Rara Avis
Veteran Member
The big issue is that wildfires can jump entire highways...so the issue of cutting a firebreak with anything less that a large D CAT can become an exercise in futility...
Firefighters Escape From Burnover - YouTube
SCUT cutting Fire Breaks, Best Tools?
- Thread starter Artisan
- Start date
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The big issue is that wildfires can jump entire highways...so the issue of cutting a firebreak with anything less that a large D CAT can become an exercise in futility...
Firefighters Escape From Burnover - YouTube
jenkinsph
Super Star Member
The big issue is that wildfires can jump entire highways...so the issue of cutting a firebreak with anything less that a large D CAT can become an exercise in futility...
Firefighters Escape From Burnover - YouTube
In a recent fire in my locale in June (Little Bear fire) the wind was blowing embers out ahead of the fire line a half mile or better at times. That makes fire breaks useless for the most part. Lost about 250 homes and businesses in this fire. Now everyone is on the bandwagon to clean up the fuel around their remaining homes.
One of the reasons I have a green spaces is for fire prevention or at least slow it down, and I plan on keeping it green, short and raked up.
radioman
Super Member
I am a volunteer firefighter and BX owner too. :thumbsup:
I am not really sure what would be the best method...Ratchet Rake maybe??? Why are you asking this? There must be a story behind this thread...
I was gonna suggest the exact same thing- ans ask same question. I think the question begs to know if you never had a firebreak setup yet or need to maintain one. Perhaps you will need to setup your BX with RR and disc since its the best thing. The RR for removing vines or tangling things from messing up your disc. Also you should setup your disc to hold 5 gallons of water, 5 gallons of diesel in a metal container and first aid kit when you are out in the field breaking the fireline for just in case if fire is approaching so you are prepared .
FredH
Platinum Member
Well Now , If you want to talk " Fighting " the fire , my vote goes this route :
4 speed auto trans similar to the old APC M113 carriers but at a slower top speed of 14 mph. ( nothing like being inside one of the old M113's and hitting a tree at top speed . Crammed all 8 of us into the space that the front 2 were sitting at . )
1300 gallon tank ( No dozer can compare )
And the list is longer of other goodies .
Fred H.
4 speed auto trans similar to the old APC M113 carriers but at a slower top speed of 14 mph. ( nothing like being inside one of the old M113's and hitting a tree at top speed . Crammed all 8 of us into the space that the front 2 were sitting at . )
1300 gallon tank ( No dozer can compare )
And the list is longer of other goodies .
Fred H.
Last edited:
Nope...no hidden agendas here. I turely do not know the
answers. Certainly where access permits I am sure giant
machines are best but seems to me where access is an issue
a small tractor would be a most welcomed. Perhaps running
in front of a hand crew. If it took 12 men to cut "A" line,
perhaps a small tractor could cut that down to 6..."Depends"
on much I am sure.
Truely not knowing what the perfered implement / accessory
is tis why I asked. Before I saw the last post and learning a
disc is the go - to tool, I had thought that a tank for water
for weight and other uses would be a very cool accessory.
Perhaps add a hand pump from a backpack Indian (or) as well
to it as well as other items.
I so lost the rod and bushings for my 3pt hitch and await
parts to arrive or I would have been all over project
DiscoOrama already. Oh well, I have a BX25 Accessary
that I designed that came to fruition yesterday and the test run was
absolutely OUTSTANDING keeping me busy.
answers. Certainly where access permits I am sure giant
machines are best but seems to me where access is an issue
a small tractor would be a most welcomed. Perhaps running
in front of a hand crew. If it took 12 men to cut "A" line,
perhaps a small tractor could cut that down to 6..."Depends"
on much I am sure.
Truely not knowing what the perfered implement / accessory
is tis why I asked. Before I saw the last post and learning a
disc is the go - to tool, I had thought that a tank for water
for weight and other uses would be a very cool accessory.
Perhaps add a hand pump from a backpack Indian (or) as well
to it as well as other items.
I so lost the rod and bushings for my 3pt hitch and await
parts to arrive or I would have been all over project
DiscoOrama already. Oh well, I have a BX25 Accessary
that I designed that came to fruition yesterday and the test run was
absolutely OUTSTANDING keeping me busy.
leonz
Super Member
AS mentioned previously the fire will jump over a road or fire break flashing over eating oxygen
at a lower rate seeking more oxygen in cooler air and the subject becomes mute because of the
fuel load and both natural winds and the firestorm winds created from the simple act of combustion in all directions.
Fire breaks also become heat sinks as well and that is something that needs to be remembered
as it will add heat to the fire,
at a lower rate seeking more oxygen in cooler air and the subject becomes mute because of the
fuel load and both natural winds and the firestorm winds created from the simple act of combustion in all directions.
Fire breaks also become heat sinks as well and that is something that needs to be remembered
as it will add heat to the fire,
Firebreaks may be useless in large fires, but still useful in small ones, like that posted here:
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/rural-living/252645-my-neighbors-staw-field-caught.html
Bruce
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/rural-living/252645-my-neighbors-staw-field-caught.html
Bruce
Exactly Bruce.
"I" have no intensions to try to thwart a firestorm and
the sky is falling syndrome is not what I am addressing.
I have a BX25, period, THAT is what we have to work
with in this project, nothing else, no upgrading.
Something can be better than nothing, of this I am sure.
Bruces link adds more fuel to my fire regarding
finding a cheap way to make firebreaks... I have a couple
ideas that I have failed to see ANYWHERE, and simple at that.
In a no wind situation a small break could have kept that smaller than
it was I do believe. If a better way or different way is found more people will do it
or do more of it. If one property or heaven forbid a life was
saved it will all be worth it. This will be a long one to address, I will
try when and as I can.
I am borderline clueless in this endevor less common sense. Sometimes
I see things others don't, a curse at times I assure you! Sometimes
things happen for reasons too. JUST TODAY I fell upon an as-new rototiller PERFECT
for a BX25 and the gal needs plumbing done and is desperate for
a plumber that knows what he is doing. She just told me on the phone the
last guy did some gas and it leaked, OMG!
She wants to barter. Although suggestions tend to lean
away from a tiller I do not know what I will know till I know!
I need to hook these things up and get after it and see for myself
what they can and can not do.
I just picked up a disc. So now looks like I am onto
a rototiller and I have few ideas as well. I do not
fear failure. At least I can say I tried...
"I" have no intensions to try to thwart a firestorm and
the sky is falling syndrome is not what I am addressing.
I have a BX25, period, THAT is what we have to work
with in this project, nothing else, no upgrading.
Something can be better than nothing, of this I am sure.
Bruces link adds more fuel to my fire regarding
finding a cheap way to make firebreaks... I have a couple
ideas that I have failed to see ANYWHERE, and simple at that.
In a no wind situation a small break could have kept that smaller than
it was I do believe. If a better way or different way is found more people will do it
or do more of it. If one property or heaven forbid a life was
saved it will all be worth it. This will be a long one to address, I will
try when and as I can.
I am borderline clueless in this endevor less common sense. Sometimes
I see things others don't, a curse at times I assure you! Sometimes
things happen for reasons too. JUST TODAY I fell upon an as-new rototiller PERFECT
for a BX25 and the gal needs plumbing done and is desperate for
a plumber that knows what he is doing. She just told me on the phone the
last guy did some gas and it leaked, OMG!
She wants to barter. Although suggestions tend to lean
away from a tiller I do not know what I will know till I know!
I need to hook these things up and get after it and see for myself
what they can and can not do.
I just picked up a disc. So now looks like I am onto
a rototiller and I have few ideas as well. I do not
fear failure. At least I can say I tried...
FredH
Platinum Member
With a deal like that on that tiller , it would be hard to argue with .:thumbsup: A tiller would do likely just as good as a disk , just start shallow on your first pass so you can identify large rocks or other immoveable objects .
Disk is one of those " No Brainer " tools . Aim tractor direction you want to go , drop disk and go .
Now depending on fuel load on opposite side , a fire break of even 6' feet is better than nothing . Sure if you live in a heavily forested area and the fire crowns , move rapidly in the opposite direction . In my case , my threat is downhill from the west and south . high grass / weed areas . Thus I first have 10' to 12' of bare earth along fence line , then an additional 15' to 20' of short mowed stubble . All trees are trimmed up to at least 10' , then half way through field to house I have 40' + feet of short mowed stubble with zero trees in that area . Along inside fence near house is an additional 6' of bare earth break . If all else fails , I'll drive the New Holland into the side of the pool , which is above the house an slightly south , and flood the whole darn thing .
Fred H.
Disk is one of those " No Brainer " tools . Aim tractor direction you want to go , drop disk and go .
Now depending on fuel load on opposite side , a fire break of even 6' feet is better than nothing . Sure if you live in a heavily forested area and the fire crowns , move rapidly in the opposite direction . In my case , my threat is downhill from the west and south . high grass / weed areas . Thus I first have 10' to 12' of bare earth along fence line , then an additional 15' to 20' of short mowed stubble . All trees are trimmed up to at least 10' , then half way through field to house I have 40' + feet of short mowed stubble with zero trees in that area . Along inside fence near house is an additional 6' of bare earth break . If all else fails , I'll drive the New Holland into the side of the pool , which is above the house an slightly south , and flood the whole darn thing .
Fred H.
nuffer460
Bronze Member
- Joined
- Feb 19, 2010
- Messages
- 94
- Location
- Niagara County, Western New York
- Tractor
- 2008 NorTrac 254/ NT700 FEL, Massey 44 with Cultivator, Nuffield460/ 36A FEL
First of all. If, you got a chance on a tiller go for it. It's just another tool in the arsinal. I think you would really like a Ratchet Rake on the front. I love mine. The disc will work well on the rear. I find the Ratchet Rake does well at taking all growth to the ground. Grind it all up with a rotory mower ( bushhog). Then disc everything under. It may take a few passes, but it's all good seat time. Just my thoughts.