Monday, November 4, 2013

Fencing is Finally Finished





Try saying the "Fencing is Finally Finished" five times really fast. Actually I didn't put in the other half of the gate poles because the wood chips have been spread but haven't settled yet and I am not sure exactly what type of permanent fence I am going to be putting there. The semi-temporary electric fence is installed though as you can see. I have the end of the gate resting on a concrete block for the time being.

I mounted the little solar charger on a piece of plywood between two t-posts and then put a lip around it because I didn't like how loose fitting the battery access panel was in the back of the unit. I was afraid water would get back there and short it out somehow. This was problematic because I couldn't cover the little solar panel so I had to go with the lip and I filled the seam with silicon caulk. Since the open wires were so close to the metal gate I also wrapped the ends in black tape so no accidental electrocutions would occur or grounding out if the gate chain fell down on the wire somehow. You would be amazed at how my Mother manages to not pay attention to stuff like that.

I did ask my Mother if she wanted to check the fence with her hand... HAHAHA I told her it was mild compared to a cattle prod.

She actually has a little tester she brought with her so I was foiled again. The unit was showing 7.2 volts (I assume) even at the furthest end. We will see how well this unit holds up before I recommend it though. It was pretty reasonably priced but has a small 6 volt battery in it so the verdict isn't in as to how long it will hold a charge. As you can see the sun was shining bright when I had it running but I am getting familiar enough with solar to know the real weakness is usually in the batteries when you go three or four days without sun or as the sun degrades the little cheap panels. I have seen many a solar powered quizzmo work well when the sun was shining but not work long when it isn't.

I managed to bend the damned grounding rod as I was putting it in the ground  too which won't hurt anything but it doesn't look all nice and neat like I had planned now.




As you can see the nags were out enjoying the grass in no time flat. I am not sure why they left those hay bales out there. Just haven't put them all up yet I guess. I doubt the horses will pay much attention to them as long as the grass stays green.




I finished up the gate support yesterday. I managed to find left over materials for everything except the middle support board. The wife wasn't impressed and her first comment was that the boards didn't match so she hoped I would hurry up and paint it. I doubt I get around to painting it before Spring honestly but we will see.... The Wife has spoken so the poles and boards must be painted.

As I was admiring my handiwork and trying to figure out how to get one of the nags to stick their nose on the electric fence my Dad drove up with this on his trailer....




Yep he brought me a used brush hog. It is in damned good shape too and recommended for lower horsepower tractors. The Ford can't lift the thing off the ground of course but the wheel in the back is set for smaller tractors to use that way.

I was looking it up online and was delighted to find out the manufacturer is still in business and has a complete parts list and documentation if I ever need it. Not only that but as I was browsing their other products I discovered that my post hole auger is one of theirs as well. Or I am about 99% sure it is theirs. I couldn't find a name on the thing anywhere but the color, unique 3 point set up and gear box were exactly right.

Next order of business in the small tractor implement acquisition department is a square baler. Well actually the next order is bringing up the big Massy and getting that mower off that trailer then getting the mower put up out of the weather but at least now I can browse the ads for an old square baler.

Any excuse to look at old used farm equipment is a plus to me.

Keep Prepping Everyone!!!


11 comments:

  1. PP if you didn't get my email you can email me. Mine is on my home page. Glad the fence is done. How is your mom after her zap??

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    1. Rob - I emailed you back and am awaiting your decision on a few things.

      Heh Mom is still a bit pissy about the whole cattle prod thing.

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  2. When I had horses up here they routinely went right through the electric fence and down the jeep trail. I got a lot exercise chasing them.

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    1. Harry - Are you sure they went through it and not some deer or something? I have seen the horses go through it when one was being bullied by another but generally speaking as long as they have green grass to munch and they don't see a better looking patch of greener tastier grass the horses are usually content.

      We will see how this arrangement works though. They may crash through it yet.

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  3. 7 volts is not a lot of juice normally. But most animals are far less resistant to electric shock than humans.

    There are a number of liquid and spray on electrical insulating products. I have used the liquid (as a coating over rubber electric tape) to fix sliced garden hoses and the repairs have held out for a decade.

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    1. Russ - I don't know much about electric fence. Mom seemed happy with the load it was getting she seemed to think anything over 4 was good. I think the horses could hear it though or something because they were in there before I turned it on and once I did they became very aware of the fence and looked at it long and hard.

      I don't know if I needed to cover the wires it just seemed prudent. However I must search for a liquid based insulator now that you mention it is out there. Whats the name of the stuff?

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  4. You actually hooked up that solar charger, I suspected you would just run 110 out there. I see square balers on craigslist but everytime I talk to someone who bales, they are trying to fix their baler. I just store my hay loose and bring the horse to the hay but a baler would be wonderful!

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    1. SF - I have not met anyone with a baler that wasn't constantly working on it either. So many working parts I guess. However a baler is essential to my long term income plans. Eventually I hope to actually sell the hay off this place or at least a good chunk of it once these horses are gone.

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  5. PP,

    Fence and gate looks good. Are you sure the electrical current is strong enough?

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    1. Sandy - I am not sure of anything I have little experience with electric fence beyond helping to run the wire. Both my Mom and Step Dad seemed happy with the load when they checked it though.

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