Progress on my Case 431T firewood machine.

[Adirondack case guy]

Well, I'm making some progress since last posting about the construction of a 2 post canopy for my tractor. The formed roof panel that I had bent to my specs. is here and setting on the frame.
I got side tracked from the 2 post to making tool carriers for my saws, gas, tool box, and other accessories that come in handy when blocking and splitting firewood. I will build bolt on tool and gas can holders for the fold out frames. The frames fold out 90 degrees and pin there, for ease of use and to facilitate access to the engine.
I got another stash of Kubota shipping crates, so I cut some apart to make RH &LH fold out tool carriers on the front of the tractor. I had a complete set of mtg. brackets for a 4 row front mtd. cultivator, which served as the basic mtgs for the grill guard, and the swing out tool carrier frames. I will even mount a small vise on one rail to clamp the saws in for sharpening.
I also extended the tractor floor boards farther forward and added a "grampy step" to each side, making it easier to climb aboard.
I also put the finishing touches on the "Limb Dog" that I built to hold limbs at waist height when blocking them. It is a modular accessory that slides onto the rails of the splitter catch pan and the winch cable on the gin pole snugs it up and adds support to it.
Loren

 

[UncleTom]

I have seen your pictures of this set up many times. I have never commented about it. So I cant take it anymore. That rig really looks good and would be a work saver. I have always thought of the elevator from the splitter to a pickup myself. It is all awesome. But i also like the saw rack. Keeps them safe and organized. Job well done! What next?

 

[jon f mn]

With that rig you could make a living in the firewood business. Really looks good Loren.

 

[Philip d]

Well said!

 

[grizz02]

This is what happens when a vison meets ingenuity and then talent good job tree huggers have someone new to hate lol 👀

 

[jamstra]

Awesome work - all the way from the ideas to the fabrication. Jim (oh, and Happy New Year when it comes!)

 

[Phil9N3667]

Loren, you is one designing, fabbing and welding dude!! My hat is off to you for all your hard work and fantastic end results! Do you ever build something we don't see that gets cut up and redesigned!? I like the way you make the items that help you get up/down, make it easier on the body. I tell the guys at work-work smarter, not harder.

 

[jm.]

Sure are glad someone was good enough to get you some more crates, I was feeling bad in that I still have about 40 but just not close enough to share. Work looks good.

 

[Russ from MN]

Good to have a canopy, anyone that drives a tractor in the woods should have one! Way back in the 60's the paper mill required their loggers to have canopies on their equipment.

 

[Ultradog MN]

You do great work Loren but I'm not giving up my natural gas heat anytime soon.

 

[rsq ronnie]

Who is the Fabricator of the Year this year?

 

[grandpa Love]

Dang! Nice work! Must be nice and warm in the shop!?

 

[Adirondack case guy]

Quick update, Shop was about 65F this afternoon. We got up to 0F this afternoon with no wind.
I fabed up the tray for the gas and oil jugs for the saws on the LH side, plus I will make holders for ax and splitting maul on the LH side.I decided that the vise that I want to mount to clamp the saws to sharpen them will be mounted on RH side. Will work better with the PEX; length gauges that I have on mounted on the saws.
More to follow.
Loren

 

[Adirondack case guy]

Jon, the wood lot and I are in" good Harmony" at present. The dead and disabled trees satisfy my heating needs, and the woods is healthy, and thriving. I harvest the logs with the Kubota B2150 and my home built skidding arch, which leaves minimal impact in the woods, and drag the harvestable logs and tops to landings on established roads where I can get the 431T splitting rig and the small trailer on the 440, or the 831C with the big wood hauler in easily.
Yea, I could have firewood logs delivered to my house and sell firewood, but everyone and their brothers are in the firewood business, including a couple of loggers who have "BIG TIME" firewood processors, and delivery trucks.
I'm happy sitting back enjoying my wood heat during this cold spell, rather than trying to accommodate some customer who ran short of wood.
Loren

 

[Adirondack case guy]

Kevin, It's a comfey 63F, and much warmer close to the wood boiler.
We topped out at 0 outside today with no wind and bright sunshine.
Loren

 

[grandpa Love]

I don't know how y'all can deal with the cold ! I guess it's what you get used to.

 

[Adirondack case guy]

We stay close to the wood fire. Just look at our new kitten Tigar in front of the fireplace. HeHe
Loren

 

[Adirondack case guy]

jm, I guess some of the smaller GT tractors are still being shipped in non returnable crates. I also picked up a crate for a RC 60 mower deck. lots of angle iron and flats.
Loren
PS I will send you an e-mail with my USPS addy so you can send me the fuel filter base.

 

[2510Paul]

All I can say is WOW! What is your painting process and how are the saws fastened to the arms?

Thanks for all the nice pictures.

Paul

 

[Adirondack case guy]

I will build a pair of wooden scabbards from some ash boards that I have and bolt them to the RH frame.
As far as painting, I will just apply some cheap rattle can primer and paint the CNH colors on in spring when I can get outside to paint with the gun.
Loren

 

[rsq ronnie]

Hi Loren and Beth, The new kitten is so darned cute. Happy New Year to you both!! Jan "Mrs. Rescue Ronnie"

 

[Adirondack case guy]

happy new year to all of yours. This kitten seems to be fascinated by the fire. The pair are holy terrors together. Nothing is safe from them.
Beth.