ACUF

I need to know the distance between the top link and lift arms, or bottom links. This may be as simple as measuring the implements configuration where it is lifted from, (the three points) I am making some progress!! Thank you, ACUF

Yes, this helps very much, thank you. Right, it seems like a pie in the sky project.. endless trees, endless budget, endless works performed. I will try and get a better sense of what they would think my services would be worth to them, and on what scale, both pay, and magnitude of project, would they desire. I will keep you all posted, and thank you for such helpful feedback. I feel better already, and know here to put my energies for now. Cheers, ACUF

Yep, it's all you really need. I call the U500 the glorified U900!! -Just more that can go wrong with the newer ones!! And way more expensive parts! You should have a much easier time finding one than I had. It took 3 years to find this one. Good Luck! ACUF

Right on. I couldn't agree with you more. I don't want to get bigger than myself and my U900. I can assure my customers the highest quality without worrying about an employee blowing it for the company, etc. I understand. ACUF

Oh, sorry, that was aimed at shreks wee brother. Is the economy that bad? Hope it wasn't a major loss for you, either way. ACUF

I see. I was thinking more along the lines of a flat rate I could simply start out on, and as the project grows to more and more trees, I wouldn't have to adjust because I will have already f considered/factored it in.. The last smaller scale project, -that was all on the ground with no aerial work, no removals, etc, was $40/hr. So, while adding the aerial work into the equation, taking out the ground work and thinning, then I think a fair rate for me being on site, practicing the highest standards in care, leaving the brush lay for them to pick up later, could be somewhere around 60 - 70/hr. This way, if I come in lower than others, I can still afford to be on site for any more volume they would throw at me. Or, would it be better to stay at the 40/hr rate, assuming they give more and more volume. Either way, nothing has been proposed in terms of dollars per hour at this point. Just to recap the specifics of my service to them: I would be on site, with U900/lift/winch/chipper, my saws, my climbing gear, doing preventive maintenance in a nationally recognized cemetery and arboretum (Spring Grove Cemetery - Arboretum), to include using the bucket lift, and performing even more climbing & rigging around old head stones, and even older trees, -including some state and national champions, etc. Also, upon inspection of each tree, I will simultaneously be collecting base data for their own GIS of the arboretum. This includes collecting GPS points, attribute data of each individual, problems, hazards, etc. for future management. The idea is to create a program to start rotating each section (there are hundreds of sections, with up to 100 +/- trees each), to make sure they have been seen, cared for, and marked in this inventory or database they want to start. so, for all of that, it would seem somewhere between 40 - 70 / hr is fair. I can leave the brush lay at the base of the tree for their in house chipper to come though and deal with. The per hour would also be somewhere between 40 - 70 depending on the volume, which has the potential to be 400 acres if they like my services. Any more thoughts?

Thank you, I agree, I should bid the contract according to its overall price. I can go ahead and figure things out on a time (hourly) / materials basis, etc and then be bidding the entire project at the same time. This makes sense. I guess another part of the question has to do with the volume vs the overall price. Is it customary to bid more work for a bit of a discount? I have never undertaken such volume. That was the other part I forgot to ask. For example. If they called me out to look at a few trees in a given location, I would bid them at my normal rates.. If they are asking me to look at 100 trees at a time... my normal rates would be scoffed at b/c that would really add up to a tone of money pretty quickly.. So this adjustment in price for the added volume is a little confusing. Thanks for looking and any information is appreciated!! ACUF

Thats a great little site mate, with the ease of use, clear and concise and very simple, packing a punch on all levels. That's my aim for the future development of our website, in time.. but i ask myself why I'm waiting now! Been working on an outline for the overall interface / information for the customers, etc. OK, back to U900 and chippers! -By the way, why did you sell your setup. I recall it now, ..it was a beast of a setup. If I'm not mistaken, You were looking at running chippers of the front and rear, right? ACUF

Good point on the slip clutch. I will have to figure out which will be best, and if they make a combined system. ACUF

Thanks, I can hardly wait to use it the way I have imagined it. -With everything operating from that little tiny U900 footprint. I know I need new shocks before I get things completely good for service. See this video of some speed testing and bouncing: [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZL9oZyUMV8]YouTube - walking the mog.dv[/ame] A kind member on another forum (benzworld) saw that new shocks are in order, as I figured the lift and counter weight off the back were to blame.. While we're talking chippers on U900, I suppose I should select a more firm shock absorber? Also, Forgot to mention the rear 10klb hyd. winch that still needs installed off the rear somewhere, so overall weight of this, will push into around 12k lbs. A couple more k and I will be required to have a CDL!!! ACUF

That makes more sense that taking just the block off, and doing it while the cab is down. Thank you. No need to undo any joints. The flange bolts to the back side of the stub shaft as you said. If i can get to the gear box easier, then i will go for it that way, as bolting (first lining it up) the flanges are a pain while cab is down, through the fender or whatever. i figured an overrun clutch would satisfy the shock potential shock load, or overrunning of the chipper. Thank you, ACUF

Yep. That's what I said, but it wasn't clearly stated maybe. These were the initial pictures taken , and the original idea until talking with A.C. Price first, then Atkinson, where I got the replacement block w/ the smaller, more common stub shaft. I just have to do the swap, which will take some time I hear. But, this will be much better indeed. I know the adapter is a fail safe, and will break upon overload, but I guess it will be ok to use an overrun coupler somewhere between the chipper and the reverser. ACUF

Here are some pics of the adapter configuration, and you can see how far out the reverser would be. The new configuration will have the smaller spline off the block, so the reverser will be mounted off the winch tabs with some type of bracket. Notice counter weight in the side profile. ACUF

Good stuff Guys, I think going ahead with the reverser mounted off the front is my best option. I am already looking at a stump grinder that was made for a tractor, rear mount, so yes, the reverser out front will allow many other implements be utilized off the front. I understand the U900 is nose heavy from stock, so having a a counter weight is necessary. I have a factory 1500lb weight on there from it's previous life as a snow pusher. This will offset my additional weight of around 1000lb out front. The CH140HF is 825lb stock. Add the Schmidt lift, reverser, mounting, I should be extending 1000lb off the lift, plus the inherent extension from the front axle.. maybe a few more hundred? I got mine from a person who purchased it at an ODOT auction, but he never used it. Its a 2004 unit. Heres the link: Tractor-mounted chipper ACUF

Yes, Alex explained the issues with proper alignment, and bypassing the stub shaft and pillow block, etc. Problem is I don't have a shop to deal with that kind of adaptation. Since my Case U900 has the larger spline, I was initially considering an adapter before the reverser, which would increase the distance from the source, so I did get the smaller stub shaft w/ complete pillow block to swap out. The next step is the swap, which will be a delight to undertake (NOT!) Once I have the smaller stub shaft / spline, theres no need for the adapter, and i will fit the reverser to a yet to be fabricated bracket that will be mounted off the winch tabs. My reverser will also allow the final drive to be more centered. If I could get a Schlesching state side I for sure would have. ACUF

I was wondering what the phrase (make it close coupled) means? Are you referring to it not being on a front lift, and mounted static? Just curious, Anyway, lets see a pic of the U900 setup you have to work with. Does it have the Schmidt or a DIN plate off the front? You need to decide if you want a static mount, or a front lifting mount. The static mount will keep the distance from the front axle shorter, vs the longer distance while using the front lift. I am working to use the front lift so I can easily pick it up or take it off when needed. Lets see some pictures of the rig please. ACUF

I am working on fitting a Valby CH140HF to my U900. Since I don't do any fab work, I have been at a stand still on the final fitment. Atkinson Vos sell the reversing boxes, and I have dealt with both AV and AC Price, and they have both been very helpful in this conversion. Best of Luck and keep the post current with any developments. -There are a few posts on here about this very process already. ACUF

Yes, the more I try to explain the question, the more I realize my lack of information. I Will post this thread when I hear more, Thank you. ACUF

Yeah, i didn't phrase that very clearly. I have never handled a contract of this magnitude, So my question really has to do with how I would come up with some proposal numbers. It may even be too early to start asking members question, as I have limited information on they type contract they are offering, ie.year term, etc. But I would shoot for around 20 - 30 hours a week to keep time for other private projects, etc. I do know I'm not required to chip either, but I may consider doing it, but it's not necessary. So, it will surely be the operation of the Unimog / lift, climbing, and running my saws. So, all in all, Just looking for some ideas on what that work should be bid at on this scale. Thank you, ACUF

I am getting a certificate in GIS at the University of Cincinnati, and have a student version of ArcGis/ArcView/ArcMap, etc. I have a base map of a region I will be managing, but have only played around a little. I will stay in tune with this thread as I develop. i have had a fair amount of time collecting data however, -attributes, location, and the usual. Not alot of experience actually making things happen with the software. Problem is, i'm a Mac person for life to begin with, so my time is spent more in getting used to my PC laptop, and the OS itself, then into my first ever learning of high tech software, but I'm excited. -Got the software as a part of the course, just an older version #9, but it serves me well. Will need a more accurate GPS unit soon, as my Garmen Etrex Legend won't be suitable. Thanks, ACUF

Hi Everyone, I am preparing to bid a long term project that would put me and my U900 (w/ lift and pto chipper) doing Preventive Maintenance on roadway trees, and other trees throughout a 400 acre cemetery and arboretum. It will require the use of the lift and require even more climbing, etc.. And maybe even some smaller to medium removals, but they usually contract with Davey Tree Care in doing larger removals. So I wondered if someone could give me a rough idea of where to propose my services on an hourly basis, to still make me the most attractive price point, while still maintaining an edge toward growth, as a small company, amid the seeming endless work. Not sure if they would do a term contract yet, as we have only spoke in little detail about their budget, etc. But I wanted to get some feedback, if possible. Thank You, ACUF

I run a 25" Stihl bar and chain to buck down large shanks. I agree, just keep the chain sharp and it performs wonderfully. I have the 038 Magnum. -Arguably one of the best Stihl ever produced. I wouldn't trade it for anything. Keep it tuned, cleaned, and lubed/sharpened and it will last forever. ACUF PS. Where you located Al? Thought I was the only Ohioan on here!

To make my replies more appropriate to the thread, I believe the fella went here: Advanced Course Search - FdSc Arboriculture (On-line) (It's the non-online program) What will this program give a student upon completion? Thanks for clearing this up, as I imagine he will be stuck in the field with me, as one of the arboretums' employees, hopefully to drag brush to the chipper and ground work, etc, and not try to flaunt going overseas and training, etc. ACUF

Hold up!! No disrespect aimed at anyone's passing a rigorous exam schedule. I should have started another thread, I agree. I meant no downing of your ambitions, for certain. I am just wondering how, what now may be misinformation, one could have no experience, go to your school, pass exams, and have any certification.. after a year. So, my apologies, and of course, A big CONGRATULATIONS to all who have made it through your exams. As for this fella I'm talking of, I guess we will see what his claims are when he returns. I'm glad he was wrong in telling me he would have certification upon his return to the states. Again, No disrespect aimed at you, Arbtalk members. Well Done. ACUF

I was interviewing at an arboretum and cemetery to do preventive maintenance, and one of their new hire's was riding around on the grounds with us in the truck. I was talking about my experience, and their need to have someone out there on a regular basis, etc, to manage these old trees, etc. Well, the new hire kid gets the idea to go to some arborist school over there, swarthmore or somehing, to get "certified" to come back and try to be their "arborist" (with O experience) So... I am writing this in response to this thread, because its easy for a american average joe, to go over to your country, spend a year in this program, and think he's going to come back as a "certified arborist because he passes some classes, even practical tests, etc, and thinks he can come back here with credentials. This to me is not a good policy. I know here in the states, the ISA requires at least 4 years experience working with another firm, etc, and be studying a relevant topic, etc, before certification. This should be a little more regulated I think. ACUF