Early in the Twentieth Century, nobody knew just how a tractor should be built. It took many years before industries settled on the formats that still work today, and of course, tractors are still changing. I saw this one at Rollag, Minnesota a few years ago. Thanks, Merle!
Here are some photos I got of this unique machine at Rollag in 2022.
The fellow in this video is a certified arborist out on the west coast, and he does a lot of tree removals, and makes a lot of YouTube videos. He should know how to drop a leaner without it barber chairing, but west coast fallers, and it seems most arborists won't bore/plunge cut the trees they cut. The primary key to prevent barber chairs is to establish a hinge of proper thickness before the tree is released and set into motion. That requires bore cutting. There is real resistance to bore cutting, even though it is an easy skill to learn, and it is a technique that sets us apart from the axe and crosscut saw methods. I hope to keep preaching the use of proper, safe methods while I can still crank a saw.
Back To The Old Grind!
The stoves are cold and gardening has begun! Onions and cabbages are in the ground.
I have heard through all of my forestry years to go up to a tree, hug it and look up to see which way it leans. You will see trees going in unexpected directions on YouTube videos when people listen to that advice. Put a heavy nut on a string, or use a straight stick for a plumb to assess where a tree wants to go. View it from two sides and you will have the info you need to drop a tree where you want it, and be in a safe place when it falls.
We never heard about this in history classes. Disney ran a short series about the Swamp Fox back around 1960. I doubt it was an accurate portrayal, and I don't remember any of the episodes, sixty six years after! Here's History Underground.
That's impressive! Six power strokes per revolution! Thanks, Merle!
....for work well done! Here we have a very nice young walnut surrounded by lesser trees impeding its growth. Look at your timber with a critical eye and these decisions are easy. The sap running from the grapevine was a nice little bonus.
Back To The Old Grind!
Contrary to the caption on this video, the engine is not ejecting cinders. The Sandaoling coal mine is low quality coal that throws lots of cinders when the engine is in a hard pull. It is dramatic! Many Thanks, Merle!
