condition of my workshop -- maybe. . . .
So, I finished the job after he left and ended up with a significant pain in the back. I put the box scrape on the tractor to pull the dirt back over the trench, but that was a bit overkill for the job!!
I did visit a friend's garage for the first time to find a nice 1964 Chevy convertible with slightly built 327 (if you can call 375 hp on the dyno "slightly"), an Alfa Romeo Spider hardtop that had been sitting under a pine tree for 8 years, two 1920-30 era gas pumps, a couple of mid-50's Coke machines, several 1940's bicycle, a speed boat equipped with a 350 Chevy supposedly clocked at 78 mph, and one or two complete sets of SC license tags from the teens. The shop was a mess, so I plan to take The Wife back over so she will be more accepting of the condition of my workshop -- maybe. . . .
Gee whiz willikers, how could I have forgotten about two of the most important additions to the workshop?! Last week I broke down and called the techie guy to come out and fix the security on our wi-fi. While he was here, I asked him to check the connection for the Ethernet cable I had pulled from the house to the workshop (see posts 351 and 359). I had purchased a kit to install the plug and was getting lights on the back of my computer box suggesting something was working, but I wasn't getting Internet. Turns out, there are two ways (maybe more) to install the plug -- A and B. They had used one on the other end and I had used the other on my end. So, they rewired the plug and I have Internet in the shop!
While in the workshop, the techie guy also checked out my cable TV. Just a connector and I was in business, give or take the extra 20 feet of cable coming up the stairs. Not so safe, but it proves the connection. Now I need to figure where to run the cable to hide it as best I can. [Sorry, no car shows on TV this morning, but I figured a Cobra was close enough. . . ]
What else could a guy ask for in modern conveniences other than cable and Internet? Well, maybe a two-post lift.
While in the workshop, the techie guy also checked out my cable TV. Just a connector and I was in business, give or take the extra 20 feet of cable coming up the stairs. Not so safe, but it proves the connection. Now I need to figure where to run the cable to hide it as best I can. [Sorry, no car shows on TV this morning, but I figured a Cobra was close enough. . . ]
What else could a guy ask for in modern conveniences other than cable and Internet? Well, maybe a two-post lift.
Just read the entire thread. Talk about an improvement of garage space, man your barn is nice and so is your house. 
Love the 8N in it's original colors, by far the nicest looking tractor Ford ever made. If you need some extra traction I've seen a Ford 8n/Oliver crawler conversion that made me drool:
Love the 8N in it's original colors, by far the nicest looking tractor Ford ever made. If you need some extra traction I've seen a Ford 8n/Oliver crawler conversion that made me drool:
xtremek
Well-known member
........ If you need some extra traction I've seen a Ford 8n/Oliver crawler conversion that made me drool:
Is that a Flathead V-8 under the hood? It looks too short to be a V-8, but that looks like a cylinder head sticking up from under the cowl.
Thanks for the comments, Crown. Oh, and I figured you'd get xtremek's attention -- he has a real WORKING tractor!
I'd like to have a lot more in the way of implements and attachments -- for example, I see a front-end loader and wheel weights in your photo -- but I don't think I'm likely to opt for tracks or flathead V8 any time soon. Actually, I doubt The Wife would be pleased with ANY more attachments or accessories although she has been pleased with the use the carryall has been put to. Maybe in a couple more months I can do another "upgrade".
I'd like to have a lot more in the way of implements and attachments -- for example, I see a front-end loader and wheel weights in your photo -- but I don't think I'm likely to opt for tracks or flathead V8 any time soon. Actually, I doubt The Wife would be pleased with ANY more attachments or accessories although she has been pleased with the use the carryall has been put to. Maybe in a couple more months I can do another "upgrade".
xtremek
Well-known member
SWMBO already said "NO!!!!" to doing a conversion of any kind to the Old Mule. I think if I had the money a front end loader would be the cat's pajamas. Would you need the wheel weights if your tires are loaded?
I'll stick with the rear scoop for now -- since I have one and don't have the money or "permission" for a front end loader. I haven't confirmed that my tires are loaded -- I think on the one hand I don't want them to be due to rusting with the calcium chloride; on the other hand, if they are not loaded, then I'd have to find out where the rust near the valve stem comes from AND I'd have to decide if I wanted to load them. In any case, I probably don't need the weights for what I'll use the 8N for. On the other hand, I wonder if I need some weight on the front if I intend to carry my daughter and granddaughter in the Christmas parade sitting in the carryall. Surely The Wife would understand the safety factor and not complain. Surely.. . .
xtremek
Well-known member
From what I understand, a lot of people are moving away from chloride and using beet juice (not sure if it's actually juice from beets) instead. I know what ever it is, it's not corrosive, but it is about 3 times the money. I'll have to load mine before winter hits. If you put your ride in the parade with the ladies riding on the back, we expect to see pics.
No problem, xtremek, Ford 8N with daughter and granddaughter in Christmas Parade deserves a photo or two! So far The Daughter his been talking pretty big, but she may back out by the time December rolls around. . . .
Pretty proud of the tractor's recent performance. Had planned to "landscape" one side of the barn with about 4 feet of stone to catch the rain from the roof runoff. Decided to use somewhat large size river rocks and 6 feet wide. I figure, what the heck, the barn is pretty big and needs "manly" accessories -- besides, the box scrape on the tractor is 5 feet. I used the box scrape to cut down about 4-6 inches then finished up with the shovel near the side. Only hit the wall one time with the tractor.
The guy that delivered the stone tried to help out by dropping the material in two piles. It was still hard to move -- too big to rake or shovel easily. Don't know whose idea that larger river rocks was; wait, wait, I DO remember. It was The Wife's selection. It was also the most expensive of the four choices I gave her. Go figure.
Used the dirt scoop on the tractor to bring in some of the dirt removed by the box scrape to fill in behind the edging for the stone. Then put the scrape back on to try to even things up a bit. Even have a little bit of slope from the edging away from the stone. That worked pretty well.
The Wife suggests it looks like a mote with a drawbridge; and I guess it does. In fact, with the poor drainage of the soil below the stone, it will likely fill up during each substantial rain. I figure I'll wait until that happens and see where to put a corrugated drain pipe to remove the water. Need to decide what to do at the ends -- go around the corner or just stop it there. Will do a little manicuring at some point; will need about a pickup load more stone.
We also hope to put a few bushes in the stoned area. I'm waiting for the Boss's decision on that. All in all, a hot but good day's effort.
Pretty proud of the tractor's recent performance. Had planned to "landscape" one side of the barn with about 4 feet of stone to catch the rain from the roof runoff. Decided to use somewhat large size river rocks and 6 feet wide. I figure, what the heck, the barn is pretty big and needs "manly" accessories -- besides, the box scrape on the tractor is 5 feet. I used the box scrape to cut down about 4-6 inches then finished up with the shovel near the side. Only hit the wall one time with the tractor.
The guy that delivered the stone tried to help out by dropping the material in two piles. It was still hard to move -- too big to rake or shovel easily. Don't know whose idea that larger river rocks was; wait, wait, I DO remember. It was The Wife's selection. It was also the most expensive of the four choices I gave her. Go figure.
Used the dirt scoop on the tractor to bring in some of the dirt removed by the box scrape to fill in behind the edging for the stone. Then put the scrape back on to try to even things up a bit. Even have a little bit of slope from the edging away from the stone. That worked pretty well.
The Wife suggests it looks like a mote with a drawbridge; and I guess it does. In fact, with the poor drainage of the soil below the stone, it will likely fill up during each substantial rain. I figure I'll wait until that happens and see where to put a corrugated drain pipe to remove the water. Need to decide what to do at the ends -- go around the corner or just stop it there. Will do a little manicuring at some point; will need about a pickup load more stone.
We also hope to put a few bushes in the stoned area. I'm waiting for the Boss's decision on that. All in all, a hot but good day's effort.
Sho 'nuff, a little water and we had a moat! But, it showed me a good place to put a drain -- under the "boardwalk" to hide it and put in corrugated plastic pipe to take the water away. Still not easy to dig in this pit gravel!
Also had some drainage problem on the other side of workshop. Put in a collection box and more corrugated plastic pipe. First time when the rain came, it all floated up out of the ground. Put it back in with rock in collection box and more dirt on pipe. Hope it stays put.
A little more "landscaping" around the shop. Carryall on Ford 8N came in handy to move scrap lumber and bricks out of sight.
Then used box scrape to level out a little around other sides of shop. Can even see a little grass coming up on the mote side. . . .
Oh, and made a purchase of band saw to help make arm rests and slightly curved legs for a deck bench that's in the works.
Also had some drainage problem on the other side of workshop. Put in a collection box and more corrugated plastic pipe. First time when the rain came, it all floated up out of the ground. Put it back in with rock in collection box and more dirt on pipe. Hope it stays put.
A little more "landscaping" around the shop. Carryall on Ford 8N came in handy to move scrap lumber and bricks out of sight.
Then used box scrape to level out a little around other sides of shop. Can even see a little grass coming up on the mote side. . . .
Oh, and made a purchase of band saw to help make arm rests and slightly curved legs for a deck bench that's in the works.
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Quite a while since a post on Garage Journal, but I have made some progress. Put in a little grass around the workshop but it's having a hard time growing now. You have to look closely at the green near the door.
Went out one day earlier this year to find little white pieces of Styrofoam all over the ground. Got the local pest control to check things out. They suggested squirrels.
So, they installed about 1/2" screen wire under the eaves. Seems to have fixed that problem.
Added a few tools to the woodworking side -- router with table, small belt/disc sander -- to fill a request from the Daughter for an Adirondack chair. The one on her birthday wish list went for $250-300! So, I used plans from someone on this forum and put a couple together for about $100 not counting stain:
I think I used every power tool I had in the shop before it was over!
Also, thought xtremek would enjoy seeing the 8N in the background. She's given me some problems again, but a quick trip to Just8N's to purchase rebuilt distributor got her running as well as she ever has.
Went out one day earlier this year to find little white pieces of Styrofoam all over the ground. Got the local pest control to check things out. They suggested squirrels.
So, they installed about 1/2" screen wire under the eaves. Seems to have fixed that problem.
Added a few tools to the woodworking side -- router with table, small belt/disc sander -- to fill a request from the Daughter for an Adirondack chair. The one on her birthday wish list went for $250-300! So, I used plans from someone on this forum and put a couple together for about $100 not counting stain:
I think I used every power tool I had in the shop before it was over!
Also, thought xtremek would enjoy seeing the 8N in the background. She's given me some problems again, but a quick trip to Just8N's to purchase rebuilt distributor got her running as well as she ever has.
HOTFR8
Banned
Nice to see an update.