Forum Replies Created
- AuthorPosts
Brad Johnson
ParticipantI have similar concerns over lack of craftsmanship and new features…the guys at Windy Ridge, where is bought the Husky, said that the cracking handles are “just something we have to put up with in these new saws.” Seems like a $800 saw should be built better, but what do I know right?
-BradParticipantDonn-
I might be able to help you out. My tech skills are limited, but I am committed to site and want to make it work for us all. Let me know how I can help, and I will carve out some time.
-BradParticipantDonn-
I have the same problem as Bill…
-BradParticipantThings are going well very well on the job in Northfield. Hoping to finish up by years end. Come on up sometime if you want – we can put you to work for a day. Can even bring your horses…
-BradParticipantJohn-
Are you using a new arch?
-BradParticipantBill-
Can you send me a few pics of the mare? Stud? Always thinking about the future…thanks!
-BradParticipantJoel and Ayla-
My wife and I moved from ME to VT about 6 years ago, and we love it here. Maine is wonderful as well, but we have enjoyed this place immensely. There is farm and forest land for sale over here. The guy I log with knows the area very well and knows of several pieces for sale near his farm in Washington Vt. Let me know if you want Bob’s contact info. He is a super nice fellow and would be happy to speak with you. Good luck to you both and your little one!
-BradeParticipantOn the farm in Maine we had our Barden cart set up with a leaning board in place of a proper seat, and that works great. As Carl described, you are standing up in most situations and the board provides that stability you need. And, when you want go for that moonlight ride with your sweetie you can always put the seat back on!
-BradOctober 10, 2013 at 3:24 pm in reply to: New England Teamster wanted for Paid Presentation to High School Students #81333ParticipantJay-
That sounds like a blast. I have done a lot of education in the woods with high school age kids, and I miss it now that I don’t do that much these days. I am crazy busy, but I think I could make time for this if you wanted me and my team. Please send more details and let’s think it over further. Thanks.
-BradParticipantI really appreciate all the helpful responses here. I think I am on the right track with short toe when shod. This kind of information given freely here on the forum is so helpful, and this is the kind of exchange that makes the forum valuable to those working with animals!
-BradParticipantCarl and Lisa-
So pleased to hear that you two are as excited as I am about how we have progressed. It means a lot to me to have your support – thanks!
-BradParticipantCarl and others-
Great discussion here. I want to make a couple of points concerning Carl’s thoughts. First, I would argue with the contention that a higher cart is a less maneuverable. The degree to which a cart moves easily in the woods is based primarily on its width, rather than its height. Given the fact that I can adjust my wheel width on the Plowden cart, I can match the relatively narrow width of the Barden cart or go wider for more stability on steep ground. Having used both a Barden cart and the Plowden arch in the woods, my arch is every bit as maneuverable. And, I can roll over debris that used to catch up our Barden cart at the bottom. Stumps are not so much the issue as they are usually cut short in any case. Second, the argument over high hitch point versus more lift is difficult to quantify. I have never seen any factual evidence to indicate that the higher hitch point somehow negates the extra lift I get on the arch. The extra lift, however, is measurable and on some stems it makes the difference between being able to get a large stick moving and leaving it on the ground. I have never found my teams to be any less willing at the end of day based on the fact that my angle of draft is a few inches higher than that on the Barden cart. I well understand that as draft angle rises beyond the optimal point that you take away from the horses ability to pull that load, but the more of the stem you get off the ground the less friction you are fighting. Also, note that the angle on the Barden cart, or any cart for that matter, is higher than optimal in terms of the perfect draft angle. Uphill, flat, or downhill, the arch works really well. And, so does the Barden cart. To the point that getting up and down all day is tiring, this is absolutely true. However, I find that I like walking as I skid from the stump in most cases, even if I can ride. I typically only ride when ground is flat or I am forwarding with multiple stems in the hitch. I take issue with the notion that a high arch means that I am more inclined to take “shortcuts” in felling that are based on making my skidding easier. Yes, I do try to make the work as easy as possible for both myself and my team, but that is just common sense rather than cutting corners. I put just as much energy into the saw work as everyone else, and I still have plenty enough to get up and down off the arch when I choose to do so. I chain and hitch my own loads in the woods as well, and the arch does not make this process any more difficult. Finally, one the distinct advantages of my arch over the Barden cart is that I have multiple chain slots on the bar so that I can take three or more chained stems. The allows for greater efficiency when needed, as multiple stems can be drawn in under the main beam of the arch. And, if needed I can move the wheels farther apart to make forwarding with multiple stems easier – more space between the wheels means you can fit more wood between. The point here is that just as much thought has gone into John’s arch design as into the Barden cart, as he has more than 20 years in the woods with horses. His arch designs are far from backyard welding projects, and I would challenge anyone out there to take his arch and a Barden cart and use them both in the woods, as I have, and see what you think. I think there are advantages and disadvantages to both, and realizing what they are makes the decision of which tool to use easier to make…
-BradParticipantCarl and others-
Nice photos of your woods carts. Carl, your arch there is more similar to what I run in the woods, in contrast to the low design of the barden. When I worked in the woods in Maine we used a barden cart in the field frequently, but I have found that it’s lack of clearance and log lift is an issue for commercial work. Carl Russell and I have discussed this back and forth. He really likes that barden style for logging – low to the ground, safe to get on and off, and easily carries his tools. I prefer a high arch that gives more clearance and allows larger stems to be cradled under the beam. John Plowden designed and built my rig, and I have yet to find anything that works better. I guess in the end it depends on how you want to use the tool. I work almost exclusively in the woods on commercial jobs, and I do little field work with it, so I like a single purpose tool. Those who do a combination of jobs might prefer something more similar to the barden or pioneer style carts.
-BradAttachments:
You must be logged in to view attached files.ParticipantCarl-
I will be at the FD with my team. Come on out of the forestry demo on Sat AM and we can chat a bit.
-BradParticipantI had thought about that option, Mitch. That may be what I end up doing. For now, I put back on the old hinds that came with her, and I will think about options for next go round. See you at the fair.
-Brad- AuthorPosts