normandylumberjack

Go to the source; http://http://www.truckman.co.uk/c/64/truckman-spares Should see you right:001_cool:

I found these guys while looking at chippers on a French site, and they seem like good quality from the videos. Has anyone here used/own one? any feed back? The vario, which has the turnable shoot is €3870 +tva (£3080+vat) which seems good. Made in the eu, honda engine. Nos broyeurs végéteaux | Broyeurvegeteaux.info

Thats really good! I wish I was artistic, you must be really proud of it.

Hi Guys, Having made a cheap and cheerful ladder rack for my crewcab rangers truckman, I am now looking to fit some shelves and divisions for keeping all the kit tidy and the climbing kit away from grease and dirt. I would really like to see how you guys have yours, and any ways that you have found to access kit when its up near the cab:001_rolleyes: My wife has put her foot down and said that I'm not allowed the likes of this one bellow, so I must adapt, adopt, improve!

About ten years ago my Mum sold her house and lived in rented for 2 years while she decided where to move to. She put equal amounts of money in PB's and a saver account. It was the maximum allowed by PB's at the time, I think £30k? After a year we totted up that the interest was almost the same as the prizes, within a few pounds. I think to be in with a chance you need to invest a lot, but at least its safe, you won't loose it.

I wish I could get that sent to me here, would gladly pay 4 times that to have it! You could easily add an extra 0 to that price here:sneaky2: I do feel like I miss out on some great deals being here, only the wine is cheap:001_rolleyes:

This is what I would really like to have! £1500 seems good compared to a new truckman imo Aluminium TRUEWORK Canopy With Secure Storage Boxes and ladder rack | Aluminium Canopies|Hardtops | N & J Aluminium Linings Ltd

That looks very nice, very robust too. Well, I have my heart set on a new canopy with side access doors but for now I will make do with my leaky, glass door'ed truckman. I got it sealed up with a ton of mastic as the torrential rain last night flowed in:blushing: I got a ladder strapped to it and gave it the industry approved test; swing from it violently while screaming like an angry chimp, and it seems robust enough. I will add some stays to stop the ladder sliding, but so far I'm pleased.

Did you guys get his autograph?

Jenny Agutter, when I worked in a camera shop. I photoshoped out her crows feet on a publicity photo for a nature film she was narrating. She was really nice and took the time to chat. Also had the guy that plays Charlie in Casualty buy a load of very expensive camera gear for his Niece. He was very "theatrical" in his full length trench coat and wide brimmed hat with feathers in the band.

I think the big rubber pad sounds like a great idea! I used some rubber washers to seal the drill holes and take any vibe out of it. I think pads will work better. Once this monsoon passes I will get the front one fitted and road test her:001_huh:

this is the truckman roof rail kit, it simply bolts through some pre marked holes on the roof. I figured my effort was no worse? ................... as far as fixing is concerned. I think I will add some extra plate to the interior, perhaps some bar, front to rear to tie it together.

This is what I was trying to achieve but on a peanuts budget

+1 Pictures paint a thousand words, nice site tho:thumbup:

As soon as I had drilled the holes the heavens opened up! I am with you on that J man, I also added a rubber washer each side to help keep out the wet stuff.

I should ad that they have not been bolted on yet, and there are two bars not just the one in the photo

So after searching the net and getting nowhere fast, I thought I would talk to a fabricator. A local guy, he wanted 800€ for a simple set of roof bars to fit the canopy . So today I went to our local ag merchants and purchased some brackets, threaded bar, tube, some washers and nuts and bolts. sum total 54€. And this is what I have made. I hope it works ok, but for the money I am willing to take a chance. Any ideas on improvements or faults much appreciated.

I take it the work that you are looking to do is more of a pass time than a cost cutting exercise/ self sufficiency attempt? Have you looked into having the gravel delivered? or hire a tipper truck for a day or two? If you are looking to invest in a 4x4 for the sole purpose of shifting half a ton at a time, the fuel, wear and tear, mot, insurance and tax will all add up. not to mention your time. I am not trying to put you off, as doing things in this manner is very enjoyable and rewarding, but, as I see many people here in Normandy doing is hobby farming, where they will buy thousands of €€€€ in compact tractors, implements, 4x4s, fuel and servicing etc. to grow a few euros worth of veg a year. and then claim that they are self sufficient. It may be worth considering how much firewood you will consume each year, 10, 15, 20 M3 etc. and what is really needed to extract it? a trac barrow will shift a fair bit and could be hired for not a lot, no on going costs to you for repairs etc. just an idea.

A very interesting thread this is. Have you thought about cutting the timber into billets? these are 1m lengths, that can be split with an axe, and neatly stacked to season close to where they are felled. This would allow you to cut asap without the worry of extraction costs for while. Here on the continent it is a common way to deal with firewood on a low budget. You can move the timber in the back of a pick up (old s3 landy?) in the link box of a tractor (aids traction a little) or hire in a dumper truck for a day. Once back to your sheds, you can cut on a saw horse, or a saw bench, the best of which have a conveyor to minimise handling. Tractor, link box and saw bench would be my choice, a fordson major shouldn't cost a lot and can power all sorts of kit.

Anybody? Can i just bold direct to the canopy some basic cross bars?

Hi there boys and girls, I need to fit a roof rack/ladder rack on my 06' Ford ranger double cab, and wondered if anyone had any ideas on how to do so? I looked on truckmans website and see that they do some chrome rails that can have bars fitted, but I don't like the look of them. I would like something low profile like the utility companies have, but not sure how to make/fix. I have no welding skills at all, so it really needs to be either pre fab, or bolt together. If anyone has done similar can they post a picture or two? Thanks in advance, Adam

I had my fill of the uk public and there polite manners, not only in tree work but while spending 2 years working in a camera shop in Truro while recovering from a back injury. The way in which people speak to you to try and get something for nothing is unbelievable. I was threatened on several occasions with violence, have been called most names under the sun and on one occasion had a customer wrestle me over the counter trying to leave the shop without paying for a repair on their camera, the strap was around my neck at the time! This was by a 50 ish year old guy that looked like he wouldn't hurt a fly. He then tried to claim I had assaulted him, and kicked me twice while trying to get to my feet. Another customer restrained him while the police were called, and cctv showed him to be at fault. 2 years of daily abuse and arguments gave me the impetus to move to France. I have never looked back.

Shame it wasn't on the tipper trailer when the Caravan club were in town:blushing: At least the insurance would of dealt with it

I had some gladiator vents, but after a few hours the fly zip detached, so had them replaced, Gustharts did a fantastic job of recommending the arborist vents as a replacement. I thought the Gladiators were a massive step forward, but the Arborists are even better again! and they come with braces that velcro on, no more buckles sticking in when you are in harness.

Get it fixed and get it sold, its going to eat you alive else:sneaky2: