ACUF

How do you recommend attaching without a lift system for a U900? I agree with you on the weight distribution, and could allow for less extension overall, etc. However, I'm stuck with fitting a reverser, and this may cause a bit of a problem. I have the original Schmidt plate and agricultural indentations to hang the quick hitch on, etc, but need some advice on the static mount. I would rather scratch this design before I go any further, if it's going to make a difference in overall performance, etc. Thanks for the advice!! -ACUF

I would say that it wouldn't matter, because your lungs would still take the fall in breathing the particulate matter.

I agree, Mounting something of similar size beforehand may help determine the overall length, and maneuverability. I know places like Atkinson Vos have designed an even smaller, less extended front lift, and I imagine this was done for that very reason. Cheers! -ACUF

I started using a mask to reduce the particulate matter in the air when cutting anything. I have also been more inclined to use my silky saws while pruning, unless totally necessary demands for power saws. I think we should all be more aware of how precious our lungs/eyes/nasals are, and consider the use of resperators, etc as personal protective equipment. Why take a chance, especially after being made aware of the inherent dangers? -ACUF

Heres a few more pictures to illustrate where I am in the design process. I have to figure out the parallelogram design for the top link, and the reverser needs to be mounted in there somewhere. By the way, this is the Schmidt Quick Hitch in case you were wondering, or hadn't seen them. The bottom lift arm was from the S-3 single stage snow blower by Schmidt, but I decided to use it for a front 3 point lift. May have been more work than going with the conventional design, but I have paid little so far, ... just racking my brain on the design!! -ACUF

I am still in the design phase of my front linkage to mount my Farmi/Valby CH140HF. About 900lbs including linkage/chipper. I have a counter weight on the back, and will plan on leaving it, but I would rather remove that thing. Each time I take the suspension lockouts off, it sags pretty well in the back, so I have to jack it up to fit the suspension lockouts back in place. but, one the chipper is on, I'm assuming it will even out a bit more, and will hopefully offset the imbalance with a front mounted chipper. I am still designing the PTO reversers mounting, and then the top link bracket can be designed. I have been so busy with everything else that I'm behind schedule on this project, so, with this, I will push onward, and keep you posted. -ACUF

My Stihl 036 all the way. best ground saw. and easy in the tree. great power range. Reliable.

Heavier fly wheels can never hurt. PTO driven chippers could have a hand operated jack stand system that could be retracted right up under the unit when not in use.. then, when ready, just operate the jack and raise the chipper into place, and align your machine, and attach. This will be useful wherever the chipper is placed. This is specifically for people who don't have adequate 3 point lift hitches, etc. -but perhaps a good option for consideration.

Lets see Unimog being used by Arbtalk members.

I would say depending on the volume of work, the U900 or larger unit could be highly justified. I now have a U900 to begin using this spring for an arboretum that will present every possible dilemma over its 400+ acres, so in this case, it was the logical choice. We will run 6" Valby chipper out front 8000 lb. hyd winch on rear 40' versalift bucket on platform ..And move snow in the winter.

Yeah, Thats correct. My understanding is that Freightliner North America purchased the marketing rights/stock, etc from JI Case at the end of case's role w/ Mercedes, and then Freightliner worked with the military intelligence to produce the final manifestation of the U900 in North America, known as the S.E.E. tractors. Now, some Freightliner dealers kept offering Unmog until 2005, where they offered the U500, etc, but have since stopped the import all together. I hear talk of them offering Unimog again in 2012.

Yeah, J.I. Case imported the U900 mid 70's through 1980 something. They were the only Unimog that made it into North America, and were then way ahead of their time, so they didn't catch on. Places like public works really loved them for all of their uses, so many were purchased by small cities, townships, etc. So, Case did some little additions to the U900, mainly in the form of the Case deck, the roll over protection (ROPS) and the falling protection (FOPS). The Case deck is kinda like the spider frame in European U900, etc, that can receive a myriad of attachments on it, backhoe, etc. But, its a full fledged hard cab Unimog, 20+ speeds, all of the hydraulic circuits, all pto's, etc. I plan on giving it a good once over and coming up with a good colorway in the future, and will have my logo in place of the Case emblems on the doors. All I'm sure of now on the colors is the wheels will be a flat black, as well as the chassis, and underbody, the deck, rops, and fops. Thanks for asking. ACUF

Hi Everyone, This is my U900, and I'm going through it, brakes, clutch, fluids, etc.. and having the lift certified, to have it ready for spring. I will be running my Valby (Farmi) CH140 chipper off the front. I have a 8k or 10k lb hyd winch for the rear. I have a nice set of limb lopper hyd tools for in the bucket, (pole lopper & pole saw), and the working height is between 35-40'. I also got with this unit a Schmidt S3 single stage snow blower/cutter, and a Schmidt MF-3 sectional plow. All of this comes from Westmont Il. division of public works. They took very good care of it, and even gave me 2k in misc. spare parts. I am very thankful to be able to share this with you all, and it almost didn't materialize, due to the recession. But, with much determination, selling my first U900, and a small business loan, ACUF prevailed. I look forward to giving you all some feedback on its performance in the field. Thank you for looking. -ACUF-

Yes, Absolutely. I have been an athlete my entire life, and wouldn't think of working against myself in any way, shape, or form. Stretching releases the tension, aka toxins, naturally built up in the musculature. for me, stretching releases my mind from the bodies aches and pains, and allows the natural healing energies to flow. -and when I somehow don't stretch to the extent I usually strive for, I feel it after the activity... -especially climbing.

Hi Everyone, Been a while. I have been researching data collection and analysis methods for a large scale, 400+ acre inventory. I have never proposed such a large scale undertaking, and wondered if any firm has done the like. I am looking for some guidelines for writing the proposal, and how to asses and bill the clients for the work, including data collection, data management, and then, the pruning of said trees. Our company was called out to do some after storm maintanence, and it was proposed that we conduct an inventory while inspecting the trees for care, killing two birds with one stone. Any thoughts? Thanks in advance!!

Actually, I hear theres a German company that mfgs an after market tip cylinder. Anyone know who they are?

Thanks for the insights and opinions. I do have the x frame, a tipper bed, and the round fenders/brackets. My biggest problem has been locating a tip cylinder!! I have not made the switch to the x frame, so its sitting with the other parts of the bed, waiting for a reason to be mounted. -but without the tip cylinder, whats the use of making the conversion. (that has been my thinking) Anyone have the tipper and gimbal they want to sell and send over here to the US? I understand you could send it via UPS or DHL. Let me know.

I'm fitting the chipper on the front, so I do have the back free at this stage. But, that is a good point. If I do decide to fit something back there, i would still have that choice. -I forgot the obvious!! -Are there any other advantages i'm forgetting?

Hi Everyone, I have been debating on the conversion of my U900 to a tipper with three way action, via the x frame and tipping bed -VS- converting to a bed that will only tip backward. I need to know how valuable the three way tipping is, and how frequently it is employed! Please give me some insight!! Thank you!

My "large" saw.. 038 Magnum w/25" bar - German mfg My "middle" saw... 026 Pro w/ 20" bar - USA mfg My "small" saw... MS200T w/ 14" bar - USA mfg But I prefer to use my Hyachi & Ibuki saws by Silky.

I like Makita rechargable drills. great product line. never tried the saws.

Samson Blue Streak. Perfect. -Even for a Blakes Hitch.

Anyone know these? I'm fitting it on my U900. Comments, suggestions on weather I should use the 540 or 1000 rpm pto setting? -I actually had to use the high flow pump for the two hydraulic feed wheels.

Hi Everyone, Has anyone mounted a reverser for the PTO on a U900? I'm prepping for it, and wanted some tips. I have a BIMA reverser. If I could post a picture, I would do so for the perspective. until then, use your imaginations I suppose. It has one input female, then directly on the opposite side, is the 1st male PTO shaft, rotating the normal way.. then directly under that one, or beside that one, depending on the orientation, is the secong male PTO shaft, that has the opposite rotation. Around the front, lower, reversed PTO are 4 threaded holes. Then on the side the pto slides onto, is another pattern of threaded holes, but perhaps 6-8 holes here. It appears I will mount it from the rear threaded holes, to not interfere with the shaft.. but any feedback is super great. Thanks in advance! -ACUF