Off Topic: A popular (based on the number of pages it generated) recent thread diverged into several off topic sub-threads. Several complaints about off topic posts were noted.

DirtFarmer Loc: Escaped from the NYC area, back to MA

A popular (based on the number of pages it generated) recent thread diverged into several off topic sub-threads. Several complaints about off topic posts were noted.

Personally, I thought the whole thread was interesting, including the off topic sub-threads. I believe it's good to be in danger of learning something new, even if you don't expect it.

I therefore declare this thread officially off topic. Anything goes.

DirtFarmer Loc: Escaped from the NYC area, back to MA

I should note that the thread I referred to was in the main photography section. I have started this thread in the General Chit-Chat section, where such things are probably more common.

And to start a conversation, I will present an observation.
Any new tool will expand your ability to do things that the tool was never designed for.
I found this out when I first got a backhoe.

olemikey Loc: 6 mile creek, Spacecoast Florida

I had a Bobcat 325 for a couple years, bought as an investment during the market downturn and depression, from a struggling contractor. Had a lot of fun with it (I have a couple acres, so it was fun to dig ponds, move dirt, build an r/c track, etc), did some work on my property, and sold it to my A/C guy for a significant profit (almost double!). He pestered me for several years till I gave in.....now I see it on facebook at monster truck/mud-bog gatherings and such (his hobby is monster trucks - real deal monster trucks). It also works well for setting up car crushing events, and placing large A|C units on building roofs, according to him.

DirtFarmer Loc: Escaped from the NYC area, back to MA

olemikey wrote:

... It also works well for ... placing large A|C units on building roofs, according to him...

Single story buildings I assume.

olemikey Loc: 6 mile creek, Spacecoast Florida

DirtFarmer wrote:

Single story buildings I assume.

From what I understand yes, but he does have many more attachments than I had, and he can back up his low-boy trailer that has a raised platform on it for some extra height. Never seen him do it, but I believe him (good guy, good friend, good businessman). I miss the 325, it was a lot of fun!!!

DirtFarmer Loc: Escaped from the NYC area, back to MA

I have seen videos of trackhoes loading/unloading themselves onto dump trucks. That could give you an extra 6' or so. I moved and don't have the backhoe any more. I have a yard with a lot of rocks in it so I will have to consider another. (Just because the rocks are there).

bgrn Loc: Pleasant Grove UT

Cold morning, nice cup of hot cocoa, looking at the new snow on top of the mountains. Week was starting off great until I remembered after 6 days off I had to go back to work. 😀

olemikey Loc: 6 mile creek, Spacecoast Florida

DirtFarmer wrote:

I have seen videos of trackhoes loading/unloading themselves onto dump trucks. That could give you an extra 6' or so. I moved and don't have the backhoe any more. I have a yard with a lot of rocks in it so I will have to consider another. (Just because the rocks are there).

Yes, I've seen some crazy stuff pulled off with them. When I was digging one of my ponds, I did the classic newbie mistake of digging my self in to a hole I couldn't get back out of (wet tracks, low/no traction). Called my son (lots of heavy equipment exp.) and he laughed at me, said "Dad, it can lift its self off the ground if the bucket is worked right" gave me a quick explanation, and I had it out is a couple minutes....was even more impressed after that!! Felt like superman every time I sat in the "chair"! I could use it right now, but if I ever really need it, Jay (A/C buddy) told me to call and he would drop it off.

olemikey Loc: 6 mile creek, Spacecoast Florida

bgrn wrote:

Cold morning, nice cup of hot cocoa, looking at the new snow on top of the mountains. Week was starting off great until I remembered after 6 days off I had to go back to work. 😀

Hot cocoa sound great... work, gave that up a few years back

DirtFarmer Loc: Escaped from the NYC area, back to MA

I'm not much into hot beverages. I prefer them cold, even in cold weather.

I am led to believe that New England leads the nation on wintertime consumption of ice cream.

olemikey Loc: 6 mile creek, Spacecoast Florida

DirtFarmer wrote:

I'm not much into hot beverages. I prefer them cold, even in cold weather.

I am led to believe that New England leads the nation on wintertime consumption of ice cream.

I likes me a cold one now and again, I just can't have a lot of them! Likes me some ice cream too!

bgrn Loc: Pleasant Grove UT

olemikey wrote:

Hot cocoa sound great... work, gave that up a few years back

Give me 10 more years and I will be there. Have most of my camera gear for a one hobby, now I’m saving for the fishing boat and I’ll be all set 👍

bgrn Loc: Pleasant Grove UT

olemikey wrote:

I likes me a cold one now and again, I just can't have a lot of them! Likes me some ice cream too!

Now let’s see....hot cocoa when I wake up, nice cold Dr Pepper on my way to work (along with the donut or maple bar), and a big bowl of ice cream when I get home...that should cover them all. 😋

traderjohn Loc: New York City

DirtFarmer wrote:

A popular (based on the number of pages it generated) recent thread diverged into several off topic sub-threads. Several complaints about off topic posts were noted.

Personally, I thought the whole thread was interesting, including the off topic sub-threads. I believe it's good to be in danger of learning something new, even if you don't expect it.

I therefore declare this thread officially off topic. Anything goes.

You mean some busybody isn't going to tell you, you are in the wrong section and lecture you as to where you belong?

SonyBug

olemikey wrote:

I had a Bobcat 325 for a couple years, bought as a... (show quote)

I am really jealous... Most I ever had was a front end loader on my tractor on my farm. But it was not very good for digging. And now I am way to old to want to do any actual work, and I live in a gated community where they would really get bent out of shape to see me riding around the neighborhood in a track-hoe.