Tracked Chipper Comparison.

[paddyvero]

First off, Im in Canada, so keep that in mind.

Currently run an older Bandit 65xl tow behind.

Tracked chippers havent really been available locally, ignoring massive Bandits.

2 dealers have started importing British machines, and I think they offer a great niche machine.

 

So, 2 maybe 3 options. 

 

1. Timberwolf 280ftr. Petrol engine.

2. Forst Tr8. 55hp Diesel.

3. Maybe Timberwolf 230tfr, but I dont think its big enough.

 

Real world experiences and opinions please.

Fuel consumption petrol vs diesel?

Life expectancy, years or hours?

Performance? Especially as most machines locally are minimum 10inch.

Size/ weight arent huge issues, I think the Forst is slightly narrower, but maybe width on the Timberwolf makes it more stable on slopes?

 

Known issues? Maintainance costs?

 

The Timberwolf is notably cheaper.

 

Thanks Paddy.

 

 

Edited October 16, 2021 by paddyvero

[PeteB]

We decided not to export to that side of the pond. I'd love the Sales job, if they did change their mind! I'd consider a GreenMech,  take it yourself and show the locals the benefit of buying British! 

[dumper]

Out of the three I would consider a greenmech back up is fantastic,although most of the parts should be available your side of the pond and they are bomb proof 

Canada is just a short boat ride away

[kevinjohnsonmbe]

Go GreenMech all the way!

 

There must be a means of getting one?

[kevinjohnsonmbe]

3 hours ago, PeteB said:

We decided not to export to that side of the pond.

Is that something you can expand upon in public domain Pete? Just out of interest. 👍🏻

[AHPP]

1 hour ago, kevinjohnsonmbe said:

Is that something you can expand upon in public domain Pete? Just out of interest. 👍🏻

North Americans are used to good chippers.

[Mick Dempsey]

Their small (50hp and under) are crap compared to the euro ones.

The big ones are epic of course but this side of the pond we seem to err towards tractor and PTO combos for the larger work.

[AHPP]

20 hours ago, paddyvero said:

First off, Im in Canada, so keep that in mind.

Currently run an older Bandit 65xl tow behind.

Tracked chippers havent really been available locally, ignoring massive Bandits.

2 dealers have started importing British machines, and I think they offer a great niche machine.

 

So, 2 maybe 3 options. 

 

1. Timberwolf 280ftr. Petrol engine.

2. Forst Tr8. 55hp Diesel.

3. Maybe Timberwolf 230tfr, but I dont think its big enough.

 

Real world experiences and opinions please.

Fuel consumption petrol vs diesel?

Life expectancy, years or hours?

Performance? Especially as most machines locally are minimum 10inch.

Size/ weight arent huge issues, I think the Forst is slightly narrower, but maybe width on the Timberwolf makes it more stable on slopes?

 

Known issues? Maintainance costs?

 

The Timberwolf is notably cheaper.

 

Thanks Paddy.

 

 

Occasional user, not owner. The Forst ST6 infeed is rubbish. I'd want to know the ST8 is better before ordering. Engine better though. The old Timberwolf 190 diesel was intimidating; the new 280 petrol is considerably less so, hits the no stress easier, throws worse. Consider the petrol if you have cold enough weather to make diesel engines inconvenient and are open to supercharging it. 

[Mick Dempsey]

I rarely get involved in these this or that debates, but…

 

Having owned both a TW and a Forst I’d get a TW every single time.

[PeteB]

1 hour ago, kevinjohnsonmbe said:

Is that something you can expand upon in public domain Pete? Just out of interest. 👍🏻

The American Market (and Canada) would be difficult to manage due to the distances,  the expectations in Service and Spares, the sheer volume that may be involved, exchange rates, the European standards may  not suit the locals etc. We have done machines into America in the past but we got enough on in other parts of the world right now.

 

The American Parks Department wanted a small, light, capable tracked unit and were ignored by the suppliers over there. So we made one for them, had a picture of it with Mount Rushmore in the background on our webpage, the Department got pilloried for their unpatriotic behaviour......