Tractor

As one might expect, some form of heavy machinery is very useful for this type of construction. We used a 31 hp tractor with interchangeable bucket and forks on the front, and an 11 cubic foot cement mixer on the back. We used the mixer to mix all of the cement and plaster on this project. The attachment is pto powered through an ATV/motorcycle chain. With the exception of that chain failing one time (between batches, and having previously mixed approximately 22 yards of cement on another job), the mixer held up well throughout the entire project.

Pneumatic tools

I think it is fair to say that the time required to accomplish the framing and "meshing" of this project could easily have been doubled, perhaps tripled, were it not for the pneumatic nailers and stapler. We used an entire box of staples installing the welded-wire mesh (4000 staples). Besides being faster, a pneumatic nailer/stapler requires only one hand to operate, leaving the other free to hold the work in place or maintain ones balance. I would not be enthusiastic about attempting a structure such as this if my only means of mesh installation were a hammer and thousands of fencing staples.