Tractors, Mowers, Chippers, Trailers, Chainsaws, Generators, Boat Engines, & Water Heater talk.

If anyone is needing to run their heat pump off a generator I highly recommend the MicroAir softstarts. Took my LRA from 58 down to 24.

 

Thanks for the advice gents! I truly appreciate it. I will revisit the suggestions when I get home. I have ordered two of the NOCO Genius 1 from Amazon. $26 apiece. I have a 2006 MINI Cooper JCW and a 1971 Triumph TR6 that go away for the winter and it is past time that I put those batteries on a trickle charger. I can borrow one of those to top off the generator battery periodically. And I will probably stick another one on my Amazon gift list to have as a back-up and to help with the other small batteries that I have around(lawn mower, 4 wheeler) Geez, this post makes me sound like I am rich!

I do have the manual so some late night reading is in order.

Thanks again!

 

I'm a big fan of CTEK chargers. They can recharge a low battery, revitalize an old battery, and maintain any battery.

 

1971 Triumph TR6... Got a picture for us?
Always wanted one, just never seemed like practical way to waste (yet) more money.

My favorite of all time is the GT6 Mk 3, IMO one of the the most beautiful cars ever built -- and courtesy of Lucas you can sit and admire it often, while waiting for the tow truck .
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...again

Spoiler: Who is this Lucas guy?

This is an "in joke" for British car enthusiasts.
For many years British cars had electrical parts supplied by Lucas, like Delco in the US but not as good.
The Lucas components were notorious for being unreliable. Lucas is commonly referred to as "The Prince of Darkness".

 

I dunno Rusty. I generally agree with you and take your wisdom without question. But, this time, I think you're wrong.

This is the better looking car!



1970 Jaguar E-type Series 2

 

I'll give you a pass. I wouldn't push either out of the garage.

The E Type came out first so Triumph could be guilty of copying Jaguar.
The E cost a lot more, was larger, much more powerful and luxurious, both were about equally (un) reliable.

 

OOoooohhhh, nice!

 

Thanks. It is a flattering picture taken at the right time of day and edited well! In reality it is a good 20 footer that needs a full restoration. I have all the stuff to do it(that I know I need before taking it apart) except I do not have the time and location to do it.......

 

Y'know that restoration stuff is nice and all, on the other hand if it drives safe and reliable you are going to get a lot more enjoyment in 3 years of driving than 3 years of wire brushing rust off things.

 

I think it was 2003 when I bought it. I did a rolling mechanical restoration at that time and brought it back up to a good operating condition. So I have gotten almost 20 years of enjoyment driving the car. I think I will thoroughly enjoy the restoration process but I refuse to start it until I can do it right. The car has some underlying rust issues and some frame issues that need attention. I have a spare frame and most of the bits and pieces that I need. But with a new house and no garage that work/dream will have to wait. It was a calculated decision as with my Dad passing away my mom could not live in their 70's built house alone so the addition of her living space pushed the garage out of the picture. Hopefully in about 5 years a few more larger items in our life will be paid off (land and automobile) and a garage can be built. That will be nearing retirement for me so that will give me something to do with my time.

 

Yeah, but it's a Jag!

 

I need some chainsaw recommendations.

I have a fairly large treed property. Some of it natural oak and elm and a fairly large stand of planted pines.

The pines were originally planted as a small woodlot but the previous owners never cleared them. They don't have large trunks but are fairly tall.

Otherwise on the property there is a ton of fallen trees. The last two winters we've had a lot of storms that took down some big oaks. Some over 24". Again... The previous owners looked like they never cleared any of this out.

I have a little battery ryobi that has been awesome for cutting mountain bike trails and cleaning up some smaller trees but I need something bigger that I can also put a full day's work into.

I'll be processing everything for firewood.

I was looking at Husqvarna Ranchers which look good but I really have no idea what to look for. Since I have the Ryobi for small and quick jobs (it's actually pretty surprising) I'd like a bigger saw to take on the big hardwoods.

My father in law will also be using here quite often. He's 70 and getting around just fine but I'd also like it to be a pretty manageable (and safe saw) for an old guy.

I have a pretty healthy budget. The provincial government just sent me a cheque for $1000 for storm cleanup but I'd like some beer money left over of course.

 

I’m a fan of Stihl chainsaw’s. I think the Farm Boss MS270 or MS271 would be a great option.
It can handle upto a 20” bar and the weight is reasonable. It’s built for someone who wants to cut several cords of fire wood. I’ve got an older 036Pro, which is also a great saw. But it’s a bit heavy and tends to ware me out a lot faster than when I was younger.

https://www.stihlusa.com/products/chain-saws/farm-and-ranch-saws/ms271/

 

I see you are in Canada so here’s a link to the international website

https://www.stihl.com/STIHL-power-tools-A-great-range/Chainsaws/Petrol-chainsaws-for-agriculture-and-horticulture/2118938-120/MS-271-C-BE.aspx

 

Around 25 years ago I had a small Homelite Super 2, good for limb cutting but way too small for firewood.

There were some professional tree guys working in the area. I asked a fellow "I want to buy 1 good saw and keep it a long time".
The fellow told me to get a saw with a 4 cubic inch engine (65 CC) and an 18" bar".
Back then the big 3 were Stihl, Jonsered and Husqvarna so I asked him which was best, he said "for the money you are going to spend on a 4 CI saw they are all fine, buy the one you like".

The neighbor had a Jonsered and he liked it so I went out and bought a Jonsered 2065 -- man what a difference!
It is way heavy though.

 

Spend a couple of extra bucks and step UP into Stihl's Pro line. I have the 261CM and I love this saw. This is the bottom in the pro series. terrific power to weight ratio. I have the 20 inch bar on mine, although it comes standard with the 18. If you get one, READ THE MANUAL for calibration proceedures. I sold my 17 yo 310 for $250 and got the new saw for about 3 hundred more. I take great care of my saws. The next saw up is the 362 (pro line as well). I thinks the Huskies are good as well -but I prefer Stihls. They hold their value the best. I also have a 170 and a older 021 both -I inherited from my FIL. The little 170 is a great little saw , and runs/cuts fantastic
These things work great to keep the saws cains sharp: shop around for these as you can find them cheaper -also they come in different sizes -so beware of what you buy

$40 STIHL 2 in 1 Easy File Chainsaw Chain Sharpener 3/8" P

https://www.amazon.com/STIHL-Easy-C...LAE?adgrpid=1331509145496833&hvadid=832195606

 

One more thing -- go to your Stihl dealer (if you are buying Stihl) and ask him for their catalogue (this book shows everything Still sells) Take it home and compare all of the specs. on the different models -take your time and if you decide on a couple specific ones ask about and research the models you narrow it down to.

 

I already have that sharpener. Great little tool.

I don't have a Stihl dealer local to me so I haven't really researched them much but haven't ruled them out. The closest dealer isn't that far away.

The 261 doesn't leave me much beer money.

 

I’ve got the MS290 with an 18” bar, runs/cuts great and always starts easily after sitting for 8-10 months.