LGP Eddie

If Greg had cut them off like that for me to remove there would be some serious long faces all around I can tell you! Why didn't you leave around 8ft on each one to lever them out with, so much easier and kinder to the machine. Eddie.

The Tiger Grip are great bits of kit and may end up with one myself yet as a suitable alternative is not forthcoming. Just something to consider if you're going over a 5 tonne base machine is that these grabs don't have a full excavator type top and rely on a fairly narrow bolt hole pattern for mounting. This can be improved by some simple webs being added around the grab at the join, but obviously this makes it a more permanent solution that can't then have tops swapped for different machines. Not much to touch the Tiger Grip on terms of opening to closing ratio figures too, but hopefully more alternatives will be available soon with a full excavator type top. Eddie.

It's actually possible now to go a bit more mainstream for a solution to this. Bateson Trailers do a high capacity plant trailer with ramps you can easily remove and stow in the pickup bed to really squeeze things to the max if required. This trailer comes in at 535kg with the ramps removed which is some going, and after using a Bateson plant trailer recently, it really was a delight to tow in comparison to my Ifor. It may just provide the solution some are looking for. 35PM Plant Trailer High Carrying Capacity | Bateson Trailers Eddie.

Just PM me anytime Mick if you are ever thinking of going with a grab again and I'll do my best to see what could be setup for you. Obviously it's not going to set the world alight on a 1.5 tonner, but you'd not want to try and match it all day long!:thumb up: Eddie.

A Rotator and Grab is a perfectly reasonable prospect on a 1.5 tonner and depending on which manufacturer the base machine is, some of the work may already have been done. Basically you need a two way auxiliary circuit which most machines will usually have and then tap into the bucket ram circuit via simple diverter valves to utilise this as the second two way circuit. There are two schools of thought as to which way to pipe it, and I actually see no wrong in either way around? Some want to pipe the Bucket Ram into the Grab open/close as it sort of replicates opening/closing a bucket, and then pipe the Rotate into the auxiliary. This is my preferred route, but the bit that puts many off is the auxiliary pipe may have a lot of flow for a small rotator, often utilising a pedal that makes it really fast (even unsafe?) to operate. This can be resolved with a simple flow reducer, but if you have many attachments then it becomes a pain. The other way is obviously use the extra control available via the Bucket circuit to rotate the grab, and use the less controllable auxiliary circuit to simply open/close the grab. Some lucky people may have a machine with two dual acting proportional circuits as standard, and it's simply a case of plugging the grab in. Not likely on a 1.5 tonner, but manufacturers are catching on really fast in the 2.6 tonne range and up. Plenty of Grab and Rotators available, I'd go with something like a Farma setup which will be cheap enough and we have great success with them on the Tracked Dumper. Guys on here will recommend more makes and dealers, and ideally give an idea where you're based, as sometimes it's best to find a good local supplier and they will help you through the fitting. 1k should see even the worst case scenario sorted I'd expect? Eddie.

I'd just treat it as a mobile tree? Place blade in direction of pull and drive reasonably into the ground without flicking the turf over. Place a suitable strop around the base of the slew ring turret which is round/flat/and smooth to prevent any damage, and a better place for loading than anywhere on the arm/linkage. A chain can also be utilised, and thread it through some layflat pump delivery hose to provide a protective sleeve against chain rash on the machine. If you want to provide a bit more bite without any real issues, then slew the excavator around 180 and bury the bucket in. Any pull will be going through the arm as it normally would digging then. Reverse out and the turf should drop back with only a small line left as evidence. A reliable anchor I'd say, but as everything just don't go crazy! Eddie.

The eagle eyed may have just spotted my Kubota in one of the images from Sean, as he's just completed a project for me. I just wanted to say I've used Sean a couple of times now for Specialist applications, and the simple fact is when you need a Menzi nothing else comes close. They really aren't for every application but for those who are prepared to try different solutions it really can pay significant dividends. The Shear combo he currently has is extremely safe in holding material, but the bonus of having the Menzi to power and handle it is significant. You'd be looking at Tracked excavators in the 20 to 30 tonne class to replicate it, and it wouldn't go half the places a Menzi would. The Tracked machine would have a Menzi beat on a wet site, but that's about it? Tricks the Menzi has like folding in incredibly narrow for access or simply lifting up for more reach really have to be witnessed to appreciate fully. If it adds any weight at all to anyone considering giving Sean a call to see what solutions are on offer. He comes highly recommended from me, as a very Safe and Professional Operator and just fits straight in as one of the team. Eddie.

Real head scratcher that Stephen? Most have great success with the fixed post version and a decent Engcon Setup? Did it look like this? [ame] [/ame] Eddie.

What sort of year machine are we talking here Stephen? Was it a fixed Boom Machine or a Kingpost Boom? Any pictures of the setup? 13 tonners especially in 3 metre dipper and quick hitch form, are always generally quick machines and great all rounders. Yes I'd say there are obviously extra stresses, but again it's something you Operate around. These systems really are so adopted in certain countries now I doubt you'd be able to get on general site work without one. My recent trip to Sweden showed virtually everything to have one fitted. Just a random comment on my Sweden Trip, I had a go on a machine called a Eurocomach in both 3 tonne and 8 tonne form. All I can say is if these get themselves a decent Dealer somewhere to take them on, there will be a new entrant coming in extremely high in the charts! The machines were absolutely top quality and superbly finished off, even the 3 tonner was really impressive. Eddie.

Spoken like a true 2 week user Stephen with the greatest respect! I don't know the setup because you'd have to send me a picture, but there are some total horrors out there, caused by people who simply want to dumb the system down to a cost by utilising existing quick hitches buckets etc. This can result in huge build heights/weights which can obviously have negative impacts like you experienced. Simple fact is you would need 300 plus hours even as a reasonably experienced Operator to get towards the best out of the system, and even then almost every operation can be done differently usually to great increases in productivity. The Hitachi is not overly powerful, except on the tracking. Eddie.

Are some missing the point the system has to allow for picking up with a set of Pallet Forks without leaving the Cab or taking anything else with you apart from the Bag and no manual intervention? Eddie.

Greg's face goes as long as that rope at the mere mention of unspooling it! Not often it get used, but the reassurance it gives when required is well worth having it fitted. I have a bit of a special project coming up, so I might ask a friend to come along with his drone setup to capture a bit of action. Eddie.

It certainly is Stephen! She's been on her holidays for a few repairs/mods/tweaks ready for the season, and as of Friday is back in action hopefully better than ever. Plenty of new ideas hopefully working there way through, but it all costs and has to be paid for! She certainly is a handy bit of kit alright! We took the time to spool the rope back onto the winch correctly, and boy has she got some 20mm rope on it! You can see it down the track connected to a huge lump of 20 tonne Excavator Root Rake just to drag in and keep things nice and tight. Eddie.

Not with a Tiltrotator! I know what you're saying, it's a problem begging for a decent solution, and something designed for Rail applications will be inevitably not exactly real world for the rest of us! It was just to spark a bit of debate to see what is out there and what others have engineered themselves. It's problems like this that an honest bit of Farm Engineering finds a solution for. Eddie.

This is the one I like the look of. Product Details - Products I thought these Chokers really nice too, why doesn't anyone else do these in bigger sizes? http://www.portablewinch.com/en/products/PCA-1372.html Eddie.

I'm currently looking at the PCW 5000 Portable Capstan Winch, but in the High speed version up to 36m/min line speed. It's really for using to pull out the excavator main winch rope, as 70 metre of 20mm cable is enough for two people on a flat road let alone slopes! Handy for many other uses too, and seemingly very portable plus easy to use. Anyone running one in 3000 or 5000 form, and what are they like to live with? Eddie.

Just spotted this on a Rail equipment website. Don't know what to make of it really, but may give someone a spark of an idea. Plenty on here trying to fill and pick these things up with forks. Just one question, I assume the tubes have stops in them so the tines enter them just a little and they are pushed out, as you drive forward? If the legs are quite gently sprung it should slide out easily enough? baag handling system Eddie.

Thanks Steve, I'm absolutely not looking for someone to delegate to, or a box ticker so to speak. I get involved in many types of work and someone who has actually done a bit is sometimes easier to bounce ideas of of what we can and can't be doing, plus when dealing with clients has understanding of the work environment. My current guy is brilliant, but quite simply his main client base is Plant Hire and Civil's which obviously means when something like Forestry Mulching comes along, I'm putting a lot of legwork into what someone else would have a reasonable understanding of in the first place. I really want to press reset for the whole systems I use and have someone look over the lot for me. I'm more than capable of holding my end up on a daily basis, but I'd like someone who would ideally be able to liaise with clients and also put in regular site visits to ensure all is in order. I'll contact you to check out any prospective candidates if that's ok? Many Thanks to those that have already PM'd me I shall be in touch. Such a great resource here as ever. Eddie.

I'm currently looking to engage the services of a Safety Consultant to deal with the ever increasing demands from clients, and keep me on my toes. I currently use a great guy, but he's not fully experienced in some aspects of my work, so Ideally I'm looking for someone who can cover a wide range of work types. I'd prefer someone who's got practical experience and then gone this route. Ideally close to North Staffordshire as possible. Any suggestions gratefully received. Thanks Eddie.

You can get a good few trees together in seconds now with them big 100mm wide 10 Tonne Ratchet Straps, compared to a Tirfor. Eddie.

Yes that what my thoughts exactly, it would have many applications, and not 3 days plus a load of hassle to setup. I'd assume a winch ticket with a specific bit of extra training would be more than adequate for this without looking down FMOC Skyline routes also, as it's never likely to see a commission site? Eddie.

Yes, but last time I spoke with Kilworth about them, it's still in development/field testing stage I believe. Possibly available now though, but for me anyway the Uniforest is exactly what I'd always had in mind. It would be nice to know how much main cable is on the uniforest? Eddie.

Couldn't agree more really, and I have been looking down the route of actually using the 13,000kg Winch in the Excavator frame as the Skyline, and using the Radio Remote Tajfun on the end of the dipper for hauling back a suitable carriage. This unit however looks very well thought out, especially things like the hydraulic clamping of the end stops, plus what looks a great simple system for supporting the rope where required. I'll certainly be calling to find out a lot more, as I know exactly how I'd set one up if it would be possible. Eddie.

I don't know if you're aware but the Tajfun range through Kilworth has now got a 10.5 tonne unit and this will come with 125metres of 15mm if required. That's a fair chunk of rope and winch to be honest, and I'm absolutely delighted with my Tajfun 6.5 tonne purchase, mainly chosen for having two PTO input shafts, hence no hassle to fit either end of a tractor. Whatever you choose go Radio Remote and powered upper pulley, it's simply a transformation! Thanks for posting up that Uniforest mini skyline, it is exactly What I have been looking for, without the hassle of doing it myself. Top of my wish list now! Eddie.

Well I can tell you I've had a fair bit of banter thrown at me after a few laughs about the Digger Degree in the cabin, but fair play I nearly spat my brew out when I noticed the new certificate posted up this morning! Obviously Greg's handiwork and Shaun is another Operator friend of mine. You can't beat a bit of banter to keep the days shorter. Eddie.