[AT] 100 year old stumps are nasty

[Dean VP]

I have spent the last couple weeks removing a 12' diameter x 12' tall old
growth cedar stump in our front yard. I first was able to burn about 2/3rds
of it but a pretty substantial section just would not burn even though I lit
several fires under it and around it with other wood. 

So I started carving it up with the chain saw and removed it, a large chunk
at a time. Well today I was down to the last section and root that by itself
was over 1' in diameter. The remaining piece above the ground was at least
2' in diameter and about 12' tall. A really heavy piece. 

I chained the top to the JD 620 with locked brakes so it wouldn't fall on me
while I was cutting the base root. I expected it to fall away from me
towards the tension on the chain. Well this stinking 1000 lb plus hunk had a
mind of its own. It didn't fall the way I expected, it fell sideways. I
never expected that. Should have, but didn't envision that. Now I really
feel stupid. @#$%^&. So much for saving money by doing it yourself. 

The chunk was just long enough that the top grazed the side of and
demolished the hood, side panel, radiator, dash, fan shroud, etc on my JD
425 Garden Tractor. The engine and frame wasn't damaged. I would guess
probably at least $500 to $1,000 worth of damage. Engine runs ok. What a
disappointment and I must say a big surprise. I guess I should feel lucky I
didn't get hurt but I had protected myself from that but didn't anticipate
the fall to the side. Very dumb. Several bad words were uttered.

Going to call the Home Owners insurance company and see if I have any
coverage under that policy. An expensive day. 

Bad day on Black Rock.

The only thing good I can say about this is the whole stump in now down. 

Dean A. Van Peursem
Snohomish, WA 98290

I'm a walking storeroom of facts..... I've just lost the key to the
storeroom door 


www.deerelegacy.com

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