Fema Debris Removal

[BlackenedTimber]

hey lightning loader, did he ever come close to tipping that thing over? I watched the video, and it looks like she can get a little loose some times... Also, what the suspension like on his truck... I bet that thing does a number on it. If I keep sending myself south (i keep telling myself not to go, but I end up doing it anyway...) I might have to get my hands on one of those.

 

[LightningLoader]

The rear steer comes with suspension locks that you switch on when you get into the operator's cab, so that it doesn't toss you around too much and doesn't damage the truck. Also has a huge counterbalance plate made of 4" steel plate under the operator cab to help make it more stable. The part of the truck that seems to take it the hardest is the front steering assemly, which is one of those things that you just check out every once and a while and make sure it looks ok.

These things have been tested hard over the last 10 years in big cities like Miami, Houston, Coral Gables, Hollywood, Corpus Christi...so not a new concept, just new to tree guys. I think Orangetown NY (which is in Orangeburg) has a couple of them. Don't know if that's close to you?

 

[BlackenedTimber]

Actually, I had band practice last nite in Orangetown...
I mentioned those things to a buddy of mine, who told me that he knows a local guy with one... maybe I can subcontract him, or just by the thing from him. Who knows, certainly not I.

 

[LightningLoader]

Local guy with Rear Steer?

I'd be suprised if a local guy ended up with a rear steer, but maybe the city sold their 2000 model when they bought the new one? If I hear of any going up for auction or anything, I'll make sure to post it on here in case you're interested. Seems to me that city of houston and some of the cities around south florida should be ready to start replacing their rear steers soon, so I'll keep an eye out.

 

[jhgilliland]

That loader is sweet!

Lightning Loader - What does petersen Ind. Get for a rear steer setup providing that the buyer supplys the chassis to mount it on. What do the used ones go for. My father does disaster cleanup, and i was curious. Thanks. James

 

[LightningLoader]

You can't supply your own chassis because of all of the programming that goes on with the engine. We always mount them on custom Internationals. I can't give you a price for a new one in this forum, but I can tell you that we sold our last demo for about $95,000.

We can't seem to get anyone to trade one of their oldies in for us to resell, so can't help you much with finding a used one. As far as I know, in the 8 years that these have been on the market, not even the oldest ones have been replaced yet. Speaks well of the equipment that they even want to keep the old ones, but doesn't help you guys that are looking for used ones.

If you still want a price call Petersen direct and get one over the phone. Mention that you are a tree care person and you can be quoted the factory direct price.

 

[jhgilliland]

I understand not being able to quote a price on the forum. All things considered i dont think that 95 is that high considering the fact of what your getting. The more important part is being able to secure a long term contract with fema. Lets face it, there are hurricanes every year. Not to say they are of the same magnitude, but there is still cleanup to be done. I would prefer to find a used one, but that seems like a slim possibility. Anyway, thanks again for the idea on pricing. I may have to contact Petersen Ind. soon. James

 

[spike-columbia]

Rear Steer

I have inquired about rear steer's. However I'm like you I have not been able to secure a contract (well at least one from a reputable contractor, before I fork over 95-125K).

Anyone have any ideas?

 

[LightningLoader]

I understand not being able to quote a price on the forum. All things considered i dont think that 95 is that high considering the fact of what your getting. The more important part is being able to secure a long term contract with fema. Lets face it, there are hurricanes every year. Not to say they are of the same magnitude, but there is still cleanup to be done. I would prefer to find a used one, but that seems like a slim possibility. Anyway, thanks again for the idea on pricing. I may have to contact Petersen Ind. soon. James

I personally think that 95 is a great price, considering that it 's not much more than a normal grapple truck, and it can load a lot more. Like I say, I have my antennas up for a used rear steer, and I'll make sure and post a note on the forum here if something comes up. If you want to order a new rear steer, then you need to start thinking about it now, because it will take time to get a chassis and build and install the loader, waiting for the hurricanes to come makes you too late. And we all know that they're coming... (that's my worried look because I live in FL)