monkeybusiness

Hi - I need someone with a tractor mounted hedge flail to side up 400m of thorn in Ashby de la Zouch. Can anyone on here do it, or if not does anyone know someone who can please? Many thanks, Dan.

I think the op is doing the right thing - he's researched the market, knows what he wants and has found a supplier. We live in a global economy - it's easy to source just about anything nowadays from the cheapest source anywhere worldwide. If you are buying a bulk quantity of a product then shipping costs become less relevant. It is going to become harder and harder to compete in the global economy for firms that sell labour intensive products (particularly when those products have no USP).

These guys can make anything Harbrook Engineering - General Engineering and Steel Fabrication

Just remember that once a piece is cut, the crane has it... There is no test lift (the crane driver can't start to lift and simply let the tension off/lower it back to the floor if too heavy). Who's insuring the job if the crane falls over? Is it a contract lift (I would seriously suggest it is if you are new to this)?. You should have a lift plan in place (however basic). The amount of weight a crane can lift is determined largely by the radius of the hook from the slew ring - ideally you know this before the crane even gets to site so you can plan the job safely. Once rigged the driver will be able to tell you what weight he's good for when he has his hook over the piece you want to chop off. Work to half of that weight as a maximum - it is difficult to accurately guess the weight of timber. Start with small pieces and work your way up - as previously mentioned you'll soon get a feel for the weight of timber. If the alarm goes off at any point you have done something wrong - you don't want sirens/flashing lights etc etc! Also remember that timber is incredibly strong under tension - it is amazing how a small uncut sliver will hold a piece of timber to the tree. This is where a driver with tree experience is invaluable - if they keep pulling at a piece that hasn't been completetly severed it will eventually go with a bang that will make everyone on site poo their pants...

I'd do it if you were local - if you want a few pointers give me a ring any time on 07970188050. Cheers Dan

I'd be more worried about going to prison at that speed in a 40!

This thread is nowhere near as good as I was hoping...

What's your budget?

Brushed chrome and matt black. Would look like something out of Star Wars! http://www.motofx.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/IMG_3856.jpg

Mix it with a bit of veg oil

My Brian James tows well, and appears well finished and thought out. However, it has started cracking and has needed welding up which is disappointing (especially as it is a 3.5 tonne trailer carrying the same machine as the 2.7 tonne Ifor that has not needed any welding). There are really poor side marker lights fitted that regularly drop bulbs. The original (very expensive) jockey wheel wasn't up to the task of unhitching the laiden trailer. In its defence, the catches for the ramps are miles better than the crap that Ifor fit. I wouldn't buy another though - very expensive but not very strong unfortunately.

I've got a digger plant - it's not as good as the Ifor Williams IME.

Many moons ago I worked for a demo firm on a job in Manchester - they had a brand new long reach Liebherr and what a fantastic machine it was! 2 weeks into the job it ended up on its side with a crushed cab (all singing and dancing tilting job you). Fortunately nobody was hurt. 1000 tonne crane was brought in to lift it upright (at a rumoured cost of £15k, 12 or more years ago!) and as it lifted it, every hose up the boom burst. The loss adjuster was on site with us watching the lift. That machine was repaired (and I believe is still working today) - I'd imagine the claim was pushing £100k when all was done and dusted. Battle on Eddie - that machine needs to go back to work!

Fingers crossed for a good result! It must have been fun knocking the pins out of the QH with that lot resting on it... Surely there is too much value left in the big girl to write it off? New engine, some hoses and wiring and a bit of paint and she'll be like new (again!). I can't believe someone had the mentality (and front) to attack a secured machine - it must be pretty hard to set something like that on fire for a start. Was it political? Has there been any animosity towards the tree removal there? I understand if you can't/don't want to comment.

How did you lift the front end for loading? Power pack?

Was there any security on site Eddie?

He wants a Safetrak fixer upper for no money - depending on his skills and how cheaply it could be bought for it may fit the bill. It's got tracks, legs, hydraulics, the correct safety features (incorrectly fitted) and a flywheel with knives (I assume) - could be a good starting point if approached correctly? Will be lucky to find a Safetrak in budget otherwise IME (although I do know of a nice 1623 Safetrak about to be sold, but will stretch that budget a tad).

Greenmech Safetrak ? 8? Tracked Woodchipper - £3,950.00 + VAT | eBay Redwoods are selling this - it's a non runner so should be available super cheap I'd have thought (a lot less than advertised anyway)!

We hired one (Diesel engine, 4 wheels, didn't have handlebars) and it was very good to be honest. It struggled to drive itself up losing ramps into the trailer which was a bit disappointing, but probably easily rectified (possibly incorrectly set hydraulic pressure relief valve?). If I was in the market I'd defo consider one.

They aren't even cheap! You can get a brand spanking top spec Navara for £19500 - these Sangyongs would need to be £14-15k IMO to make them worth considering.

If you do end up doing it speak to Ryetec as the KTS cranes they sell have detents on the hydraulic spools to allow you to tractor mount the crane and let it follow the trailer. I'm sure they would sell the necessary bits.

Hey up Bob - did you ever have any luck with the Berti hammers? I'm assuming not!

I wouldn't rush out and buy a mountain top personally. Look at Armadillo and others. To be fair, if someone is prepared to take a knife to the top the chances are they will also try with a crowbar/grinder etc - nothing is really secure from these horrible scumbags. [ame] [/ame]

Ace - hopefully won't be too expensive a fix!

If there is lots of water in the oil the oil will look milky/white in the oil level sight glass. It takes a long time to separate out so should still be noticably milky a few days after the last use.