Tractor Powered Processor?

[SmokinDodge]

I'm looking at the feasability of a processor for my farm. My ideal machine would be one that could be setup with the live table down hill of a large pile of skidded trees. A hyd winch would pull from a ramp set from the pile to live table for loading.

I have a John Deere 4320 (116 horse) and I would like to use it to power a processor rather than have multiple engines and additional cost. Is there any processor that is tractor driven that isn't a toy? Most of the ones I've found can only take 16" dia 10' log. I would like to go up to 24-26" dia at least and tree length. Most of my wood is 20" and less but I think it should be wider to allow for crooked logs.

Or do I have it all wrong and most all the smaller processors could do what I want? I have no experience with a processor other than what I have learned here.

Or is there any one in Central Missouri with a processor that will come and setup on my property for a week at a time and process for me?

Is there a good place to look for used/for hire processors?

TIA

 

[Husky137]

I would imagine,(it's been a while since I researched the various manufacturers) that you coul order a unit to be run off your tractor. The units that are specifically dedicated to that purpose are all designed for short small diameter, straight wood. Even your ideal specs on log size and length max out or exceed the capacities of the largest units with their own dedicated power plants. Processor guys around here typically keep the nice straight firewood logs for their machines and sell the big diameter or gnarly stuff by the truckload as tree length firewood.

 

[blackdiesel]

i have a timberwolf cmx (i think? its been a while since i looked it up) but it was the one with the stihl 660 on it. I installed a bigger hyd pump and a hydraulic saw and am now running it off of a 1520 john deere. Greatly improved power and speed over the 11 hp honda that was on it. much quiter too. I can also turn out 4 rick of 16" wood that is no bigger around than your forearm. So i wouldnt call it a toy.......

 

[cuttinscott]

Ill take your Timberwolf CMX in trade and sell you a TW PRO MX PTO firewood processor it will take lengths to approx 20' diameter of approx 22" has a live deck if interested give me a call..

Scott

 

[blackdiesel]

if i was going to upgrade i would deffiently go bigger than that. id take a TW pro hd xl or bump up to a cord king

i need something with at least an 8 way splitter (which i have made and am running on my cmx...)

and whats the advantages of a inline or offset?


Not really looking to upgrade.... but how much would you give me for my timberwolf?

 

[SmokinDodge]

i have a timberwolf cmx (i think? its been a while since i looked it up) but it was the one with the stihl 660 on it. I installed a bigger hyd pump and a hydraulic saw and am now running it off of a 1520 john deere. Greatly improved power and speed over the 11 hp honda that was on it. much quiter too. I can also turn out 4 rick of 16" wood that is no bigger around than your forearm. So i wouldnt call it a toy.......

BD your CMX is something I hadn't found in my search. That is just about the ideal machine for what I have in mind. I kept coming up with models along the lines of the smaller Japa's. While they may work fine in some regions I don't feel it would suit my task well. If I had to cut every tree to 10' I might as well cut it all 16"-18"

How did you adapt the cmx to run from your tractor?

How long have you had it? Have you made any other mods?

Testimonials are everywhere but actual unbiased reports from owner/operators is very valuable. Thank you.

CuttinScott: Do used processors come up very often?

 

[blackdiesel]

ah smokin, well ive had her for 2-3 years now. When i bought it i got a decent deal, but it had the 11 hp honda on it and a sthil 660.

which is a good processor and all, but blah, i didnt like it. Wasnt fast enough.

So i took off the honda and the hyd pump. Along with the sthil. Then i fabed up the hyd saw on there with the two valves and new hoses and all that jazz. Then i threw a big hyd pump on it. And riged it up to run on a pto.

we have 4 john deeres around here so i snagged one from dad laugh and i have it hooked up to the processor 24/7. Ill run it 4-5 hours at a time. Just long enough to cut a load (4 cord) and then shut her down and do it all over the next day.

when i upgraded the pump and then started runnin it off the tractor, the log feed was faster, the splitter was stronger (and faster!) and MUCH quiter. Im very pleased with it. The only thing that i would like is a live deck.

 

[blackdiesel]

and where at in missouri are you? im in arkansas, right across the line from branson.

 

[SmokinDodge]

I'm 45 miles west of the Capital, Jefferson City. I know where your at, I attended SMSU for a while and have been to the Silver Dollar City a time or two.

4 cord a day for 3 years? Sheew, you Arkansas fellas can put some hours on equipment! Have you had to make any repairs other than typical maintenance?

Do you have a contract for the split wood or is tourist/local sales that good?

 

[blackdiesel]

ive got a contract with a local lodge. and all ive done to it is regular mantinance. like keeping it greased basically.

i also have a log loader to load it with. MUCH easier than a front end loader on a tractor...

 

[cuttinscott]

if i was going to upgrade i would deffiently go bigger than that. id take a TW pro hd xl or bump up to a cord king

i need something with at least an 8 way splitter (which i have made and am running on my cmx...)

and whats the advantages of a inline or offset?


Not really looking to upgrade.... but how much would you give me for my timberwolf?

I Just happen to have the TW PRO HD IL XL in stock I would need some pics and more info on taking your trade in. Although it wood have better resale if it was in stock condition, Maaybe a AS member would be interested??? Im sure I could arrange some kinda deal.

As far as inline vs offset it depends on your primary log size I tell my customers if you average 16" and smaller go with the inline but if you average 16" and larger go to the offset. The offset was our standard for many years but now the Inline is outselling the Offset in my territory anyway.

Like I said I have the PRO HD in stock with all da bells and whistles including the 8 way and the electric auto cycle and of coarse a LIVE DECK

Post some pics see if anyone is interested..

Scott

 

[blackdiesel]

well how much you wantin for the pro hd inline xl?

 

[Kleek]

smokindodge, I used to own a Hakki PTO processor (nearly identical to the Jappa), and we were able to run any length of tree we wanted. On clearcuts, I have run 45' long ash trees through. I used a 10' roller conveyor to support the extra length.

 

[cuttinscott]

well how much you wantin for the pro hd inline xl?

Check your PM

Scott