If ya having a hard time finding the ibc totes ck out the custom pallets we build . We don’t sell them but you could just build ya own . Ours are for half a cord but you could build whatever size your machine will lift . We also run the conveyor into an old dump trailer that is tiped up a stack as we go onto the pallets so it saves on bending over and doing it that way has upped our productivity a lot . Not every idea works for everyone but hopefully this helps make it a lil more productive for ya
Michigan is the second most cloudy state, only Washington is cloudier, and yes it’s a real thing. I think they said on the news tonight that we have only had 4 or 6 hours of sun so far in December.
I think the totes are a great idea but I may be biased… if you plan to hand stack them I would still load the conveyor into the trailer and then stack out of the trailer. Less bending and it will keep the scraps and bark contained to the trailer instead of on the ground.
When I was in the Air Force, I was stationed at McChord AFB in Tacoma, Wa. At that time, people in the area averaged 55 suicides a month in the winter but none in the summer. In the winter, because of the ocean, it runs about 45 degrees but rains 24X7 for 6 months. The other 6 months it is beautiful. Weather does affect mood greatly
You will want to set something under the totes becase the sink in ground and freeze in. Not a big deal untill you move them after it freezes. Only down side of using loader to stack them you will want to do first in first out. May find yourself stacking in totes in your rows starting closest to driveway and continue down the row.
Turn you dump Trailor 90degrees in front of the conveyor, then put ibc on top of 2 or 3 pallets then all you have to do is raise it up to load the ibc totes while standing up and not bending over👍
Thats a fantastic idea! with that, I have a thought that you might like; Wondering that instead of loading them up only to unload them and restack the wood, Instead of a stacking fee, you were to have a "core" charge, or a "deposit" charge for the tote that you could reimburse to the customer once the totes have been returned? This would enable you to simply load the IBC on the truck, slide the entire thing off and leave it there until the customer is done with it . Also, going this route, you wouldnt even need to cut the totes, just leave them as they are, fill them and let the customer dig the wood out as needed
We bought a rotating adapter for our skid steer. Pick up basket place over the trailer and hit the button tote rotates 180 degrees and all the wood comes out the top. Keep up the good work.
I would still run it in the trailer and then stack out of it. Your stackers backs will appreciate it and it’s much more productive than picking wood off the ground.
Jake and I have stopped stacking in the totes nearly completely. We load the totes right off of the conveyor. We just arrange the wood as it falls to maximize how much fits. We’ve also stopped cutting the faces out of the totes and load the truck and trailer from the rear, flipping the totes rather than dumping over the side. We have been using some totes for about three or four years this way, and have only retired one tote which likely came to us damaged already. We love using the totes and I’m sure you will enjoy it as well!
I have done the totes for firewood for the last 3 years and one suggestion it to put the tote on the loader with the opening to the front, then raise the tote up to a little less than waist high. Then when starting that initial back row you don't have to worry about the top rail as much. Then when you have the tote 1//3 full lower the tote and finish with it on the ground. Another thing that works when loading the tote on the skid steer is you can move it right next to the wood you are loading, so no steps.
Totes are definitely where it’s at, if you ever want to take it up a notch I’d recommend investing in rotating pallet forks if you have the hydraulic option on your skid loader!
Hey Brad, I was just thinking about the idea that you had with the IBC totes and your concern about tearing up the yard. If you line up your IBC totes and a straight line but have them sit caddy corner of one another like stacking diamonds tip to tip, it might help alleviate tearing up the grass at least a little bit because you won’t have to spend 90°. You only have to spend 45°.
Hi Brad, do like the way you invest time, money and resources into your channel. Definitely, work a transition so that you know totes are going to be comfortably workable in your operation. However, why not build several containment booths, like Chris (woodyard) and split straight into them. Leave your splits in there over a drying period. When dry enough load your totes up in readiness for loading and delivery! That way you only need about twenty totes, and you will have plenty of measured and dry logs on stock, at any one time………ready to go. This doesn’t necessarily cut back on handling, but you certainy won’t require 100,s totes. Also, if you build your booths carefully, and robustly they would maintain a tidy appearance. 😃 Len (Devon 🇬🇧)
I just don’t know how large stacks of wood dry properly. I spoke with Chris at length about this at the Bunyan show. He says it’s working for him but the bigger the pile, the less sun and wind it gets.
Just stack them light (under the top rail), and call it 1/4 cord. Easier to deal with when moving them around. I also sit mine on a open deck car hauler trailer, or just sit 1 basket in the back of a pickup truck and I don't have to tie down or tarp with the wood under the top rail.
I think it’s the sunshine withdrawals for sure. Even on the coldest days, the sun warms it up and makes it enjoyable to be outside! Great move with the IBC Totes 👌🏻
John from Georgia, my mother suffers from “seasonal affective disorder” or I think that is what they call it. Definitely a real thing! Springtime changes everything for her!
With the older tote baskets if you still have the cross bars which held the bladder in try fixing them at the top , if it is possible maybe use them with butterfly nut and fit them when finished filling up making it easier to fill
I do the totes as well, 3.5 totes to the top of the tote I’ve found is one cord. The 275 gallon totes not the large ones. Yes seasonal depression is real! May help when you’re doing oak totes
I like the idea of using the totes and cutting them the way you did in the video. Mike Morgan started doing the same thing. My only question would be if you line them up in a row your most seasoned/dried wood will be at the far end and my thought process would be to sell that wood 1st. I don't think you are going to be able to avoid turning. Maybe lining them up so the totes are angled in the row. That would be less of a turn to grab them from the other end. I'm sure you will get it figured out. - Tim
1) A sunny day definitely makes one feel better. 2) Totes are a good idea for handling your firewood (storage space, inventory control and Loading). However I do have one suggestion. Lift the tote about 2 feet off the ground with the skid steer when you’re loading the lower half of the tote, then lower it at 1/2 full. Reason being… saves on your back and you have to move it with the skid steer anyway.
I think your plan sounds pretty solid especially after watching the skid steer do it's thing!! The seasonal depression could probably be proven in some studies, and I've heard lot's of people experience it, real or not!
hi there I tried that several years ago but as you pointed out the bar , i hit my head on it to many times as i stated in past videos ,i went to a retch strap in stead .last nights video was on making strap brackets for my wooden boxes .but on the totes the strap will hook right on the bar , i just saw this on another channel and told them the same thing , i know its a good idea and will work , i did it , but still just like my wood boxes better , totes are faster if you can get them at a good price or free . cutting out the front makes a tote more forgiving in how long you cut the wood , if you can bring a tote up on friday and i will bring a strap ,i will also show you how to fill them a different way , see you friday john
You might consider not allowing the wood coming off the conveyor to go on the ground and pile up. So that you don’t have to touch the firewood again put 4 totes next to each other and let the conveyer feed the totes! I know it’s not neatly stacked in the tote but you save time and remove having to touch the firewood so much…. Just a thought.
Totes are great if you can get them for cheap/free. The only change I would make with your plan is to keep loading the trailer off the conveyor. Load the totes out of the trailer and it will keep you from being bent over the whole time while stacking the totes.
I think you are headed in the right direction. Being able to dump the totes into the truck or trailer will be a big time saver. I stack right off my splitter into the totes. Splitting into your trailer and stacking out of it into the totes might be easier on the back.
Yes time changes get tougher the older I get. My question is how will the tote last after several seasons? I’m not a tote fan, for me it’s got it’s place for smaller loads but larger amounts the jury is still out. Will the wood yard be as neat with totes vs racks of wood? Great video👏🏻🇺🇸
I just recently added 120 totes to my firewood operation. The firewood is going to go directly from the processor right into the cages loose. I don’t ever want to touch the firewood by hand. Also get yourself a rotating fork attachment for your skid steer you can get them at auction brand new for much cheaper than a dealer.
Totes are nice to store & season the wood but not for delivering them to the customer. I like your idea of cutting one side off but leaving the rail. Your current pallet system is nice but lots labor and the pallets just don’t last more than a year or two. I’m so over using pallets but I can get them for free so I continue to use them.
Hi Brad, 200 totes is a over estimated reach I believe. In my Micro operation out of two states. One state for sunshine in the winter and the other state for summer time fun on the farm! I have nine totes 7 are loose stack that I move to sun/wind area to assembly/distribution area. This summer I will cut the fronts out of 2 totes and stack wood and determine how that works for drying and bundling. I will buy more totes; however I use pallets and make wood bins (Chris's effect on the operation) AND last summer I stacked criss cross on wood pallets to see how this works for drying. Time will tell. What I need is a willing youth to come along and help....then after six years I'd sell him/her the land, barn, tractor, splitter, and accounts! Keep it going, I'd love to make it to the fellowship ~ high school coach duties that week so I will pass this year. Thx Brad....Keith
I figure if I put 1/3 of a cord in each tote and want to have 60 full cord drying, thats 180 totes. Plus I need 20 or so for bundle wood coming off the Axis.
@firewoodatthefurnace I love using the Axis to the IBCs for bundle wood. Now if a person could pay only $20 a tote that equates to $3,600 investment. Where we are both missing is the time to remove the bladders and cut the faces of the totes....and then dispose of the bladders and leftover metal. AND the time to stack the split wood in the IBC; we both will learn that soon (Late May for me). That's why I went with the wood bins, and believe I like the wood stacked on the pallets...cause I can use the tractor to move them around in my very small woodyard@@FirewoodattheFurnace
Hey Brad! I did the same thing you’re thinking about. I found the pallets were getting to be work keeping them in one piece so I went IBC cages. They have jumped in price lately where I am but I find the investment was worth it. I only loose full the IBC cages with hardwood but even then it’s a good chunk of weight for my Kioti DK40 to lift and move
You do like Phil and Karen and split in the dump trailer, then tip it up to stack in the totes. That way, it doesn't hit the ground, and you won't have to bend over to pick it up. Could also sort out the bundle wood on the nicer pieces.
I definitely think it's worth a shot to transition over to baskets. I certainly get depressed during the winter months with cloudy gloomy weather. The sun definitely makes a person feel better and even feels warmer. Stay safe my friend
Totes are a great way to improve your operation. I have several totes myself and it works much better that stacking in rows. I have found that I am replacing pallets as they break or I put my foot through them over time. Another great video!
I use the totes as well. I make sure I get the totes that are 330 gallon. They are one “rung” taller than the one you had. 1/3 cord fits perfect and they’re easier to stack because of this. Just some fyi. Great video!
I cut that top bar of the tote out and put in a chain, fixed on one end with a "S" hook on the other end. When the back row if full, I hook up the chain. Didn't want to risk slicing my neck open on one of the cut off ends remaining.
The sunlight most definitely affects mood. Sunshine motivates people to go outside and do things (at least me). I grew up and recently moved back to Northern Idaho after spending the last 7 years in Colorado Springs, CO. In Idaho, starting in the Fall we get cold, wet, dark, short days from about mid October to May. Along the Front Range in Colorado the weather is bipolar and either dry and sunny or storming (rain or snow depending on temp). As an avid outdoor enthusiast (mostly biking and hiking my dog) that grew up in Idaho, I felt like I was cheating the system with the beautiful weather all winter long in Colorado and I'm missing it terribly now (today it was 68 and sunny in Colorado springs vs. 45 and rain all day in Coeur d' Alene). Enjoy that sunshine! Also, as for the totes and firewood, having myself worked in a firewood processing yard for about 9 months and then off and on I wanna say watching you document your operation is great and you appear to be doing quite well. I'd suggest putting thought into achieving a "stack less" or "stack free" operation, perhaps with the totes loading 1/6 a cord into them loose from the conveyer. Regardless, thanks for providing some quality entertainment and good luck to you going forward!
In the winter when ground can’t dry with cold and short days I think the loader will make a mess even going straight in and out . But don’t let that stop you it always heals up in spring . That’s my years of experience any ways .
Seems like a good idea to open up the front for easier dumping. Like you said, leaving the top bar would make it tough for taller folks having to bend under the top bar to stack the lower wood. You might try leaving the 3rd horizontal bar from the bottom and cut the top bar out. It would give you the side support you need but still leave the open front. That way you won't have to stoop or bend under the top bar.
Totes are very handy. I’ve been stacking into them for years. I’m slowly making the transition to conveying wood into them now. Will need twice as many totes tho and bought rotating forks to dump them. But man it saves tons of time!
@@FirewoodattheFurnace ya I have 200isj that are cut out. So now starting to gather 1s that aren’t cut out. If you need some that are cut out come see me. I’m in indiana tho. Lol
Oh it's real. And the stupid time change doesn't help. Dark by 5 👎👎👎. And for those that don't know, I'm a dairy farmer. Hey D.C., stop the change and leave us on savings time. As others have said, still stack outta trailer, no bending. Don't ruin backs while they're young. What the totes are gonna save is the hand loading of trailer/truck
Seasonal depression is certainly real. Lots of cases in places like Alaska. You don’t need to leave the top rail if your going to secure it to the mast when you dump it. Try one without the top rail. I know leaving that top rail is the hot, new MM tip, but try one without. You’ll find that top rail is a pain in the rear. Fill into your dump trailer from the conveyor and stack out of your trailer. Everyone can still help without a sore back! Win-win!
I'd like to see a test with a tote where you leave in one middle horizontal as well as the top for additional support aiding in the longevity of the tote. Just a test. If No Go then cut it out. No harm in trying. Totes overall are the way to go. Puts things in a modular state. Also have some totes left intact where you can split green wood and drop into tote loose for seasoning. When seasoned then neat stack in tote with front removed which would be first touch.
That idea will work. It's all in the details. From the way you stage them to where you aren't picking them up more than once. I'd face everything away from the side steer allowing you to pick it up and already be faced to dump in the tailer. Also I'd put a safety chain on the tote to the fork frame to keep them on the forkt
Brad I think going with less touches is a great ideal . I see 2 things that I would think about . 1- I would want to eliminate the stacking into the crates I understand you’re not getting as much in the tote but I would make up for that when I load it to sell . 2- I would either not cut the totes or use the log lift bags because cut totes the wood falls out of when filling off the conveyor . I had to switch to the bags due to cheap totes becoming about impossible to get . Now I do not have my wife & kids willing to stack so I split straight into totes/ bags & the only prob I have is scrap in with the wood , but I’m about to add grizz bars which you already have. Good luck I’m sure you will get a plan that works for you .
I think totes would be a good idea. One thing to think about is you will be relying on the skidsteer a lot more and there will be times that is may be down.
Seasonal depression is a real thing. A neighbour deals with it. So did my mom when she was alive. As for totes vs wood crates, we opt for wood crates (we make our own) because totes here are asking $150-200. We also have a vertical splitter (no conveyor). We touch the wood total four times if you include picking up the crates and dumping it in the truck. I block with a chainsaw right at the log pile (first touch) and my wife splits/stacks (second touch). I move the crate with the skidsteer to the drying field (third touch) where it stays until its ready for loading into the truck (4th touch). Crates survive about 4 years, usually 4-6 times being filled and dumped. When they are no longer useful they get broken down and processed into kindling. Nothing wasted. If the crates of firewood go in the kiln there is an extra two touches but we also charge extra for that product. If I sell 50 cord a year and have as much money in my pocket at the year end as another producer processing 100 cord, I'll take that path every time. Quality over quantity. As for your skidsteer on grass, I will tell you that even when you run straight paths you will produce ruts in the ground pretty darn quick. Even our skidsteer, which is a CTL, does not escape that.
I think it’s a solid plan. Way more efficient. I just picked up my first skid steer and it’s a tire unit. You might consider some Over The Tires tracks. A set of rubber tracks will give you more float and tear up the yard much less. At least that’s what I’ve been reading and it sounds like an interesting improvement to me. A little spendy but I hope to get a set sometime in the future.
Yes... seasonal depression. Not quote depression but it's real. less day light. Can't get anything done outside after work etc. Days are just so much shorter. It does weigh on me and my mind. I too use IBC totes but I only cut for myself and have 30 totes. Want more but 30 is going good for me now
Are the tire filled? May help with counter balance if not. Your yard is pretty much open. Think you could make your split piles like Cris In the Woodyard. If that may work in the time while gathering your crates.
Yes, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a real thing. I suffer from it. Back when I was working rotating shift work it was really bad. I used Light Therapy and it did help. Now I go to south Florida for the winter months and I have not experienced SAD.
I use totes with my axis. I don’t have the elevator. I have about 50. They will freeze to the ground so I put them on pallets if they are ones I want to move in winter. Stones might work also.
I’ve done the 1/3rd cord stacking test as well. About one rung or 10” above on the 275 gal totes. The 330 are pretty much stacked level. I have been messing with totes and should have a new video out soon regarding some improvements to my set up as well. I think splitting into and stacking out of the dump trailers may save the backs a bit. I think we’ll be making the fellowship but was just informed today I’ll miss some key training at work but I’m trying to get them to push it back.
Totes are an investment for sure, now that the price raised in the last couple of years. A pallet fork rotator attachment is a prerequisite! I still think it's worth it tho. Cutting the totes isn't what I would do personally.
Jarrettsville, Maryland here! excited to see how you move to icb totes. im aiming to go into firewood fulltime , currently do lawncare and landscape maintenance but once i realized we sold 50 cords during the summer and had nothing to sell this winter i want togo fulltime with it
I would sell the conveyor and just use the tray at the end of the splitter and stack them in the tote right at the end of the splitter, move when full and repeat. Too much overhead with conveyor when it’s not necessary. Keep it simple. Totes are a great idea. Less touching the wood. Just my 2 cents. Love the content 👍
Totes here are $80-$100 each and they don’t fit 1/3rd cord. The log lift bags from shaver are the way to go. Take up almost no storage space, are easier to dump and fit a full 1/3rd cord
@@NeighborlyHomestead same way at the tote basically except the bag is soft to it tips all the way out into the trailer without messing around and you never have to stack wood again saving hours of time. AJ shaver has a good video of how he dumps them. Short piece of chain on the pallet forks and it hooks the bag and the pallet at the same time. The ibc totes are still a ton of handling the wood having to stack them and massive storage space when not full of wood. The bags you can fit a couple hundred in an ibc tote
Seasonal depression is definitely real. I would love to go full tote but my tractor can't lift them full and they're to expensive to use with half loads. Perhaps turn the trailer 90° still split green into it amd and use your ahort block to keep it tipped up and stack out of it. Keeping the wood off the ground is still really important for the overall. Or perhaps just double stack pallets under the cone. Ok ill be quiet now. Love the content!!!
There are plenty of different ways to store firewood with no correct way to do it. I personally still stack on pallets and use the IBC totes for all my off cuts and odd sized chunks for my own burning. I wonder if you kept the 1st vertical post on each end that you cut off so you have the corner support if you won't wreck as many totes when unloading? Depending on how big your wanting to go with your operation you can always use both methods of stacking your wood. Tyler - In the Woodyard
So you wouldnt have to spend time cutting the totes if you get any spare time look into the youtube channel oak farm firewood or oakwood farm firewood something like that hes a fella from the UK. Hes got a larger operation but an investment into rotating forks may be worth a thought. I dont know your business budget but it would be a significant time saver for a loose stacked tote vs neat, saves you and your family from wear and tear on your bodies and it also would reduce wear on your machine from shaking the totes empty. Regardless of the path you choose, great work and thanks for the constant inspiration to try and find a way to get into this. Learning alot cheers from FL!
Rotating forks would be awesome but they are pricey and add a significant amount of weight to the front end. I think I would have trouble with lift capacity that way.
I leave for work in the dark, I get home when its dark. That makes it hard for me, all i want to do is sleep when i get home. I definitely drink alot more coffee this time a year.
I think it's gonna be alot more work dealing with totes, but it's worth a shot. You know how to make the best of anything and always make things better than they were before. 💪💪
Totes are the way to go if you can get them at a reasonable price. I’ve tried the 1/3 of a cord firewood bags and they just don’t last long when you start to dump them.
I like the new idea on how to cut the tote I will have to try that on a few of mine and add to that by build a stand to set the tote on so it isn't as difficult to stack under the top bar
Seasonal depression is real for some people. In my part of Alaska we get about 5 1/2 hours of daylight in December and 19 1/2 in late June and some people really feel it.
If you park your trailer perpendicular to the conveyor, and raise the front of the trailer about 1/4 of the way up. The firewood will gravity to the tailgate. From there you can place a few ibc totes a few feet away and sort and stack the firewood by species and eliminate slash and bark as you go. I don't know if your trailer has the ability to place a board across the bottom of the tailgate to create a stop for the firewood from sliding completely out. I hope I'm explaining the idea clearly.
Investing in totes is a large commitment have you considered using the firewood bags you can load directly off of the conveyor not touching the the wood at all just a thought I had good luck with whatever you choose
Hey Brad, awesome video that day, sorry I’m a bit late on the comment, but nevertheless I like hearing the route you’re heading for sure and am edger to see how it works for you in the long run! My thoughts and suggestions an I’ve also noticed some folks in the comments are mentioning to about continuing to split into the trailer and stack from there.. I’d have to agree on this one, for the ease or containing the scraps and also if you need to move that pile of split wood around.. it’s in the trailer and you can relocate it in the yard as needed. Also the ease of stacking from the trailer to is another benefit 🔥💯👍, just my thoughts though 🙂. I wonder if there is a way too that you could have the totes up off the ground a little (say a foot or two perhaps) only for loading, just to assist in less bending - then relocate an set at ground level after that, maybe something to consider as well. I just wanted to throw that idea out there is all. Anyways Brad, thanks for having us over, always enjoy my visit to your channel an woodyard every week! Take care! Andrew from NB :)
The totes are nice cause you can stack them and they last a long time. Downfall, they cost money, you’re still stacking wood and need equipment to move them. For the small guy, skids are free and still work the same…
If ya having a hard time finding the ibc totes ck out the custom pallets we build . We don’t sell them but you could just build ya own . Ours are for half a cord but you could build whatever size your machine will lift . We also run the conveyor into an old dump trailer that is tiped up a stack as we go onto the pallets so it saves on bending over and doing it that way has upped our productivity a lot . Not every idea works for everyone but hopefully this helps make it a lil more productive for ya
Thanks for the feedback my friend. I've seen how you do it and will incorporate some of that as well. Thanks again
Seasonal depression is real, I got one of those lamps and use it for over 10 years now. It just wakes me up more, hard to describe!
Michigan is the second most cloudy state, only Washington is cloudier, and yes it’s a real thing. I think they said on the news tonight that we have only had 4 or 6 hours of sun so far in December.
I think the totes are a great idea but I may be biased… if you plan to hand stack them I would still load the conveyor into the trailer and then stack out of the trailer. Less bending and it will keep the scraps and bark contained to the trailer instead of on the ground.
When I was in the Air Force, I was stationed at McChord AFB in Tacoma, Wa. At that time, people in the area averaged 55 suicides a month in the winter but none in the summer. In the winter, because of the ocean, it runs about 45 degrees but rains 24X7 for 6 months. The other 6 months it is beautiful. Weather does affect mood greatly
Wow what a shame. Mother Nature is a powerful force in so many ways
You will want to set something under the totes becase the sink in ground and freeze in. Not a big deal untill you move them after it freezes. Only down side of using loader to stack them you will want to do first in first out. May find yourself stacking in totes in your rows starting closest to driveway and continue down the row.
Load the totes from the back of the trailer. It makes it easier to get it off the ground . Worth a try...
Turn you dump Trailor 90degrees in front of the conveyor, then put ibc on top of 2 or 3 pallets then all you have to do is raise it up to load the ibc totes while standing up and not bending over👍
Stacking out of the trailer is way easier than a pile. Plus it keeps all your wood off the ground
Just saw Mike Morgan do this same concept and it works well for him. Good luck. See you Friday at Hope.
About time you stepped into the 21st Century! It's nice here, and you'll never look back!
Lol
Thats a fantastic idea! with that, I have a thought that you might like; Wondering that instead of loading them up only to unload them and restack the wood, Instead of a stacking fee, you were to have a "core" charge, or a "deposit" charge for the tote that you could reimburse to the customer once the totes have been returned? This would enable you to simply load the IBC on the truck, slide the entire thing off and leave it there until the customer is done with it . Also, going this route, you wouldnt even need to cut the totes, just leave them as they are, fill them and let the customer dig the wood out as needed
We bought a rotating adapter for our skid steer. Pick up basket place over the trailer and hit the button tote rotates 180 degrees and all the wood comes out the top. Keep up the good work.
I would love to have one but boy are they pricey
@@FirewoodattheFurnaceadd a fair amount of weight too. They are sweet though.
If you get the 330 gallon totes, you'll likely be able to stack them 2 high with firewood and take up less space overall in the wood yard.
I would still run it in the trailer and then stack out of it. Your stackers backs will appreciate it and it’s much more productive than picking wood off the ground.
Yes that’s a much better idea
I think it’s a good idea in the long run better than the pallets be a investment in the beginning but I believe it will work out for the better .
Jake and I have stopped stacking in the totes nearly completely. We load the totes right off of the conveyor. We just arrange the wood as it falls to maximize how much fits. We’ve also stopped cutting the faces out of the totes and load the truck and trailer from the rear, flipping the totes rather than dumping over the side. We have been using some totes for about three or four years this way, and have only retired one tote which likely came to us damaged already. We love using the totes and I’m sure you will enjoy it as well!
Good luck with the tote project. If the totes don't work out you might try plastic pallets instead of wood. Stay safe.
I have done the totes for firewood for the last 3 years and one suggestion it to put the tote on the loader with the opening to the front, then raise the tote up to a little less than waist high. Then when starting that initial back row you don't have to worry about the top rail as much. Then when you have the tote 1//3 full lower the tote and finish with it on the ground. Another thing that works when loading the tote on the skid steer is you can move it right next to the wood you are loading, so no steps.
Great idea
Every time I watch your videos and log cabin firewood I'm learning more and more
Thats great to hear!
Totes are definitely where it’s at, if you ever want to take it up a notch I’d recommend investing in rotating pallet forks if you have the hydraulic option on your skid loader!
Hey Brad, I was just thinking about the idea that you had with the IBC totes and your concern about tearing up the yard. If you line up your IBC totes and a straight line but have them sit caddy corner of one another like stacking diamonds tip to tip, it might help alleviate tearing up the grass at least a little bit because you won’t have to spend 90°. You only have to spend 45°.
Hi Brad, do like the way you invest time, money and resources into your channel. Definitely, work a transition so that you know totes are going to be comfortably workable in your operation. However, why not build several containment booths, like Chris (woodyard) and split straight into them. Leave your splits in there over a drying period. When dry enough load your totes up in readiness for loading and delivery! That way you only need about twenty totes, and you will have plenty of measured and dry logs on stock, at any one time………ready to go. This doesn’t necessarily cut back on handling, but you certainy won’t require 100,s totes. Also, if you build your booths carefully, and robustly they would maintain a tidy appearance. 😃 Len (Devon 🇬🇧)
I just don’t know how large stacks of wood dry properly. I spoke with Chris at length about this at the Bunyan show. He says it’s working for him but the bigger the pile, the less sun and wind it gets.
Hi Brad, make sure you have a good timber base, off the floor and well ventilated…..and just try one reasonably size stack….see how that goes!
Just stack them light (under the top rail), and call it 1/4 cord. Easier to deal with when moving them around.
I also sit mine on a open deck car hauler trailer, or just sit 1 basket in the back of a pickup truck and I don't have to tie down or tarp with the wood under the top rail.
Hi Brad, Maybe Lifting up the totes a Little Bit before stackin, Makes your Back happy. 😀
Brad seems like 👍 a great thing to do with the totes stacking will be a lot easier and quicker than the pallets 😮😊❤
I think it’s the sunshine withdrawals for sure. Even on the coldest days, the sun warms it up and makes it enjoyable to be outside! Great move with the IBC Totes 👌🏻
I totally agree!
John from Georgia, my mother suffers from “seasonal affective disorder” or I think that is what they call it. Definitely a real thing! Springtime changes everything for her!
Thank you for another great video, brother. I appreciate you. God Bless you. Chip
I personally like stacking out of a trailer and not off of the ground. I have used ibc totes, but dont have a good way to dump them.
With the older tote baskets if you still have the cross bars which held the bladder in try fixing them at the top , if it is possible maybe use them with butterfly nut and fit them when finished filling up making it easier to fill
I do the totes as well, 3.5 totes to the top of the tote I’ve found is one cord. The 275 gallon totes not the large ones. Yes seasonal depression is real! May help when you’re doing oak totes
My neighbor bolted John Deere tractor weights to the back of his skid loader. Makes it more stable when lifting heavy loads.
You should add a big wood bunker to your operation. Looks like you have plenty of room for one.
I like the sunny days also. The cloudy days just seemed to drag.
I like the idea of using the totes and cutting them the way you did in the video. Mike Morgan started doing the same thing. My only question would be if you line them up in a row your most seasoned/dried wood will be at the far end and my thought process would be to sell that wood 1st. I don't think you are going to be able to avoid turning. Maybe lining them up so the totes are angled in the row. That would be less of a turn to grab them from the other end. I'm sure you will get it figured out. - Tim
1) A sunny day definitely makes one feel better. 2) Totes are a good idea for handling your firewood (storage space, inventory control and Loading). However I do have one suggestion. Lift the tote about 2 feet off the ground with the skid steer when you’re loading the lower half of the tote, then lower it at 1/2 full. Reason being… saves on your back and you have to move it with the skid steer anyway.
Great idea
You might think about leaving the front corners on the tote for a little more rigidity.
I think your plan sounds pretty solid especially after watching the skid steer do it's thing!! The seasonal depression could probably be proven in some studies, and I've heard lot's of people experience it, real or not!
Date and label your inventory... Zip tie plastic sleeves to the totes to maintain inventory...
hi there I tried that several years ago but as you pointed out the bar , i hit my head on it to many times as i stated in past videos ,i went to a retch strap in stead .last nights video was on making strap brackets for my wooden boxes .but on the totes the strap will hook right on the bar , i just saw this on another channel and told them the same thing , i know its a good idea and will work , i did it , but still just like my wood boxes better , totes are faster if you can get them at a good price or free . cutting out the front makes a tote more forgiving in how long you cut the wood , if you can bring a tote up on friday and i will bring a strap ,i will also show you how to fill them a different way , see you friday john
You might consider not allowing the wood coming off the conveyor to go on the ground and pile up. So that you don’t have to touch the firewood again put 4 totes next to each other and let the conveyer feed the totes! I know it’s not neatly stacked in the tote but you save time and remove having to touch the firewood so much…. Just a thought.
If I loaded them loosely off the conveyor I couldn’t cut the tote because wood would fall out. I also wouldn’t be able to dump them efficiently
Give and take sounds like to me@@FirewoodattheFurnace
Good Morning Brad, Skid steer power demonstration 👏 We Definitely like the sunshine also, Great Ideas🪵👍🏼🇺🇸
Totes are great if you can get them for cheap/free. The only change I would make with your plan is to keep loading the trailer off the conveyor. Load the totes out of the trailer and it will keep you from being bent over the whole time while stacking the totes.
Yes that’s a better plan for sure
I think you are headed in the right direction. Being able to dump the totes into the truck or trailer will be a big time saver. I stack right off my splitter into the totes. Splitting into your trailer and stacking out of it into the totes might be easier on the back.
Yes time changes get tougher the older I get. My question is how will the tote last after several seasons? I’m not a tote fan, for me it’s got it’s place for smaller loads but larger amounts the jury is still out. Will the wood yard be as neat with totes vs racks of wood? Great video👏🏻🇺🇸
I just recently added 120 totes to my firewood operation. The firewood is going to go directly from the processor right into the cages loose. I don’t ever want to touch the firewood by hand. Also get yourself a rotating fork attachment for your skid steer you can get them at auction brand new for much cheaper than a dealer.
💯 percent real. I have suffered with it for 15 years at least.
Totes are nice to store & season the wood but not for delivering them to the customer. I like your idea of cutting one side off but leaving the rail.
Your current pallet system is nice but lots labor and the pallets just don’t last more than a year or two. I’m so over using pallets but I can get them for free so I continue to use them.
Hi Brad, 200 totes is a over estimated reach I believe. In my Micro operation out of two states. One state for sunshine in the winter and the other state for summer time fun on the farm! I have nine totes 7 are loose stack that I move to sun/wind area to assembly/distribution area. This summer I will cut the fronts out of 2 totes and stack wood and determine how that works for drying and bundling. I will buy more totes; however I use pallets and make wood bins (Chris's effect on the operation) AND last summer I stacked criss cross on wood pallets to see how this works for drying. Time will tell. What I need is a willing youth to come along and help....then after six years I'd sell him/her the land, barn, tractor, splitter, and accounts! Keep it going, I'd love to make it to the fellowship ~ high school coach duties that week so I will pass this year. Thx Brad....Keith
I figure if I put 1/3 of a cord in each tote and want to have 60 full cord drying, thats 180 totes. Plus I need 20 or so for bundle wood coming off the Axis.
@firewoodatthefurnace I love using the Axis to the IBCs for bundle wood. Now if a person could pay only $20 a tote that equates to $3,600 investment. Where we are both missing is the time to remove the bladders and cut the faces of the totes....and then dispose of the bladders and leftover metal. AND the time to stack the split wood in the IBC; we both will learn that soon (Late May for me). That's why I went with the wood bins, and believe I like the wood stacked on the pallets...cause I can use the tractor to move them around in my very small woodyard@@FirewoodattheFurnace
Hey Brad! I did the same thing you’re thinking about. I found the pallets were getting to be work keeping them in one piece so I went IBC cages. They have jumped in price lately where I am but I find the investment was worth it. I only loose full the IBC cages with hardwood but even then it’s a good chunk of weight for my Kioti DK40 to lift and move
Brilliant idea... I'd put on skids through the winter months so they don't get stuck in the ground
Pretty cool Brad. I always wondered why guys weren't cutting them this way when dumping. I believe this transition of yours will be successful.
Kenny
Great idea
You do like Phil and Karen and split in the dump trailer, then tip it up to stack in the totes. That way, it doesn't hit the ground, and you won't have to bend over to pick it up. Could also sort out the bundle wood on the nicer pieces.
Yes that’s a better idea
I definitely think it's worth a shot to transition over to baskets. I certainly get depressed during the winter months with cloudy gloomy weather. The sun definitely makes a person feel better and even feels warmer. Stay safe my friend
Totes are a great way to improve your operation. I have several totes myself and it works much better that stacking in rows. I have found that I am replacing pallets as they break or I put my foot through them over time. Another great video!
Yup same problem here
I use the totes as well. I make sure I get the totes that are 330 gallon. They are one “rung” taller than the one you had. 1/3 cord fits perfect and they’re easier to stack because of this. Just some fyi. Great video!
Good to know!
I cut that top bar of the tote out and put in a chain, fixed on one end with a "S" hook on the other end. When the back row if full, I hook up the chain. Didn't want to risk slicing my neck open on one of the cut off ends remaining.
The sunlight most definitely affects mood. Sunshine motivates people to go outside and do things (at least me). I grew up and recently moved back to Northern Idaho after spending the last 7 years in Colorado Springs, CO. In Idaho, starting in the Fall we get cold, wet, dark, short days from about mid October to May. Along the Front Range in Colorado the weather is bipolar and either dry and sunny or storming (rain or snow depending on temp). As an avid outdoor enthusiast (mostly biking and hiking my dog) that grew up in Idaho, I felt like I was cheating the system with the beautiful weather all winter long in Colorado and I'm missing it terribly now (today it was 68 and sunny in Colorado springs vs. 45 and rain all day in Coeur d' Alene). Enjoy that sunshine! Also, as for the totes and firewood, having myself worked in a firewood processing yard for about 9 months and then off and on I wanna say watching you document your operation is great and you appear to be doing quite well. I'd suggest putting thought into achieving a "stack less" or "stack free" operation, perhaps with the totes loading 1/6 a cord into them loose from the conveyer. Regardless, thanks for providing some quality entertainment and good luck to you going forward!
Thanks so much for the feedback
In the winter when ground can’t dry with cold and short days I think the loader will make a mess even going straight in and out . But don’t let that stop you it always heals up in spring . That’s my years of experience any ways .
The short days really are hard on me, but when it gets cloudy and gloomy, that really messes with my psyche
As long as you can keep the gap between stacks in toast I think it will work fine.
Seems like a good idea to open up the front for easier dumping. Like you said, leaving the top bar would make it tough for taller folks having to bend under the top bar to stack the lower wood. You might try leaving the 3rd horizontal bar from the bottom and cut the top bar out. It would give you the side support you need but still leave the open front. That way you won't have to stoop or bend under the top bar.
Totes are very handy. I’ve been stacking into them for years. I’m slowly making the transition to conveying wood into them now. Will need twice as many totes tho and bought rotating forks to dump them. But man it saves tons of time!
Yes if I had rotating forks I wouldn’t cut the totes or stack the wood but with an open side you have to stack or the wood will fall out
@@FirewoodattheFurnace ya I have 200isj that are cut out. So now starting to gather 1s that aren’t cut out. If you need some that are cut out come see me. I’m in indiana tho. Lol
@@jacobking80 lol
How much did you pay for your forks? Thank you.
Oh it's real. And the stupid time change doesn't help. Dark by 5 👎👎👎. And for those that don't know, I'm a dairy farmer. Hey D.C., stop the change and leave us on savings time. As others have said, still stack outta trailer, no bending. Don't ruin backs while they're young. What the totes are gonna save is the hand loading of trailer/truck
Seasonal depression is certainly real. Lots of cases in places like Alaska. You don’t need to leave the top rail if your going to secure it to the mast when you dump it. Try one without the top rail. I know leaving that top rail is the hot, new MM tip, but try one without. You’ll find that top rail is a pain in the rear. Fill into your dump trailer from the conveyor and stack out of your trailer. Everyone can still help without a sore back! Win-win!
I just think the tote will start to bend apart at the top over time without the bar????
I'd like to see a test with a tote where you leave in one middle horizontal as well as the top for additional support aiding in the longevity of the tote. Just a test. If No Go then cut it out. No harm in trying. Totes overall are the way to go. Puts things in a modular state. Also have some totes left intact where you can split green wood and drop into tote loose for seasoning. When seasoned then neat stack in tote with front removed which would be first touch.
That idea will work. It's all in the details. From the way you stage them to where you aren't picking them up more than once. I'd face everything away from the side steer allowing you to pick it up and already be faced to dump in the tailer. Also I'd put a safety chain on the tote to the fork frame to keep them on the forkt
Brad I think going with less touches is a great ideal . I see 2 things that I would think about . 1- I would want to eliminate the stacking into the crates I understand you’re not getting as much in the tote but I would make up for that when I load it to sell . 2- I would either not cut the totes or use the log lift bags because cut totes the wood falls out of when filling off the conveyor . I had to switch to the bags due to cheap totes becoming about impossible to get . Now I do not have my wife & kids willing to stack so I split straight into totes/ bags & the only prob I have is scrap in with the wood , but I’m about to add grizz bars which you already have. Good luck I’m sure you will get a plan that works for you .
I think totes would be a good idea. One thing to think about is you will be relying on the skidsteer a lot more and there will be times that is may be down.
Seasonal depression is a real thing. A neighbour deals with it. So did my mom when she was alive.
As for totes vs wood crates, we opt for wood crates (we make our own) because totes here are asking $150-200. We also have a vertical splitter (no conveyor). We touch the wood total four times if you include picking up the crates and dumping it in the truck. I block with a chainsaw right at the log pile (first touch) and my wife splits/stacks (second touch). I move the crate with the skidsteer to the drying field (third touch) where it stays until its ready for loading into the truck (4th touch). Crates survive about 4 years, usually 4-6 times being filled and dumped. When they are no longer useful they get broken down and processed into kindling. Nothing wasted. If the crates of firewood go in the kiln there is an extra two touches but we also charge extra for that product.
If I sell 50 cord a year and have as much money in my pocket at the year end as another producer processing 100 cord, I'll take that path every time. Quality over quantity.
As for your skidsteer on grass, I will tell you that even when you run straight paths you will produce ruts in the ground pretty darn quick. Even our skidsteer, which is a CTL, does not escape that.
Thanks for the insight and sounds like your operation is dialed in
I think it’s a solid plan. Way more efficient. I just picked up my first skid steer and it’s a tire unit. You might consider some Over The Tires tracks. A set of rubber tracks will give you more float and tear up the yard much less. At least that’s what I’ve been reading and it sounds like an interesting improvement to me. A little spendy but I hope to get a set sometime in the future.
Make some calls and check around. I found a place for free totes this spring. Was able to get around 80 this year. I'm up to just over 100 now.
A green face cord of wood will be a lot heavier. You need to make sure the skid loader will lift when the wood is unseasoned.
Yes I do need to check that. Fortunately I only need to lift it a few inches off the ground to move it and not so high to dump in trailer
@@FirewoodattheFurnacefind a spot with a slight incline for your skid loader and stack them 2 high
Yes... seasonal depression. Not quote depression but it's real. less day light. Can't get anything done outside after work etc. Days are just so much shorter. It does weigh on me and my mind. I too use IBC totes but I only cut for myself and have 30 totes. Want more but 30 is going good for me now
Are the tire filled? May help with counter balance if not.
Your yard is pretty much open. Think you could make your split piles like Cris In the Woodyard. If that may work in the time while gathering your crates.
Yes, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a real thing. I suffer from it. Back when I was working rotating shift work it was really bad. I used Light Therapy and it did help. Now I go to south Florida for the winter months and I have not experienced SAD.
That’s great. Never heard of the light therapy
Mike Morgan did a video with doing the same thing, worked well,
I use totes with my axis. I don’t have the elevator. I have about 50. They will freeze to the ground so I put them on pallets if they are ones I want to move in winter. Stones might work also.
I’ve done the 1/3rd cord stacking test as well. About one rung or 10” above on the 275 gal totes. The 330 are pretty much stacked level. I have been messing with totes and should have a new video out soon regarding some improvements to my set up as well. I think splitting into and stacking out of the dump trailers may save the backs a bit. I think we’ll be making the fellowship but was just informed today I’ll miss some key training at work but I’m trying to get them to push it back.
I've been thinking about that for a while now as well. Look forward to watching the progress. Take care.
Totes are an investment for sure, now that the price raised in the last couple of years. A pallet fork rotator attachment is a prerequisite! I still think it's worth it tho. Cutting the totes isn't what I would do personally.
The rotating forks are for sure really nice. But boy are they pricey.
Jarrettsville, Maryland here! excited to see how you move to icb totes. im aiming to go into firewood fulltime , currently do lawncare and landscape maintenance but once i realized we sold 50 cords during the summer and had nothing to sell this winter i want togo fulltime with it
Hey neighbor! You can never have enough.
I would sell the conveyor and just use the tray at the end of the splitter and stack them in the tote right at the end of the splitter, move when full and repeat. Too much overhead with conveyor when it’s not necessary. Keep it simple. Totes are a great idea. Less touching the wood. Just my 2 cents. Love the content 👍
Totes here are $80-$100 each and they don’t fit 1/3rd cord. The log lift bags from shaver are the way to go. Take up almost no storage space, are easier to dump and fit a full 1/3rd cord
How do you dump the bags?
@@NeighborlyHomestead same way at the tote basically except the bag is soft to it tips all the way out into the trailer without messing around and you never have to stack wood again saving hours of time. AJ shaver has a good video of how he dumps them. Short piece of chain on the pallet forks and it hooks the bag and the pallet at the same time. The ibc totes are still a ton of handling the wood having to stack them and massive storage space when not full of wood. The bags you can fit a couple hundred in an ibc tote
Seasonal depression is definitely real. I would love to go full tote but my tractor can't lift them full and they're to expensive to use with half loads. Perhaps turn the trailer 90° still split green into it amd and use your ahort block to keep it tipped up and stack out of it. Keeping the wood off the ground is still really important for the overall. Or perhaps just double stack pallets under the cone. Ok ill be quiet now. Love the content!!!
Good morning, thanks for the video!
There are plenty of different ways to store firewood with no correct way to do it. I personally still stack on pallets and use the IBC totes for all my off cuts and odd sized chunks for my own burning. I wonder if you kept the 1st vertical post on each end that you cut off so you have the corner support if you won't wreck as many totes when unloading? Depending on how big your wanting to go with your operation you can always use both methods of stacking your wood. Tyler - In the Woodyard
The corners kind of wrap around the front slightly so I was concerned that when dumping it would bend it up
@@FirewoodattheFurnaceI can see that also being an issue. Will have to try both ways and see which way is the best for dumping.
So you wouldnt have to spend time cutting the totes if you get any spare time look into the youtube channel oak farm firewood or oakwood farm firewood something like that hes a fella from the UK. Hes got a larger operation but an investment into rotating forks may be worth a thought. I dont know your business budget but it would be a significant time saver for a loose stacked tote vs neat, saves you and your family from wear and tear on your bodies and it also would reduce wear on your machine from shaking the totes empty. Regardless of the path you choose, great work and thanks for the constant inspiration to try and find a way to get into this. Learning alot cheers from FL!
Rotating forks would be awesome but they are pricey and add a significant amount of weight to the front end. I think I would have trouble with lift capacity that way.
I leave for work in the dark, I get home when its dark. That makes it hard for me, all i want to do is sleep when i get home. I definitely drink alot more coffee this time a year.
I think it's gonna be alot more work dealing with totes, but it's worth a shot. You know how to make the best of anything and always make things better than they were before. 💪💪
I guess we will see lol
Totes are the way to go if you can get them at a reasonable price. I’ve tried the 1/3 of a cord firewood bags and they just don’t last long when you start to dump them.
I like the new idea on how to cut the tote I will have to try that on a few of mine and add to that by build a stand to set the tote on so it isn't as difficult to stack under the top bar
Seasonal depression is real for some people. In my part of Alaska we get about 5 1/2 hours of daylight in December and 19 1/2 in late June and some people really feel it.
I bet. Not sure I could adjust to that.
Allen family firewood has a cheaper reusable solution with a few brackets on the pallet. Easy to dump but still same labor to stack
If you park your trailer perpendicular to the conveyor, and raise the front of the trailer about 1/4 of the way up. The firewood will gravity to the tailgate. From there you can place a few ibc totes a few feet away and sort and stack the firewood by species and eliminate slash and bark as you go. I don't know if your trailer has the ability to place a board across the bottom of the tailgate to create a stop for the firewood from sliding completely out. I hope I'm explaining the idea clearly.
I feel the same way
Investing in totes is a large commitment have you considered using the firewood bags you can load directly off of the conveyor not touching the the wood at all just a thought I had good luck with whatever you choose
I'm not sure how long the bags will hold up. Have seen some problems with the handles.
the same weather has been here in indiana..indianapolis area..cloudy rainy foggy
and yes siri miss the sun when its not around, totally agree how its a mood changer
Hey Brad, awesome video that day, sorry I’m a bit late on the comment, but nevertheless I like hearing the route you’re heading for sure and am edger to see how it works for you in the long run! My thoughts and suggestions an I’ve also noticed some folks in the comments are mentioning to about continuing to split into the trailer and stack from there.. I’d have to agree on this one, for the ease or containing the scraps and also if you need to move that pile of split wood around.. it’s in the trailer and you can relocate it in the yard as needed. Also the ease of stacking from the trailer to is another benefit 🔥💯👍, just my thoughts though 🙂. I wonder if there is a way too that you could have the totes up off the ground a little (say a foot or two perhaps) only for loading, just to assist in less bending - then relocate an set at ground level after that, maybe something to consider as well. I just wanted to throw that idea out there is all. Anyways Brad, thanks for having us over, always enjoy my visit to your channel an woodyard every week! Take care! Andrew from NB :)
Yes stacking from the trailer is a much better idea
The totes are nice cause you can stack them and they last a long time. Downfall, they cost money, you’re still stacking wood and need equipment to move them. For the small guy, skids are free and still work the same…
Hey Brad, how’s the road side stand going. 👍Those rainy days were rough also brings out the aches and pains too.
Still selling, but slowed down a bit with the colder weather.