7 www.SmallFarmCanada.ca TOP: NATHAN - ADOBE STOCK vertically of my tractor under the bucket and push it into the ground. This did not work as the bucket on my B7200 does not lift high enough. This led me to the idea that an add-on to the bucket would be required. THE DESIGN I first thought of a design or set-up for the three-point hitch. But without push down capabilities, it wouldn’t work on my tractor, so I refocused my thoughts back to the loader and using connections that are already there. There were holes already drilled at the top on both sides of the bucket, originally used to hold brackets that assist with the removal of the loader. I then used a piece of tubing measuring 12”x2”x2”x5/16” and drilled a hole through it about one inch from an end. I slipped the existing bolt through the hole with a 1 inch diameter piece of pipe as an inside spacer and threaded it back into its original hole with flat washers on both sides allowing it to swing. Mounting the GIZMO on the top of the bucket allowed an extra 14 inches of height which was more than enough to get the fence post vertical and with the hydraulics I would simply push the post into the ground. THE TEST We lined up the tractor and the Boss oriented each post so that the holes in the post were on the row side allowing the line wire to be threaded through. Once lined up she set the post by sliding it into the Gizmo, holding it vertical. When all lined up, she stepped back and I applied downward pressure to the loader and the post slid into the ground. With the resistance off balance it slightly twisted the loader during the process. To prevent permanent twisted damage to the loader, I added some concrete blocks in the bucket of the loader as ballast. Moving along, the second post struck a rock and the post bent immediately which meant a trip to the shop to straighten it out. I would recommend CAUTION here to go slow while proceeding. I would also caution that once the post is loaded into the gizmo, vertical and all lined up should the assistant back well away in the event of a failure as none of the parts are heat treated and we are all aware what damage steel shrapnel can cause. The Boss also expanded her orchard by adding several plumb trees along with the apples and we were able to use the gizmo for that job as well. As for the foam swords, as I was explaining to the Boss that I believed her hormones were out of whack, that old saying “it’s only a game until someone gets poked in the eye” was immediately brought to my attention! FENCING OPTIONS ARTICLE BY MATHEW MURPHY Fencing plays a crucial role in farming, helping to protect livestock and manage land efficiently. To complement Dan Kerr’s fence post driver article (page 6), we’ve put together a useful guide covering different fencing options. For a great starting point, the Nova Scotia New Farmer website offers a detailed guide on livestock fencing. WIRE FENCING Wire fencing remains one of the most popular choices, but there are many variations to suit different needs. EDGE WHOLESALE DIRECT – A BC-based distributor shipping Canada-wide, offering fencing wire and posts. RED BRAND – Specializing in field fencing, barbed wire, and electric fencing, plus installation guides and tips. ELECTRIC FENCING Electric fencing is an efficient and versatile option for many farms. The Manitoba government has an excellent resource covering the basics. GALLAGHER – Provides energizers, posts, wires, and accessories. LOCKJAWZ – Offers insulators, clips, and reconditioned energizers. PATRIOT DATAMARS – Supplies energizers, clamps, and planning advice. LIVE FENCING For a more natural and visually appealing option, live fencing is a great DIY-friendly choice. LEARN MORE. NVK NURSERIES – An Ontario-based supplier with living fence solutions and additional resources. Click on company names for more info!
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