LGP 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.

Tiger Winches are now available in the UK and these look simply awesome! I've had all the info and they are really are top spec bits of kit, even producing a 16 tonne version! Tiger Seilwinden - A-4541 Adlwang Eddie.

I managed to get a few pics today of the Tajfun and home made table, plus the Major. Eddie.

We had a little play yesterday with the Tajfun a friend purchased after the demo we had, and tried out some of the things he's gathered together to hopefully help get a system running smoothly. He purchased an old Fordson Major to run the Tajfun which obviously it easily achieves, however lifting and carrying the unit was another thing altogether! I actually thought the Major would have coped ok, whilst obviously going to be light on the front? However it took the addition of a couple of assistor rams plus a weight block made from half an old steel safe to keep things in balance? It's only to move it a few yards around the yard occasionally so perfectly ok. Another issue soon arose from the Major, being the PTO is actually quite high on the Processor for small tractors, and ended up requiring the tractor to be driven up onto some sleepers to raise it a little, thus keeping things nicely in line. Electrics were simply crocodile clips to the battery, but it's easy to wire in the correct plug permanently if required. The next issue came with the new Hydraulic Sawdust Extractor unit, which required a few simple mods to the tractor to provide a circuit with free return to the tank. The sawdust extractor was problematic at first, with the issue again being caused by the safety bar in the sawdust outlet causing blockages especially when cutting larger timber with a sustained blast of sawdust causing bridging. This can now safely be cut out as the extractor kit bolts over this preventing any access for hands into this area now. The extractor was performing poorly at first, but comes with a gauge fitted and you tweak the relief valve to suit as per the instructions and we ended up with such a flow of sawdust it simply can't be contained into a tonne bag? The answer will be an enclosed skip with inlet to affix the pipe and a vent the other side? The pipe into the fan unit was modified a couple of times to get one nice single bend as short as possible into the fan unit, and again this really help keep everything flowing nicely. I'm certain once that little bar is cut out and the sealed skip fitted, the whole job will be so much tidier and simpler. With regard to a log table, much thought was put into this, as the operation will depend on just having a Kramer loader to service everything, not being spoilt with one of my excavators and selector grab to feed it every piece! Looking at the Tajfun it has a nice joystick control that provides power to the log lifter on the standard table. It was decided to utilise this to provide flow to a long ram that will simply push timber along the table and up a slight lip onto the rollers. The short conveyor was thought to be enough to provide the feed, and it's easy to provide a little extra weight to a stubborn piece with your hand if required without having to move from the controls. This avoided powered roller complications, which could be added later if required? I am happy to report, that despite mk1 being a bit rough and ready it works brilliantly. The table can take a good a set of pallet forks full of timber no issues, and then it's a simple job to utilise the mini joystick control to push timber onto the feeder rollers and belt. A large load of timber is no issue, simply moving the push plate forwards and backwards allows them to eventually all drop down flat with only an occasional nudge required by hand. Such was the success, when now simply loading logs into a 16 yard skip the whole operation is remarkably slick. The Kramer loads the table from the stack, and then the driver operates the feed table to ensure a constant flow of material. The actual Processor operator is free to ensure that all is running smoothly on the cutting/splitting and concentrate on the main joystick, whilst the feed operator has plenty of time to ensure the conveyor position is correct for loading (it's on his control joystick and he has the conveyor speed controller too) plus the machine area is kept clean (which obviously the sawdust extractor is helping with). I'll try and get a few images and video today if possible, as it's plenty of idea's for people. Again output was brilliant, but I cannot stress enough the operation is only as good as the guy on the controls, with slow and steady winning the race every time plus a couple of minutes checking/cleaning regularly making such a difference to efficient operation. Eddie.

I can't help with 'small scale timber extraction costs', but I can tell you what it costs to 'extract small scale timber extraction equipment'?

Pleased it went well for you, and it's surprising just what a lump fit's in them! I do like how tidy they fold up for transport. Eddie.

I'd use this! But seriously a 1.5 tonner is the cheapest man you'll ever have on a job in my opinion and will do some serious work in a day. Eddie.

I had to investigate a little further and I possibly guessed right in that the HSE's own guide clearly states it has to be a 'Relevant Certificate of Competence or National Competence Award'? Pretty much as I thought really? If a decent provider is willing to give you an 'In House' ticket with full backing and you have evidence of their ability to train/assess then there should be no issue providing your Insurance company and possibly Client are happy with the arrangement? How else can the monopoly of these Card Schemes be kept in check? I'm no expert and don't get thinking you can get the John Bull printing press out and start making money fast! I always work things back from the dock of an Inquest in my mind as this is the worst case Scenario? When asked to provide evidence of training an 'In House' ticket and the evidence I had of the trainers qualification would do this, thus putting the said 'Trainer' in the dock to see how he got to be a Trainer in the first place? I'm not anti Card Schemes or Training in any way, just anti profiteering and goalpost moving just as things go quiet to create a bit more work and put everyone back on the merry go round again? Also no card whatsoever can provide evidence of experience? Eddie.

Yes I think this is the main point really? Is the CS unit the only actual proven qualification under 'Legislation', or is it the case a little like the Construction CPCS scheme where they use a little smoke and mirrors to fool people into thinking this? The Law bit only actually comes in the CPCS instance from your Insurance or Clients (preventing you from working) actually enforce you requiring CPCS training. In the event of the worst happening the onus is on providing "Evidence of Training' and a CPCS card does this easily? However a suitable 'In house' ticket from a reputable provider who would have to provide evidence of his own ability to provide such training would be perfectly acceptable. As I say I don't know if there is an actual law that states 'It must be a CS unit?' but I would very much doubt it because it then in reality makes the CS units a Government Scheme a little like a Driving Licence? I would expect it again to be 'Evidence of Formal Training'? A very interesting point and something as I say I wouldn't get involved in with a prospective candidate, but it could simply things for the guy who will be taking him from me for the Saw side of things? However all said and done I'd like to see anything like this used just to help reduce costs whilst suitable candidates are weeded out, before being taken through all the Industry Standard qualifications at a suitable point once it"s established they are worth investing in? It's always an awkward point, who pays for tickets, how do you stop people walking away straight after doing them etc etc, and perhaps it's a barrier as to why more younger people are not given a basic level foot in the door opportunity? Eddie.

A very interesting post as I too am considering taking on someone possibly 3 days a week to start with to try to find the right person first, but if I can find a suitable candidate they'll get to go on the whole range from a Saw to the Tracked Dumper, Excavator with attachments, Tractor., Chipper etc. On the Excavator side I would simply train them myself off site to a basic standard and then have a local instructor cover them with an 'In house' ticket. My Insurance company would accept this and so would my clients. If the worst were to happen there would be evidence of training all the way back down the line and the buck would stop at the Trainer in the dock. He would have all his evidence as at qualified training provider, which is all that is required not which scheme it happens to be? I can't see why you can't use this route for a guy on a saw? Ask your insurance company if he can be trained under direct supervision off site and then fully covered if 'In House' training has been done by a recognised provider? I aim to send any candidate with a friend who supplies me with Hand Cutters to really see if they have what it takes, so it'll be interesting to see how he would want to play it regarding tickets? Surely there are Trainers who will do a straightforward assessment using all the current guidelines and provide a certificate to prove this outside the current 'schemes' at reduced cost? The onus is to provide evidence of training, not bragging about which letters and numbers you've got on a ticket? I've witnessed so called Plant Operators with more tickets than a raffle who can seriously only come under the 'Seat Filler' category? In my own instance the 'In House' ticket would simply to get any prospective candidate up and running to see if they may last the distance. Taking them then on through the industry recognised schemes as they progress, balancing the cost against their performance and value they bring to the business? A lot to think about, but I'd really like to go down this route and get someone up to speed. Eddie.