LGP Eddie

Couldn't have been more timely as I was sat with the Dealer yesterday afternoon and have literally just opened my e mail quote this morning. I had a little lie down after! The main thing I can say is I can't believe how far off what was my original proposed spec for a unit I have ended up, having now hired several units on fairly long term hires for different projects. My initial thought was N163 in Direct form for the CVT gearbox, which would give me plenty of go in a short manoeuvrable package, and look to top it off with a Botex 570. However we live in an area blessed with many steep hills, and whilst the Direct transmission is absolutely fantastic in the field/woods, show it a hill whilst transporting and it's incredible how much the losses can be? Absolutely now way I could consider it over the Versu version which was brilliant. Having had a few T series on hire and let everyone who I would consider to have an informed opinion use it, the conclusion really was it's pretty amazing how manoeuvrable they are (this is from die hard John Deere men) and what levels of traction/lugging power they have. The usual 'big nose' comment came out from virtually everyone, but was soon forgotten and the general verdict was one of surprise just what a package they are. The 'T' is a really stable platform for a crane base, and despite what your mind tells you whilst standing outside, they aren't a big clumsy lump once put to work. I am looking at a T183 or 213 in Versu form and would look to fit a Botex 580 onto it. I won't get into the crane debate as there are so many different options and Botex if cost were no issue was not my first choice. But having tried the new electric joystick controls and considered the value for money it's a really hard package to beat? So for my applications which will involve a lot of transport work and heavy pto use, the T is 100% the one for me. Interestingly the best tractor we have yet tried by some margin was a high houred T151 that was unashamedly chipped up to some serious hp with no ill effects. This thing pulled like a train and was remarkable on fuel too, proving that there's plenty of life in them if looked after. Absolutely nothing wrong with the N series, but I've always preferred 6 cylinders where possible and the N163 simply wouldn't have the hp I require. My best advice is Hire first and try all the different options, my Dealer couldn't have been more helpful with good hire rates, demo's of new machines, setting up attachments etc, so I have had full opportunity to use them in real world conditions. Longer term this should hopefully ensure I purchase something I'm not looking to move on 3 months down the line as it isn't right for me. Eddie.

It's very good quality and if it's just straight clean timber of the correct size it's seriously quick with a massive throw of chip. All the research I have read from tests against other chippers, gives the Farmi a big tick on chip quality which is no surprise seeing what the home market is. Obviously decent blades and setup well is essential, probably ideal for doing small places where they have a bit of their own timber and don't need a 300hp Fendt with monster chipper for a day. Eddie.

3 point links? Don't they need the hydraulic top roller mod for brash? Eddie.

All this refuelling gear is expensive! You can have my 200 litre fuel cube very cheap shortly if you like as I'm going up to 500litre, but you can't just throw it about that easily? Deso do a nice one, they usually have them to look at at Soddards and the beauty of these is you can handle them easily on/off transport when empty. These are fully bunded. Get a Plant Nappy from Pig Products too for the spills. Diesel Dispensers | Deso Engineering Eddie.

I liked the look of this Farmi 380 with what are legs for a crane mount. It could make some weapon on the back of a roofmount to give a bit more stability and would give a huge capacity plus infeed conveyor. The Farmi should also produce a pretty nice chip if my current 260 is anything to go by. Could anything else 3 point mounted match it as I'm looking at a chipper upgrade? Eddie.

It's at Scotplant show on the JCC Engcon stand if he gets it done in time, and out to me asap after as I'm lost already without one! Eddie.

Well the first of the Kubota's went today, with the 8 tonner winding it's way down south to Bordon Hants. If anyone needs a top spec LGP 8 tonne machine with Tiltrotator winch and grab etc let me know and I'll pass you the owners details. Sad to see it go as it's been a fantastic bit of kit, and hopefully the new one can live up to expectations. Eddie.

They do all types and they're good kit. I just use a Karcher run from a small generator as they suck from a barrel no problem and a couple of 25litre drums of water will do a surprising amount on a midi digger. Eddie.

Not knocking at all, there are massive regional variations and people have different levels of reward they need to achieve. If he's giving you the service you require at a rate that he's happy to achieve that's just business. Eddie.

I'd look at Brendon Powerwashers. If you have a Tractor perhaps a PTO version? Brendon Powerwashers - Product Profile Eddie.

What's the machine like? Eddie.

A better video? [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-MqPl0q-2gU]1590XP Bandit Greenteeth - YouTube[/ame] Eddie.

A bit too small really? I saw this setup and my head is spinning now! It would be better tracked for me though? [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLDAvNP8DYs]Bandit 1590XP - YouTube[/ame] Eddie.

A lot of what I would deem 'Landscapers' rates on here and no relation to actual real world 'Plant Hire'? £260 per day for a 1.5 tonner and it would never move out of the shed! There are also massive regional variations to rates. Eddie.

It's rated at 10 tonne I believe and I'm told it's doing the job brilliantly. I may get a go myself next week. Eddie.

When will this new 1890 be passing through your yard as I'd like a look around it if possible? Eddie.

They are a great company to deal with and highly recommended. The Dumper is performing brilliantly, but I wouldn't want it on a big job with a load of stumps, one of those tracks would be eye watering to replace! Eddie.

Here you go Stephen, we had to call in the big guns and this is a monster!! Full 360 rotation. Eddie.

That looks some bit of kit! Would a 1590 of similar spec reduce cost much? How would a 1590 compare to the 1890? Eddie.

What model is that?? Can it be had full Radio Remote in terms of feed and tracking to operate from an Excavator? What would be a rough price guide without the crane and blade? Eddie.

Yes it will have the two piece boom this time. I've never seen a Thumb on an EA machine before? Eddie.

I'll certainly miss it, but I'm having the new Dash 4 Kubota 8 tonner to replace it, with quite a few extra touches added. It never even got advertised. Eddie.

I can hardly believe it but my LGP Kubota is entering it's last week of service with me! It's been a simply fantastic bit of kit and will serve the new owner well. Busy to the last sorting out a real mess, and this sort of terrain is where a machine with the Engcon grab comes into it's own. I got to do a bit of 'V' ditching with a 20 tonner on this site, and it's a job I really love, but had to drop a few pipes in for a road to cross first. The Kubota handled them easily at 1275kg each despite 700kg of Engcon and grab on the end! Eddie.

Yes it really would be handy especially as I would be in full control of the operation with the dumper free as you say for moving chip. A real nice setup for certain. There should be something to show next week in the Guillotine Grab/Shear mounted under an Engcon line? I was considering a tow hitch Charlie as it would be handy for rescuing Alstor's but Alpines may fare better!! Eddie.

Just look out for a tidy Pel Job EB12.4 which evolved when bought out by Volvo into the EC15 in the grey/yellow colours which is the model you should get for your budget? These were for quite sometime the absolute benchmark of 1.5 tonners and completely bombproof! They can be had for handy money and a tidy one should handle anything you can throw at it. Eddie