Got my ASV 30 today

[Garfield]

I'm excited about this one! Plan on going to get it in the morning. I got pallet forks with it but I still need a grapple and a bucket. I'm trying to decide between a traditional bucket style grapple, rake style or the by pass kind that pivots. Any advice is appreciated.

http://www.rbauction.com/common_scr...ding_lot_number=&equip_id=2197892&page_type=0

 

[Mikecutstrees]

thats awesome nice machine. Could have used that today for storm damage cleanup. Best of luck with it! Mike

 

[B-Edwards]

They have already removed the pictures, post some more when you get it.

 

[JohnH]

Pictures please!!

 

[gr8scott72]

Congrats!

A RC30 is next on my list of things to buy.

 

[Garfield]

Got it home

Got it home but it was dark so no pictures today. That thing is sweet do drive around. Smooth and fast.

 

[gr8scott72]

I'm excited about this one! Plan on going to get it in the morning. I got pallet forks with it but I still need a grapple and a bucket. I'm trying to decide between a traditional bucket style grapple, rake style or the by pass kind that pivots. Any advice is appreciated.

QUOTE]

I've been wondering which is better too.

 

[John464]

Congrats Garfield!

Scott,
first grapple will provide more flexibility in close quarters. It will allow you to pivot the logs in a direction to manuever obstacles. It will also allow you to load the dump truck from the rear tailgate. Considering the ASV30 will not reach over the sides of a dump truck this may be your best option to slide stack the logs. By slide stacking I mean push the butt end far enough that the log tips and lays flat. You will achieve a higher load this way. This technique is not suggested as safe because the log can come sliding back at the operator.
When the load is rotated long ways it will change your balance and you will not be able to pick up as much weight. The longer your log sticks out the further you are from the center of gravity.

the second grapple will require you to have a big enough loader to reach over the side of a dump truck. it will also require you to cut smaller logs in close quarters. Keep in mind the other grapple will require you to cut smaller pieces as well due to the weight distribution I mentioned above. The second grapple pictured also works great for plucking large roots that would of otherwise took a lot longer with the stump grinder.

I have a grapple like the second picture, because it was priced about $4,000 less and I feel is a bit safer for my men. Just dont like the idea of butts pointing toward the operator.

As for using forks. Prepare to damage turf, truck body and or windshield. Not the way to go.

Most importanty learn the machines limitations and be safe!

 

[sawinredneck]

Congrats Garfield!

Scott,
first grapple will provide more flexibility in close quarters. It will allow you to pivot the logs in a direction to manuever obstacles. It will also allow you to load the dump truck from the rear tailgate. Considering the ASV30 will not reach over the sides of a dump truck this may be your best option to slide stack the logs. By slide stacking I mean push the butt end far enough that the log tips and lays flat. You will achieve a higher load this way. This technique is not suggested as safe because the log can come sliding back at the operator.
When the load is rotated long ways it will change your balance and you will not be able to pick up as much weight. The longer your log sticks out the further you are from the center of gravity.

the second grapple will require you to have a big enough loader to reach over the side of a dump truck. it will also require you to cut smaller logs in close quarters. Keep in mind the other grapple will require you to cut smaller pieces as well due to the weight distribution I mentioned above. The second grapple pictured also works great for plucking large roots that would of otherwise took a lot longer with the stump grinder.

I have a grapple like the second picture, because it was priced about $4,000 less and I feel is a bit safer for my men. Just dont like the idea of butts pointing toward the operator.

As for using forks. Prepare to damage turf, truck body and or windshield. Not the way to go.

Most importanty learn the machines limitations and be safe!

Pretty much what he said!! But I will add:
I have one like the first one on my Thomas mini, it's just as handy as it gets, I can get in and out of small areas and around things with ease. I can grab several logs at once, haul it to the truck or trailer and load it, never have to get off the machine.
What I don't like:
Some of this will come with more practice, but if you are not careful you can take a chunk out of the yard easily when trying to grab something. So far I have not had much luck geting brush picked up with it, again, I am getting used to it, and I have seen videos of it done.
I can see a use for both. If you have lots of room, or don't mind cutting chunks and brush to bucket length, the second one wil work better for brush, as far as I know.
For quick and dirty get in and out, the first one is the ticket!

 

[thejdman04]

Nice machine. The first grapple might be easier to use, have some advantages, but I have a grapple like the second picture(only solid bottom) and i get by.

 

[jg55056]

I have an RC 85 with both styles of grapples. If you want to stuff a chipper fast I would get the first one. I'm not sure about the ryan style grapple but I was able to hook the rotational option up to my existing plug so I didn't have to add toggle switch. The rotational option is very nice as long as you don't have to take your hands off the joy sticks to activate it. Also nice in tight spots as stated above. The other grapple is nice but have you considered getting a bucket grapple? Nice to have a bucket on the bottom instead of tines for stump mulch etc.

 

[Garfield]

quick tach system

I now have only pallet forks for the machine. Since I will be needing a brush grapple, bucket, etc. I am considering removing the oem quicktach and installing one off of a case so it will be standard as far as working on other attachments. Also when I start looking for the attachments there will be a lot more to choose from. Does this sound like a good idea?

 

[gr8scott72]

I have an RC 85 with both styles of grapples. If you want to stuff a chipper fast I would get the first one. I'm not sure about the ryan style grapple but I was able to hook the rotational option up to my existing plug so I didn't have to add toggle switch. The rotational option is very nice as long as you don't have to take your hands off the joy sticks to activate it. Also nice in tight spots as stated above. The other grapple is nice but have you considered getting a bucket grapple? Nice to have a bucket on the bottom instead of tines for stump mulch etc.

Bucket grapple is out. I tried one out a few weeks ago and when you have it tipped over to pick up a big pile of brush, you can't see anything thru the solid bucket. Plus, it's hard to find a RC30 that doesn't come with a regular dirt bucket.

 

[arbor pro]

Bucket grapple is out. I tried one out a few weeks ago and when you have it tipped over to pick up a big pile of brush, you can't see anything thru the solid bucket. Plus, it's hard to find a RC30 that doesn't come with a regular dirt bucket.

I thought you were just grinding stumps? If so, a bucket grapple would be the only way to go IMO. You getting into the tree pruning/removal biz too?

I have a bucket grapple on my mini skid and wouldn't have the other kind. For logs, the other kind might work better but, for small brush and stump grindings, you need something with a solid bottom or that small debris will fall through.

IMO, which one is better depends completely on what scope of work you do and how much big stuff or small stuff you normally pick up as well as what you're loading the debris into.

 

[gr8scott72]

I thought you were just grinding stumps? If so, a bucket grapple would be the only way to go IMO. You getting into the tree pruning/removal biz too?

I have a bucket grapple on my mini skid and wouldn't have the other kind. For logs, the other kind might work better but, for small brush and stump grindings, you need something with a solid bottom or that small debris will fall through.

IMO, which one is better depends completely on what scope of work you do and how much big stuff or small stuff you normally pick up as well as what you're loading the debris into.

Plus, it's hard to find a RC30 that doesn't come with a regular dirt bucket.

All of the RC30s that I've seen already have the dirt bucket so if I get a grapple I'd like one that works better for tree work since I would already have a bucket to do stump cleanup.

Yes, I'm wanting to expand to more than just stumps.

I'm thinking about offering skid steer services to a few of the tree companies around here that don't have one. I already have one company wanting me to get one and could keep me pretty busy just by themselves.

 

[arbor pro]

I'm thinking about offering skid steer services to a few of the tree companies around here that don't have one. I already have one company wanting me to get one and could keep me pretty busy just by themselves.

You talking stump work or cleanup of tree debris that they create from pruning/removal work? If the latter, I'd be careful about the bobcat sub-contactor thing. I've been in that position before where someone else convinced me that they would throw a bunch of bobcat work my way, then later pulled the plug and decided to do the work themselves. Especially with the economy the way it is, I would think that more and more companies are going to do the work themselves just to make sure they stay busy vs subcontract it out.

Hope it works out though. Just don't go mortgaging your house to buy a new skidsteer and bank on someone else throwing work your way in order to make the payments. Especially with the economy the way it is, i'd take baby steps until you know the workload is there to support the purchases. You can always get a small used bobcat and grapple for under $10k.

 

[gr8scott72]

You talking stump work or cleanup of tree debris that they create from pruning/removal work? If the latter, I'd be careful about the bobcat sub-contactor thing. I've been in that position before where someone else convinced me that they would throw a bunch of bobcat work my way, then later pulled the plug and decided to do the work themselves. Especially with the economy the way it is, I would think that more and more companies are going to do the work themselves just to make sure they stay busy vs subcontract it out.

Hope it works out though. Just don't go mortgaging your house to buy a new skidsteer and bank on someone else throwing work your way in order to make the payments. Especially with the economy the way it is, i'd take baby steps until you know the workload is there to support the purchases. You can always get a small used bobcat and grapple for under $10k.

Yup, I'm looking at used RC30s and they seem to be plentiful in the sub $10k range. That and a dump trailer for $5k or so.

 

[pdqdl]

...
I'm thinking about offering skid steer services to a few of the tree companies around here that don't have one. I already have one company wanting me to get one and could keep me pretty busy just by themselves.

I thought I might be able to sell the services of my A300 with the root grapple, tree shear, etc. to other tree services, perhaps on their bigger jobs.

So far...no takers. Just like me, they would rather work harder and keep all the loot for themselves.


By the way, the bucket/ grapples aren't worth the money, when it comes to loading brush. The sides keep the logs and longer brush from piling up into the bucket. The straight cutting edge keeps loose piles of brush from sliding on. Get a root grapple, rock rake, something that will penetrate piles of brush. I tried the bucket grapple, and thought it was ok, until I stepped up to something better suited for brush & logs.

Bucket grapples are absolutely great for loading demolition debris, especially if working off a paved surface.

 

[arbor pro]

Yup, I'm looking at used RC30s and they seem to be plentiful in the sub $10k range. That and a dump trailer for $5k or so.

Really? Less than $10k for a used rc30? Now you've got me thinking about one... What do they run new - 20-25k?

You look like a tall guy. How well do you fit into the rc30? I'm only 5'9" and have a real tough time fitting comfortably for any duration of time in my 371 bobcat. Never been in an rc30 or any of its big brothers.

 

[gr8scott72]

Really? Less than $10k for a used rc30? Now you've got me thinking about one... What do they run new - 20-25k?

You look like a tall guy. How well do you fit into the rc30? I'm only 5'9" and have a real tough time fitting comfortably for any duration of time in my 371 bobcat. Never been in an rc30 or any of its big brothers.

I used a RC50 a few weeks back and fit fine. (I'm 6'4")

I don't know how much smaller the RC30's cabin is but they all look about the same.

They are in the low $20k new.