[JD4044M]

This was fun stuff today for the tractor. Bolted my Fork attachment on the tips and chained the balance point on the pole. Then after using my Post Hole Digger to bore a 4 ft deep hole in hard soil I sat it in it. Then filled the space with concrete mix. Only took 2 bags and tomorrow I can put my 1.5" PVC Pipe with 2 Fire Nozzles one pointing to the middle of the tree on fog. The other one will be head height and hitting the Tent Building and ground.

I had to hit this big tree and building with my 1.5 Fire Hose to stop them from burning due to the heat! 50 MPH Winds pushing 30 ft flames did not help either! So having the Nozzles between the fire and the tree the wind will push it into the tree and towards my home. That much Water Fog(100 GPM) in the air can raise the Humidity real fast to not support flame as bad. I have a 6,000 gal tank I pump out of. Used 4,000 gals on the last fire in 20 mins.

Having my little Barn and all my buildings now protected from the bad fire side of the home the big hill above me. It just rips down it faster then you can run! Best part is the fire will go by in less then 30 mins. Did that both times now in the past. I still love living here now on 200 acres. Daughter just bought another 80 acres attached to us. Been about a yr now since the fire. I have fixed the fences that burned and the grass is taking off nice. We lost very few trees this time. The fire in 2001 cleaned up under them pretty good.

 

[JD4044M]

I have 780 hours on my JD4044M I got back in 2018 and during that time I busted one fan belt right off owning it. Broke 2 of the pins on the Lift Arms so far working her to hard. My Battery also went South in 3 years! Last thing I think was both Tie Rod Ends went dry and got loose!! Still not much has gone wrong in almost 4 years owning it so far. I am still Happy!

 

[ddinham]

You got one hour on me. I am at 779 hours as of this morning in 6 1/2 years on my 4066R. I have only had two issues. My air ride seat failed due to a mis-routed wire. Easy fix. Lost all rear hydraulics. Fixed it myself by switching the diodes/fuses around in the electrical box on the rear of the cab. Not sure if the OOS has this box. It has been worked hard and held up extremely well.

Dave

 

[mark02tj]

Your projects always amaze me, Mark! Whether it's fabricating or fire suppression, you're always doing something interesting. I'm also amazed that you do so much in spite of your health issues.

I can't imagine having to plan for wildfires like you do, but I guess it's the price you pay for living in such a beautiful area. Not surprised that you've come up with such an innovative solution.

 

[JD4044M]

Thanks, My Doctor called me yesterday and told me to not eat for 24 hours and see if that helps with the pain. At 19+ hours it seems to be working on that pain in my back. She said if the pain goes down not eating then it is 99% your Pancreas causing it. That is a start cause cancer would not start to go away by not eating at all just water. I got better last time with 12- IV's bags in my arm and nothing not even water for 3 days and that sucked! I can do this at home except the IV's so I have to drink lots of water instead till better again.
The day I quit doing things hurting or not means I gave up and I can't do that yet to many toys to play with! I am just glad I fought fire for a living that allows me to stick around and fight them knowing I have a totally safe area I can go to on my place. The next one should be easier to deal with.

 

[JD4044M]

The not eating for 36 hours made the Pancreas pain drop a whole bunch today! I even ate real food to. Waiting on my blood tests to see what it is doing level wise.

 

[JD4044M]

This took 5 times as long to finish but now it is ready for Fire Season!! Put up a Akron Turbo Jet 1.5" Adjustable Nozzle(30-125 GPM)set at Fog 95 GPM. I had to wet this tree to save it now the Nozzle can do that job while I watch. After I test it the Ladder comes down. Put a Bird Cover over it to stop them from sitting on it and crapping all over a Expensive $600.00+ Nozzle!

 

[JD4044M]

Like having a Monitor on top of a Ladder Truck all ready in place waiting for a fire! Long as we don't have high 50-60 MPH winds I should not need to use it. I also have a fire break but there is 40 acres above us not ours yet and needs Mowing!

 

[theduke]

I can't see the pics....is it just me or how do I get to them?

 

[JD4044M]

I can't see the pics....is it just me or how do I get to them?

You can't see the pictures on Post #7?

 

[JD4044M]

Fired that Baby off today and a bunch of the other ones a the same time. Lots of pressure and GPM. The Nozzle is set at 125 GPM upped it more. Gravel shows how even the ground is being wetted in just a few minutes of running them. During that wildfire there was standing water all over from the Rain Effect. 14 Big Sprinklers+ total can be on at once to soak the whole area fast for about one hour. I feel pretty good now to fight the next one way easier!

 

[rtgt]

@JD4044M it is between you and @johncanfield as to whom is the toughest & most prepared son of a gun on the site.

For fires - you've got it hands down.

For power, John wins.

For tenacity - it is a draw.

 

[johncanfield]

^^ LOL ^^

If I had that monitor I would drain my 2,000 gallon tank in about 2 minutes. I asked our Farm Bureau agent how large of a water tank we would need for a discount - 30,000 gallons .