Just found your channel today and have been watching all day! I’m not a farmer or anything but the love for farming, horses and mules is in my blood. My dad, who passed away at the age of 102 grew up on a farm and loved telling us all about working with the mules and horses. I know if he were still here he could drive those mules right alongside Mr. Sommers. Mr. Sommers reminds me so much of my dad - soft spoken, kind smile, love for his mules and hardworking. Thank you so much for your hard work and sharing your life with us. Watching you and the gang warms my heart!
Now that’s just awesome! I am so glad ya enjoy it. I try to create a nice laid back environment for people to come and hangout to just unwind and enjoy themselves. Even if they don’t own or care about mules and horses etc. Thank you for taking time to watch and comment. Take care and do come again, please
You are blessed with a very patient and good camera operator. He/she covers the operations very well. Steady and quiet, both a virtue for that task. Thanks for the video.
Yes! It is actually my oldest daughter Savannah. She is a true jewel for sure. Thank you for such kind words! Also, thank you for taking time to watch and comment on our video. I surely appreciate it. Take care and do come again, please!
You’re most welcome! I’m glad you’re enjoying our channel. Thank you for taking time to watch and comment. I surely appreciate it. Take care and do come again! Please
Zach just love what u are doing. Keep the heritage alive and most people don't know the operational advantages with mules. It's great seeing u do this my family is still doing this on oklahoma!
Yessir, it’s hard work no matter how you split it. Thank you for the kind words and taking time to watch my friend. I appreciate it. Take care and do come again, please
Your a strong guy, rolling those logs. I can see you are work8ng smart but sometimes it takes some strength. I would park the wagon closer to the log pile when loading. I enjoy wotkinh with wood.
Fairly stout I’d say. Doing this type of work isn’t for the weak no doubt: and if you do it long enough you’ll get stout if you’re not. We got as close as feasible to the logs. Thanks for the kind words and for watching! Take care and do come again!
It’s getting bad here too my friend. I am thankful to get done what we have tho. I’m worried about where we’re headed on the next job tho. It has a bad place in the road going in. Time will tell I guess. I am glad to see some warmer weather myself. Thanks for watching my friend and take care
Thank you sir, and I am glad you enjoy it! I try to make my channel peaceful and a place where folks can come by and hangout…and simply enjoy themselves. Even if they’re not necessarily interested, maybe they can simply enjoy watching! Thanks for stopping by and please come again!
Did I hear you right, it's the first time for the mules with the skidloader loading? By golly, they stand fabulously! These are some pretty good loads.
Yessir it was their first time with the skid loader. But we’ve loaded and hauled manure in the spreader loading with the tractor. And also, they’ve been around the log truck running and such. So they’re use to things…just not the skid steer itself just yet. But they will with time. And thank you sir for the kind words and also for always watching. I really do appreciate it..take care of yourself
Very interesting, your second load had to weigh three times more than your team but yet they handled it just fine. Thank you for another interesting video keep them coming.
They’re coming out with 450 ish feet which would weight 6300 lbs plus the weight of the wagon. So close to 4 tons…and walking right out with it no prob. They could do more in good ground. But we didn’t wanna tear the ground up so we didn’t. Thanks for watching and commenting my friend! Take care and do come again.
Zach thanks for sharing the video. I always enjoy them. Hey I think they are doing good for something new. You definitely don't tear the ground up like the machinery does. I know you are liking the skid steer and it is going to be so very handy to you. God Bless you and your family.
Thank you sir, and you’re most welcome. I think they did pretty good also. They’re a nice pair of mules no doubt and have lots of sense about them. They’re eager to please also. And yessir it’s a whole lot easier on the ground for sure. I do like the skid steer for sure. It’s helping a bunch in a lot of different ways. Thanks and take care buddy! Thanks for watching and do come again!!
Thank you sir, yessir I do try to keep a sharp chain as much as I can. Thanks for the kind words and for always watching and commenting. It sure helps get our videos out there! So thanks…👏🏻
Yessir he really is a big help! They can handle around 500’ give or take a little depending on conditions and hills. Which equates to right 4 tons loaded. It’s a great asset to have around for sure! Thank you sir for watching and taking time to comment. I surely appreciate it. Stop by ANYTIME
Thank you sir! They’re a nice team that’s saw plenty of work. They know what it is to take a good break no doubt. Thanks again and thanks for watching! Take care and do come again.
Probably so. I am about as safe as you’ll find in the logging business. I’ve been at it a long time and seen a lot of crap. I don’t take many chances and when I do, I think about quite a bit. Could’ve been the camera angle that looked like I went under it. But I wouldn’t have intentionally. Not loaded anyway. Hey, thanks for watching and commenting. I appreciate it and do come again. Take care
Zack another great video friend your videos getting better and better every week you doing a great job where you explain yourself in the videos just you doing a great job buddy keep it up get in mules extra scoop of green for me can't wait to bring you next one out buddy thank you for the video Zack be safe out there in woods be careful proud to say you're my friend Billy
Thanks Billy! You’re a good friend buddy. I always look forward to hearing from you. I am glad you enjoy our videos and thank you for watching! I hope ya get to feeling better soon brother. Thx and take care!
Where is Zach right after I watch this video and check me into the hospital stayed in there for I don't know where 8 9 days can't really remember be honest with you cuz I don't remember much of that day at all my fever got up pretty high just want to let you know that I am feeling better trying to get caught up on my videos so I can be there for you guys cuz I really enjoy them just as much as I like making them I really enjoyed watching y'all videos and and you can tell every video is getting better and better so thank you buddy Go back I won't keep anybody I know you're busy man God bless be safe please be careful your friend Billy
@@billywarpool3625 I’m sorry to hear that buddy! I hope you get to feeling better… And maybe you can stay away from the hospital. I surely appreciate you supporting us, and always watching our videos. Thank you again, and stop by anytime!
@@kennethhall5070that means a lot! I have really enjoyed getting to know so many new people on RUclips and connect. Getting to hear from others is really neat. Thank you
Thank you kindly! I appreciate it and thanks for watching also…I do take pride in my animals for sure. I like to think they take pride in me also. It’s a good trade for us all. Take care and do come again!
Probably! We just had the forks on for loading the truck because you can load multiple logs at a time and load the skid steer properly. And didn’t want to do a lot of swapping and such. Of course, I would’ve done it a tad different than my boy did, but I do like for him to figure things out on his own sometimes as long as he’s careful. And he is! I enjoy working with him so much. Anyway, thanks for watching and the suggestion. Take care and do come again.
Question for you: Wouldn't it help some if you moved the back axle of your log wagon back a little? It looked like there was an awful lot of log hanging off the back. I don't know, but it was just an observation I made.
Well, yes and no. The majority of our logs we cut are either 9’ or 10’ tie logs….and you want the bunks in close for loading them cross hauling. We do haul some 12’s all along and they’ll hang off. But it’s not too big of a deal. You wouldn’t wanna go to the extreme tho of loading all 12 footers on it. Because it would put to much weight on the back axle. So, if I were hauling more 12’s then I’d extend it out. Also, it’s a lot harder getting around in the woods with a longer stretched wagon also. But the main thing, is being able to haul and cross haul tie logs. Which again, is mostly what we have the most of. A lot of our grade logs will only make 10’ also. So, the majority of the time…the wagon is about perfect for what we do. Thanks for the question and for watching my friend! Take care and do come again please…
Yes he is and thank you! Fact..if it weren’t him, I wouldn’t have. We have to get out of the loader with booms raised at times for different things. If you operate in this business you’re gonna do things such as this. Among other things. However, I do my best to stay as safe as possible. Logging in itself is inherently dangerous. Every aspect of it. Cutting, bucking, skidding, loading, and hauling! Every single aspect. Sir, if you followed me around all day, I am sure there is probably a 100 things you could notice I am doing wrong on the daily. And I’m sure if I followed you around and had the mind too…I could you too. Thanks for watching and commenting! Take care
Would be nice if we had a market, unfortunately we have absolutely no market here anymore for it. If we did, it would still be hard just because he and I both stay hopping to keep up with the logging. However we would separate pulp/firewood and haul it by the truck load for people that wanted it. Limbs would still get culled tho. No matter what you do, there is always some trash when logging no doubt. Just wish we could cut down on it.
Well, it all depends. It doesn’t matter whether you are logging with a cart, a wagon, or just skidding on the ground… Sometimes you will need to rest them no matter what you are hooked to. If I had to go a long ways with this wagon, and especially uphill, then I would give them breaks here and there. Just the same as I would as if I was ground skidding. You have to figure out which method is best for the terrain and timber you’re wanting to get out, then apply it. It’s not a one fits all type of deal. Sometimes the cart is the most productive. Sometimes ground skidding is more productive because it’s easier to get around, but you wanna keep your skids short. Sometimes a combo of ground skidding to the wagon and then coming out with a big load is most productive on the long drags. So, it just all depends really. Not one way is best all the time!
Okay, I knew they had to be tested but your response I'm reading depends on the situation and the know how of the teamster, this is very interesting to me due I only used mechanized equipment to log. Thank you
No, it doesn’t. The mules can hold back an awful lot especially with this box britchen harness. But if it gets too steep, we have friction locks we put on the back wheels to lock a wheel up and let it drag. Thanks for watching and commenting. Take care! And do come again
They’ll last years as long as you take care of them and don’t overload them and bend links etc etc. And yessir, we do try to take care of stuff. It’s too expensive not too these days. And thanks for the question. Thanks for watching and commenting!! Take care
The off mules single tree got hung under the hitch pin on the tongue sometime after the first load out. I caught it after we were done. It wasn’t a big deal. Their draft line is fine. Watch the line at different points in the video.
They will tear the surface material up worse than wheels but they won’t make ruts and eat out the ground like a wheeled machine. Plus this track machine will go places a wheel machine only dreams about. And the tracks are a whole lot more stable. Thanks for the question my friend and also for watching! Take care and do come again
I'm from mid tn also and I moved my horses that are not in the barn last night to a lot where the mud want be as bad Got to take care of the ground And a new subscriber to your channel
@@kdb991shew yeah! It’s gonna be tough for a little while. Thanks for checking in neighbor. And thanks for subscribing!! Yall stay safe and holler if ya need anything…
Just found your channel today and have been watching all day! I’m not a farmer or anything but the love for farming, horses and mules is in my blood. My dad, who passed away at the age of 102 grew up on a farm and loved telling us all about working with the mules and horses. I know if he were still here he could drive those mules right alongside Mr. Sommers. Mr. Sommers reminds me so much of my dad - soft spoken, kind smile, love for his mules and hardworking. Thank you so much for your hard work and sharing your life with us. Watching you and the gang warms my heart!
Now that’s just awesome! I am so glad ya enjoy it. I try to create a nice laid back environment for people to come and hangout to just unwind and enjoy themselves. Even if they don’t own or care about mules and horses etc. Thank you for taking time to watch and comment. Take care and do come again, please
You are blessed with a very patient and good camera operator. He/she covers the operations very well. Steady and quiet, both a virtue for that task.
Thanks for the video.
Yes! It is actually my oldest daughter Savannah. She is a true jewel for sure. Thank you for such kind words! Also, thank you for taking time to watch and comment on our video. I surely appreciate it. Take care and do come again, please!
God bless you all there
Thank you for making this excellent video
Take care my friend
You’re most welcome! I’m glad you’re enjoying our channel. Thank you for taking time to watch and comment. I surely appreciate it. Take care and do come again! Please
Zach just love what u are doing. Keep the heritage alive and most people don't know the operational advantages with mules. It's great seeing u do this my family is still doing this on oklahoma!
Nice! Glad to hear it and glad you enjoy our videos. Thank you kindly and thx for stopping by. Do come again! Take care
Rough work. Beautiful animals.
Yessir, it’s hard work no matter how you split it. Thank you for the kind words and taking time to watch my friend. I appreciate it. Take care and do come again, please
Nice and quiet good team smart ,my son does logging but with modern equipment have to show your videos to him keep it going 👍
Cool 😎 yes please do show him and thank you! Thanks for the kind words and also for watching. I appreciate it. Take care and do come again…
Your a strong guy, rolling those logs. I can see you are work8ng smart but sometimes it takes some strength. I would park the wagon closer to the log pile when loading. I enjoy wotkinh with wood.
Fairly stout I’d say. Doing this type of work isn’t for the weak no doubt: and if you do it long enough you’ll get stout if you’re not. We got as close as feasible to the logs. Thanks for the kind words and for watching! Take care and do come again!
Sounds like great way to keep on going &beat the rain too !!
It is, and thank you sir! Thanks for watching and stop by anytime. Take care
I’m glad you’re getting to work. The ground here is a rotten mess. Be glad to see some warm weather.
It’s getting bad here too my friend. I am thankful to get done what we have tho. I’m worried about where we’re headed on the next job tho. It has a bad place in the road going in. Time will tell I guess. I am glad to see some warmer weather myself. Thanks for watching my friend and take care
Safe & a go a good job i like it .
Thank you very much! And thank you for always watching, I really appreciate it!! Take care
What a team! Animals,men,& machines! ❤
Yes! All of us together makes it all possible. We can’t do what we do one without the other 😌. Thank you kindly and thanks for watching! Take care
Nice work with the team!
Thank you so much! Take care and thanks for watching
Skylar is handy on that machine
Yall keep on keeping on
Thank you sir! He really is. And we will surely try. Take care and thanks for watching!!
Your videos are always enjoyable and informative. The diversified use of your equipment is nothing but a plus.
Thank you sir, and I am glad you enjoy it! I try to make my channel peaceful and a place where folks can come by and hangout…and simply enjoy themselves. Even if they’re not necessarily interested, maybe they can simply enjoy watching! Thanks for stopping by and please come again!
Did I hear you right, it's the first time for the mules with the skidloader loading? By golly, they stand fabulously! These are some pretty good loads.
Yessir it was their first time with the skid loader. But we’ve loaded and hauled manure in the spreader loading with the tractor. And also, they’ve been around the log truck running and such. So they’re use to things…just not the skid steer itself just yet. But they will with time. And thank you sir for the kind words and also for always watching. I really do appreciate it..take care of yourself
Like how the mules stand my team is learning patience slowly but surely.
Slow steady work will do the trick! Glad to hear yours are learning. Take care my friend and do come again! Thx for watching
Listen to that kitty cat purrrr!
It’s a nice machine and stout. It’s a great addition to what we do! Thanks and thanks for watching! Take care
Very interesting, your second load had to weigh three times more than your team but yet they handled it just fine. Thank you for another interesting video keep them coming.
They’re coming out with 450 ish feet which would weight 6300 lbs plus the weight of the wagon. So close to 4 tons…and walking right out with it no prob. They could do more in good ground. But we didn’t wanna tear the ground up so we didn’t. Thanks for watching and commenting my friend! Take care and do come again.
Zach thanks for sharing the video. I always enjoy them. Hey I think they are doing good for something new. You definitely don't tear the ground up like the machinery does. I know you are liking the skid steer and it is going to be so very handy to you. God Bless you and your family.
Thank you sir, and you’re most welcome. I think they did pretty good also. They’re a nice pair of mules no doubt and have lots of sense about them. They’re eager to please also. And yessir it’s a whole lot easier on the ground for sure. I do like the skid steer for sure. It’s helping a bunch in a lot of different ways. Thanks and take care buddy! Thanks for watching and do come again!!
Those log cuts looks amazing , the chain saw must be very shop , keep up the great job , stay safe , enjoy.
Thank you sir, yessir I do try to keep a sharp chain as much as I can. Thanks for the kind words and for always watching and commenting. It sure helps get our videos out there! So thanks…👏🏻
Skyler is a great machine operator and a big help to you. With the wheels on the wagon, about how much weight can Kate and Alice pull?
Yessir he really is a big help! They can handle around 500’ give or take a little depending on conditions and hills. Which equates to right 4 tons loaded. It’s a great asset to have around for sure! Thank you sir for watching and taking time to comment. I surely appreciate it. Stop by ANYTIME
I love watching your video.sir them mules are calm
Thank you sir! They’re a nice team that’s saw plenty of work. They know what it is to take a good break no doubt. Thanks again and thanks for watching! Take care and do come again.
Good stuff.
Thank you sir and thanks for watching! Take care
My friend, did I see you duck under that skid steer? You know the old saying about old drivers and bold drivers probably applies to loggers as well.
Probably so. I am about as safe as you’ll find in the logging business. I’ve been at it a long time and seen a lot of crap. I don’t take many chances and when I do, I think about quite a bit. Could’ve been the camera angle that looked like I went under it. But I wouldn’t have intentionally. Not loaded anyway. Hey, thanks for watching and commenting. I appreciate it and do come again. Take care
Zack another great video friend your videos getting better and better every week you doing a great job where you explain yourself in the videos just you doing a great job buddy keep it up get in mules extra scoop of green for me can't wait to bring you next one out buddy thank you for the video Zack be safe out there in woods be careful proud to say you're my friend Billy
Thanks Billy! You’re a good friend buddy. I always look forward to hearing from you. I am glad you enjoy our videos and thank you for watching! I hope ya get to feeling better soon brother. Thx and take care!
Where is Zach right after I watch this video and check me into the hospital stayed in there for I don't know where 8 9 days can't really remember be honest with you cuz I don't remember much of that day at all my fever got up pretty high just want to let you know that I am feeling better trying to get caught up on my videos so I can be there for you guys cuz I really enjoy them just as much as I like making them I really enjoyed watching y'all videos and and you can tell every video is getting better and better so thank you buddy Go back I won't keep anybody I know you're busy man God bless be safe please be careful your friend Billy
@@billywarpool3625 I’m sorry to hear that buddy! I hope you get to feeling better… And maybe you can stay away from the hospital. I surely appreciate you supporting us, and always watching our videos. Thank you again, and stop by anytime!
Great job Zack and Skyler. Kate and Alice did a good job as well. Awesome videos!!
Thank you sir, and thanks for watching! Stop by anytime…take care
@@zachodom7486 thank you Zack, I’m grateful for your kind words and the invite. Hard work never hurt anybody, you and Skyler prove that
@@kennethhall5070that means a lot! I have really enjoyed getting to know so many new people on RUclips and connect. Getting to hear from others is really neat. Thank you
Those are some patient animals. Well behaved. Really nice logs. Well done.
Thank you kindly! I appreciate it and thanks for watching also…I do take pride in my animals for sure. I like to think they take pride in me also. It’s a good trade for us all. Take care and do come again!
@zachodom7486 Keep up the great work. A man feels great at the end of a productive day.
Yessir that’s true! It feels great
Um cavalo tem muita ficou muito bom de madeira com muito legal muito bom ✌️✌️👍👍👍🙏🐴🐴🐴
Thank you! And thanks for watching..
My girls standing so pretty
Yes ma’am! They do pretty good… And thank you so kindly. Thank you for watching also!
Again, another great video,be well,
Ty sir and be well yourself! Thx for watching
would it be easier to load the logs with the grapple? seems you could place them on the cart without rolling them off the forks
Probably! We just had the forks on for loading the truck because you can load multiple logs at a time and load the skid steer properly. And didn’t want to do a lot of swapping and such. Of course, I would’ve done it a tad different than my boy did, but I do like for him to figure things out on his own sometimes as long as he’s careful. And he is! I enjoy working with him so much. Anyway, thanks for watching and the suggestion. Take care and do come again.
Question for you: Wouldn't it help some if you moved the back axle of your log wagon back a little? It looked like there was an awful lot of log hanging off the back. I don't know, but it was just an observation I made.
Well, yes and no. The majority of our logs we cut are either 9’ or 10’ tie logs….and you want the bunks in close for loading them cross hauling. We do haul some 12’s all along and they’ll hang off. But it’s not too big of a deal. You wouldn’t wanna go to the extreme tho of loading all 12 footers on it. Because it would put to much weight on the back axle. So, if I were hauling more 12’s then I’d extend it out. Also, it’s a lot harder getting around in the woods with a longer stretched wagon also. But the main thing, is being able to haul and cross haul tie logs. Which again, is mostly what we have the most of. A lot of our grade logs will only make 10’ also. So, the majority of the time…the wagon is about perfect for what we do. Thanks for the question and for watching my friend! Take care and do come again please…
At around 30:38 you did walk under a raised load and Skyler is a excellent operator
Yes he is and thank you! Fact..if it weren’t him, I wouldn’t have. We have to get out of the loader with booms raised at times for different things. If you operate in this business you’re gonna do things such as this. Among other things. However, I do my best to stay as safe as possible. Logging in itself is inherently dangerous. Every aspect of it. Cutting, bucking, skidding, loading, and hauling! Every single aspect. Sir, if you followed me around all day, I am sure there is probably a 100 things you could notice I am doing wrong on the daily. And I’m sure if I followed you around and had the mind too…I could you too. Thanks for watching and commenting! Take care
Probably a1000 that I do wrong hahaha we do what we have to do lots of fire wood going on piles maybe a side hustle for Skyler selling firewood
Would be nice if we had a market, unfortunately we have absolutely no market here anymore for it. If we did, it would still be hard just because he and I both stay hopping to keep up with the logging. However we would separate pulp/firewood and haul it by the truck load for people that wanted it. Limbs would still get culled tho. No matter what you do, there is always some trash when logging no doubt. Just wish we could cut down on it.
I understand you do what makes money In a business like your's
@@user-nj4mk5if1byessir! We just try to make a living for sure. Sometimes are harder than others.
Awesome
Thank you sir and thanks for watching! Take care and come again
Another thing that I just notice when hauling with a cart you don't need to stop and rest your team.
Well, it all depends. It doesn’t matter whether you are logging with a cart, a wagon, or just skidding on the ground… Sometimes you will need to rest them no matter what you are hooked to. If I had to go a long ways with this wagon, and especially uphill, then I would give them breaks here and there. Just the same as I would as if I was ground skidding. You have to figure out which method is best for the terrain and timber you’re wanting to get out, then apply it. It’s not a one fits all type of deal. Sometimes the cart is the most productive. Sometimes ground skidding is more productive because it’s easier to get around, but you wanna keep your skids short. Sometimes a combo of ground skidding to the wagon and then coming out with a big load is most productive on the long drags. So, it just all depends really. Not one way is best all the time!
Okay, I knew they had to be tested but your response I'm reading depends on the situation and the know how of the teamster, this is very interesting to me due I only used mechanized equipment to log. Thank you
@@bendugas8632 no problem, buddy! I am glad you enjoy it
Does your wagon have breaks 😅😅
No, it doesn’t. The mules can hold back an awful lot especially with this box britchen harness. But if it gets too steep, we have friction locks we put on the back wheels to lock a wheel up and let it drag. Thanks for watching and commenting. Take care! And do come again
How long can you keep chains for logging , replacement that is , i know you take of equipment well , just asking , stay safe , working hard always .
They’ll last years as long as you take care of them and don’t overload them and bend links etc etc. And yessir, we do try to take care of stuff. It’s too expensive not too these days. And thanks for the question. Thanks for watching and commenting!! Take care
It seems to me that when your mules are under draft there is not a straigh line between harness and whippel tree.
The off mules single tree got hung under the hitch pin on the tongue sometime after the first load out. I caught it after we were done. It wasn’t a big deal. Their draft line is fine. Watch the line at different points in the video.
Them trax tear the ground up alot more don't they
They will tear the surface material up worse than wheels but they won’t make ruts and eat out the ground like a wheeled machine. Plus this track machine will go places a wheel machine only dreams about. And the tracks are a whole lot more stable. Thanks for the question my friend and also for watching! Take care and do come again
I'm from mid tn also and I moved my horses that are not in the barn last night to a lot where the mud want be as bad
Got to take care of the ground
And a new subscriber to your channel
@@kdb991shew yeah! It’s gonna be tough for a little while. Thanks for checking in neighbor. And thanks for subscribing!! Yall stay safe and holler if ya need anything…