LGP Eddie

A beast of a grapple! Eddie.

Tommy is spot on with his mounting procedure, and to be perfectly honest the first thing you really need to be taking a look at is the quick hitch? That is far from ideal on the geometry front and losing you a lot of power? Hard to tell the hitch manufacturer from the photo? What is the carrier machine? Eddie.

Yes Craig, I know the exact model and looked into this pretty much just after the 8 tonne machine arrived. I think the principle is pretty inspired, using the cables to spin the rollers which in turn speeds up the feed process. In tough going the cables are simply disconnected to provide full power, but obviously trading off against speed. The fact there it's a shear head and no measuring devices should ensure pretty hassle free running I'd have though, but the 25cm max felling diameter does limit applications? Interestingly this would have run ok through my existing controls, obviously the trade off is not having continuous 360 rotation, but I can live with that. They did do a radio remote system that removed the need for hard wiring down to the head to allow continuous rotation, but again it just adds another layer to go wrong with additional cost. [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZaF6yW5oy7s]Naarva Steg Master RS25 - YouTube[/ame] Eddie.

Couldn't agree more, the prices quoted are staggering, but I've hopefully located something in my range and have a plan that involves doing away with all the computer and controls for it? I'm hoping it can simply be run through the SVAB control system that controls the Engcon Tiltrotator? It will possibly require different joysticks, but if I can get it setup how I want it, I have no need for any form of measuring device or complications in my applications. As the thread title really, we're just after a bit of middle ground with what we've currently got and if things go ok or a suitable project comes in look to something more dedicated to the task? I think it's a bit of a product area that's going ignored at present? Eddie.

Hopefully it'll be replaced by a Stroke head on the 8 tonner to obviously give more flexibility and be able to go where the LGP 8 tonner can, if I get a Walking leg setup to help me on my way? I'd love a roller head, but you need to go up in the carrier machine size to get sensible balance between oil flow and head capacity with another set of issues that would bring? The Processor is made for a Tractor based setup and it's strength is in it's total simplicity. Eddie.

I'm quite fascinated with all this now, as I usually get to watch different styles from the comfort of the cab. I must say that most I've come across do put the angle cut in first? But some don't and they're probably the most experienced? I have noticed how small the angles are now from a couple of Cutters, seemingly hardly anything, but they all put the felling cut above the Gob and I've never seen anything else? I do really appreciate watching a skilled man with a saw, and it really is amazing just how differently they all tackle the same thing when you're just a close observer? I should video a few sometime for comparison. Eddie.

Something like the 4610/5610 would be perfect and I wish I owned the example pictured as it's a really nice unit. Zetor would certainly be a cost effective solution also. Eddie.

We did a big Rhodie clearance job in a wood with a footpath straight through the centre. This is in the middle of nowhere, but does attract the larger groups of Ramblers at times, so we put the provision of a banksman either end of the work as we progressed to cut a new track through. Plenty of signs, all Hi Viz, Two ways etc You wouldn't believe it if you witnessed it! I'd have needed a Rugby team at either end to try and tackle them! Groups would come in, totally ignore any instruction to pause whilst everything was made safe for them to be escorted through and proceed to walk between all the machines muttering we've every right to go through here etc etc etc. We ended up stopping the job and going back with a full Footpath Closure. This was well signposted and the site properly fenced off with warning notices everywhere. I was using the Excavator and Mulcher, which is lethal, and had a banksman on constant lookout. What a nightmare!!! The banksman even tried to stop 3 Ramblers breaking down the fence to enter, and they simply refused to go back. I had to stop work and the resulting aggro cost easily half an hours work, but ended when I threatened to call the Police and have the arrested for preventing essential works? We lost hours on this job trying to argue with idiots who come out with statements like "I've worked around heavy machinery all my life??" I replied, is that what you'll say in court when a lump of wood out of that Mulcher has just nearly gone straight through you? They will drive you to despair and I'd fully agree with others, you'll always come off worst.

I fully understand putting a head on the 8 tonne machine and the only thing I'd really consider is a Kesla Stroke head with hopefully all the computer removed running through my current Engcon control system. Just basic and simple with a pretty decent capacity, but the quotes for a new one were eye watering! I wish it were as simple as just going through the wood, the sort of places we end up in, and a forwarding trailer on a Valtra would be of little use unfortunately. The Kubota and Engcon setup combined with the Tracked Dumper forwarder really do work well together on sites where true low impact is a factor, compared to traditional equipment. Just trying things out and I'd say the Patu delimber may be best suited to someone already running a Roofmount and Forwarding trailer, where it'll possibly fit better into that system. Eddie.

We'd sort of got it as Winch on the front links and Processor on the back, or even a winch on/under the processor to fetch them in? I think the design was very much around Trackside operation if you view the sales video? [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vqyJ5EQn-vY]patu 40LF - YouTube[/ame] One of the main interests from observers is can we stroke some through in 10" rounds to take home and split! Easy enough I suppose, just a simple chain or stop to get the right length and away you go. I remember that article as I'm a massive JCB 814 fan, on a suitable carrier I'm certain as has been said before it would be steady away with a very low tech solution. I suppose in reality we're just turning the clock back a little as processors must of had their place here for a certain time period and you still see them come up now and again? Possibly nobody has revisited the idea taking into account the sort of carriers and technology we have available now? Eddie.

Thanks for the replies and I'll try and work through them. That Stroke Boom looked a powerful old tool and I'd assume the idea revisited on a suitable carrier base could be pretty productive with a single operator tucked away safe in the cab. Regarding Skidding or working our way through the wood, we simply felled a decent amount to get stack ready and then had a cutter working ahead whilst the Excavator fetched them over. It was all learning and really leads me into the next reply for Shavey which I think he's pretty much spot on this setup would work great where trees have been winched up to trackside. My own thoughts is it best suits a Roofmount Tractor, where someone working their own wood who's done some winching to trackside, can spend a nice easy time processing then simply collect the product after with a trailer. We are hoping to go with a Roofmount shortly, so it's all just learning at present and a case of use what you've got. The Dumper option has had much discussion too Stephen, but the one we keep coming back to is actually put it onto the 8 tonner blade and take it with you? It could be done to work through my existing joysticks etc, but would cost a bit to get setup (nowhere near a Harvesting Head obviously) but not something I'd consider until it had been on a Roofmount to see how it goes. I've never come across a Shear Head with measuring wheels? I'd like to know more on that if you could find any links it would be much appreciated. You're right to ask why I was sitting there with the grab over the tree doing little else and there is an answer! To be honest the odd tree had a decent amount of brash Tractor side,and by placing the grab there it just pre de-limbed it rather than having it drag all up a shiny hired Valtra! A bit sad I know, but remember this was just experimenting, and we obviously worked out with a Roofmount you could do this anyway if you liked without cutting production. The grab there also reduces the see/saw effect and makes it much more comfortable for the operator. I didn't do it every tree honest! I forgot to add that our initial thoughts were to equip the 8 tonner with a grapple saw, so it can do some of the felling and some basic processing of anything nasty too. The grapple saw should come in very useful on Scrub Clearance work, and running it under a Tiltrotator it should be very versatile. As you've probably gathered we've certainly been throwing plenty of ideas about how best to move up a little from simply Hand Cutting when at this point a Harvester setup would be out of reach for us. The simple fact there's little in this middle ground and I see there's more and more work here? Not everyone wants a Harvester and Forwarder on their site and some jobs just need that bit extra above solely Hand Cutting. There's another video just to get a better view of the processor, this was the last tree and was a outside one that has already been snedded out by hand. Playing for the camera here so go easy please! But just gives some idea. [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mY-MzBecdUQ]VIDEO0054.mp4 - YouTube[/ame] Eddie.

I work with some fantastic Cutters and they are an essential link in the chain on projects, being just so flexible plus able to turn out decent production. We've been looking at so many options to try and speed things up a little, whilst reducing the need for so much manual input. The need is really just to produce a tidy enough product suitable for Firewood/Chip and consistent in length to for transport. We don't really cut for anything else and much is scrub clearance anyway. Obviously a Harvesting Head mounted on my 8 tonne Excavator would be the way forward, but this all falls down in actual capacity versus cost terms? The investment into an almost purpose made machine to carry the Harvesting Head that best suits my applications would be massive, so we decided to just get hold of a Stroke De-limber and see how it fitted in with what we've got? Having just completed a block of Larch through it, the jury is totally out? We had it setup on a lovely N163 Valtra we had on hire at the time, and the machine has performed almost faultlessly. It will take up to 16" and really does have some power, being able to easily pull trees through that has the Kubota on it's knees just dragging them. The operator really did get the hang of it toward the end of the project and we put close to 200 tonne through it, to get a good test. It's really hard to weigh up at present, and I'm certain that having the Excavator involved is not the way forward? I think one operator with a Roofmount Crane would be most cost effective? It just brings me back to the original question, there's really not much on offer in the middle ground between a Hand Cutter and Harvesting Head that can offer a decent capacity for reasonable cost? [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5nCA5Xztx0]VIDEO0048.mp4 - YouTube[/ame] Eddie.

Over the course of 3 years i did many projects just south of Oxford. The longest stint was 4 weeks commuting daily 120+ miles each way in a 300tdi 90 with the saving grace of GKN overdrive. I never had any issues, just too noisy usually from having to open the front vents. I now have a Tdci 90 and it goes wherever I have to, including a few decent day trips to Scotland and back of 10 hours plus. The six speed box does help, but I'd much prefer a 110 utility where you can get the seat back to something like comfortable, however they like fuel too much for my pocket. I'm 6' 4" and packing well too many pounds, and had to laugh at the Security guy at a place where we've been working recently He blurted out one morning "what time of the morning do you get up to start putting that Landrover on!":biggrin: Eddie.

Certainly looks a challenging one, what sort of tonnage/distance have you to shift across those conditions? Eddie.

I think you need tracks like this! Eddie.

The feedback on the TB219 is not all I'd hoped it would be, as I really thought Takeuchi had seen a nice niche here to take the TB016 knocking on a 3 tonners door whilst still being the same brilliant package? I'll reserve judgement until I've actually used one myself, but the rumour mill has it the extra reach has robbed the legendary power the TB016 packs, despite the tweaks they've made to the 219? However some applications will need reach not the power, so horses for courses and Takeuchi are never far away with anything they produce. Best advice really is demo them both in your own applications, and you'll soon see which one fits your needs? The one interesting point is no numbers have really made it back onto the market for resale, and will the demand be there for the premium over the TB016? Eddie.

I'd absolutely back the fact that Kubota's are better built in terms of fit and finish with features most appreciated by an Owner Operator. However it simply cannot be ignored that the Takeuchi TB016 is the Self Drive or rougher applications king every time? The basic strong construction with simple flat panels really does shrug off the knocks well and can easily be smartened up when required. The Takeuchi resale says it all really and it's the one people want, hence the premium? Plenty of rumours surround them having soft pins and not wearing well, but look after it and it'll be no issues and cheap to sort out anyway. King of the class is the new Kubota KX019 (special order only) but packed with features and a really top class bit of kit for an Owner Operator. You won't want to take one in the woods or Self Drive it though!! Go with a TB016, pay as much as possible for the best example it's really money in the bank, and enjoy having the 'cheapest man on the job' working hard for you every day! Eddie.

I couldn't be more pleased with my Farmi 260HFC. It has the feed conveyor and is designed to be solely crane fed. The build quality is excellent and it's very easy to maintain. Mine came with both a control box and electric foot pedal controls which would be ideal if you're crane feeding. A Valtra N101 handled it brilliantly. Eddie.

I can't see any reason why the Massey and Farmi won't be a great setup? I'd personally look to build a front toolbox weight combined, as there'll be plenty of gear you'll want to take with you (assuming this is a pretty permanent setup). Some great replies already, and you really just need someone with experience to help you out whilst you find your feet. As Stephen says, don't get practicing on a slope with a Beech! Best of luck with it all and stay safe. Eddie.

I really rate the Cabstar and a 4x4 version would be ideal for me. However a good friend has one and I was absolutely stunned to hear about it's MOT at 3 years old. He runs a lot of kit and it's all immaculate, so you'd have thought no issues but the garage phoned him and said he'd best come down and take a look? It turned out to have some pretty severe rot under the drivers seat area, and without going into too much detail Nissan were worse than useless? I told him to go to the Van press with this example as it was shocking, plus his treatment from Nissan was hardly what you'd expect. Unbelievably he allowed them to weld it, and I expect they must have done him a good deal to swap it when he's ready? I'd have wanted a new Cab on a 3 year old vehicle? Even a Defender can manage 3 years without a hole rotten through! Just! Apart from that I think they're as close to a real truck as you can come? Eddie.

I'd have thought it's a pretty small world in this game and if pallets are available delivered with a decent cost saving it doesn't take a more than 3 or 4 forward thinkers to make a saving for themselves by sharing? If you don't mind keeping a bit in stock (it won't go off) and you're far less likely to have any supply issues from having a few in stock, plus 2 or 3 mates who are sharing your pallet should have a bit about if you're stuck? Anyone know the current pallet price and quantity? Eddie.

I'm really pleased you're still onto it and I'm just waiting to be able to use it, but I can't believe Kubota are making such a hash of it? Enjoy your holiday and I hope we can get a result soon? Stickers would be great. How about Aspen, "Doesn't blow smoke up your Arse!":biggrin: Eddie.

True to my word with the new season upon us, nothing but Aspen is coming onto my sites if at all possible. I've obviously mentioned it when quoting and had interest shown from clients as to the benefits, plus actual clients looking to switch their own employees onto it? My big sticking point is still the Ecopar Diesel and the fact I'm desperate to use it and have clients willing to pay a premium for it, but if Kubota still won't approve it what can I do? I'll not move away from Kubota reliability/performance for a fuel, but it's just so frustrating and I've given up trying now?? I know you were looking into it Eddie, but did you just hit a wall too? Where are these stickers available? Plus is there a link anywhere that explains all the products benefits in a clear concise manner suitable to forward to clients? Eddie.

Having witnessed quite a few people trying to operate the Tajfun whilst I was loading individual pieces onto the table with the excavator for easy feeding, it was apparent that the actual operator can have a massive impact on production over the course of a day? You really need to remain focused, as it's so easy to nudge that joystick forward with the log not correctly sitting in the base of the machine, and you end up with a total disaster as what can be a pretty large chunk is forced into the splitting wedge sideways. The height adjustment has good and bad points, the main issues are sticking and also coming out of the slot underneath that actually provides the raise lower mechanism. We were fortunate to have the ability to sort the feedstock with the excavator into a range of three sizes, then simply have a good clear out of the machine and set the wedge to the optimum and leave alone it for each size. There have been no chain/bar issues at present and we've just used new engine oil as it was readily available each time. It really seems a tortoise/hare game, where doing an hour and having a 10 minute clear up/check everywhere can result in a pretty steady production and stress free day. Rushing at it and a few good block ups will cost big time and could lead to some serious machine damage with the forces involved. My biggest tip to anyone is learn to use the joystick left handed and keep your other over the access lid handle ready to stop everything and sort out issues. It puts you in a better place vision wise in my opinion and works for me anyway. The sawdust extractor fan seems to have almost cured the blocking problem, but there is still the flat steel bar bar to cut out inside the exit hole, that it is now safely covered by the extractor hose adaptor. I do rate the machines and great to hear others experiences/issues. Eddie.

I was sent a few Tiger images when I enquired and they look some bit's of kit!! I really like the folding Butt Plate idea/ Eddie.