Purpose Built Forwarder Thread (OSA, FMG/Bruunett, Entracon, Norcar/Logset etc)

[Big J]

Just wondering if anyone thought that there was any mileage in converting a tracked dumper into a winch tractor? Something like this:

 

 

I thought it was a much cheaper option than an alpine tractor, and with a reasonable (5t) sized winch in place of the tipping body, could be a useful low impact winch machine. Devon seems to be full of sites requiring winch work, so thought it might be a useful tool in the armoury.

[outinthewood]

I had wondered the same myself until I saw the range of "iron horses" on youtube. Most of them are remote control for all functions and at a base unit at around 1500- 1800 kgs very easy to transport by trailer. 6000euro would buy you a good bit of gear or one of the German versions which are a good option for pulling edge stuff and are a good bit bigger and expensive. 

[Andy2873]

Good evening
I've got the chance of an old norcar so went had a look tonight
Been lying a long time in a wood. It has an fmv 350 crane that I would mount
To the roof of my county and make a trailer out the back end.
The tyres are near bald and some through to the canvas in places,suspect electrical fault,pre cleaner is missing from air filter housing so possibly engine sitting full of water also plenty other faults here and there.
What would you say a fair price?
Thanks sid

£3k (not much more than scrap I’d say)

[Big J]

2 hours ago, outinthewood said:

I had wondered the same myself until I saw the range of "iron horses" on youtube. Most of them are remote control for all functions and at a base unit at around 1500- 1800 kgs very easy to transport by trailer. 6000euro would buy you a good bit of gear or one of the German versions which are a good option for pulling edge stuff and are a good bit bigger and expensive. 

I'd forgotten about the Iron horses. Good call.

[Big J]

My god the Iron/Forest horses are expensive. I think you could do something better for half the price on a self build

[outinthewood]

Yes when you go past the basic ones and start looking at expanding tracks etc etc and the bigger winch units it starts to get expensive, but, they are CE approved so at least no insurance grey areas which I suspect working a self build in a setting other than working it on your own could be interesting ?

[Big J]

If you purchased a tracked dumper like the one above, I'd assume it would have a ROPS/OPS/FOPS? It would therefor be OK for a forest environment and the winch would just be a bolt on? 

[arboriculturist]

2 minutes ago, Big J said:

If you purchased a tracked dumper like the one above, I'd assume it would have a ROPS/OPS/FOPS? It would therefor be OK for a forest environment and the winch would just be a bolt on? 

Got one of these - 1.2 tonne payload - absolutely invaluable.

 

We use it for extraction, winching, towing chipper in woodland - you name it, it does it. Low ground pressure, low impact, reverse up 60 degree slopes (stated in manual),diesel, economical, low maintenance, ROPS, move it on a transit size vehicle or trailer. Goes well with a 1.5 tonne steel track mini digger with grip talon on the woodland. Could easily fit bolsters but haven't bothered.

13k new but there are decent ones around for 6-7K.

[outinthewood]

Ah yes, I was thinkng if you started from scratch but as you say it's just a bolt on which is an extra so no problem. With a remote for the winch a very useful tool as described above !

[Woodcraft 71]

On 29/10/2013 at 19:05, Logrover said:

That looks good in that pic!!! :thumbup1:got a few more battle scars now, well i have called the college, called wilsons, called every forwarder dealer who have given me several people numbers who i called......... then i resorted to calling random forestry contracters in scotland and wales. So far all i ve had is possibles and lots of sucking air through teeth.....oooh youl struggle to find a second hand set of those

This is him now! 2020