Help with value on log picker

[Wood Hick]

I have a chance to buy a john deere log picker mounted on an old GMC 5 ton truck. I have no idea what the picker is worth ( truck is not far from junk )
Seller says you are buying the picker, truck is free. Picker runs off pto from the truck, truck runs pretty good. Cylinders on the picker were rebuilt a few years ago, everything works. He wants $3500 for the works, I want it , but don't wanna get taken. I don't know the model of the picker, so maybe someone can tell me some popular older ones ? Thanks

 

[371groundie]

deeres havent been made in many moons. there were some that you sat still and the boom swung (watch your head) and some where you sat directly behind the boom. so you always had your head cocked off to one side so you could see the grapple.

Prentice is by far the leader in the industry. you can still get parts for the older models.

especially if you are doing tree work you want a boom with longer reach. i think deeres had 18 ft. the older prentice's were 18 or 20. if you get up into the 1990s the prentice 120 came with a 22 ft boom with a 3ft telescope. that gives you 25 ft of reach. very handy even with loading wood that has been stacked. but invaluable when reaching into yards and over fences. (dad even set trusses with one)

i think 3500 is more than that loader is worth. even with the truck.

in your situation i would look for a 120c from the early 90s. mabey a hood or serco 8000 of similar vintage. they also came with 25ft reach.

 

[Wood Hick]

Thanks ! Thats why I turn to this forum with my questions, sound advice from those who have been there. I think I will make a really low cash offer, if he bites I can sell the truck and maybe part out the picker because it all works.

 

[371groundie]

no reason not to buy it, but i dont think its worth that money. are you logging or tree service?

 

[Wood Hick]

Both, at this point, wherever the money is. I am a faller first and foremost, learned the trade almost 20 years ago from some great old timbermen. I can do just about anything with a saw but carve bears ! We have a family business ( not related to logging ) alot of my time goes there, timber and treework the rest of the time. My reasoning is moving the wood. The mills charge to come get it because I am too far away from their " free" zone. My regular trucking guy just raised prices to 100 bucks up front and 3 bucks a loaded mile after that. If I can load it and haul it myself without too much of an investment thats the way it will be. You probably know how I feel, even when prices are low and expenses high I just love logging, its what I want to do !