implement-ation misuse = abuse?

[sendero]

OK, how 'bout a semi-serious thread?

I'd like for everyone to post their most interesting mis-uses of your implements. You know, where something is made to do X, but is found to do Y in a pinch.

I'll kick it off with a potential.

How about using a FEL to mix up a small batch of 'crete?

Just raise it up a bit, tilt the bucket up, throw in a few bags and a few gallons - then jiggle the tilt back and forth a while to mix it up /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif Yes, be careful because if you slip you might just dump it instead of mixing it.

Ok, y'all tell me why this won't work /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Bird]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( y'all tell me why this won't work )</font>

Cause you can't jiggle it fast enough and in the right directions. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif You can certainly mix it in the bucket by using a hoe, shovel, etc., but I'll bet you'd never get it mixed just using the loader controls.

 

[ns_in_tex]

Bird,
Depends on what type bucket you have.
See this picture of my concrete mixer, or search for the post "Strange, cheap, concrete mixer" to see more about my experiences with mixing concrete with my FEL.

It does beat the hoe & regular bucket, considerably.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

How about removing all the tines from my First Choice roto tiller, except the outside row and then using it to trench in 250 feet underground 110V wire to my yardlight. Next I put in 200 ft of 1/2 inch PVC water feedline to my goldfish pond. Next, I buried 175 ft of Cat 5 cable when I put a Router on my Office PC in order to run a free highspeed DSL connection to another building and adding that remote PC to a network. While in this configuration, I also use the roto tiller to install edging brick around sidewalks,flowerbeds, etc. Lastly, I dug small footers around the perimiter for my 5x5 ft barbacue grill and then poured concrete into the footers and pad before I starded laying the brick. When I am finished with these type projects, it takes about 20 minutes to bolt the other tines back on the machine using a air ratchet--Ken Sweet

Sweet Farm Equipment Co. *Hay Cutting Specialists*

 

[MDNick]

Sendero,

See my link on plowing with a back blade. As I said, it worked. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif Basically, the blade rotates in 2-D, turn to the extreme, and drive on.

Nick

 

[Bird]

Yep, that'd work, Neal, but I don't think he has a lid for his loader bucket. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[looch]

- I made a trench for an invisible dog fence with my bottom plow set just low enough to turn the sod over

- I use my rear discharge mower as a leaf blower (thanks Bird)

- I have been known to eliminate ant hills with my Bush Hog (unintentionally)

As for being able to mix cement in your bucket - depends on how bumpy the road is you drive down /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Aahh, My front end loader!!! Used it, in combination with shovel and axe and come-a-long to dig up about a 36" OaK Tree stump. Also with same, dug up 30' telephone pole. How about using a 24' extension ladder in that front loader to "just reach"

 

[looch]

<font color="blue">...using a 24' extension ladder...</font>

Better put your flame retardant outerwear on! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

As much as I hate to admit it and I cringe every time I think about it, I did help my neighbor change a lightbulb in his barn using this method. It was his idea and I operated the loader.

 

[TC18guy]

How about using my FEL to lift & pull my new 2up snowmobile out of the bed of my truck. It would have worked better if the nylon tie downs didn't snap 1/2 way down. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif I dropped the sled about 18", the tie down almost snagged my wife when it broke /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif as she was swinging the sled away from the truck. Luckily, no serious damage or injuries. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif