Construction Equipment

[Pioneer_Living4us]

Hey all!

Will you guys share some tips with us for the types of equipment you've used or wished you would have had prior to building? We're not asking for the tools we'll learn about in class, more like equipment such as: sawmills, band saws and the like. We would like to start scouting now for such equipment as my Husband could be deployed shortly after we take the next class ( hopefully there will be one this fall). So, we'd like to check out some auctions and such this summer if possible.
All tips and ideas welcomed.

Thank you!

[rreidnauer]

Um, well some basic log handling equip will obviously be needed, so think about a decent chainsaw for cutting, a couple peavys or cant hooks for moving logs around, gonna need lifting equip of some sorts, whether it be block and tackle or on up to heavy equipment. Long auger drill bits for making holes. Another member and myself very much like having a Hi-Lift jack or two around, but a hefty come-along can work wonders too. An abrasive disk cutoff saw or good quality manual rebar cutter, like Tolman Hub. A Ka-Chink (you'll learn about it) Rope and chain never seem to be a bad thing to have around. Having a sawmill is 50/50. Lots of reasons for and against having one.

Then sky's the limit on tools for the conventional construction portion of the build. (framing, electrical, plumbing, roofing, etc)

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[Pioneer_Living4us]

Um, well some basic log handling equip will obviously be needed, so think about a decent chainsaw for cutting, a couple peavys or cant hooks for moving logs around, gonna need lifting equip of some sorts, whether it be block and tackle or on up to heavy equipment. Long auger drill bits for making holes. Another member and myself very much like having a Hi-Lift jack or two around, but a hefty come-along can work wonders too. An abrasive disk cutoff saw or good quality manual rebar cutter, like Tolman Hub. A Ka-Chink (you'll learn about it) Rope and chain never seem to be a bad thing to have around. Having a sawmill is 50/50. Lots of reasons for and against having one.

Then sky's the limit on tools for the conventional construction portion of the build. (framing, electrical, plumbing, roofing, etc)

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy using TapaTalk 2

Thank you for your reply and great info. We do have a good chainsaw, it's an old loggers Stihl..my Husband's grandfather's saw actually, Don't make them like that anymore! We used to have a Kubota and an old 49' Ford 9n tractor. Would like to have one of those again. We do have most of the conventional construction equip already covered. Have lots of chain and rope. We used to have a 23 acre homestead in western Pennsylvania that had been in the family for generations...so we already have the experience of falling trees, constructing our homes (conventional) and outbuildings.. all of that good stuff! I suppose what I'm trying to figure out is which equip would come in handy for constructing a log home vs. what we already have.

[Pioneer_Living4us]

Rreidnauer - Thank you though, your info helped!

[loghousenut]

You might keep an eye out for one of these. You don't really have to have one but it comes in handy.

I'm talking about the green one. The yellow one is fun but won't make the final cut.






Note to self.... Go in for eye exam including color blindness test.


http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t55/loghousenut/P1020849.jpg (http://s157.photobucket.com/user/loghousenut/media/P1020849.jpg.html)

[rckclmbr428]

He means the blue one, ever since the mule kicked him and he fell down the well he can't tell his colors real good

[Pioneer_Living4us]

LHN - Yes, I like the Telehandler! I'm sure hubby would love one of those toys ( Guns, construct equip and muscle cars make him as happy as a kid on Christmas..as well as hunting season, lol)

I was reading another post or two where you discussing how nice it was to have one this time around, if I remember correctly you got a deal on it..yes? We'll have to keep our eyes out for one over the next 2-3 years.

Thank you for your input!

[Pioneer_Living4us]

Rcklmbr- haha. that's what I was thinking.

I'm sorry LHN, I tried but that there was funny!

[CrossingtheRubicon]

I was going to ask a similar question but, I'll just ask in this thread since they are close to the same. Would you bother looking at a 4 wheel drive 4 wheeler or UTV to get things done such as pulling logs around your property, collecting rocks for building with etc... or would you just save your money for a larger machine like the telehandler above?

[LogHomeFeverDan]

Depending on the state of your property, a brush hog, backhoe, shovels, rakes etc. We bought raw land. We're just getting underway on this wonderful journey. Clearing underbrush is time consuming if you do it "by hand". We're also going to excavate ourselves. A log arch, used to help skid logs even small ones is something we're considering now. We will probably buy our house logs but just cutting the trees to clear a building site and create room and use them to build a shed or possibly garage, we'll need to skid. I've seen a garden tractor or even an atv work for this. We have neither. Post hole digger comes in handy.

I'd echo most of the comments above, construction tools are good!

Ladders, scaffolding etc, heck even long drop lines and hoses.

Please don't get overwhelmed with the suggestions. Have fun like we are. Hit flea markets, craigslist, auctions, ebay, garage sales, estate sales. Make the journey an adventure! I believe our family is having as much fun being "scroungers" as the idea of the WORK actually starting! (-;

[rreidnauer]

If I could only have just one piece of heavy equipment for a homestead, hands down, it would be a full size backhoe. With that, you can accomplish 95% of the tasks required.

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[rckclmbr428]

By far the number one things to buy is a telehandler, number 2 is probably a backhoe. If I had unlimited funds I would rather have an excavator and bobcat then a backhoe, but the backhoe does both jobs, just a bit more cumbersome.

[btwalls]

My suggestion is to not buy anything before class especially something big like a telehandler.
Look but don't buy. The class and then the info you get on the members side may change your plans.
Brad

[LogHomeFeverDan]

My suggestion is to not buy anything before class especially something big like a telehandler.
Look but don't buy. The class and then the info you get on the members side may change your plans.
Brad

I defer to this advice!! The smartest move you'll make pocketbook wise is attending class. I know it's anti logical to say but by taking the class you'll save money.

[AkChas]

Gather up the smaller / less-expensive / obvious stuff before class if you want to. But as I've said many times before -- The money I spent on taking The Class, was the BEST money I'd spent, since putting myself through college. And as LHF-Dan eludes to, the money you spend for class will pay for itself numerous times over (even if you DON'T build LHBA method).

[CrossingtheRubicon]

I've been signed up for the class at the end of this month for a couple of months now. I can't wait to go to class! I'm not going to buy anything big until after the class. We have already found and put in an offer on the land we want. We are just waiting on the perk test to be finished and then we are supposed to close on the 20th of this month. It is in Lowgap, NC and I really can't wait to be living there, it is just so peaceful. I have all the trees we will need to build with on the property. Thanks for all of the suggestions.

[rckclmbr428]

I highly suggest spending money recklessly before, during, and after the class.

[BoFuller]

I highly suggest spending money recklessly before, during, and after the class.

:) I knew there was a reason I liked Ronnie.

[LogHomeFeverDan]

I've been signed up for the class at the end of this month for a couple of months now. I can't wait to go to class! I'm not going to buy anything big until after the class. We have already found and put in an offer on the land we want. We are just waiting on the perk test to be finished and then we are supposed to close on the 20th of this month. It is in Lowgap, NC and I really can't wait to be living there, it is just so peaceful. I have all the trees we will need to build with on the property. Thanks for all of the suggestions.

Yes!!! Another LHBA member going to build in NC!! We just make takeover the state!

[LogHomeFeverDan]

I highly suggest spending money recklessly before, during, and after the class.

LOL, My first two sessions at the craps tables during the time in LV for class I resembled this remark. Thank goodness for the last session.

[CrossingtheRubicon]

I highly suggest spending money recklessly before, during, and after the class.

I'm thinking this is one of those things I'll understand better after taking the class.:confused:

[Mosseyme]

We have been collecting for 15 years, 12 of them before this journey. We already had a JD 4x4 tractor with backhoe and forks plus scoop bucket and bush hog. We already had a little 450 JD bulldozer to build and keep up the road on this place. Could have hired someone to do it but what fun would that be. It is a constant job to keep a long driveway working right. Also about 2004 we acquired a little portable sawmill. We are doing all of our own lumber but remember if you do you own it is very time and energy heavy. Also some kind of shelter for living while you are on your property. We have found each of these to be indispenseable for our particular situation.

[LogHomeFeverDan]

I'm thinking this is one of those things I'll understand better after taking the class.:confused:

LOL Far from it!! You'll understand this one better when you understand Ronnie better! Then again, I am not certain ANYONE understands Ronnie! He just builds great LHBA homes!

[edkemper]

CrossingtheRubicon,

At the moment, I'm more interested in your name. Can I assume the Rubicon is a frequent visit of yours? It used to be practically in my back yard. Ever been back to the Cabin?

[mario kadu]

It IS our back yard. Our property is just off Wentworth Springs road. Stay on Wentworth long enough and it merges with Ice House Rd then it's Loon Lake, (Tom's) cabin, and then ..... the Rubicon

BTW.. someone is selling 40 acres of Loon lake frontage for $199k, just a few small problems, the only way to get to the property is by boat and lots of snow at 6500 ft elevation.... But what a view!

[edkemper]

Now I remember some of our earlier conversations. I loved hunting and fishing the area for 30 years.

Once we get started on our build, we'll have to touch base and get acquainted.

[Mosseyme]

Crossing the Rubicon,
You will have numerous lhba folks around,
Hey Dan, We just might be the New NW and outnumber them.
We should start a battle for the numbers on the current builders.
I'm afraid we will never catch up if we include the oldtimers and LHN.
Notice I said and LHN, I would never call you OLD.

[loghousenut]

Notice I said and LHN, I would never call you OLD.

It's not the years... It's the miles.





PS... I have a healthy self image, Mossey. I do not fear honest assessment.

[Pioneer_Living4us]

Hey all, thank you so much for your replies!

Lots of good ideas. Like Mossey, our family has been collecting equip for a long time. For us, most of that equip is essential when owning livestock, farming large parcels ( it used to be much larger than 23 acres) and being largely self-sufficient in the process. However, building log homes are new to us. We've always dreamed of living in a log home, off-grid in NW Montana. I just want us to be as prepared as we can be and you can get great deals out there on equip as long as you have enough time to be certain you're getting a good deal and not the first one that comes in to view because your out of time and you need it now - type of deal. That's when it can really hit your pocketbook.

[Pioneer_Living4us]

I couldn't agree with you more ! We used a Ford 9n with all of the attachments, a Farmall with a few attachments and a 4x4 Kubota with front loader bucket and backhoe. What one couldn't do...the other could. My Husband is convinced he wants a skid steer for excavating purposes, reminiscing from his old construction days.

[Gomer]

Didn't know pioneers used tractors. lol
Mine were kinda dumb I guess and used horses pulling that plow...or so the pictures show anyway.
Me-tractors sound like more fun!
or maybe hitch up LHN to a one row and crack the whip on his <<rear side>> and lets see what he can do. ;)

[Pioneer_Living4us]

Gomer - lol. I can say we have advanced over the years. Our homestead had been in the family close to four hundred years ( yes, you read that right) they were there long before the "county" was there...so yeah, there has been plenty of "horses pullin plows" throughout the years. As all things...we advanced lol.

[Pioneer_Living4us]

However, I will let you hitch up LHN. Me thinks he's a wild one.

On a second note - there is no replacement for a couple of sound and strong drafts ! :p

[loghousenut]

I'm ready boys. Just wake me up and slap on the feedbag when it's time to plow.


http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t55/loghousenut/GetAttachment.jpg (http://s157.photobucket.com/user/loghousenut/media/GetAttachment.jpg.html)

[Pioneer_Living4us]

I'm ready boys. Just wake me up and slap on the feedbag when it's time to plow.


http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t55/loghousenut/GetAttachment.jpg (http://s157.photobucket.com/user/loghousenut/media/GetAttachment.jpg.html)

I would never dream of hog tying you!

[Gomer]

I'm ready boys. Just wake me up and slap on the feedbag when it's time to plow.


http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t55/loghousenut/GetAttachment.jpg (http://s157.photobucket.com/user/loghousenut/media/GetAttachment.jpg.html)

I knew I'd get the ol' bugger up and to respond...now back to sleep.

Pioneer- lol. That's a neat story of family history. Any of the really old structures still standing? Love stories like this.

My family, at least 100% on my Father's side and mostly on my Mother's dating to the late 1700s, were here from day one of area being inhabited. as far as we know anyway.
They were Native Americans, Ojibwe, and traversed the UP in Michigan and over to northern MN at least to the 1600s its know on my Father's side. Their records are inked and verbally passed on as they were not necessarily folks who wrote things down nor permanently in one place due to food and of course the pale faces (lol) not wanting them in one place. We have searched hard and far to gather history - thankfully some churches had more recent written records from early
1800s and we still have many Elders on my Fathers who never left the main tribal group so the tree continues to leaf and things pass on. Dates were unknown but rather assumed by the stories of the white face and French Canadians who trapped and hunted amongst them. Before that it's just fuzzy stories of great great great great great great Elders w/o any real reference points. Some museums are clamoring for the birch bark inscriptions and writing we have that have been passed forever. I fear someday some act of nature such as fire and tornado or may cause the loss of these items. We have many photos etc but a picture is just that and no more

I am honored to have you here and amongst us. I truly look ahead to more bits of your family history as you are willing to share.
Happy Mothers Day to you and your family!

[Pioneer_Living4us]

I knew I'd get the ol' bugger up and to respond...now back to sleep.

Pioneer- lol. That's a neat story of family history. Any of the really old structures still standing? Love stories like this.

My family, at least 100% on my Father's side and mostly on my Mother's dating to the late 1700s, were here from day one of area being inhabited. as far as we know anyway.
They were Native Americans, Ojibwe, and traversed the UP in Michigan and over to northern MN at least to the 1600s its know on my Father's side. Their records are inked and verbally passed on as they were not necessarily folks who wrote things down nor permanently in one place due to food and of course the pale faces (lol) not wanting them in one place. We have searched hard and far to gather history - thankfully some churches had more recent written records from early
1800s and we still have many Elders on my Fathers who never left the main tribal group so the tree continues to leaf and things pass on. Dates were unknown but rather assumed by the stories of the white face and French Canadians who trapped and hunted amongst them. Before that it's just fuzzy stories of great great great great great great Elders w/o any real reference points. Some museums are clamoring for the birch bark inscriptions and writing we have that have been passed forever. I fear someday some act of nature such as fire and tornado or may cause the loss of these items. We have many photos etc but a picture is just that and no more

I am honored to have you here and amongst us. I truly look ahead to more bits of your family history as you are willing to share.
Happy Mothers Day to you and your family!

Wow, you too, have a very neat history. That is something you should definitely cherish.

One of the oldest structures that still remained on our property was roughly 200 years old, it was an old log house but it burnt down around 80 years ago, so they rebuilt about 200 yards away from the original site. We do have pictures of the log cabin but no artifacts within survived the fire. I believe there were at one time other structures still standing and may be even older than the log cabin but the property dwindled throughout the years from over 21,000 acres just down to 23 acres as family members sold off their inheritance of the land. I know the old School house still stands today, it's pretty neat. My Husband still has the fine silver that had passed down, as well as quilts his great, great, great grandmother made. There are a few "tools" that have remained in the family - none useable though. Though out the property there's drawings on some of the rocks and we've found many arrowheads...I have to admit it's really cool when you find one. My Husband has the original "Family Bible" it's something that you just stare in amazement at, so old, so fragile and such detail..they kept meticulous records. We have the old property deeds from when it was handed down from family member to family member. We have old journals, letters and records from years passed..some are far too fragile to touch. My Husband is lucky in the fact that is family saved quite a many things over the years.

Thank you for the Mother's day wishes! I look forward to getting to know you as well! Thank you for welcoming me ; )

[CrossingtheRubicon]

CrossingtheRubicon,

At the moment, I'm more interested in your name. Can I assume the Rubicon is a frequent visit of yours? It used to be practically in my back yard. Ever been back to the Cabin?


I often cross the Rubicon but, not in the physical sense, more my mental state of mind. I figured the name CrossingtheRubicon was a good name because it can mean "point of no return". I often do a lot of research that helps me make up my mind about whether or not I think I'm capable of doing something, then I reach a certain point where I either feel I can accomplish the task at hand or I think I may not have enough experience. Then I do it anyway regardless.:eek: I typically look back on things like this and say that could have went a lot worse. :D I also feel like in order to accomplish some of the more difficult challenges in life you have to decide that you will not give up, no matter what obstacle might be presented to you.

[lilbluehonda]

This is the Rubicon we're talking about,the Rubicon Trail in the Sierra's of California
http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd206/ragdump/05-02-2011043015PM-1_zps3b76554b.jpg (http://s223.photobucket.com/user/ragdump/media/05-02-2011043015PM-1_zps3b76554b.jpg.html)

[loghousenut]

What's the big deal??? It's just someone's driveway with a dinosaur on it.










Haha. Good looking old rail. I've had a number of them and loved every one. Never been to the Rubicon but managed to get in over my head several times anyway. Looks like fun.

[rreidnauer]

Wait. Isn't that Stressman's driveway? Think that photo was from his last weekend work party.

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[lilbluehonda]

What's the big deal??? It's just someone's driveway with a dinosaur on it.










Haha. Good looking old rail. I've had a number of them and loved every one. Never been to the Rubicon but managed to get in over my head several times anyway. Looks like fun.

Here's my other old rail
http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd206/ragdump/Save0009_zps3a0d7c2a.png (http://s223.photobucket.com/user/ragdump/media/Save0009_zps3a0d7c2a.png.html)

[medicgus]

Back in my college days I drove my stock FJ40 over the Rubicon, still one of my best memories. Tried it in my Chevy with the family, very different outcome.

[stamic55]

By far the number one things to buy is a telehandler, number 2 is probably a backhoe. If I had unlimited funds I would rather have an excavator and bobcat then a backhoe, but the backhoe does both jobs, just a bit more cumbersome.

Sorry for resurrecting a thread sooo old, but I have a crazy question. Would the excavator not be able to replace the tele if it was large enough? I suspect the excavator may not be able to reach tall enough to set the ridge, but other than that I'm curious what the limitation would be.

[Shark]

Sorry for resurrecting a thread sooo old, but I have a crazy question. Would the excavator not be able to replace the tele if it was large enough? I suspect the excavator may not be able to reach tall enough to set the ridge, but other than that I'm curious what the limitation would be.Depends how tall you are building and do you have access to all 4 sides?

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[Shark]

Being able to set logs like this(not from 90 degrees from center of wall) is the only way we were able to build.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230119/66bc0448ea528ecda4a4c0a3d4ae149c.jpg

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[TAB]

What Shark said. This guy on YT did all his wall logs with an older skidsteer. Did the rest with lifting poles if i remember right. All depends on access, wall height, log size, etc.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230119/dd6e98c2379649f9500af7fa5b045e32.jpg

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[eagle]

Sorry for resurrecting a thread sooo old, but I have a crazy question. Would the excavator not be able to replace the tele if it was large enough? I suspect the excavator may not be able to reach tall enough to set the ridge, but other than that I'm curious what the limitation would be.

I am debating that as well. I have a 50 hp tractor and I really need a mini or mid size excavator for soooo many other things. My thought was to get the excavator and go as far as I could vertical and then just rent the tele for a month for all the high stuff. After that part is done I think the excavator will be more useful than a tele.

[mudflap]

I am debating that as well. I have a 50 hp tractor and I really need a mini or mid size excavator for soooo many other things. My thought was to get the excavator and go as far as I could vertical and then just rent the tele for a month for all the high stuff. After that part is done I think the excavator will be more useful than a tele.

50 hp?

my tractor has 35 hp, lol. maybe that was my problem.

[eagle]

50 hp?

my tractor has 35 hp, lol. maybe that was my problem.

Lol, my first one was a 32hp, was great for "almost" everything I did. But I didn't like that idea so I sold it and got the 50 after the first season. It always bothered me that the salesman asks you how many acres you have and suggests a size accordingly. WTF? How about what are we doing with it is more important.