track loader question

[adumb]

i have a tree service in colorado which is slowly turning into more of a forestry/logging type of operation due to the beetle invasion and am looking to buy a compact track loader. i could give a #### if the thing can dig a hole and am only interested in the best setup for carrying logs and trees over steep and uneven terrain. i've seen lots of variations between manufacturers- does anyone have any input on the best rig for these needs in the 70-80 hp range?

 

[redprospector]

I've got an old ASV 4810. It has plenty of power, but the controls suck! When I get a different machine I may go back to Bobcat just for the price of tracks alone. I priced a set for my 4810 the other day and they want $3200 per side.
I did what you're talking about for several years with a Bobcat 863 with over the tire tracks.

Andy

 

[tramp bushler]

Track Loader , I was thinking he was asking about something made by LinkBelt ,Washington or American ....Or Bicyrus Erie ...

 

[bullbuck]

I've got an old ASV 4810. It has plenty of power, but the controls suck! When I get a different machine I may go back to Bobcat just for the price of tracks alone. I priced a set for my 4810 the other day and they want $3200 per side.
I did what you're talking about for several years with a Bobcat 863 with over the tire tracks.

Andy

ive seen tracks for t250 to 320 for as low as 1200 per side new on ebay

 

[hammerlogging]

Track Loader , I was thinking he was asking about something made by LinkBelt ,Washington or American ....Or Bicyrus Erie ...

So was I, although picturing our Prentices

 

[Junior_M]

for there lifting ability, you cant beat the Deere 332, but depending on the set up you purchase, you'll hate the cab and visibility. And if you are a man of any size, you'll especially hate the cab.

the Case 450 CT is the next beast imo. But I am a bobcat guy myself, so if I was you I'd look at the T300 or T320(only like 8 or 10 horse difference along with the ability to run a Fecon mower between the two)

 

[redprospector]

ive seen tracks for t250 to 320 for as low as 1200 per side new on ebay

Yep, I just found an aftermarket set there for my 4810 for $1895 a side plus shipping. They just started coming out with aftermarket for the ASV's.

Andy

 

[bullbuck]

Yep, I just found an aftermarket set there for my 4810 for $1895 a side plus shipping. They just started coming out with aftermarket for the ASV's.

Andy

good deal,that sounds more reasonable

 

[ASD]

We run bobcat's. We have a t-250 and a t-320. If you are going to put a mower head on it the t-320 is the only way to go!!!!!!! We had a t300 and when the t320 came out we traded up and yes it's only about 10 hp more but it will run circles around a t300. the 10 hp has increased the productivity by 20%

 

[Junior_M]

We run bobcat's. We have a t-250 and a t-320. If you are going to put a mower head on it the t-320 is the only way to go!!!!!!! We had a t300 and when the t320 came out we traded up and yes it's only about 10 hp more but it will run circles around a t300. the 10 hp has increased the productivity by 20%

:agree2:

 

[thansen]

I have a Bobcat T-300 Track loader and Mark II Rotating Grapple and winch. Plus vairous other attachments. It works great for what we do, I love it. Lots of pics at:
http://www.firelinefps.com

 

[bullbuck]

I have a Bobcat T-300 Track loader and Mark II Rotating Grapple and winch. Plus vairous other attachments. It works great for what we do, I love it. Lots of pics at:
http://www.firelinefps.com

you have a real nice setup there thansen,i have been in the commercial side of logging for several years,and have been researching starting up a small company similiar to yours in this area,was there any money available grants,assistance that helped you get started up,or was it all out of pocket expense?any info appreciated

 

[thansen]

Thank you! I have worked my ass off to get the equipment that I have and try to make it. I wish there was grant money for us! The only thing that helped me start this business was blood, sweat, and tears! It seems like everyday I ask myself what the hell was I thinking? Everything has been out of pocket and of course a big loan at the bank. It's a tough business, very high expenses, high overhead, and low margins. There are grants available, but not many for "small business" start up and "for profit" organizations. A lot of my clients have recieved grant money to do the actual fuel reduction work though.

 

[bullbuck]

Thank you! I have worked my ass off to get the equipment that I have and try to make it. I wish there was grant money for us! The only thing that helped me start this business was blood, sweat, and tears! It seems like everyday I ask myself what the hell was I thinking? Everything has been out of pocket and of course a big loan at the bank. It's a tough business, very high expenses, high overhead, and low margins. There are grants available, but not many for "small business" start up and "for profit" organizations. A lot of my clients have recieved grant money to do the actual fuel reduction work though.

you obviously have done something right,thats some nice machinery there!i wouldnt even think of trying this if i didnt have previous experience logging all these years,i have gotten pretty effective at moving material,without that i wouldnt even try..but i have researched the bobcat t 320 and it is so diverse with attatchments even if there where no trees to kill you could adapt to the market,thats what i do like is its not just a forestry machine,but the woods are in my veins cant break the addiction,just looking for a way to see somebetter checks,but like my boss says"if it was easy everybody would be doing it"thanks for your reply and keep up the good work

 

[redprospector]

I have a Bobcat T-300 Track loader and Mark II Rotating Grapple and winch. Plus vairous other attachments. It works great for what we do, I love it. Lots of pics at:
http://www.firelinefps.com

You have a very nice website. I need to look into getting one I guess. I have been amazed at the number of people who told me that they couldn't find a website for me, and this is a real slow year.
I like the things you said on the home page, pretty similar to what I have in my literature.

Andy

 

[redprospector]

you have a real nice setup there thansen,i have been in the commercial side of logging for several years,and have been researching starting up a small company similiar to yours in this area,was there any money available grants,assistance that helped you get started up,or was it all out of pocket expense?any info appreciated

Chris,
This is just my opinion, but here goes anyway.
I learned while on the village council, that when you accept a grant from the government you have sold your soul to them. The grant's for equipment around here are a buddy system as far as I'm concerned. If you intend to get a grant through the FS get ready to pucker up, and spend a lot of time on your knee's.
I think a man's better off just rolling up his sleaves and doing what has to be done to get what he needs. Then when you've got it you can look it all over knowing that you're not indebted to any of them.

The State Forestry's grant's for land owners is a horse of a different color though. The land owner agrees to follow the prescription they set, and when it's done and the last payment is made they don't have to deal with the state anymore.

Andy

 

[thansen]

you obviously have done something right,thats some nice machinery there!i wouldnt even think of trying this if i didnt have previous experience logging all these years,i have gotten pretty effective at moving material,without that i wouldnt even try..but i have researched the bobcat t 320 and it is so diverse with attatchments even if there where no trees to kill you could adapt to the market,thats what i do like is its not just a forestry machine,but the woods are in my veins cant break the addiction,just looking for a way to see somebetter checks,but like my boss says"if it was easy everybody would be doing it"thanks for your reply and keep up the good work

I would definately recomend the T320, that is what I will upgrade to when the time is right so I can run the forestry head with better efficiency. I hear ya when you say "woods are in my veins". I don't know what I would do at night if I didn't have to wash soot and ash off or empty saw/wood chips from my pockets out on the deck before I get to go into the house! Thanks to everyone about the comments on my website too! I made it myself so its a work in progress, if you have any suggestions let me know. Thanks again and good luck, be safe out there!

 

[bullbuck]

Chris,
This is just my opinion, but here goes anyway.
I learned while on the village council, that when you accept a grant from the government you have sold your soul to them. The grant's for equipment around here are a buddy system as far as I'm concerned. If you intend to get a grant through the FS get ready to pucker up, and spend a lot of time on your knee's.
I think a man's better off just rolling up his sleaves and doing what has to be done to get what he needs. Then when you've got it you can look it all over knowing that you're not indebted to any of them.

The State Forestry's grant's for land owners is a horse of a different color though. The land owner agrees to follow the prescription they set, and when it's done and the last payment is made they don't have to deal with the state anymore.

Andy

that is some really good advice,makes absolute sense to me,i would rather not be in someones back pocket,i am not sure but i think kelly got his big break out in timberon for the state,we helped him haul the logs towards the end and i think he got a decent check for that job,hes got some real nice machines!and i also agree that if i were to fail i would rather it be on my terms...i would like to pick your brain sometime as you have been doing this along time,i dont want to go in blind.also you should get a website!people would rather not thumb the yellow pages these days,i have told george the same

 

[redprospector]

that is some really good advice,makes absolute sense to me,i would rather not be in someones back pocket,i am not sure but i think kelly got his big break out in timberon for the state,we helped him haul the logs towards the end and i think he got a decent check for that job,hes got some real nice machines!and i also agree that if i were to fail i would rather it be on my terms...i would like to pick your brain sometime as you have been doing this along time,i dont want to go in blind.also you should get a website!people would rather not thumb the yellow pages these days,i have told george the same

My wife say's that there's not much left, but anytime you want to pick my little pea brain just come by & I'll open up. If Kelly dosen't get his crap togeather, his big break may just break him.

Andy

 

[bullbuck]

My wife say's that there's not much left, but anytime you want to pick my little pea brain just come by & I'll open up. If Kelly dosen't get his crap togeather, his big break may just break him.

Andy

haha,yeah i been driving by all your goodies for a few months now,id like to learn what you got going?and yep i agree about kelly those machines sat still for way too long in my mind,as in years it seemed?thats my only indicator that the check must have been big!i will see if i can catch you out one evening