Please put in your 2 cents on my choice

stanz · Apr 14, 2007

Background:

I'm the new Sexton (All around maintenance guy) at my church. We have no budget, the last guy took all the lawn gear. Whatever I need I pay for out my own pocket.

I'm handy and I don't mind using old stuff. My plow truck is a Blue 1986 Dodge with a DOT yellow utility body, I bought it at the scrap yard. I have welding/cutting tools and my skills are improving.

Problem:

I need to move vast amounts of wood chips into the 3-400 feet of planting beds around the church. The chips are free.

Solution?

I found an old Jacobson at the scrapyard where I purchased my truck. The 10HP Kohler runs good, it has a sturdy frame with a heavy cast iron front axle. It also has a plow with hydraulic lift and pump. The pump has an integrated lever to raise and lower the plow. It's strong enough to lift the tractor, but not me. (240 lbs. of whatever) The tractor is $250, he won't move on the price.

Plan:

I plan on buying the tractor and building a small bucket like the old Gravely utility bucket or the new Johnny Bucket. I have a 3.5" diameter cylinder to replace the tiny unit on the tractor. Physics tells me that should give me much more lift. If not, I will replace the pump or use a 12V power unit.

Does this sound reasonable? Keep in mind my limited budget and needs.

I eventually plan to build something stronger, but I have to get to work ASAP.

I do have a nice 21 HP Yard Machine tractor for mowing but its frame is a joke. I wouldn't DARE put a bucket on it. Pressed steel axles, small wheels ...

Thanks for any input.

Oh, if this is in the wrong forum, could someone move it where it belongs?

Thanks

bobodu · Apr 14, 2007

Sounds Okay by me..I build everything.You could build a bigger box and have most of the weight supported by front casters and use your hydraulics to dump.Bear in mind that you'll probably need a larger hydraulic resevoir to account for the extra oil to fill the bigger cylinder.
Fastest way would be to have the Pastor call a volunteer Saturday.

stanz · Apr 14, 2007

The tractor appears to be a model 100 from the 60's. I'll know more when I pick it up next week. I didn't have enough cash to pay for it today.

The free chips come from tree service donations. Whenever they have some, I get some. That means I can't set a scheduled day for help/

DaryleD · Apr 14, 2007

stanz,
Maybe if you fill in your profile, telling where you are from , what and where your church is etc, someone with some equipment nearby might be able to go to your church and help from time to time. I'm sure that you know, but on the off chance that you haven't noticed it yet, the folks on here are almost always willing to help their neighbors, as well as there "farther away, internet neighbors". Hope all goes well.

Daryle.

stanz · Apr 15, 2007

Profile updated

Thomas · Apr 15, 2007

DaryleD. has good idea,put note on your local bulletin boards also see what your local rental stores can do until you get your project up and running.

stanz · Apr 15, 2007

I'm picking up the tractor tomorrow, and maybe materials for a bucket if I can scrape together some extra cash. They did have a bucket there that I might cut down, if I can buy it cheap. I have a plasma cutter on the way so cutting won't be an issue.