Decision time help!

[AdamnRalph]

Well I have a decision to make and I really don't know what to do!

I have a Trakmet 600 with a debarker,planking computer and powered feed. It's a fantastic bit of kit and works great!

I also have a Forestor 900 vertical band rack that will do a 24foot long cut. It's as basic as they come and has no computers or gadgets but it's built like a barn door! It's also done next to nothing so it's nice and tight.

I can't afford to keep both so one has to go but which one?

I've got no experience on the forestor so I can't compare the two. Any thoughts on what to do would be greatly appreciated!

[Haironyourchest]

Is the Trakmet reliable? Looked at some youtube vids of the machines, seems the Trakmet is more versatile and easier on the back. Still a lot to be said for old school simplicity though, and it's getting harder to find.

[Stompy]

Can't help with your decision but I would be interested in the Trak Met if you decide to sell....

 

Let me know ☺️

[wills-mill]

The Forestor is a bit of a weapon for knocking out smaller fencing/ building type chunky timber, but it needs decent trestles, handling kit and a couple of people to go best.

 

When it comes to anything like accurate planking, one man operation, or on longer or heavier logs, the Trakmet will wipe the floor. Tweaking heavy and unstable lumps around on that high Forestor table is no fun on a regular basis. If you go near garden timber with metal or grot, then the cheap blades on the Trak are an advantage as well.

 

Forestors will do neat fencing jobs like splitting small softwood for half rounds, you can split out arris rails and point stakes as well, so they are more suited for farm and forestry timber- the sort of cord sized stuff you can flick around by hand quite easily.

 

Your decision, probably based on what timber and produce you're looking at?