All loaded up
Categories: Projects and equipment
Word count/read time: 391 words; 1-1/2 minutes
I'm glad I got the Yukon XL instead of the regular version because these behemoths barely
fit! Two large oaks were felled at a local house. The big stuff hadn't been chopped for firewood.
Maybe they'd be willing to part with a trunk section.
Given the size of the trees, I was expecting "That'll
be $50." Luckily, the gentleman said he'd do two sections for $20. I picked which
sections I wanted and how thick. He said to come back in a few days to claim my prize.
They were more massive than I expected. I brought a 10' x 2" x 12" board
so we could roll them up it but it was quite obvious this was a no-go. I conceded and came back
armed with two 2x12s, plywood,
heavy duty lifting straps and shoulder harnesses, and a moving platform
on wheels.
It took a little bit of everything to get them loaded. The first one was
relatively easy - the baby - and went up without incident.
The second one was much heavier - I'd estimate 400 pounds minimum as it was still fresh,
soaking wet even. Nearly 36" the short diameter. A big mofo for sure!
The hatch closed with an inch to spare front-to-back and top-to-bottom.
The large piece was balanced precariously on the wheeled platform so
if it toppled the window would certainly shatter.
Only five twisty and hilly miles to drive.
Unloading is always easier.
A little help from gravity and some well-placed levers and ramps got them both out
with effort. I hatcheted off the bark as I rolled
them into the garage, the shards spread all over the driveway. The bark is
three inches thick on the ridges and no easy task to cleave.
There is a process to help prevent splitting and shrinkage.
I planed the ends mainly to get rid of the riffraff.
For $100 I applied a specialized preservative, then an end grain sealer, and
covered the ends with cardboard to regulate the drying process.
It will take several years for them to dry fully though they will be used sooner.
I envision wheels mounted on one side and a place to insert a handle to move
them around like a dolly. They occupy too much floor space as static features.
Plus, a mobile vise and anvil would be handy.
Posted by M: January 26, 2022
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