Forwarders

[Mtn Horselogger]

I'm gathering some information on smaller forwarders, such as an Iron Mule, Franklin 132, or Hanover. I'm wondering about some basic stuff, like how much they weigh, payload capacity, loader capacity. Would the loader be practical to use for loading log trucks? What kind of rig do you need to haul them? I've seen some people hauling them with a 1 ton and a big flatbed, sounded a little sketchy.

Any other pertinent information would be good, thanks.

 

[2dogs]

The omly forwader I have looked at weighed almost 15 tons.

 

[MGoldman]

Howdy Ben,
Not sure if this would suit your application but it's a neat idea and I'll bring it to your attention anyway though you may have already seen it. Obviously no provisions for loader, but I have considered this for my operation. Rather than spending time to improve additional access for the (self loading) log truck (ex. more landings, better/wider forest roads), I think if you adapted Jason's log arch design for a long frame, bunks and a few axles or spindles you could eliminate lots of long skids for small pulp wood, or maybe larger stuff with a ramp to help in parbuckling logs up there. You could possibly keep working when it's otherwise too wet to get the log truck into, or back out of, the woods.

BTW Im currently in the Piedmont region a few hours north of you.

The link:
http://www.heavyhorses.net/Pages/equipment_ forwarder.htm

I wouldnt be afraid to freight that little forwarder either. You know what the Suffolks can do, but here's a pic of me and a friend driving a team of light horses. We pack them all spring, summer and fall, but they only wear the harness a couple times per year. Those are thousand pound haybales. Five of them I think. This is how we feed our 60 head of stock at the Ranger Station when the Bobcat is down.
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/photo.php?pid=349131&id=1188463910&fbid=1128084840830