Construction Equipment

**Pioneer_Living4us** · 05-08-2013, 06:25 PM

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** · 05-08-2013, 07:48 PM

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** · 05-08-2013, 10:06 PM

Originally Posted by 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)

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** · 05-08-2013, 10:09 PM

Rreidnauer - Thank you though, your info helped!

**loghousenut** · 05-08-2013, 11:24 PM

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.

**rckclmbr428** · 05-09-2013, 02:51 AM

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** · 05-09-2013, 04:10 AM

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** · 05-09-2013, 04:15 AM

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

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

**CrossingtheRubicon** · 05-09-2013, 04:35 AM

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** · 05-09-2013, 06:09 AM

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** · 05-09-2013, 06:19 AM

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** · 05-09-2013, 06:22 AM

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** · 05-09-2013, 06:28 AM

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** · 05-09-2013, 08:43 AM

Originally Posted by 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

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** · 05-09-2013, 09:20 AM

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** · 05-09-2013, 12:45 PM

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** · 05-09-2013, 01:39 PM

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

**BoFuller** · 05-09-2013, 02:31 PM

Originally Posted by rckclmbr428

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

I knew there was a reason I liked Ronnie.

**LogHomeFeverDan** · 05-09-2013, 03:45 PM

Originally Posted by 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.

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

**LogHomeFeverDan** · 05-09-2013, 03:47 PM

Originally Posted by rckclmbr428

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** · 05-09-2013, 07:53 PM

Originally Posted by rckclmbr428

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.

**Mosseyme** · 05-09-2013, 09:19 PM

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** · 05-10-2013, 08:52 AM

Originally Posted by CrossingtheRubicon

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

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** · 05-10-2013, 09:33 AM

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** · 05-10-2013, 02:07 PM

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** · 05-10-2013, 07:21 PM

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** · 05-10-2013, 10:36 PM

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.