My Sky Color

A forty something Dad, Husband, Engineer guy living in Western Oregon. Reflections on all things in life. A few technical things and whatever else comes along.

Thursday, December 25, 2008

Chain Up Tips
I am no expert but I know some obvious tips:

- Front wheel drive, 2 wheel drive car - Chains go on the front. The weight of the engine is in the front so the most traction is in the front. Point the wheels the direction you want to go and goose the throttle lightly.

- Rear wheel drive, 2 wheel drive vehicle - Chains go on the rear. Hope for the best. I had a 2wd Toyota PU that traveled thousands of miles on snow.

- Four wheel drive anything - Chains go on the front. The weight of the engine is in the front so the most traction is in the front. Point the wheels the direction you want to go and goose the throttle.

- Generally speaking chains are most useful on ice. Snow and cold temperatures have nice traction.

- Only deep snow requires chains on your 4x4.

Take your time, don't be in a hurry and don't do anything sudden. Wheel spin is generally bad. Wheel spin is only useful in deep snow. Watch the people around you they are probably the biggest danger. DMP

If you are running a dually pickup without a load, take off the outside duals to have better weight on the rear tires for traction.

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Friday, December 12, 2008





That tree in the distance looks like it has a growth... a tumor? Hey guys that camera has 10x zoom so use it.



Oh - that is your crazy Dad up in that tree. For entertainment on the side I remove problem trees. I don't really pursue the work. Once a few people know that I do this sort of thing the jobs pop up. I don't do much of it, maybe a handful of trees a year.

It is the most physically demanding sport I know of. I wear a rolled up bandana around my head like a 60's hippie to keep the sweat out of my eyes. It is somewhat mentally challenging too with figuring where, how much and how to cut each piece. Once in awhile some cash is involved, maybe 50% of the time. Bartering is best. DMP


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