If you’re between planting and harvesting, you might be getting a bit tired of looking at your tractor parked in the back of your property, lonely and not getting much use. This is about the time when your creative juices start flowing and you begin to consider unconventional uses for your tractor. Once you start to think outside of the box for a bit, you might find yourself catching up on that honey-do list in no time.
Here are a few different projects that you might consider speeding up with the help of your tractor:
1. Build a Log Deck for Splitting Firewood
With the help of a log deck, you can split your firewood without the log nests rolling away as you cut firewood. The neatly planned platform can help you cut wood faster and more efficiently for the cool weather that’s on its way.
Looking for specifics on how to build a log deck? Get the how-to, here: http://www.motherearthnews.com/homesteading-and-livestock/build-a-log-deck-zbcz1402
2. Use Your Tractor as a Generator
Out of power but finding yourself without enough (if any) generators? You might just want to take a second look at your tractor as a backup. Tractor driven generators are an alternative energy source. In fact, they were studied for use during prolonged power outages associated with ice storms in Ontario.
Check the fact sheet out, here: http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/engineer/facts/00-059.htm
3. Build a Fire Break
Homesteaders have to know how to protect themselves from wildfires and forest fires, which can destroy everything you’ve worked so hard to develop. Building a permanent fire break around and as parts of your property. Otherwise, wind can quickly spread the flames until they’ve destroyed everything. Having protection around your buildings is especially important.
Read more about building an effective firebreak here: http://www.motherearthnews.com/homesteading-and-livestock/firebreak-to-protect-your-homestead-zmaz03jjzgoe
4. Reach High Places…Like Fixing a Roof
Don’t have a ladder handy? You might consider using your tractor to reach high places, such as a leaky roof. When you need to move beams up high but are conquering big jobs without extra man power, your small tractor is your best friend.
Video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmmDR_MNOyU
5. Put up a Fence
Even if you’re not using a self-propelled fence building machine, your personal tractor can help make fence building quicker and more efficient. From hauling your fencing and posts to the appropriate locations to digging holes, your heavy equipment makes it possible to complete the job on your own. Digging and hauling everything manually can take quite a bit of time. You can even use your tractor to lift up heavy poles that would otherwise throw out your back!
Get step by step instructions on how to build a fence for your livestock, here: http://www.wikihow.com/Build-a-Livestock-Fence
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