timber extraction

[shooterjim]

Evening all! I have been thinking about this for a long time and I want to find out what you guys think. I have been struggling for the last 2 years extracting timber stock for my small scale log business. I have been thinking about purchasing either a small tracked or 8 wheeled ton and half dumper. I would fit a small hiab or crane to aid loading as well as a winch/blade to drag out in accesible lengths. My question is, how much call is there for a small machine which could be user for tidying up after larger contractors or for smaller tighter contracts. I have no idea on costing for such a machine in terms of use. I have put the post in this section as I feel it could be a worthwhile service for us log suppliers or small scale extraction. Any input much appreciated!

[hawthornheavyhorses]

Subcontract a horse logger working on a tonnage basis!

[NI Tree]

I will agree with that, Horses are good, and you don't have to spend loads carrying out repairs when compared to a machine

[shooterjim]

Got 3 of the bloody things already! Don't give the mrs an excuse to get more!!

[Stephen Blair]

1.5 ton would be a waste of time, all you would get on it is a steel hiab and little winch, out put would be painfull imo.

 

Do you have a woodland? Is it the same site all the time?

There is a holder on Arbtrader that used to belong to me, it's built for the job if you want to drag out in lenghts.

Personally I'd rather lift it and keep it clean, depending on what timber you have, site and budget, will depend on the kit.

Best machine I've ever had is a 5ton tracked dumper with timber crane on it, it was emense at getting stuff out quick and easily no matter the terrain.

[NI Tree]

ditto what steve says 1.5 ton is a waste of time with a hyd crane but it could work if you set it up with a wire crane and a clam bunk like the iron horse

[shooterjim]

Im trying to keep it small as transport would be an issue. I was thinking possibly dumper plus a trailer may make more sense? I am thinking possibly contract work just clearing the bits which big contracts leave laying about or move small loads In sensitive areas. The ones ive looked at seem capable of carrying a ton of wood so would be fine for small scale stuff.

[hawthornheavyhorses]

What sort of volumes are you looking at extracting over what distance? Also what is your budget for buying the equipment?

 

I looked into lots of other options before deciding to go down the horse-route, and it's all down to volume and distance and what the access is like.

 

I started horse-logging because they can simply do what machines can't in many cases, and I specialise in managing senstive/publc woodlands where ground damage needs to be kept to a minimum. I wouldn't say that horses are right for all circumstances, but when used in the right way you'd be surprised how capable horses can be!

 

[LGP Eddie]

What sort of volumes are you looking at extracting over what distance? Also what is your budget for buying the equipment?

 

I looked into lots of other options before deciding to go down the horse-route, and it's all down to volume and distance and what the access is like.

 

I started horse-logging because they can simply do what machines can't in many cases, and I specialise in managing senstive/publc woodlands where ground damage needs to be kept to a minimum. I wouldn't say that horses are right for all circumstances, but when used in the right way you'd be surprised how capable horses can be!

 

 

What a great setup you have there, I'm really liking that!

 

I don't mind admitting I used to scoff at the Horse Logging concept until I witnessed one in true action.

I wouldn't hesitate to get one in now if a project demanded it, probably in something like tight going where a short skid could bring timber to a more suitable point for the Tracked Dumper to forward it out.

 

In regard to the original question, I just wonder what method you currently have that you are struggling with?

 

Eddie.