grapple load delivery - how much work do I have ahead of me?

[twd000]

finally got my hands on a grapple load of hardwood delivered last week. Mix of birch, beech, and maple. He claims 7-9 cords yield; I'm thinking it's on the high end of that. $900 delivered, compared to $250/cord cut and split around here. Most of it is 10-14" diameter which should make it easier to handle. I'll be keeping track of how many hours it takes me to process, to see if the savings is worth it. Has anyone estimated how many hours to cut and split a cord with power equipment? Handling and transport should be minimal; the drop pile is within 20 feet of my stacks.

 

[TheBigIron]

Wow when you go big you go big! Looks awesome....

 

[kennyp2339]

I'd put it to you this way, it would take me 2 days of cutting 6-8 hours each day to get every piece cut to 20" lengths, then figure 2 hours a cord, I would say 3 - 4 (8) hour Saturdays & Sundays cut, split, stacked working by your self.
Also this isn't a race, pick and choose your logs carefully while cutting, a log falling from the pile can cause a serious crushing injury, even at 10" diameter, green wood weighs a ton.

 

[twd000]

yeah I'm cutting off the overhanging ends first, then working the stable pieces down from the top. I've already had the pile shift on me once

 

[English BoB]

How are you going to calculate the cost of the cutting,splitting,fuel etc ?

bob

 

[AmbDrvr253]

I think there is alotta work there..........More than a day

 

[drz1050]

I voted <1 hour.. because I'm superman lol

Really though.. think about getting a cant/ peavey hook for moving those around/ pulling them off the top of the pile when you start to get into the middle. It makes life soooo much easier.

I got a grapple load similar to that delivered here last summer.. about 1/3 of it is still in log form. I had more larger logs though.. kinda wish they looked more like yours. A few beech ones I had were 24"ish diameter, and a groan to move/ split.

 

[Diabel]

A few beech ones I had were 24"ish diameter, and a groan to move/ split.

Indeed, beech can be a beech to split.

 

[Boiler74]

I think you'll want to familiarize yourself with the old saying about how you eat an elephant

 

[twd000]

How are you going to calculate the cost of the cutting,splitting,fuel etc ?

bob

I was only planning to account for the cost of my time. Fuel etc is incidental to that

 

[btj1031]

Great looking load there. I'd certainly pay 900 for that. Logs are a great size for processing. I have no idea how long it will take, but I look at processing as a great source of exercise, and excuse to be outside, and way to provide for the family by investing my labor into keeping the house warm. I'd say you're ahead vs. c/s.

 

[Babaganoosh]

Get a cant hook or peavey, a tow strap to pull logs off the pile, and a way to mark them. I use a yardstick and the spray paint for marking lines (works upside down)

Pull a few down and space them a few feet apart, 3 logs is my suggestion. Then mark them all. Then cut all 3 logs about 80% thru. Grab your peavey or cant hook and flip them. Cut the remaining bit. You will be surprised how fast you tear thru them like that. If you have help you can have a person marking and flipping.

I'd love to attack a pile again. I enjoyed every minute of it. I wouldn't even dick around cutting off ends. I'd just pull em, cut em, roll em, finish em..repeat until done.

 

[xman23]

Easy. 6-8" rounds. I would split most of it once. Some of the small stuff not split at all. And a little two splits. But I like my stuff large.

 

[twd000]

Does anyone have experience using this type of timberjack?:
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200640336_200640336

I see some reviews stating that it doesn't grab onto small diameter logs. As you can see, most of the stuff I have is 10-14" diameter. They are heavy due to length, not diameter. I want to be able to roll logs off the pile onto the ground, then prop them off the ground to avoid binding the chain when I cut.

 

[firefighterjake]

I think you'll want to familiarize yourself with the old saying about how you eat an elephant

I've always been more partial to beef myself.

 

[TheAardvark]

Does anyone have experience using this type of timberjack?:
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200640336_200640336

I have not used one, but I told my wife its wanted for Fathers Day. They look really handy.

 

[heavy hammer]

Nice pile have fun, cut and split away!

 

[johneh]

Does anyone have experience using this type of timberjack?:
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200640336_200640336

I was given one 2 years ago wouldn't be without it now
Sure keeps your chain out of the dirt

 

[English BoB]

Does anyone have experience using this type of timberjack?:
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200640336_200640336

I see some reviews stating that it doesn't grab onto small diameter logs. As you can see, most of the stuff I have is 10-14" diameter. They are heavy due to length, not diameter. I want to be able to roll logs off the pile onto the ground, then prop them off the ground to avoid binding the chain when I cut.

Great tool - get the fiberglass handle model. It costs as much to replace a wooden handle as it is to buy a new jack.

bob

 

[lost in the woods]

does ''grapple'' in new England mean triaxle? here in PA we say ''triaxle load'' not grapple load. . . . it confused me hahahaha

 

[johneh]

does ''grapple'' in new England mean triaxle? here in PA we say ''triaxle load'' not grapple load. . . . it confused me hahahaha

Here in Ontario we call it a Tendon load All the same load
just different names

 

[velvetfoot]

"grapple load delivery - how much work do I have ahead of me?"

A fair amount. Here is my last year's thread: https://www.hearth.com/talk/threads/triaxle-load-came-today.142578/

 

[CentralVAWoodHeat]

Does anyone have experience using this type of timberjack?:
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200640336_200640336

I see some reviews stating that it doesn't grab onto small diameter logs. As you can see, most of the stuff I have is 10-14" diameter. They are heavy due to length, not diameter. I want to be able to roll logs off the pile onto the ground, then prop them off the ground to avoid binding the chain when I cut.

Yes. I own the big and small one. They are great. I can handle all reasonable tree sizes and have yet to bend or damage one. They are modular too so, if you do break something, you can just replace the part.

 

[Babaganoosh]

Does anyone have experience using this type of timberjack?:
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200640336_200640336

I see some reviews stating that it doesn't grab onto small diameter logs. As you can see, most of the stuff I have is 10-14" diameter. They are heavy due to length, not diameter. I want to be able to roll logs off the pile onto the ground, then prop them off the ground to avoid binding the chain when I cut.

I have that one. You can't grab smaller than 7 inch logs. Take the jack part off you don't need it. You don't need to put the logs in the air you really just want to roll them.

 

[velvetfoot]

I got something like this: http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200317105_200317105 Maybe a little shorter handle.