We own a Hinowa light lift therefore tend to specialize in hard access backyard tree jobs. Debating on getting a compact tractor for big wood but would be limited to some sites or a mini skid steer/articulated steer like the ditch witch zahn so we dont tear up turf. No one piece of equipment will do it all but what will give me the most bang for the money spent?
Compact Tractor, Mini Skid Steer or Articulated mini
- Thread starter kpop
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Yellowdog
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look at a bobcat toolcat. With AWS you can go into just about anywhere. It's 5' wide (about the same as a small tractor) but can lift 1500 lbs rated (but will lift a lot more) and can use all types of bobcat attachments from stump grinders to buckets and grapples. Also have a bed for your tools or you can get the 3pt hitch version... PM me if you want to hear more about what we use one for.
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KPOP,
If you're still looking for a mini or tractor, I've got a nearly-new bobcat mt52 (97hrs) for only $13k with bucket. If you do any landscaping, I have an entire contractor package of attachments and trailer for sale also. This mini has fairly flat tracks so it does not tear up lawn so long as you're not really careless about it. I can show you how to turn the bucket into a grapple for about $500 and you can use it to carry logs, brush and clean up/fill stumps with the same attachment.
I'm not so far away in SD. Scott 605-228-9350.
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mini will lift about 1000# with a 200# man on the rear platform. I have replaced the single wheel 'sulky' platform with a folding aluminum platform which works much better since all your weight is used as counterweight vs put on a wheel that sinks into the grass or hangs up on everything. The platform is big enough so an extra guy or two can hang onto either side for extra counterweight. The bobcat's hydraulics can lift 1500 I'd say with enough counterweight. The only problem is sometimes trying to roll back the grapple with a large log in it. The tilt cylinder is a bit weaker than the lift cylinders IMO.
That small bucket grapple was easy to make, I actually ordered the thumb grapple for about $350 and hired a local fab shob to notch out the bucket and connect the thumb to the bucket. Total cost was maybe $500. The big custom grapple cost me $1500 at a local farm equipment fab shop. Worth every penny - haven't seen another like it. It's probably built heavier than it needs to be but I really like it and it sure can move brush and logs and stuff an 18" chipper!
You can also use forks to load really large logs. They can sometimes fall off the forks though without a grapple to hold in place.
If you're at all interested in the machine with or without the full package of attachments and trailer, give me a call and we can chat. I also have a Toro Dingo 420tx coming in next week with 780 hours on it. Has a gas engine whereas the bobcat has a diesel but still a decent machine. I will be selling it for $7500 and it has a few attachments available as well including a 42" rake grapple.
call me. scott 605-228-9350
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here are pics of the custom grapple. It was built for a boxer 532dx. I used it on the bobcat mt52 via an adapter plate and it worked well although a bit heavy. I now use it on a ditch witch sk650 and it is well-paired with a 32hp mini skid.
Logs in the dump trailer were all in the 36" dbh range and all loaded with the mini skid. very dense silver maple.
Logs in the dump trailer were all in the 36" dbh range and all loaded with the mini skid. very dense silver maple.
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