paddyvero

1 of 2 Spruce Removals today. 

Im sure it can work and yield good results. But not 35hp up to 100hp.

6 minutes ago, Dan Maynard said:

Real question is should @paddyvero join the Wee Chipper thread now? In Canada that's a tiny machine you can drive up to the tree.

It sure is on the small end. Its a niche machine over here. 

But you cant just throw a ton more hp into a machine. Its been manufactured to a spec, stick more power in it and itll quickly damage itself. No different to a car, more hp, stronger drivetrain needed, so either heavier, or more expensive. 35hp is plenty for a 6inch machine, but in my opinion 25 is not enough.

Timberwolf are not offering the 35horse diesel in the 230 anymore, I believe due to emmisions, so you take your choice based on whats available. I ended up going 230, because I think the 280 is too wide for the type of work I anticipate. Otherwise I would have gone with an 8inch.

Yeh, Id imagine if the 35hp Diesel was still avaiable then it would be a no brainer, but the current 25hp diesel just isnt enough power in a 6inch machine in my opinion. 

Yep, Im keen to find that out also. I will be keeping a close eye on it. Extra 12hp with the petrol which is why I chose it over the diesel. 

Placed an order in October, and it arrived wednesday. Actually ended up going with a TW230 petrol, spec'd a winch. First day out with it today, and Im well pleased. 

42 minutes ago, Mick Dempsey said:

Ok, but how do these guys get spares and repairs? First thing the suppliers want is the serial number.

Weigh it in and lift another one? 

Intrigued to know how you are getting on with repairs? I have a Hatz 2m41z, also abit of blue smoke on start up, but clears within a few mins. 

I used a Silverbull for 10yrs before it was finally retired, need another one. Wouldnt go back to a dangler now!

7 minutes ago, PeteB said:

Have Forst and Timberwolf got dealer representation in Canada? 

They do yes. Forst in the last year or so, Timberwolf machines arriving in early 2022.

Just now, carlos said:

are you buying new? can you not use a demo model to help make up your own mind.

id echo what josh said about retractable tracks, i wouldnt consider one without that ( for the work we do)

Yep new. Yeh in theory, but Timberwolf isnt in the country yet. Forst is a fair drive and a ferry to the dealers. I think both probably well matched in performance, its more the reliability, fuel usage, life expectancy Im concerned with.

3 minutes ago, Mick Dempsey said:

No bother, just make you’re own decision, don’t be swayed too much by internet opinions like mine.

For sure. Ive ran Forst alot, but not a recent model and they have had their reliability issues. Havent ran a Timberwolf in over a decade, and really just hoping someone has ran the newer machine with the Petrol.

40 minutes ago, josharb87 said:

If its just between those two, see what other specifications are offered that suit your needs/make the machine work better for you.

 

When i was looking for the same spec machine, i wanted retractable tracks to squeeze into places (and allow the chipper and grinder to sit side by side on the trailer) and a hydraulic winch (not electric!)

 

At the time, TW diddnt do retractable tracks on the 280, or offer a hydraulic winch (Electric only) 

 

Först had a bit of a hit and miss reputation on line and would only offer electric winchs.

 

So i went for a Jensen 540 with upgraded 50hp motor, retractable tracks and 3500kg ramsey hyd winch. According to others it out chips the TW280

 

The 55hp först does sound good on paper, i would be looking very closely at that if needing to swap.

 

Looking back, the retractable tracks have been incredibly important for me, likewise the winch.

Thanks Josh. If I had the choice I would go Jensen no question, always found them the best of the bunch, but I want dealer support so its TW or Forst. 

Im not too worried about physical size, and there is only an inch between the 280 and Tr8 anyway. 

A winch would be great, not sure itll be an option here. Whats the issue with electric winches? Do you use yours to drag material to the machine, or just for recovery? 

Thanks for the input.

2 hours ago, Mick Dempsey said:

I rarely get involved in these this or that debates, but…

 

Having owned both a TW and a Forst I’d get a TW every single time.

Thanks Mick. Im leaning towards the Timberwolf, only really put off by the petrol motor and its fuel consumption. Its a $13k cheaper machine though, thats alot of fuel! 

7 hours ago, PeteB said:

We decided not to export to that side of the pond. I'd love the Sales job, if they did change their mind! I'd consider a GreenMech,  take it yourself and show the locals the benefit of buying British! 

Greenmech not an option. I want dealer support locally.

First off, Im in Canada, so keep that in mind.

Currently run an older Bandit 65xl tow behind.

Tracked chippers havent really been available locally, ignoring massive Bandits.

2 dealers have started importing British machines, and I think they offer a great niche machine.

So, 2 maybe 3 options. 

1. Timberwolf 280ftr. Petrol engine.

2. Forst Tr8. 55hp Diesel.

3. Maybe Timberwolf 230tfr, but I dont think its big enough.

Real world experiences and opinions please.

Fuel consumption petrol vs diesel?

Life expectancy, years or hours?

Performance? Especially as most machines locally are minimum 10inch.

Size/ weight arent huge issues, I think the Forst is slightly narrower, but maybe width on the Timberwolf makes it more stable on slopes?

Known issues? Maintainance costs?

The Timberwolf is notably cheaper.

Thanks Paddy.

Agreed. The hook isnt life support sure, but its been tested and wont itself fail. The whole point of the hooks and grapples is to move horizontally, so obviously pendulum swings are possible. Last thing you want is to pull yourself over to the grapple and it breaks right as the load is at its highest and you are at the worst possible swing point. Buy a hook, keep it for 10yrs, bargain.

12 hours ago, Khriss said:

@paddyvero cracking rig mate 😊 course you will fill it up within five minutes with that Bandit  😉  k

Its only a 65, but its pretty hungry. Might be closer to 30mins than 5.

Got the F450 back today. Pleased with the build. 

Its coming along. A few bits left to fit and then painted. 

11 hours ago, wicklamulla said:

Paddy,   did you used to work in Devon 4 or 5 years ago?

I did for a short while in 2013/14. Emigrated in 2014. Mostly for DTS.

Yeh Im in BC, Canada. Its a 7.3 powerstroke. Van is a crappy old petrol, theres a F250 6.0 behind it though. 

Its about 4t empty. 8t gvw.

New tree truck in the making. Off to get the body built next week.