We got around to finally testing the Farmi 351P logging winch Saturday. With autumn around the corner and the impending house clearing that we have planned this winter it was time to set it up, learn its operation and do a test. The first thing we had to do was read the manual! With the various forces involved with operating this sort of machinery there is really is no second chance for an operator that does not follow recommended procedures for its safe operations. In order to run on our Massey tractor we had to size the PTO shaft length to fit our tractor and this required some measurements and cutting of the shaft according to the manufacturer's instructions. It was a rather finicky task trying to connect the PTO onto the Farmi's splined shaft due to the lack of space around Farmi's PTO guard. However with a bit of patience, disassembly of the PTO guard (and then reassembly once installed!) we managed to get it done properly and working safely with all guards correctly in place.
With 34 acres of forest around us, a small scale logging winch/skidder seemed justified since our plan is to selectively harvest timber in the years to come for fuel wood to heat our home and perhaps to sell on spot basis if the economics are right. We had considered the Wallenstein model of winch but instead decided on the Farmi brand (Finnish company) due the ideal mix of performance (log pulling capacity =7,720 lbs), price, reliability and reputation. It is really a solidly built piece of equipment and I imagine that it will far outlast us!
We spent a week at the Black Sheep Inn located in Chugchilan, Ecuador in early July. It is a great place to visit if you love to hike and enjoy the outdoors. The views from the Andes mountains were spectacular.
Cabin at the Black Sheep Inn - Chugchilan, Ecuador
View from Black Sheep Inn - Ecuador
Sarah on the Cloud Forest excursion - Chugchilan, Ecuador
Horse back riding at Black Sheep Inn - Ecuador
Rest Stop in the Cloud Forest - Chugchilan, Ecuador
Quilatoa Lake, Ecuador
Sauna at the Black Sheep Inn - Chugchilan, Ecuador
