Best 7 or 8 ton excavator for forestry work ??

[njtimber]

Hello just wanting opinions on the preferred makes of excavators for forest work ,I currently run an orange one but want to know what other people rate as good machines as I am looking to replace it. Cost of spares,oil flow for attachments etc etc

[roseyweb]

I've used most of the 8 tonners about

I've always liked the kubota,

[njtimber]

Yes I currently use a kubota ,years ago I drove a Hitachi for my old boss . Just wondering what other people rate and if there are any to avoid.

[aspenarb]

PC80 is a fair machine, the cabs a nice place to be and they have a decent auxiliary flow rate. We have run these for years and the only reoccurring problem has been fracturing of the poorly supported HP steel pipe on the pump, for some reason this only happens when running the mulching heads. Easy fix with a brace though.

 

Bob

[njtimber]

I've never driven a komatsu , I know an old chap who drove a 20 ton komatsu when they were yellow and blue, he liked the old machine.

[aspenarb]

I was stood next to a 20ton zero swing the other day, could not believe how compact they are compared to the older big machines. Aside of the tracks they are not much different in size to the older 10 ton machines with the benefit of heaps more reach and power. Tempting , especially with the deals that can be had in Europe at the moment.

 

Bob

[njtimber]

Deals in Europe ? Is somebody going to sell me a good machine at a cheap price ? ...I wish.

[Peter]

The right hand drive conversion can be expensive though.

[aspenarb]

The right hand drive conversion can be expensive though.

 

 

 

Not to mention tracking it back, make sure you take a deep breath before going in.

 

 

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[Breezeblock]

i dont think there is much to pick between any of the excavators now i would personally go for 2-3 yr old to avoid adblue and dpf