Pond Boss Forums GENERAL QUESTIONS Pond Boss RIP DR Trimmer

I cut trees/large branches to logs then use the FEL with the forks and move the logs to where they will be cut up, split and stacked. I try not to move things more than once if possible. If I pick up something out in the woods that has already been split, load it onto a trailer, then have to unload the trailer to stack it for cure, that's a lot of work. If I drop the logs off 10-20 feet from where they will be cut up, split and stacked...

You learn that from running your own business, because every time you have to pick something up and handle it, it cost time, so you try reduce the time dealing with it as best you can.

Probably one of the reasons I'm not the best house cleaner on the planet

Al, about 5 years ago Charlene was going to buy a log splitter for my birthday. I started researching and found several that would suit my needs/wants.

Then I started thinking about it. Between 3 vehicles, 2 tractors, farm equipment, yard tools, hand tools, boats, toys (guns, fishing gear, welders, etc.) I'm always working on or cleaning something that I need to work/play with. And, I have a backlog of things that need attention that they usually get just before I need to use them.

My Ranger/Evinrude hasn't been on the lakes in years.

I have way more than $5,000 in reloading gear, supplies and components. And, that doesn't come anywhere near Scott. No time to shoot and deer season is coming.

Way too many guns and just bought a new Taurus Judge and associated ammo.

Just got another $250 order in from Jantz Supply in knife stuff. Need to buy about $600 more materials because daughters, granddaughters, want new steak knives for Xmas.

Yesterday I put a new handle on an axe, sharpened 3 axes and even touched up the edges of my mauls and manual splitter.

Need to start on a blue barrel floating dock.

Things seem to own me.

That's why I shy away from adding anything else like a log splitter.

Yep, Bob has a sweet sawmill.

Dave, stuff can own one for sure. What slows me down is the do I have the extra spark plugs, air filters, hoses, or fluids I need here on premises for all the various junk I have.

Wednesday, I lost the big washer that holds the shredder wheel on by a cotter key, and my choice was to run to town and pick up a washer, which would tie up an hour and a half, or get the metal detector and find the washer. I never thought the Kubota could be out of service over a washer, but it is.

We do all the cutting and splitting in the woods. It just makes too much mess to have it in the yard, by the woodshed. Standard procedure is to drag logs to our processing area, cut them into blocks, and when we have enough we bring in the splitter, provided it isn't already there....which it usually is. It's under cover there right now, actually. I think I will build an open sided structure for it, eventually.

Then we pull the trailer up and split, throwing the splits in as we go. When the trailer is full, we drive to the woodshed and unload. Now since I enjoy cutting wood, I will often take 30-40 minutes of an evening and just split by myself. I find it relaxing. In that case I throw into the mule, and haul it to the shed on my way out.

I've got one of the echo bearcat trimmers although I don't recall the model number. It is a good, reliable trimmer and you can replace the string trimmer head with a circular saw blade that is very good at cutting small brush (<5").

http://www.bearcatproducts.com/products/options-and-acccessories/wheeled_trimmer_sabre_blade/

I love my Echo trimmer. I have multiple blades for it. I have one that reminds me of a circular saw plywood blade. I can cut a 2 inch sapling like nothing!

My main issue is the tall Bermuda. I'm thinking the 3 bladed brush cutter head would work well.

After spending a couple of days with the Echo, the only thing I would change is the regular trimmer line head. Maybe a wired loop attachment that put less stress on the line itself. In tall grass, the line repeatedly broke right at the trimmer head.

Did you get the self propelled?

Gary, I did not. It doesn't show in the pics, but some of the slopes on the front and back of the dam are very severe. I wanted a light, but well built trimmer that was easier to manhandle.

The self propelled model was also a little more than double the price. I just don't use that feature enough to warrant another $600. If I needed it on more level ground, I'd sure reconsider and maybe get the self propelled model.

FWIW I bought the 3 bladed brush cutter head this summer and it works great on tall thick grass.