the Walnut Diary

The hours have run up very quickly on the Mechron. Its utility in winter stems from the comfort of the 3/4 enclosed cab and its sure-footed stance on sketchy surfaces. Why risk a slip on an ungroomed trail when a preliminary run through with the groomer* (pictured above) produces a predictable walking surface?

Greg Beech and Brian Raison have been logging the diseased American beech trees on the property, so the Kioti has been pretty busy keeping track of things.

Before that there were small pines which had died from blister rust to cut and haul to the burn pile. A chain light enough to fit into a coat pocket works well to harness the Kioti as a skidder. It is much handier for this than the old tractor with a timber winch installed. The 4WD Bolens tractor can wiggle through a much narrower opening than the Kioti, but the UTV keeps me warm and dry in its cabin, and it is much less tiring to mount than the Kioti, which requires a bit of gymnastics to gain the driver’s seat.

The chain saw has taken up winter residence in the cargo box of the Kioti. Hats and water bottles can ride securely up front in the passenger foot well.

The logging has left trails through the woods littered with severed branches. Most of the time I can emulate Greg’s Timberjack and drive over the debris. Low range is quite useful on technical parts of the trails until they are cleared. This brings to mind a criticism of the Kioti’s transmission: there is no LOW range reverse gear. Try a tight 3-point turn on a narrow trail. In LO you ease ahead on full right lock, then switch to reverse and suddenly lurch backwards. Then you can inch ahead again.

I have a belly plate ordered, but it hasn’t come in to the dealership yet.

Last fall I spent about $30 on enough 20 mm vinyl to enclose the right side and back of the cabin. I have made no effort to baby the membrane, but it has so far held up flawlessly.

*For the Kioti I copied the groomer Brian Raison uses behind his ATV for ice road maintenance. These tires are 19″ Pirelli winter run-flats, originally off a BMW X5.