AlanB's Mulch Bunkers

[AlanB]

Well, we are around to spring again, and as usual, I just have not accomplished all that I would like to. Last year though we were pretty busy refurbing this house, then moving in, then refurbing the old house, while running the business (Landscaping / lawncare) and keeping a job

Last year we cleared off some high ground with the dozer, and dumped the mulch there, we only did black and brown last year and just bought red from freinds that had it when we needed it.

I have been wanting to build the mulch bins, and have debated numerous times where to place them, as Doug says, I overthink things sometimes. Then again, at my day job, dealing with Hazmat, and Hazwaste, overthinking is usually not considered a fault, it is often called prudent

So, when the wife came home one night and said she needed to seed and aerate the next day, she needed both mowers running and both core aerators up and operational and a new seeder, uh,,, in the morning

Made me think I needed to progress forward on the mulch bins, before I came home to a 130 yard pile of mulch sitting somewhere I did not want it too be.

The current best game plan I have is to construct the mulch bins from tires using rammed earth, like the earthship guy (also discussed a bit on here) and will probably make some bin dividers using 2' X 4' X 2' concrete blocks poured here to use up some nasty sand a buddy of mine has we need to put to another use.

All those ideas are truly great, but I realized, I am just out of time, and need to get going, so I am back to one of my older ideas, of just using logs, which I happened to have some small ones out front in the yard.

First order of business is to clean out the dozer pile that was left sitting where I wanted the mulch bin, I did not get a good start picture, but I thought about grabbing one when I was most of the way done.

What I do is take Kabukie Bob (Bobcat 743) and start working on the pile, spreading it out, and pulling out branches sticks and other junk.

Then I grabbed Lil, the village Queen, and we moved my little base logs into place.

I guess pictures will be another night, computer does not want to play right now.

 

[charlz]

I've seen a place or two around here use the big square straw bales to make bunkers for rock, bark etc. Not sure how long they would hold up... maybe a few years?

 

[RobS]

Saw some just yesterday made of concrete highway barrier sections.

 

[KentT]

Saw some just yesterday made of concrete highway barrier sections.

A farmer near here used those "Jersey barriers" to make four very large "side-by-side" bins for his cow manure that he composts and sells. He made the bins wide enough that he can work in them sideways with his skidsteer. To "turn the mulch piles" he simply moves it from one bin to the next by dumping it over the barrier walls. He just keeps moving the piles back and forth, up and down the row...

 

[RobS]

A farmer near here used those "Jersey barriers" ...

THAT'S the name I couldn't remember the other day! Yes, Jersey barriers. I have no idea how you acquire them, maybe the local highway garage?

 

[AlanB]

Allright, I think I finally have the pictures able to post.

I did (actually still do) want to use the concrete pieces, but will probably end up making them myself.

The local ready mix place makes them in a big rectangular size, and sell them cheap, only $50 each, but the dang things weigh 8000 lbs each and honestly I would struggle moving and placing them.

So here are the pics

11 is the broken apart dozer pile

12 Kabukie Bob, hanging out where the front of the bin would be

14 where the mulch bins are going, a bit damp at the moment

15 and 16, Lil, playing with the base log, somehow I don't think Babe, my little 1925 NH would play well with this one.

 

[deereguy]

Google " Mafia Blocks", I don't think they weigh more than 3K for a 2'x2'x4'-6' blocks. Several supplies use them locally and they only cost $30?/block, from left over poured concrete at the crete plants. They made a nice looking bin.

 

[AlanB]

Went out this evening and took out a couple of small tree's, I have got to where I use Kabukie Bob and pallet forks, drive the pallet forks under the tree and lift them right out. Works pretty well, with really minimal ground disturbance.

Then I went and grabbed a smaller log with bob and put it in place, and when backing away, realized that the ground against the log was a tad soft.

Forks on, could not go back as was digging into the dirt with the engine cover, and could not pull myself forward.

What was my wife saying about I need 4wd in everything I own

Well, hopefully no more rain tomorrow and can work myself out, or get Lil to lend a hand too her little buddy.

The bins are coming along though and starting too form up with the logs. Another couple and I will be able to lay chips and douse with Termiteacide.

 

[Champy]

Alan - our local concrete / cement plant uses their bad mix to pour blocks and barriers. These are not the big ones like on the highway but could be useful.........maybe check out your locals to see what they have too

 

[AlanB]

Alan - our local concrete / cement plant uses their bad mix to pour blocks and barriers. These are not the big ones like on the highway but could be useful.........maybe check out your locals to see what they have too

I had been checking and all the ones I were finding were what they called 2 yard blocks, which add up too 8000 lbs. Bit much for anything I have to work with.

I finally called IMI, and after the first guy, (who sits in an office literally looking at PILES of the things) told me they did not have them He let me speak with the boss, who said, yes, we have 2 yard blocks, and then the secret 1 yard block.

So, went by and looked and a one yard block is 2'X2'X6' which I guess is a tad shy of a yard but what they call them. $35 each about 3800# each they said.

We may go with them. I am out of logs at the moment, but have another couple trees to cut. But tempted to spend the couple hundred and have something a world more permanent.

Have to look at the money, and what it will do for us, and make sure I am making a decent decision. These are the parts I hate with the business. No real "income" from the expenditure, but, something needs to be done.

Did get two dump truck loads of wood chips dumped in the area this morning $75 a load to the trucking company for hauling. Get those spread out and in place and sprayed, and Hanna will probably bring in Mulch next week or late this week.