Author Topic: Life 2.0 (Read 11453 times)

VW MICK · « **Reply #30 on:** February 11, 2017, 03:59 AM »

Hi Kev

This looks amazing. I am probably not the only one that's just a tad jealous

Love the way you just picked up a VW amrock because you needed one.

Can I ask a question. Have you completely relocated and have now retired or are you still going to be working ?

Good luck with your new life mate I'm looking forward to following this thread

Untidy Shop · « **Reply #31 on:** February 11, 2017, 05:19 AM »

@VW MICK
The one with a discount down here for March that most of us in the market for an Amrock would probably purchase.

.

The one of two that we know @Kev [LOL] would have considered and most likely purchased.

Kev · « **Reply #32 on:** February 11, 2017, 05:54 AM »

Quote from: VW MICK on February 11, 2017, 03:59 AM

Hi Kev

This looks amazing. I am probably not the only one that's just a tad jealous

Love the way you just picked up a VW amrock because you needed one.

Can I ask a question. Have you completely relocated and have now retired or are you still going to be working ?

Good luck with your new life mate I'm looking forward to following this thread

@VW MICK It's a complete relocation, but I'm still going to do a bit of work. In all honesty I don't believe in retirement, I believe in switching to doing what you want to do in a way that makes enough to make ends meet.

The next 12 months will probably just be toy shopping and establishment, with mainly home build work. I've got a couple of work from home IT gigs lined up, but they won't get in the way of fishing

Kev · « **Reply #33 on:** February 11, 2017, 06:13 AM »

Quote from: Untidy Shop on February 11, 2017, 05:19 AM

@VW MICK
The one with a discount down here for March that most of us in the market for an Amrock would probably purchase. .

(Attachment Link)

The one of two that we know @Kev [LOL] would have considered and most likely purchased.

(Attachment Link)

@Untidy Shop

The V6 felt wrong, but the high line with 8 speed auto felt right. Picked it up this morning and went straight to ARB (the quote for accessories is going to be ugly).

We'll still have the Audis for cruising, so the Amarok is for farm and towing.

Should get the mower on Tuesday .. going with a Cub Cadet Tank 60" with bigger tyres, canopy, integrated cleaning system, etc. Its really cool, a zero turn with a steering wheel (Power steering too).

Also borderline on the Polaris 1000 Ranger hunter edition ... (instead of a tractor)

Fishing boat and utility trailer are this week's mission though I'm really mixed on what is best for my lake, river and near shore fishing options.

Untidy Shop · « **Reply #34 on:** February 11, 2017, 07:08 AM »

That Amrock looks to be a great unit @Kev. Color?

Re the mower, a Zero turn with a steering wheel seems counter intuitive, but that 60mm deck will sure avoid some hours of mowing. After nearly 200 hrs on our Cox Zero turn, I am now considering a Cox Stockman with live drive. The Hydro drive of the Zero turn is not recommended for towing [spraying, carting fire wood, landscaping etc.,.] there are areas of the property I cannot get a larger mower into, and there are others that are too soggy in winter for the larger mower to operate without getting bogged. My old Greenfield never had a major problem in the wetter areas of the property such as down near the dams, but I lost count how many times last year the bigger mower bogged. We had 300mm more rainfall than average though. Even had to get a neighbours 4wd to pull it out twice. Still you will have the Amrock!

With higher wind loadings, we are also losing trees. Mainly Wattles that have reached the end of life and are weak, but also some larger gums. So will soon purchase a larger chipper too. More fire wood, but the thinner branches still have to be dealt with and a Chipper will provide ground cover and compost for the garden.

Oh, by the way the Amrock image is upside down. Was that intentional for some of those northern hemisphere folk such as @Tinker ?

HarveyWildes · « **Reply #35 on:** February 11, 2017, 10:20 AM »

Quote from: Untidy Shop on February 11, 2017, 07:08 AM

...
Oh, by the way the Amrock image is upside down. Was that intentional for some of those northern hemisphere folk such as @Tinker ? [/font][/size]

We think that's normal for below the equator, but I'm just wondering how the tires maintain traction on the roads?

Seriously fun truck.

@Untidy Shop, the jobs you describe are not for a brand new Amrock. They are well suited to a 20 year old Ford 150 with rusting floorboards - a truck with enough character to be given a name. A truck has to earn the right to do the really dirty jobs

.

Also, thanks for the Amrock pics - VW does not sell a truck in the US that I know of. I'd be tempted to say that it was because of emissions, but that doesn't seem to have stopped them in the past.

McNally Family · « **Reply #36 on:** February 11, 2017, 11:33 AM »

Quote from: HarveyWildes on February 11, 2017, 10:20 AM

Quote from: Untidy Shop on February 11, 2017, 07:08 AM
...
Oh, by the way the Amrock image is upside down. Was that intentional for some of those northern hemisphere folk such as @Tinker ? [/font][/size]

We think that's normal for below the equator, but I'm just wondering how the tires maintain traction on the roads?

Seriously fun truck.

@Untidy Shop, the jobs you describe are not for a brand new Amrock. They are well suited to a 20 year old Ford 150 with rusting floorboards - a truck with enough character to be given a name. A truck has to earn the right to do the really dirty jobs .

Also, thanks for the Amrock pics - VW does not sell a truck in the US that I know of. I'd be tempted to say that it was because of emissions, but that doesn't seem to have stopped them in the past.

LOL

Kev · « **Reply #37 on:** February 11, 2017, 12:26 PM »

Quote from: Untidy Shop on February 11, 2017, 07:08 AM

That Amrock looks to be a great unit @Kev. Color?

@Untidy Shop they call that natural grey.

I thought the same about the zero turn with a steering wheel. The Cub Cadet Tank is amazing .. it all makes sense when you try it. Hopefully I won't need anything with a smaller deck.

Coincidentally I was looking at a chipper on Friday .. the one I currently have is a piece of garbage electric thing. Can't remember the brand, but the one I was looking at is semi commercial (14hp, electric start). I'll find out the brand and let you know.

Kev · « **Reply #38 on:** February 11, 2017, 12:40 PM »

Quote from: HarveyWildes on February 11, 2017, 10:20 AM

Quote from: Untidy Shop on February 11, 2017, 07:08 AM
...
Oh, by the way the Amrock image is upside down. Was that intentional for some of those northern hemisphere folk such as @Tinker ? [/font][/size]

We think that's normal for below the equator, but I'm just wondering how the tires maintain traction on the roads?

Seriously fun truck.

@Untidy Shop, the jobs you describe are not for a brand new Amrock. They are well suited to a 20 year old Ford 150 with rusting floorboards - a truck with enough character to be given a name. A truck has to earn the right to do the really dirty jobs .

Also, thanks for the Amrock pics - VW does not sell a truck in the US that I know of. I'd be tempted to say that it was because of emissions, but that doesn't seem to have stopped them in the past.

@HarveyWildes we'll probably get a "truck with character" for our young fella ... something like a second hand tray back Hilux would be ideal or even a Land Rover.

Kev · « **Reply #39 on:** February 11, 2017, 12:58 PM »

Quote from: Kev on February 11, 2017, 12:26 PM

Quote from: Untidy Shop on February 11, 2017, 07:08 AM
That Amrock looks to be a great unit @Kev. Color?

@Untidy Shop they call that natural grey.

I thought the same about the zero turn with a steering wheel. The Cub Cadet Tank is amazing .. it all makes sense when you try it. Hopefully I won't need anything with a smaller deck.

Coincidentally I was looking at a chipper on Friday .. the one I currently have is a piece of garbage electric thing. Can't remember the brand, but the one I was looking at is semi commercial (14hp, electric start). I'll find out the brand and let you know.

@Untidy Shop found it ... the Chipmaster GTS1400ES http://chipmaster.info/application/files/5614/2913/6696/CHIPMASTER_BROCHURE_Emailable.pdf

HarveyWildes · « **Reply #40 on:** February 11, 2017, 03:14 PM »

Quote from: Kev on February 11, 2017, 12:40 PM

Quote from: HarveyWildes on February 11, 2017, 10:20 AM
Quote from: Untidy Shop on February 11, 2017, 07:08 AM
...
Oh, by the way the Amrock image is upside down. Was that intentional for some of those northern hemisphere folk such as @Tinker ? [/font][/size]

We think that's normal for below the equator, but I'm just wondering how the tires maintain traction on the roads?

Seriously fun truck.

@Untidy Shop, the jobs you describe are not for a brand new Amrock. They are well suited to a 20 year old Ford 150 with rusting floorboards - a truck with enough character to be given a name. A truck has to earn the right to do the really dirty jobs .

Also, thanks for the Amrock pics - VW does not sell a truck in the US that I know of. I'd be tempted to say that it was because of emissions, but that doesn't seem to have stopped them in the past.

@HarveyWildes we'll probably get a "truck with character" for our young fella ... something like a second hand tray back Hilux would be ideal or even a Land Rover.

In addition to providing him with character, you can also use his truck to do the jobs that involve serious mud. A Land Rover is certainly in keeping with the NA image of an Australian truck with character, but that image usually comes with red desert dust.

We had a Toyota Tundra double cab for years and it was the best road trip vehicle that we've ever owned for comfort - sadly not for fuel economy. It has a ~2m bed, so I could get sheet goods and ~3.5m long sticks in the back. What's the lumber capacity of the Amrock?

Sounds like you are having fun. Keep it up

.

Untidy Shop · « **Reply #41 on:** February 11, 2017, 03:35 PM »

@Kev
Thanks for the Chipmaster link. Had not considered that brand. Looks to be a very good unit; having looked at the link, I will seek out the nearest dealer for further investigation.

Re your old chipper; as I recall you bought it at a certain national chain of Green Sheds.

@HarveyWildes
Re us having to drive upside down. How is that possible? We have excellent tyres available down here!

mrrhum · « **Reply #42 on:** February 12, 2017, 10:20 AM »

Expanse

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Runhard · « **Reply #43 on:** February 12, 2017, 10:27 AM »

Quote from: Untidy Shop on February 11, 2017, 03:35 PM

Re us having to drive upside down. How is that possible? We have excellent tyres available down here!

It's not possible, the Earth is flat!

Kev · « **Reply #44 on:** February 15, 2017, 02:32 AM »

The better half on the new mower that arrived today

Took it for a little spin today. Also grabbed the mower style line trimmer from Cub Cadet too - it's EXCELLENT.

This stuff is excellent quality and the "Tank" name is very appropriate.

Still waiting to settle on the new place ... where we're staying has become my training ground for the new mower

Untidy Shop · « **Reply #45 on:** February 15, 2017, 03:26 AM »

She looks so comfortable sitting there @Kev. Leave her to it!

Kev · « **Reply #46 on:** February 15, 2017, 03:29 AM »

Quote from: HarveyWildes on February 11, 2017, 03:14 PM

What's the lumber capacity of the Amrock?

Sounds like you are having fun. Keep it up .

@HarveyWildes

The rear tub is probably class leading in Oz for a dual cab utility, but still rubbish for anything big. I'll have roof racks shortly, but for serious lugging I'm looking to a custom tandem trailer in the 3000mmx1800mm box range (10' x 6' in old school).

On paper the rear tray is 1555mm deep and 1620mm wide, but 1222mm between the rear wheel arches. Technically it can cart an 8'x4' sheets with the tailgate down.

Untidy Shop · « **Reply #47 on:** February 15, 2017, 05:16 AM »

Amrock is only PU in Aust to take a standard pallet straight off a Forklift.

@HarveyWildes

Wooden Skye · « **Reply #48 on:** February 15, 2017, 09:26 AM »

Kev, nice mower, but how in the world do they not provide enough space on the back to hold a cooler full of adult beverages!

Kev · « **Reply #49 on:** February 15, 2017, 11:52 AM »

Quote from: Wooden Skye on February 15, 2017, 09:26 AM

Kev, nice mower, but how in the world do they not provide enough space on the back to hold a cooler full of adult beverages!

@Wooden Skye it can tow a decent load ... the cooler trailer probably needs to be my next acquisition

HarveyWildes · « **Reply #50 on:** February 15, 2017, 01:36 PM »

Quote from: Kev on February 15, 2017, 03:29 AM

Quote from: HarveyWildes on February 11, 2017, 03:14 PM

What's the lumber capacity of the Amrock?

Sounds like you are having fun. Keep it up .

@HarveyWildes

The rear tub is probably class leading in Oz for a dual cab utility, but still rubbish for anything big. I'll have roof racks shortly, but for serious lugging I'm looking to a custom tandem trailer in the 3000mmx1800mm box range (10' x 6' in old school).

On paper the rear tray is 1555mm deep and 1620mm wide, but 1222mm between the rear wheel arches. Technically it can cart an 8'x4' sheets with the tailgate down.

Good enough for most trips to the store then - just need to secure the plywood at the back. And the trailer will handle the big stuff.
One of my minor irritations with my Tacoma is that a 4x8 sheet won't fit between the wheel wells.

And I'm sure you'll have many occasions to use the pallet sized capacity as you populate the new shop.

HarveyWildes · « **Reply #51 on:** February 15, 2017, 01:47 PM »

Quote from: Kev on February 15, 2017, 02:32 AM

The better half on the new mower that arrived today
...

Now I'm really confused. These pictures make it look like you are right on the equator

. I have similar pictures from Ecuador.

Untidy Shop · « **Reply #52 on:** February 17, 2017, 02:42 AM »

@Kev , have you purchased your ChipMaster yet?

I have just been doing some further on-line research and coming to the conclusion that a ChipMaster would be the one! So went to their site to check the nearest dealer for a visit and found -

Have also been considering TruYard and Cox.

And now have discovered Hansa and they certainly look rugged.
http://hansachippers.com.au

What others did you consider?

Kev · « **Reply #53 on:** February 17, 2017, 04:02 AM »

@Untidy Shop I haven't looked at many .. was just going with trusted advice.

That's surprising news about Chipmaster locally, I'll have to follow up.

You've really gone and done it now though haven't you - that Hanna site has this http://hansachippers.co.nz/hansa-news/predator-stump-grinders/

A radio controlled stump grinder

I WANT ONE

The attraction of the Chipmaster to me is the drum style cutter setup instead of a disk. Disk chippers don't do as well with palm fronds.

http://www.ebay.com.au/gds/Wood-Chippers-vs-Wood-Shredders-/10000000177632843/g.html is interesting.

Realistically I'd probably hunt down a Crommelins chipper if the Chipmaster isn't available http://www.crommelins.com.au/14.0hp-Crommelins-Woodchipper

Untidy Shop · « **Reply #54 on:** February 17, 2017, 06:40 AM »

@Kev
Thanks for the further links.

Yes, well at this moment I am now looking at Hansa - after all I like a Green.

I have a Hansa dealer 40 mins away and a Crommelins one 20 mins. Unfortunately the latter dealer and I have 'History'. Also, although videos (as we know here on the FOG) can be misleading, the middle range Crommelins Model nearly stalled on the size of branch I most commonly need to chip; the equivalent Hansa did not. Also the Hansa has a Honda motor and belt rather than direct drive. Yes I realise that whilst the belt drive may assist to prevent crankcase shock, there are other issues.

Like you I will continue to look. At least now I have some dealers to visit.

Kev · « **Reply #55 on:** February 20, 2017, 01:45 AM »

Just keeping the thread warm ... not a lot of progress over the last week, mainly research and ordering a few extras for the Amarok - plus a little bit of remote IT work that I can do at my leisure.

Did get the young fella a fishing kayak for his birthday last week ... now I'm jealous and need to wait a respectful amount of time before I get one for myself. Most of the nice ones we looked at were quite expensive imports from the US, the crap ones came from Asia but we finally found an excellent locally made wide body, stable, 4m fisher that fits the bill.

(All of the extras are tucked away inside in Miles' room)

This week and next I'm planning to meet with several local shed/workshop/garage builders and custom trailer builders, with trailers being highest on the priority list.

I have had a total rethink on the bigger items for the workshop and would genuinely appreciate feedback on my thinking. My current train of thought is to simply go with Hammer slider, bandsaw and planer/thicknesser as the more I consider my goals the more I believe I'll end up investing in a CNC. The attraction for the full spec Felder kit with digital electronic "everything" was born from mindset of wanting to achieve anything I could dream up ... but I think my perspective is a little more refined to the point of prototyping and looking for efficient production options.

The exciting news is that I think I can get my hands on a Polaris Ranger XP 1000 EPS Hunter Edition here in Oz

watch this space!

HAXIT · « **Reply #56 on:** February 25, 2017, 05:50 PM »

@Kev
I do not know how big will be your shop, but there is no sin to leave some open space for comfort and it will be easier to keep it clean and organized. I love my Hammer bandsaw and planer/thicknesser and if I were you and did not have to go down stairs in the basement, I would buy the Hammer n4400 bandsaw (the ceramic guides are must have) which I am using it now and instead of going with separate machines, I would go with c3 31 perform combination machine and you would have a shaper as well. Even if you go with CNC in the future, you could still keep these two machines or they would give you a very good resale value.
The only downside with the combo machine for you, it is too heavy and you would not able to take a upside down pictures anymore.

alkaline · « **Reply #57 on:** February 25, 2017, 06:21 PM »

Hey Kev. This is awesome news. I wish you all the best.

👍👍👍

Kev · « **Reply #58 on:** March 19, 2017, 01:43 AM »

Starting to get a little excited now ... should only be 12 days till settlement

Most of the toy shopping is done .. the boat is ordered, the Polaris is waiting for me and the trailer is being built.

My better half has thrown a spanner in the garaging and workshop thinking ... I was initially looking a two 4 bay garages (each 12x7m) near the house and a 15x9m workshop on the other side of a wide tree line away from the house. Now it seems we must have something "more discrete" near the house so that (in my wife's words) "it doesn't look like we're living in a bloody self storage facility"

Now I don't know whether I should simply go for a bigger workshop and partition the interior (maybe 20x10m) or stick to the original workshop thinking and position another garage setup somewhere else ... so frustrating as I had pro forma plans and quotes ready to go as soon as we got the deeds

My son has thrown another curve ball with a cool idea for a space that's a spot for brewing beer, hanging out and working on the odd motorcycle rebuild

I suppose I'll take a chill pill now and rethink everything after we've started to move our gear in.

bkharman · « **Reply #59 on:** March 19, 2017, 02:37 AM »

Again Kev.... great luck!!!

I have spent 12 of the last 20 days in snow (which I love!). The other 8 have been with my MIL getting her kitchen squared away.

Cheers. Bryan.

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