Looking for Timbermaster info

[CESAW]

Hello all,

 

New member here in the U.S. looking for information about Smith-Timbermaster information.

 

I am looking to purchase/import a used Timbermaster for skyline logging in the Appalachain Mtns. of WV.

 

I have contacted A&B several times with mediocre results... especially about spare parts.  Supposedly the following parts are available, but NEVER would they give a price.  Even basic questions were never answered in their entirety and, honestly, they were evasive or vague.

 

Part/Components -

Skyline Bull Gears - 12T & 48T gears

Planetary Drive for Mainline winch

Cone Clutch for Aux. Shaft drive.

 

From what I've been able to gather, the Skyline and Planetary are sourced from Massey Ferguson tractors ....

• Can anyone help me with a model number of tractor (s)??

 

The Cone Clutch is sourced from Holland....

1. Anyone know whom the manufacturer is?

 

The reason for asking this is... Any piece of equipment can/will break.  If I went though with the purchase/investment, I want to have those parts on hand so repairs can be made quickly and be back up and running.  I don't want to be waiting weeks and especially if the part(s) are going to be exorbitant in price.  Due to my phone conversations and emails with A&B, I'm not getting a warm-n-fuzzy feeling about this.  Beginning to have reservations about purchasing a machine with little or no customer service/support.  ?  Last thing I need is an expensive yard ornament.

 

Plenty of Massey Ferguson tractors over here and parts (new and used) are plentiful, just need to know which one(s).  If can source the Aux. Cone Clutch on my own, I will do so and get one coming.

 

From reading other's posts on Smith-Timbermasters, this seems to be the best place to ask for help.

 

"Thank You" in advance for your help

 

 

 

[s o c]

I’d say there are bound to be a few  timbermasters parked up both UK and Ireland.

might be worth placing want ad in Forest Machine Journal or some of the Facebook groups, and Arbtrader on here.

small scale skyline work is rarely viable over here as rates and timber value are relatively low, and it’s very hard.work.

Have to say have found A&B good to deal with.

best of luck

 

[openspaceman]

5 hours ago, CESAW said:

New member here in the U.S. looking for information about Smith-Timbermaster information.

I think I can just about remember a timbermaster skyline winch from the early 80s manufactured by G R Smith but haven't seen anything of them since.

[CESAW]

s o c,

 

Already have a machine lined up.  Literally knew when the boat was going to leave port.  All put on hold until this parts source issue can be figured out.  Alot of time invested on my part with phone and email, but several folks in the UK are vested in this too, as they figured out the trucking, customs, shipyard, etc.  Those folks deserve for this to work out too.

 

The seller has been exceptional.  I'd be proud to meet him in person and shake his hand... maybe one day.  He warned me in our first conversation about A&B.  Unfortunately he was right.  Seller even inquired with them on same parts, and they snubbed him too as they quickly put two and two together.  I don't know what their problem is, don't care.  Maybe they don't like "Yanks".

 

Hopefully someone here knows or can ask someone who knows where the parts above can be sourced individually.  Might be helpful to someone else in the future as well.

 

The machine was serviced a couple years back.  But the parts I specifically mentioned are components I know I need to have on hand in case of a failure.  Everything else can be sourced/adapted readily on this side.

 

Again, Thanks in advance for the help

 

 

 

[s o c]

Might be worth contacting the Coillte (Irish forestry board) training center in Mountrath, Ireland.

some of their older instructors might know of contractors with discarded machines or there may be some of their fitters with knowledge Re part origins

[CESAW]

3 hours ago, s o c said:

 

 

small scale skyline work is rarely viable over here as rates and timber value are relatively low, and it’s very hard.work.

 

 

 

s o c,

The seller explained to me this very issue.  Seems that there is always someone willing to do it at a lower price.  He shared that he knew of several companies that went bankrupt because of this.

 

I don't have any grandiose misconceptions of making "easy money" with this endeavor, however, a skyline makes perfect sense in many scenarios.  The time/expense of cutting miles of road with a dozer gets expensive quick, not to mention wear n tear on undercarriage and driveline.  With some pre-planning, the same wood could be moved out faster, cheaper and far less environmental issues with a skyline.

 

Back in 2016, I located a James Jones trailer Alp that was available in the UK.  Quickly found out that Igland wasn't making parts for those winches and most were obsolete.  They look to be quite capable units too... but without parts, only a matter of time.  Seller was the one that talked me out of buying it.

 

Just like this Timbermaster, seller agrees 110% that it would be wise to have those part on hand.  Even though he's confident it is ready to work, anything can happen.  Last time we talked, I think he was madder about the situation on my behalf than I was.

 

I'd be in uncharted waters as there isn't a skyline within a day or two drive... at least.  There is a niche that can be filled.  If the parts issue hadn't put this all on hold, it would be moving into  job in 2 weeks and another job right after.

 

Thank You for the suggestion.  I'll see if I can locate a number for the Irish Forestry Board and give them a call tomorrow. 

 

 

Edited February 21, 2019 by CESAW

[CESAW]

 

Below is a pic from manual of the Mainline Planetary - Parts 14-24

 

Supposedly sourced from 70's era Massey Ferguson, but trying to find out which model.

 

 

 

[CESAW]

Pic from manual of Skyline Bull Gear -

• Part #21 - 48 tooth
• Part# 26 - 12 tooth

Part #56 - Aux Shaft Cone Clutch also shown (far right). Made in Holland

 

Supposedly sourced from 70's era Massey Ferguson Tractor, don't know which model or which gears.  I've looked at over a dozen exploded views of Massey transmissions and cross referencing part #'s.  I "think" the 12 tooth is the PTO drive, but have not been able to find a 48 tooth so far.

 

[CESAW]

 

Pic from manual of Aux. Shaft Cone Clutch internal details.

 

Told it was manufactured in Holland, but don't know by whom.

 

 

[Ceri Hughes]

I have 2 timbermaster skylines, which I am currently rebuilding, have been trying to track down manuals and or parts lists. Cesaw, where did you find these drawings, have been looking for years