ah, decisions

[limbwalker54]

Ok Fellas:

I have a 72 international loadstar 1700 with a nice 5 ton knuckleboom I use for big logs......It is a short truck with a high GVW and I can get it in small places where the big log trucks wont go. It has 150 feet of cable on its winch and I have used it to drag logs out of ravines and up hills.

Problem:
I don't have a loader of any kind to get wood out if I can't get the log truck near the job.

Possible Solution 1:
Mini Skid with grapple for brush and bringing out wood in smaller chunks
Buy a log arch and pull it with mini skid for larger pieces of wood the skid can't lift

Possible Solution 2:
Compact tractor with grapple bucket, but then I can't get it in everywhere and it would just about go where the log truck goes now......

Possible Solution 3:
Buy both, go broke......


I know the overall goal in my opinion would to be to start out with versatility....not necessarily capacity.

What do you think??

 

[tree MDS]

One word: Steiner.

 

[Blakesmaster]

One word: Steiner.

lol. Nice.

To answer the question though, mini skid all the way since you already have a loader that will go most places a tractor will. You might be surprised what a mini can actually pick up especially if you have the coin to spend on a newer, bigger one.

 

[tree MDS]

You guys are amazing, please explain how a log truck will "go most places a tractor will". I am dying to hear this..

 

[Blakesmaster]

You guys are amazing, please explain how a log truck will "go most places a tractor will". I am dying to hear this..

Have you tried researching the definition of "most"? The answer to your question could be there. Just saying. lol

 

[tree MDS]

Have you tried researching the definition of "most"? The answer to your question could be there. Just saying. lol

Regardless, that's still one of the "most" stupid things I've read here yet..

 

[Blakesmaster]

Regardless, that's still one of the "most" stupid things I've read here yet..

Yeah, a tractor will go many places a small log truck won't but I'm still all about the minis. The specs on the new vermeer s800 are downright nasty. Put it this way, it's tipping point is 2400lbs, your Deere's is 2500lbs and the machine will go through a 42 inch gate.

 

[tree MDS]

Yeah, a tractor will go many places a small log truck won't but I'm still all about the minis. The specs on the new vermeer s800 are downright nasty. Put it this way, it's tipping point is 2400lbs, your Deere's is 2500lbs and the machine will go through a 42 inch gate.

Where are you getting your specs? that does sound about right.. I wonder if that is figuring in the tires being filled etc.?

And no beer holder on the mini's is a deal breaker for me..

 

[limbwalker54]

Looking into a mini right now......ever pull a log arch with one? Wondering if that would help bridge the gap between a larger tractor and the log truck.

 

[Blakesmaster]

Looking into a mini right now......ever pull a log arch with one? Wondering if that would help bridge the gap between a larger tractor and the log truck.

No, not sure how you would hook that deal up or how much ( if any ) more the mini would be able to handle that way. I've used log arch's with 4wheeler's before and they work but it's a bit too much ####ing around on the jobsite for me. Just cut the piece in 2 and carry it out with the mini instead of fabbing up a hitch and then having to back it in place, turning it around and all that jazz. JMO

 

[Bigus Termitius]

Looking into a mini right now......ever pull a log arch with one? Wondering if that would help bridge the gap between a larger tractor and the log truck.

Are you wanting the log that big for a mill or something? Otherwise I'd agree with Blakes, chunk it and roll on.

 

[treemandan]

Looking into a mini right now......ever pull a log arch with one? Wondering if that would help bridge the gap between a larger tractor and the log truck.

I have used the Dingo to move larger logs. I lift one end of the log and strap it to the axle then pull the other. But I have to say I normally just cut the logs, toss em on the truck then dump em somewhere. Its kind of a pain in the ass with the axle but doable. Big ass logs? Not with the Dingo but have used it with a bobcat the same way.
In the pic the axle is high, if you let it spin 180 its lower.

 

[treeclimber101]

Buy a skidsteer not a mini and not one of gay ass tractors either , I mean I spent 12 on my 7753 and it will outlift a tractor anyday, its lighter and smaller on a trailer too , and as for the mini well I gotta say they are all worth there weight in gold reguardless of the make and model

 

[tree MDS]

Buy a skidsteer not a mini and not one of gay ass tractors either , I mean I spent 12 on my 7753 and it will outlift a tractor anyday, its lighter and smaller on a trailer too , and as for the mini well I gotta say they are all worth there weight in gold reguardless of the make and model

Boy, it's too bad you weren't worth your weight in gold, eh Porky? Lol, and my tractor has done everything I ever asked it to, still amazes me six or seven years later. And I still think mini's and (tired) skid steers are for low end landscapers.. but that's just my impression, and I could be wrong. At least nails has a brain and bought a tractor. A track machine with a rotating grapple, now that might interest me.. maybe a T300 with implemax, ryans, branch manager, or whatever on it, then you would be talking.

 

[treemandan]

Looking into a mini right now......ever pull a log arch with one? Wondering if that would help bridge the gap between a larger tractor and the log truck.

If you are interested you can look at my Dingo, I think I am gonna sell out.

 

[tree MDS]

If you are interested you can look at my Dingo, I think I am gonna sell out.

Man dude, you really are losing your spirit.. in all seriousness, if you ever wanna talk man, give me a shout buddy!

 

[treemandan]

Man dude, you really are losing your spirit.. in all seriousness, if you ever wanna talk man, give me a shout buddy!

Yes, I am moving on. I still will be looking for work as a climber but I have had enough of running this business and want to do other things.