monkeybusiness

Ha ha - just seen your post Greg!

1623 or 1928? They're both awesome by the way! A mate has a 1623 which is a 6'' machine with a 6''x9'' infeed (spanks all over a tw150, is more equivalent to a TW190 in my opinion), and the 1928 is a 7.5'' machine with a 7.5''x11'' mouth. As far as I'm aware all the tracked versions of both models are safetrak machines capable of working on embankments, and I don't know of another tracked chipper that will get close to where a 1928 can go. You can get a 1623 with very narrow tracks when closed up allowing for super-tight access, but this is an option from new and I think it would be expensive to retro fit at a later date. Once you have used a Safetrak machine you realise how limited other tracked chippers are in terms of where they can realistically get to, and it can transform how you approach a job. We've put 1000 hours on a second hand 1928 safetrak in 2 years and it has been excellent throughout. Budget wise - speak to Pete B on here. I'm sure he can arrange a demo for you too.

All firemen should be able to do that I reckon! Awesome!

Are you saying that the lads you are paying to work for you watched you reverse over your chipper without shouting STOP? If so, I think you know the answer to your own question...

The 6" greenmechs are all 6x9" (I think), and I thought the little Jensens have a letterbox opening too (though I have no personal experience of them). It's only tw that still have old fashioned square openings I believe. The smallest measurement is the working capacity of the machine.

I've just seen the website - they have a banner ad at the top of the page (I hadn't noticed it when I posted earlier). It looks a good machine, well thought out and that warranty is excellent! The trailed machine looks heavy for a 6 inch machine though - you are into trailer test/licence issues here. I'm sure the extra weight is accounted for with stronger build than a lot of the old school 6" machines but if you go over 750 kgs you may as well step up to a 7.5-8" machine IMO.

How do they compare price-wise? The Forst is getting rave reviews from everyone who uses it but from what I can gather from Arbtalk it isn't designed to work on embankments, isn't designed to work on a trailer, doesn't have a turntable, and is a bit of an unknown quantity (there isn't even any info online about them). The Greenmech has been around for long enough for any potential teething problems to have been rectified, and has a long standing well respected British manufacturer behind it offering (from my personal experience) unparalleled backup should the need arise. I like the idea of the Forst but (money not withstanding) I would think the Quadtrak appears a better all rounder. As I said, I don't know how they compare price wise (the 2nd hand Quadchip looks like a bargain though!). I haven't personally used either machine however, but have seen a couple of Quadtracks in action and they appear very good indeed.

They're a great firm, plain and simple. Always unbelievably helpful. And their machines are superb too!

For arb work I'd say the 361 - it'll pull a 20" bar all day no probs (as will the 362 to be fair, but that isn't as good a saw). If it's going to spent its life on a 15 - 18" bar in the woods the 560 is unbeatable, but if you want a groundsaw that can also be used up a tree to chog big lumps out you can throw a 24" bar on a 361 and it isn't going to break your balls mauling it about. Cue everyone whining about not putting anything bigger than 15" on a 60cc saw now... The last thing a climber needs is a bigger powerhead than necessary IMO.

If you're happy to up the weight you can tow (ie 750kg isn't an issue) don't buy anything until you've demo'd a 1928.

I'd get one from whoever offers the best warranty personally. It'll be the battery that lets it down in the end unless you drop it or run it over. We've had a few from Costco - probably not the best around but when they stop working there is never any quibble in swapping for a new one.

Is there any info available about these machines anywhere? Where are they made, what powers them, what do they weigh, what do they cost, what do they chip etc etc?

The tracked one must be electric - it has got a power lead! They look good - are there any stats available yet?

I had a similar nightmare with a loss adjusting firm when I got my chipper nicked (not insured through Arborisk by the way). From what I could understand the loss adjusters are independent companies who work for a number of insurance companies. I ended up threatening to go to the ombudsman - that sped things up a little.

PM sent. That barrel comes in at approx 1.80/litre (if i'm looking at the right barrel).

Chainsaw carvers love the stuff - stick this up in their forum I reckon!

The cjheapest chain oil I've found is Go Part approx £1.35 - £1.40 plus VAT but it is cheapest in 5l containers for some reason (seems bonkers!). If anyone can tell me where to buy it cheap (approx £1/litre is what I'm aiming for) in 205l drums (or even an IBC) I'd be interested to hear.

I run a 362 on s20 inch bars, they pull them fine. The 560 is a better saw generally but not as good as the 362 pulling bars over 18 inch imo.

Are there any pics of this machine anywhere? It sounds like an interesting bit of kit.

It could be an rpm problem - I'm sure some Timberwolfs will reverse the rollers at any revs (I assume the reverse electrohydraulic switching bypasses the stress control electronics). It would be my first check anyway, get it discounted before moving on to the electrics.

Gopart is occasionally talked down by some arb suppliers - I had a local chainsaw shop tell me the Gopart chain oil was rubbish and they've had loads of complaints about it. We have been using it exclusively in all our saws for the last 12 months (because it has been the cheapest oil available) and have had no issues at all - l can only imagine the profit margin is lower than other brands... I can't comment on the chains however, but I'd be surprised if they aren't made by one of the big manufacturers anyway (probably Oregon as they make chains for loads of other companies).

The single greatest post on this forum ever - you win!!! Great story and surely the ultimate arb boat IMO!

Just check it isn't your belts slipping so the flywheel hasn't got enough revs to kick the stress control in. Or there is a problem with your throttle cable not giving the engine enough revs.

Or get yourself a t-piece for your airline and use it as an additional reservior...

I doubt it - Stihl have never had a top handle competitor and it is unlikely they will in the near future. If Husky were anywhere near having this saw in the marketplace we would have seen it before now - it has been imminent for years! I've always been a big fan of Stihl until I picked up a 362 and a 201 (unfortunately forced upon the world by legislation). Husky have played an absolute blinder with the 560xp (which is the best saw I've ever used), but I can't see them delivering the promised top handle ever. We've all been spoiled with the 200T and I'd imagine Husky are doing all they can to better it. I picked up and ran up a 540T (no cutting unfortunately) and honestly thought it felt cheap and flimsy. I reckon Stihl have probably developed the best top handle you can currently bring to market with the 201. If it can be bettered Stihl probably have the newer version waiting in the wings to ruin Husky's day if they ever finally manage to offer their long term joke up for sale. I'd love it if I am proven wrong however!