Little kubota did well!…operator tip for you…use your feet on the travel controls, especially for the jump turns so your hands are always on the bucket controls….you’ll get in trouble one day and will have to use hands and feet together to get out of the situation…..and the right track on the kubotie is on backwards….good idea to practice putting a track on anyhow….I can change a track by myself in under ten minutes with just a crowbar….great video!
@@luisarevalo8394 someone put it on backwards that’s why…the cleats aren’t facing forward….probably doesn’t make much difference in the dirt but would jump on the asphalt and wear out quicker.
I really enjoy my Case 27 it has more than enough capacity to be useful in the woodyard. I also have a mechanical thumb, which is really quite useful once you get the hang of it. There are sweet spots where it works really good and then others (like boom fully extended or retracted where it doesn’t work as at all). I would like a 12” bucket to be able to cut all the rounds at once , rather than resetting or letting the 32” drop to the ground. We also have a Case 445 skid steer, so it made a lot of sense to stay with the same manufacturer/ same dealer. - Happy Easter Gentleman, Have a great day Around the Yard!
I find it easiest to get your thumb set at a certain position where you only have to curl your bucket to grip the log. Then you aren’t doing two functions at the same time. This usually means you have to be a set distance (the same reach) away from picking up and unloading.
Great video for someone starting out. Bigger isn’t always better unless like yourself you have a lot acreage. It’s nice you guys had some time to try the machines & tools out.
I agree, for a pure firewood operation a 3.5 ton machine like that is big enough and will do everything you need. But for firewood, sawmilling and maintaining your property a 12-13k machine like your Hyundai is ideal. I have a 304 cat which is just under 10k and there’s times when i need the next size up for a little more lift capacity. But I can’t complain, I atleast have an excavator and it does 90% of what I need it to. I also have a skid loader which will lift double what the excavator can. And you’re right, the excavator is a precision tool for the sawmill. The skid loader is not..
I have a Sany SY26U mini excavator that I use in the wood yard and also in the woods etc. It will do all of the jobs it's just limited on capacity. The operator just has to be very conscious of tipping points when lifting heavy. A mini excavator is a total game changer when it comes to cutting firewood in the bush and processing it in the wood yard. I would have loved a bigger machine, even a 3.5 ton but it would have meant a bigger trailer and a different license to haul it. Dave
We have a max restriction of 3.5 tons for trailer and load combined here in Belgium, so 2.6 ton machine would be max for hauling around yourself. Very useful video, thanks and keep up the good work!
Hey Adam, great to see the 2 of you together. I definitely learned a lot. I just got a log grapple for my 3039R and used it for bucking firewood this past weekend. I can get all but 1 or 2 cuts with it before I have to set it down. I need that second person in order to limit getting in and out of the tractor. Great video!
Very nice video. I have the same machine here in California. I wanted to be in Louisiana doing forestry, but those plans didn’t work out so I’m here in Cali but still enjoying it.
I use a k008 excavator that I fit with a hydraulic thumb. Very easy to load on the dump trailer and its lifting capacity for 10 foot logs (dump trailer length) Is more than adequate. If we have large 30 inch pieces we use it to buck and load the pieces. In the yard we have a 25 hp New Holland with quick detach and for the real heavy stuff we have a 100 hp Ingersoll CT 724. The 008 fits inside fence gates with its retractable tracks and is just a great Little tool that saves your back.
if its a factory thumb its fine because it has a relief valve on it that opens and lets exess presure out its not for all day everyday but its still fine
20 yr old Doosan 35z. Absolutely blown away what it will pick and load on wood processor 4’ high. Big maples , beech , oak , hickory Wider bucket makes a huge difference in picking and stability . Cleaning out winter bedding pack in cow sheds and loading manure spreader is WAY faster than bucket tractor or skid steer. Scrapping old iron , balers other obsolete farm equipment and loading onto trucks or trailers has been invaluable. You will never pick up anything again injuring yourself with the thumb and varying strap sizes and configuration. You get kinda lazy and even small rocks so you don’t have to get out of cab test your operating skills also. Loading the processed firewood with bucket and thumb also I can fill a pickup in about 10 swipes in a few minutes . Larger machine gets stuck faster. Usually steel tracked and just a mess in our swampy ground in NY except summer. We even tow this with new F 150 no issue between farms , fab shop , close jobs. Larger machines have their place for sure but usually bigger excavations or clearing of stumps. And big steel scrap you have to cut down several times to load out as it’s on wide load tractor trailers coming in here at my brother in laws. Watch auctions and used market but look at them with a MECHANIC not a “ buddy “ pay him for his time friend or not and know what you are getting into. Tracks and rollers easy to change even one man in field. Line boring pins different story or final drives toasted you’ll want some knowledge behind you. Most have yanmar motors and “ bullet proof “ if maintained properly. Rental units sometimes are ok to purchase but due diligence in every purchase of any type is smart.
i could be wrong on this but the thumb hyd cylinder has a bypass on the valve that controls it. and is always set to a lower pressure than that the bucket cylinder is. yes it may not be the best for it pushing it with the bucket but i dont think you are going to break anything doing that either. i machined some parts for a guy building a thumb for a jd 200 and he explained all that to me.
Yes, there is a pressure release valve in the thumb system. Without it, bucket woukd crush the thumb and all sorts of stuff. Bucket curl on an excavator is the strongest part of the machine.
You could have had more fun--"jump move" with the push blade in back, now the track use is opposite! Amazing what smaller machinery can accomplish but an old "thought" was, all are too small on the job and All to large on the trailer! Enjoy the videos!
I’m hoping to add a miniEx to my own operation soon as well. I have a property in developing so not just a wood yard usage. For the mini ex, I’m looking at… I have a 7X14 dump trailer I haul logs in. That means I try to cut them to 13 to 13’6” lengths. So a typical 18” tree could weigh 1200-1400 lbs that needs to be picked. Similar to my skidsteer, I’ll just say my miniEx needs to be able to pickup a pallet. That is solidly into the 4-5 ton machine range. It really smaller than the 35 series machines and not really much bigger than a 55 series machine. Pick the color you really want. The 45-50 series machines being the most likely depending on the deals had. Those should also fit nicely into the dump trailer as well for transport and still be under the GCVWR of my pickup/ trailer combo.
kubota come stock with a relief valve made for it (pushing it with the curl) and it's totally fine. it's not right to do it if you don't have a relief valve(you won't be able anyways or you'll bend the thumb cylinder rod!). I made myself a thumb and added a relief valve on my takeuchi and the hydraulic shop told me that I can have at it with the relief valve (adjusted properly(lower the what the curl is of course))
I do this types of jobs with my 1.8ton takeouchi. But I cannot figure out why it's so common with a thumb in the US. I use a timber grapple on my machine.
I would need three hands to do that jump turn or whatever you called it with my QH12. I don't have foot controls for travel. So I can't spin the cab while turning.
errr it actually IS OK to curl the bucket into the thumb as the thumb relief valve is usually set to 2500psi thus protecting the thumb cylinder. no coordination needed. its only a problem when replacing the spool valve and not properly adjusting the relief pressure.
Nice machine. Trucking cost isn’t bad unless you’re doing it every day. The cost of the truck and trailer and their maintenance is hefty! My neighbor who runs a mill and also does some small low impact logging jobs doesn’t haul his own mini excavator because the economics don’t make sense.
No need to try and work the thumb at the same time as the bucket. I've never heard that, never done that and have never had an issue with my machine. The pressure relief valve handles the back pressure without any troubles.
Yes and no on the 35 mini I had a Deere and bobcat brand 35 . Very usable . Now I have a 161-3 it’s older but it’s a well close to14 k . Of corse takes a bigger truck and trailer . And yes the Kubota in My opinion is very smooth and I have been in just about ever brand there is . Happy Easter it’s a beautiful day here in NC .
Curious about the CDL / Hauling comment. We run 6 ton loads on our gooseneck trailers with 3/4 ton Chevy. We don't need CDL or even commercial license anymore (farm use). Is that different by state?
One of the other guys had to be on excavator. You already know how to run one and they don't they could have learn to run it and ask questions, because they will have questions when you leave.
Been using a 3.5 ton, Deere 35G, for a fulltime tree service / light land clearing since 2020. It’s the heaviest machine you can move all day every day with a 3/4ton truck and comfortably lift and move around 2,00ish pounds consistently. You absolutely stuggle to grip large diameter logs more than have the strength to lift them. This is usually my limiting factor. They’re measured in METRIC tons so a 3.5 ton is roughly 7,700 to 8,200 pounds with thumb and fluids. The 3.5s also fit through a 6ft gate. Glad you taught him jump turns. If you’re reading this? Get comfortable moving the tracks with your foot pedals. You’ll often need to move both joysticks and both tracks when you get good.
@@HometownAcres I was sure you would’ve. That was aimed at viewers of your channel considering buying one. It’s like being a drummer; using your hands and feet to do four things at once will always be more productive and flexible. Even though it’s much harder at first.
You need to introduce not only Jake but Chris as well at the start of these vids , seeing Chris wandering around in the background like the forgotten man is not necessary when a simple introduction will suffice ... enjoyed the vid otherwise .
@@HometownAcres Completely understand and that's entirely different , you seldom have an oversight in you vid's and i'm glad to see you remain ever vigilant in that regard ... appreciate you taking a moment in time to clear that up ... thanks Adam .
Please stop adding music to your videos, we are really simple farmers, people that enjoy this stuff, not hipsters. I for one would rather hear the sound of the tractors or the chainsaw.
Nice episode, great boots on the ground demonstration and showing the UTube Community is strong mixture of determination, activities that brings Vision into Reality. 😀👍🪵👍🪵👍🪵
Dude Ranch DIY CZcams Channel
youtube.com/@DudeRanchDIY?si=p7JRsT85UqmcbK3n
Great video guys, I don't know how I missed this one! Just the information I was looking for.
Little kubota did well!…operator tip for you…use your feet on the travel controls, especially for the jump turns so your hands are always on the bucket controls….you’ll get in trouble one day and will have to use hands and feet together to get out of the situation…..and the right track on the kubotie is on backwards….good idea to practice putting a track on anyhow….I can change a track by myself in under ten minutes with just a crowbar….great video!
Why would it be backwards
@@luisarevalo8394 someone put it on backwards that’s why…the cleats aren’t facing forward….probably doesn’t make much difference in the dirt but would jump on the asphalt and wear out quicker.
Great video, thanks for stopping by Adam!
Any time!
I just picked up a KX033-4 a few months ago. Basically same machine. I love it!
That was very Nice of you to go to jakes place to use his 3.5 Ton Mini Excavator,
It's great to see you guy working together and sharing knowledge and experience.
Nice collaboration! It was interesting to get your thoughts on the smaller Kubota machine.
I really enjoy my Case 27 it has more than enough capacity to be useful in the woodyard. I also have a mechanical thumb, which is really quite useful once you get the hang of it. There are sweet spots where it works really good and then others (like boom fully extended or retracted where it doesn’t work as at all). I would like a 12” bucket to be able to cut all the rounds at once , rather than resetting or letting the 32” drop to the ground. We also have a Case 445 skid steer, so it made a lot of sense to stay with the same manufacturer/ same dealer. - Happy Easter Gentleman, Have a great day Around the Yard!
Happy Easter to you and your family Adam! Have a blessed day,safe travels and a whole bunch of quality family time. God Bless you all!!!❤😊
I find it easiest to get your thumb set at a certain position where you only have to curl your bucket to grip the log. Then you aren’t doing two functions at the same time. This usually means you have to be a set distance (the same reach) away from picking up and unloading.
Great video for someone starting out. Bigger isn’t always better unless like yourself you have a lot acreage. It’s nice you guys had some time to try the machines & tools out.
I agree, for a pure firewood operation a 3.5 ton machine like that is big enough and will do everything you need. But for firewood, sawmilling and maintaining your property a 12-13k machine like your Hyundai is ideal. I have a 304 cat which is just under 10k and there’s times when i need the next size up for a little more lift capacity. But I can’t complain, I atleast have an excavator and it does 90% of what I need it to. I also have a skid loader which will lift double what the excavator can. And you’re right, the excavator is a precision tool for the sawmill. The skid loader is not..
Good collaboration video 👍
Some serrations on the thumb would help get a better bite. Nice video!
Great collaboration between two Great channels!! Two wonderful channels to watch to learn from!! Stay Hydrated and Have a Safe Day
I have a Sany SY26U mini excavator that I use in the wood yard and also in the woods etc. It will do all of the jobs it's just limited on capacity. The operator just has to be very conscious of tipping points when lifting heavy. A mini excavator is a total game changer when it comes to cutting firewood in the bush and processing it in the wood yard. I would have loved a bigger machine, even a 3.5 ton but it would have meant a bigger trailer and a different license to haul it. Dave
I ran out of data waiting for the 500 to make the cut. I’ll check back next month 😂
We have a max restriction of 3.5 tons for trailer and load combined here in Belgium, so 2.6 ton machine would be max for hauling around yourself. Very useful video, thanks and keep up the good work!
Hey Adam, great to see the 2 of you together. I definitely learned a lot. I just got a log grapple for my 3039R and used it for bucking firewood this past weekend. I can get all but 1 or 2 cuts with it before I have to set it down. I need that second person in order to limit getting in and out of the tractor. Great video!
Yeah anytime you’re using a machine to buck logs a 2nd dedicated person to run the equipment is really nice
Another great video 👍
Two of my favorite channels! Very informative video.
Wow, thanks!
Very nice video. I have the same machine here in California. I wanted to be in Louisiana doing forestry, but those plans didn’t work out so I’m here in Cali but still enjoying it.
...Out of the frying pan and into the fire, eh?
Chris was doing all the work and clean up.
Yeah he’s a workhorse. He never just stands. Always doing something
Good video!
Awesome machine for sure! Its nice to see one of this size in action, I am hoping to invest in one of these in the near future. Great video Adam.
That 500i chain definitely needs sharpening
It definitely does…
Interesting video, I wonder has that pond filled up yet?
That husky looks to be a good saw
I have a Kubota kx 121-3 do a lot of firewood with it and I welded bolts on the end of the thumb ears to bite into the logs when I’m moving them
I use a k008 excavator that I fit with a hydraulic thumb. Very easy to load on the dump trailer and its lifting capacity for 10 foot logs (dump trailer length) Is more than adequate. If we have large 30 inch pieces we use it to buck and load the pieces. In the yard we have a 25 hp New Holland with quick detach and for the real heavy stuff we have a 100 hp Ingersoll CT 724. The 008 fits inside fence gates with its retractable tracks and is just a great Little tool that saves your back.
if its a factory thumb its fine because it has a relief valve on it that opens and lets exess presure out its not for all day everyday but its still fine
Love all my Egan straight shots for my saws
3.5 ton machine is very versatile and would do everything you want to do... and you can haul it.
hi there nice show john
20 yr old Doosan 35z. Absolutely blown away what it will pick and load on wood processor 4’ high. Big maples , beech , oak , hickory
Wider bucket makes a huge difference in picking and stability .
Cleaning out winter bedding pack in cow sheds and loading manure spreader is WAY faster than bucket tractor or skid steer.
Scrapping old iron , balers other obsolete farm equipment and loading onto trucks or trailers has been invaluable.
You will never pick up anything again injuring yourself with the thumb and varying strap sizes and configuration. You get kinda lazy and even small rocks so you don’t have to get out of cab test your operating skills also.
Loading the processed firewood with bucket and thumb also I can fill a pickup in about 10 swipes in a few minutes .
Larger machine gets stuck faster. Usually steel tracked and just a mess in our swampy ground in NY except summer.
We even tow this with new F 150 no issue between farms , fab shop , close jobs.
Larger machines have their place for sure but usually bigger excavations or clearing of stumps. And big steel scrap you have to cut down several times to load out as it’s on wide load tractor trailers coming in here at my brother in laws.
Watch auctions and used market but look at them with a MECHANIC not a “ buddy “ pay him for his time friend or not and know what you are getting into. Tracks and rollers easy to change even one man in field.
Line boring pins different story or final drives toasted you’ll want some knowledge behind you.
Most have yanmar motors and “ bullet proof “ if maintained properly.
Rental units sometimes are ok to purchase but due diligence in every purchase of any type is smart.
i could be wrong on this but the thumb hyd cylinder has a bypass on the valve that controls it. and is always set to a lower pressure than that the bucket cylinder is. yes it may not be the best for it pushing it with the bucket but i dont think you are going to break anything doing that either. i machined some parts for a guy building a thumb for a jd 200 and he explained all that to me.
Yes, there is a pressure release valve in the thumb system. Without it, bucket woukd crush the thumb and all sorts of stuff.
Bucket curl on an excavator is the strongest part of the machine.
You could have had more fun--"jump move" with the push blade in back, now the track use is opposite! Amazing what smaller machinery can accomplish but an old "thought" was, all are too small on the job and All to large on the trailer! Enjoy the videos!
Think thats a great little machine for what Jake needs it to do...
I’m hoping to add a miniEx to my own operation soon as well. I have a property in developing so not just a wood yard usage.
For the mini ex, I’m looking at…
I have a 7X14 dump trailer I haul logs in. That means I try to cut them to 13 to 13’6” lengths. So a typical 18” tree could weigh 1200-1400 lbs that needs to be picked.
Similar to my skidsteer, I’ll just say my miniEx needs to be able to pickup a pallet.
That is solidly into the 4-5 ton machine range. It really smaller than the 35 series machines and not really much bigger than a 55 series machine. Pick the color you really want. The 45-50 series machines being the most likely depending on the deals had.
Those should also fit nicely into the dump trailer as well for transport and still be under the GCVWR of my pickup/ trailer combo.
I really like my 4-ton CAT 304 for firewood processing, but I do not consider it big enough for Sawmilling.
kubota come stock with a relief valve made for it (pushing it with the curl) and it's totally fine. it's not right to do it if you don't have a relief valve(you won't be able anyways or you'll bend the thumb cylinder rod!).
I made myself a thumb and added a relief valve on my takeuchi and the hydraulic shop told me that I can have at it with the relief valve (adjusted properly(lower the what the curl is of course))
I own a Kubota u-35 which I use for my tree service company. Mine is fitted with 60” continuous rotation grapple. Fantastic for its class.
What kind of grapple are you running?
What I live in ct huge fan let’s get together next time live near best pizza
I do this types of jobs with my 1.8ton takeouchi. But I cannot figure out why it's so common with a thumb in the US. I use a timber grapple on my machine.
Another interesting video Adam. Happy Easter to you and yours and as always stay safe, healthy, and warm. Bill H from Cranberry Township
Nice comparison, I’d love to add a min to my arsenal one day.
I would need three hands to do that jump turn or whatever you called it with my QH12. I don't have foot controls for travel. So I can't spin the cab while turning.
GOOOOOOD
MAAAAAAAAWNIN & HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE!!…thanks for bringing us along Adam. Nice content .
Have a day
Morning jack. Happy Easter
Great video, need to add a new title to your accomplishments, trainer/teacher, excavator coach
I have a 3.5 and a 6.0 machines and the little one gets used much more given it’s easier to get to job sites.
errr it actually IS OK to curl the bucket into the thumb as the thumb relief valve is usually set to 2500psi thus protecting the thumb cylinder. no coordination needed. its only a problem when replacing the spool valve and not properly adjusting the relief pressure.
Nice machine. Trucking cost isn’t bad unless you’re doing it every day. The cost of the truck and trailer and their maintenance is hefty! My neighbor who runs a mill and also does some small low impact logging jobs doesn’t haul his own mini excavator because the economics don’t make sense.
No need to try and work the thumb at the same time as the bucket. I've never heard that, never done that and have never had an issue with my machine. The pressure relief valve handles the back pressure without any troubles.
CT? I'm in western CT. I didn't remember you having ties to here. Been a sub for a long time.
Yeah my wife is from CT
Nice, it's a boring state but it's home. Haha. Love your content, keep up the good work!
Yes and no on the 35 mini I had a Deere and bobcat brand 35 . Very usable . Now I have a 161-3 it’s older but it’s a well close to14 k . Of corse takes a bigger truck and trailer . And yes the Kubota in My opinion is very smooth and I have been in just about ever brand there is . Happy Easter it’s a beautiful day here in NC .
Curious about the CDL / Hauling comment. We run 6 ton loads on our gooseneck trailers with 3/4 ton Chevy. We don't need CDL or even commercial license anymore (farm use). Is that different by state?
Pretty much how my brother in law and I buck up firewood. 6 ton wacker neuson or 1.7 ton Yanmar with grapple.
👍
In the excavator operating world the turn is called( Sleuthing ) not a jump turn.
Time to build a grapple bucket
@3:49 Pretty sure there's a way to defeat/override that issue.
Yes you can keep your thumb active even after raising the lever to get it of the "machine".
One of the other guys had to be on excavator. You already know how to run one and they don't they could have learn to run it and ask questions, because they will have questions when you leave.
that hickory log was pretty. id have slabbed it. but hell, id be work/p[laying all damn day. lol
if you can't grip it,strap it
Great machine. 8300 lbs. About the largest machine you can get on a 10k gvw (under CDL) trailer.
I have a bobcat 331, a 9990 trailer and a half ton pickup. I make it work but a heavier truck wouldn’t hurt
So, this is just a music video!
I’m in CT. too, where about were you and where’s the dude ranch?
the chain on the right side is mounted in wrong direction 😅
Oh, most intelligent one... That is not a chain. He knows. He bought it that way.
How was the Banquet? 🍻 😂
Delicious
Which one?? 😂
I'm wondering what the cost of a grinder and wood pellet setup eould would cost. There's a lot of waste material. Hmmmm.
Adam, his excavator looks too small for you. Were you comfortable in it?
It was a little tight but the cab wasn’t that much smaller than mine
I'm 6'6 doubt I would fit in one.
How’s the pool with all this rain lately? Pond not pool is what I meant.
👀👀
Those things are way to expensive for how small they are
Rather get a older full size excavator for half the price
Been using a 3.5 ton, Deere 35G, for a fulltime tree service / light land clearing since 2020.
It’s the heaviest machine you can move all day every day with a 3/4ton truck and comfortably lift and move around 2,00ish pounds consistently. You absolutely stuggle to grip large diameter logs more than have the strength to lift them. This is usually my limiting factor.
They’re measured in METRIC tons so a 3.5 ton is roughly 7,700 to 8,200 pounds with thumb and fluids.
The 3.5s also fit through a 6ft gate.
Glad you taught him jump turns. If you’re reading this? Get comfortable moving the tracks with your foot pedals. You’ll often need to move both joysticks and both tracks when you get good.
I agree. I told him the same thing. Hands on the joysticks. Feet on the tracks
@@HometownAcres I was sure you would’ve. That was aimed at viewers of your channel considering buying one. It’s like being a drummer; using your hands and feet to do four things at once will always be more productive and flexible. Even though it’s much harder at first.
@@WildAcresFarmsthanks for the tip! I was out practicing the pedals and multi functions this morning!
You need to introduce not only Jake but Chris as well at the start of these vids , seeing Chris wandering around in the background like the forgotten man is not necessary when a simple introduction will suffice ... enjoyed the vid otherwise .
I asked Chris if he wanted to be in it and he said nah go ahead haha
@@HometownAcres Completely understand and that's entirely different , you seldom have an oversight in you vid's and i'm glad to see you remain ever vigilant in that regard ... appreciate you taking a moment in time to clear that up ... thanks Adam .
Chris is a man of few words 😂
Please stop adding music to your videos, we are really simple farmers, people that enjoy this stuff, not hipsters. I for one would rather hear the sound of the tractors or the chainsaw.
Nice episode, great boots on the ground demonstration and showing the UTube Community is strong mixture of determination, activities that brings Vision into Reality. 😀👍🪵👍🪵👍🪵
👍