LGP 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.

I know what you're saying! If Landrover flashed that up as the new Defender replacement the queue would be round the block! Eddie.

I think any of the Forward Controls look great, and can be a real head turner used occasionally for business use. This really caught my eye today on Twitter, apparently it's a 101 meets defender! Some serious works and spends by the look of it to me! Eddie.

Forgot to say Cooper STT were second choice for me. Eddie.

Huge vote for the BFG Mud in the above size on a 90. I fitted mine in autumn having had sterling service from the Continentals fitted as standard, and to be honest was a bit concerned I'd gone a bit over the top. However it's quite simply I'll never have another without them on now, and my 90 literally has to do it all, from woods to long motorway journeys plus heavy towing. As for wear, they look as good as new still, so should be set fair for a decent distance. Yes I did have the letters on the outside!! Tin hat on! Eddie.

They're a Weidemann I believe? Telehandler - T4108 | Weidemann Seriously handy bits of kit no doubt, but the PTO on the 3 point linkage version lacks a bit of hp to be of real value. Eddie.

I started looking when I visited Sweden 3 years ago for the large Plant show they have there. The Wacker Neuson stand was huge, and virtually every machine had attachments hanging off them. They really know their kit out there, so it really raised their profile with myself. The new models they have coming through, have on paper class leading potential, and it got me through the Dealers doors this week! Eddie.

I really wasn't knocking it was just the Degree jibe that got me, and this type of written Forum can be bad for things getting misinterpreted. I'm all for you getting on and learning especially with someone to guide you, and I'm a firm believer you only learn in the seat. Greg and myself discussed this today, and he works with me nearly every day, so is well used to being around machines, plus is occasionally called upon where required for dumper loading etc. He's fully trained on a machine, and pretty handy on a Mini Digger, plus he can be trusted to load/unload my own machine if required. However he admitted the gulf between the smaller kit and large is absolutely daunting even to him. He's been on the 25 tonne Long Reach's etc when I've hired them in, and literally bailed out! I was merely suggesting that it may be cost effective to get someone in on a price for the bulk dig and utilise a Mini for the fancy stuff that will follow after, and it may be a decent saving in the longer term? Just one point, be very clear with whoever you hire from just who is insuring the machine? Short Term Hired Plant Insurance can be had online from JCB Insurance who are excellent, and well worth the peace of mind if the insuring falls to you as it should. Eddie.

Make certain they throw in one of them Wacker Neuson Jackets , they are Englebert Strauss! Greg had soon got his eye on one! I hope the deal goes your way, look forward to some images of it in action, and a full report. Eddie.

Now go back and tell them you'll take the larger model if they will do you the Powertilt on the end of the dipper! It's a real tidy setup and will transform your work. I'm certain there are top and screen guards already available, but like I say I was doing my best to encourage them to offer a straightforward package for this type of work with a guarding and LED lighting package to suit. Your Kx61 will sell all day long on here let alone anywhere else, and anyone who manages to get hold of a Kubota U27-4, they are so sought after they would probably go up in money at present! I have perhaps mentioned it before, but anyone remotely interested there will be a serious amount of kit at the Plantworx show and there are always show deals to be had. Eddie.

They have a huge push on that concept, and I know how keen the deal is at present. How do I know? I was down talking to Wacker Neuson about their latest 8 tonne machine, and the largest plant hirer in our area strolled in to cast his eye over the exact same as yourself due to the current offer. He's a CAT man through and through, but he knew all too well, apart from a few mods CAT have, like actually smaller bucket pins, the Neuson is pretty much the same and remarkably well built. CAT don't have access to the tilting undercarriage, so its a big plus for Neuson if you need it. It's been said a few times now on here Neuson are really making huge advances in the UK, and have a really refreshing attitude, plus extremely high specification kit. I've spoke at length with them to put together what basically everyone is crying out for, a 2.6 tonne machine with dual two way proportional auxiliary circuits, additional guarding, led lighting package and trailer ready to go to work. This I'm certain is the ideal base for people to add Timber or Selector grabs, Augers, Breakers etc etc whilst having suitable guarding and lighting for working in this environment. Hopefully they will consider such a setup? The Kubota U27-4 is incredibly sought after at present, but this lacks the dual two way proportional auxiliary that makes life with a grab so much nicer. However I've pointed this out to those that matter, and hopefully it will be available as an option going forward. The Volvo is an extremely strong package at present, with all the boxes ticked in terms of options. If the deal is right I'd have no issue with the Neuson, and if their new 8 tonner loves up to the specs/images it's going to be a game changer for them I'm certain? Eddie.

With the greatest respect they don't hand out any degrees in machine operating for the simple fact you're learning every day until your very last shift. I can do a perfectly good job on a chainsaw with no tickets, my best wellies and boilersuit, and I've never even slept with a chainsaw operator. Like I say it's your money, but a little respect either way for another man's profession isn't too much to ask. Eddie.

Have you any honest friends in the Farming community? Large tractor filled up on nearby farm, straight onto site and fill up directly out of it when required via the machine pump. If the guy has a meter and can fill back up to tell you the litres, you can pay him for it at a rate that probably a little better if he's a decent bulk volume buyer. Nothing stored on site and no spillage issues. Nobody has mentioned even a 500ltr Bunded tank full going missing, which is more possible than many gave it credit for at their cost, can cause serious long faces all round. With the greatest respect, I know many see operating an Excavator as great fun, and it's your money, but have you any idea just how productive you're likely to be compared to someone fully experienced, and what standard of finish is likely. Get the bulk digging done on a price, and save the inevitable Mini digger stuff around the project after for yourself. Eddie.