Wow guys, thanks for all the ideas on the hydraulic issue with the curl functionality. Consensus is the chiller valve coming from the right joystick. It definitely points me in the right direction and just wanted to add this comment to thank you guys for trying to help me out with the diagnosis.

We come from larger cities where we don't know our neighbors, and they dont want you anywhere near their property. We move to the appalachian highlands and find that there are honest, genuine people in the world. It is humbling, and makes one rethink how they view the world and those who live in it. There is more good than we think out there!

Your bobcat problem may be a leaking chilling. Valve rather than the actual cylinder internals. There is about an 80 percent chance that that is your problem. Check it out in more detail. God bless you guys. Love your videos thanks for put them out for us.

John, think about the hydraulic issue. You have twin cylinders on the bucket. The chance of both of them leaking like you described are very slim. Because both sides are acting up that would mean it has to be something common to both cylinders, Hence the problem is either the flow valve or the control valve. My money is on the control valve. Your problem is controlling the bucket and that is what the control valve does.. Some food for thought on your winch. I'm putting a 5500 winch on my Jeep and I have a 2" receiver on both the front and back so I made a mount that plugs into the receiver so I can use it either in the front or Back. I've also got a 2500 Badland winch I've had for years and it has served me well. But like you I don't like the way the remote is labeled .

I think it's your valves instead of a problem with the cylinders. The valves are leaking oil to the cylinders

Dogs are really good at mud wrestling. That is a generous neighbor you speak of. Solid Junior Woodchuck advice.

Jon and Meg, I’m late watching but I watch a lot of homesteaders and sawmill owners cause I am 82 years old and just bought a new Woodlandmills HM130Max You have cut so many sawlogs I am jealous! In my 4 acre yard I have over 500 oak and elm trees Love you guys

Being an old hippie, I always refer to 'Mr. Natural'. He said always have the right tool for the project.

On the hydraulics, I would have thought that you should check the valve first rather than the cylinder. The cylinder can only operate if the oil is coming in, if the oil was bypassing the cylider seals you would have an accumulated effect. Keep the great content coming........👍🇬🇧👍

Please excuse me if I have not read all the comments. Bit of advice with using your winch. ALWAYS have the engine running with enough revs to put charge into the battery while using the winch, it should be easy to hear the efficiency of the winch get better. LISTEN to the winch, if it starts to struggle where it wasnt previously, stop and look for the reason. ALWAYS leave the engine running after winching, it will take power from the battery, better to use some fuel and make sure the engine is running than have to find a jump pack. The winch is most efficient when the cable is extended, it is simple leverage thing if you think about it, the smaller diameter of the drum and cable is much more efficient than the fat drum and cable. Always remember you can use your snatch blocks if needed? It is a shame there is not an easy way to mount the winch so that you can dig the front bucket in too as an anchor? Also consider anchoring the tractor to a Tree if you expect it to move. Hope this advice helps you. As always though, fantastic video.

So I have to ask if the problem with drift wouldn't be the control valve not returning to center ? If the bucket can hold a load while the machine is shut off that might help diagnose if the cylinders are leaking past the seals . Good luck !

John you and Meg did a great job on the mill

Jon and Meg, Don't forget you can use your new found knowledge of snatch blocks in conjunction with the new tractor winch. Just a gentle reminder.....Regards Robin.

John, learn to cut your wedge from the bottom and use your saw to trace from the corners of the wedge to the backup line and you felling will be safer and your logs will already be square butted for milling or firewood rounds. Old logger trick.

John, your my hero with all the equipment you have. We have 42 acres we are starting to develop and will be buying some heavy equipment at some point, so all your advice is very much appreciated. Thanks!

I see you already got tips on the hydraulic issue. If I can make 2 suggestions... 1. Fill in any low spots earlier that later so that each time you travel your driveway it gets packed in that much more and when your done with construction and are ready to "finish it out" settling wont be such an issue. 2. Whatever bucket you plan on using most on the tractor, put the winch roller guidy thingy on the top. That way it has plenty of room and the bucket will not only stabilize the tractor but you audience doesn't have ta cringe every time you walk under it. Probably have to get an over sized one but you get the picture. 😎

You should save some of the straighter logs to build a shelter over your sawmill so you will be able to mill lumber out of the rain and snow during the winter 👍🏽 👍 💪🏼

Your problem could be in the valve assembly not in the cylinder. I have worked on lots of equipment over the years

You guys are making so much progress, it really looks good. It's so nice to have neighbors being okay with removing your trees and not causing you any grief. I have a neighbor very much like that. Their priceless.

Great job clearing. Meg is right, It is a crotch in the tree. You could call it a fork but I like saving the word fork for roads, fork in the road, crotch in a tree. Meg is right about the "saddle the horse" saying too. The saying uses "saddle" as a verb and since both the saddle and the U-bolt saddle the cable it is impossible to install without saddling each side. The saying should be "Never place a saddle (noun) on a dead horse. I'd rethink the leaky pistons, seems to me a linkage or spool valve problem. If the pistons had a leak the cylinder would retract at a much faster speed than it extends but it looked like the speed was the same up or down. I can't wait to see ya'll get started on the house this is great. Thank you for sharing.

Lumberman told us if he took out the bad trees and thinned the medium ones the smaller would prosper. He did. Ten years later he did same area again, and got more lumber with no clearings. Forests do need thinning of dead and weak and some of the good ones to make light come through the canopy. LOVE the homesite. Plan on some days at home when you get that occasional BIG snow. You two rock!

Y’all are my new hero’s!!!!!

I’m glad to see you guys are enjoying yourself while working. That’s what this is all about

You two are so amazing ! Just really love watching you guy's build your dreams. 👌💚👍🍷

Greetings from the BIG SKY I'd make it a deer salad bar with 270 dressing. Your attitude towards the trees is admirable. Having good gear in the woods makes your experience fun.

Thank you for your videos. You gonna need a large woodshed and utility building with that boiler up near home.

I see what you mean now about the controls. If the seals dont fix it, maybe the valves under the joystick for curl function.

Good accomplishments here. Homesite promises better safety, hopefully. I like what the winch does.

John glad you corrected yourself on the never saddle a dead horse thing. Also the winch thing is backwards as well. The closer to the drum the higher the pulling force. A winch rated at 2500 lbs is on the bottom layer of the drum. Pulling speed is slowest there as well. The more layers on the drum the faster speed but lower pulling force. Also you need a good battery connection.

When John spun away from the first tree as it fell, it definitely gave me, "walking away from an explosion" vibes 😅.

Meg's break is a good chance to learn.

Please keep up the good work and continue to share that joy you have for the work you're doing with your family I'm a new content creator and Admire the quality of the videos you put up

You have 32 acres of pristine eastern woodland forest!!! Praise God!!

Jon and Meg, Listening to the story of your more than generous neighbours, just remember that some of those trees will act as a wind filter to protect your house from the worst of the strong winter gales. The window view idea, is something for the future, once you have the final window positions within your house. Just a couple of thoughts for consideration once your building is progressing. Of course, no harm in selecting possible window view sites through the trees, during the winter where you have a clear view. Regards Robin.

Yahoo another great video

The curl function is probably the control valve, rather than a leak in the curl cylinder. From past experience on simulator control systems it might be a little bit of contamination or something causing the spool valve not to return to centre on the curl function. I would give that a go before doing a refurbish on the two curl cylinders, as with most issues it's a common factor that is usually the issue. Great work on the videos, loving all the content! Stay safe and well.

I live in an area that has a lot of big machinery that does big stuff. Learning about a hydraulic leak diagnosis is good stuff to know.

Knowing the scientific method makes learning fun for me.

You should enter John in the Skid-Steer Timber Olympics! lol

I have seen a problem similar on a machine tool. however the problem was in the control valve leaking from up and down. with two cylinders that are controlled by one valve I would lean toward to the control valve. Good luck you and Meg are both learning alot.

Also John, I did my own research on buying a skid steer and I agree with other commenters that it might be a control valve.

You know you will need extra non structural lumber for form boards for the footings and other things ,I just see you cutting straight good size trees up for firewood thinking that there might be better uses ?

I think your skid steer issue is a control valve. I could see a cylinder leaking off and going down, but not up.

Well done oyo I've had to drop trees with 2' O feet of give on either side I've used straps and statch blocks to help me I agree that it might be the chiller valve I had a lot of summers driving a Bobcat worked on those engines a lot they can be finicky

Greetings from the BIG SKY. Just checkin on the status of things.

From another person with little appreciation for high places to another.. Pick up a couple of carabiners in different sizes and keep them handy. I used one for a long time to hook my keys to my belt loop. They are very handy in situations where you really don't want to turn loose with both hands at the same time, like temporarily holding two loops of strap together while manipulating a clevis. Way long time ago they could be had for a buck or two (not the climbing gear type) these days who knows? I've also seen a winch attached to a plate welded to a trailer hitch socket arrangement.

I got to plant a forest on St. Mary's mountain (south of Missoula, Mt.) that actually grew for 35 years before a lightening strike burned it down in the 21st century.

You need to have the engine running on the Tractor when using the winch. Check the owner's manual for the winch.

Hey Guys love your videos. I would like to see a remote mic on John when he's talking cause I can not here what he trying to tell us. Love to see you working together on this journey . There is hope

You could also use your snatch blocks with the winch

On your winch the shorter the cable on the drum make it stronger the more cable on the drum the wicker it is

Hey, I believe you can get flow limiting fittings and install those on the curl cylinders. That would reduce flow and make them slower, less twitchy. As your hydraulic specialist.

Yes we use cedar for outdoor applications because it is almost water rot resistant

You need to get a Stihl chainsaw, I think they even have an electric saw but I suggest a gas power. Could also get those metal crimp on ends for cable/wire rope to keep the string you have now from pulling out. Just throwing ideas out there, you're doing great and I think you need a view even a small one in summer.

Hey Jon, what do you thing about welding the winch fairlead to the back of the loader bucket and feeding the wire through when you use it? It will elevate the front of the logs a little when you skid them. Just be careful not to tip your machine over. Just a thought.

You can take the line you use to pull with, go to the end of it where you have it forming a eye in the end with clamps, take it and wrap it around itself by first separating that line into two seperate lines. Those two lines or ends will have three strands on one an four on the other. Double it back on itself, like tying a knot. Wrap those two stands so the form back into the same line only its ending in a eye. Like for example, make like you were going to tie a knot... one way the lines cross and will not lay side by side like it is when its just a line, the other will wrap around itself like it was before unwinding those ends.... damn this is harder to explain than first thought. Try again morgan.... you have unwound the line till you have two heavy strands about two foot long... now bend the lines back towards the line in hand... those two heavy strands.. one will have three wraps an the other four as there seven in total if you count individually. By rolling the line back into itself with the ends pointing backwards toward you, it forms a eye and when its wrapped back together is a eye. If you did it right, no extra cable is hanging on the outside of the eye as it will just take up where it was before being unwrapped. 4 on one strand, 3 on the other, simply make like your tying a knot so that when you pull on it, it goes back into a single line again and keep wrapping the loose ends into each other. Using all the two ends up it should look like a eye that you clamped to make a eye in its end

Great videos. You guys need portable mics though.

You are better off using a 1/2" fiber cable and just hook it to the tracker and pull. That winch is not going to last. I can hear it struggling that motor is going to burn out or the spool is going to disengage.

I burn the hardwood inside and the pine outside. My sister has an outdoor wood boiler. Hers does coal too as does our indoor wood burner at our camp. It’s nice to put in a little coal and come back 12 hours later and it’s still burning. I live in western PA so coal very abundant and cheap.

John…. As much as your going to be using a chainsaw you Neto go buy either a Sthil or a Husky, I know they are more expensive but trust me they are well worth the money! Also when you are notching a tree your notch should be right at the 40-50% of diameter, when you back cut you should be 2” above your notch line. Hope this helps.

If you cut your boiler wood into rounds instead of logs it will dry ten times faster if you stack it pyramid style so air can move around both ends of the rounds. Just a suggestion.

The CROTCH is a proper woodworking term for the 'Y' of a tree.

Looking great with the clearing for your homesite. Are you able to find offroad diesel in your area ? Will save you lots of money, an I think I get better fuel economy for my RK 19 with it. Enjoy your videos.

You real should buy some Chaps to wear when using the chainsaw. As much as you are going to be using the chainsaw it only takes one kick back to make them worth the purchase price. I have heated my house with wood for the past 30 years and have had three kickbacks. First one I went to the emergency room for and luckily it was only stitches. Then I bought the chaps. The next two I walked away from with tears in my chaps and very thankful that I was wearing them. I learned to limit my use of the chainsaw to two tanks of gas in a day. The accidents alway happen at the end of the day and on small diameter trees. Green trees bend more and catch the chainsaw easier. Remember safety first, you and your family like both of you in one piece.

Half of the wood you have down already is ready to burn it looks like ash to me if so that's ready to burn now God bless and ty for the videos

Great job John or should I just call you Paul Bunion lol

Me thinks that the cylinder/ram on the skid steer only does what the control valve ( joy stick ) tells it to do . If you had an internal leak in the cylinder you would have leaking down or a slow operating cylinder . Just my way of thinking . But I'm sure you will figure it out ... One more thing . Learn how to do an eye splice in your wire rope . Saves on cable clamps and just as strong ...

Looks like it is time for a new Chainsaw!

I am not an expert, but I have rebuilt cylinders and valves on an old backhoe. I would think it was the valve causing the problem. A worn valve could be the source of a leak internally. However rebuilding the cylinders if the machine has a lot of abused hours can only be beneficial. I look forward to seeing you fix it.

I really appreciate it when a curse word slips out & you put little bleep. Some people cuz on these videos like they think its cute? Its disgusting !!!. You all are the best I pray for your safety & blessings. Have fun while your young 😅.

I think it’s a good idea to have multiple sources.I use solar and wood burning and natural gas combos

the only place the cyl can get pressure is after the valve neutral shuts off all fluid check lever for adjustment first

Staying within the technology that has the statistics to back it makes sense to me.

Crotch is the correct woodworking term for the Y of a tree.

Check out the channel Sawing with Sandy. He has a big winch on the back of his tractor. He has a yellow cone the winch cable goes through in front of the log that helps it go over the ground and around obstacles . On the winch cable there is a sliding connector that allows the hook on the end to connect after passing around the log. Makes like a self tightening noose

Jon, I guess you're not having a good day with the chainsaw pull cords today.. Stay in there pitching, Regards Robin.

did you get fruit from your pawpaw trees? I've been looking to get some. Im pretty happy with using the battery saw for all cutting anymore.

It sounds to me like your valve has not been right since day one. To be absolutely sure you can move the lines to put that valve on another function and if the problem transfers you have a 100 percent confirmation it IS the valve.

Think it would benefit you to build a solar kiln to help dry your wood for the house and remember the pith is no good

To get a fat enough knot to hold in both ends of the cord, use a figure eight knot. it is just like a regular knot, but goes around one more time. correctly tied it looks like an 8.

check for leaking in the control valve first before changing the the cylinders

You guys have a great hard-working continent. And I really like that but if you can shorten the videos to 20 minutes it would be awesome. It’s just easier to digest that it.

I wanna get in the bucket!!! Lol

As has been said its not your cylinders that are leaking. Either your spool valve is sticking or your flow control is bleeding through. Your spool valve is the most likely for your drift but your flow control could also be bad which is causing the separate issue of fast operation at higher rpms.

I wonder if you have any American chestnut trees on your property

Isn’t it amazing that you break one of those “never do this or you’ll die” rules and nothing bad happened?

I would think it is more of a control valve issue. Your cylinders are not going to get oil to move them until you use the control valve. If your control valves are good they wont allow oil to get by for the cylinders to move. If the cylinders are bad they should be an oil leak.

Can you show more wild flowers and trees!!!!!!

Jon, its a crotch. Woodworkers marvel at good crotch wood.

My 1988 Ford Bronco II in 4wd would work for that if it was newer.

Sounds more like the Joystick needs some Adjustments to me!

👍

John, why do you push the trees into other trees? Why not push them to the clearing you have made? That is what I do. Then I don't knock branches off or skin the tree. Skinning the tree is for sure going to kill it eventually. Not trying to be negative because I do enjoy your channel. Keep the videos coming.

Have you considered getting personal microphones

If you know how to plant that cable you would not need no clamps to put that cable together all you have to do is take it back apart on plant the end of the cable back about a foot and turn it and Platt a loop-back into it

You're up to a branch, now.

Be very, very careful with that winch. It looks like a 2500 lb rolling capacity. It will only pull 2500 lb. over even ground at rolling speed. If you try to lift anything over about 500 lb it will snap a the drive wheel that drives the cable spool. That winch is basically junk. You need about a 5000 to 10000 lb winch. The rating is not how much it can lift but how much it can pull over even level ground.

I think you have a bad valve not a bad hydraulic cylinder.

Take the crabs back off of your cable the end of the table apart alarm plant the cable about a foot-and-a-half and loop it and plastic cable back together in a loop if you want to you can put C clamps back on it you don't have to coach harder you pull the tighter it will get it is very easy to do the cables probably got five different small cables in it divide the cables plant tables back together like they come apart

If you get a chance there are some great books about natives… Noah’s Garden. And bringing nature home by Doug tallamy