LGP Eddie

I'd say that approx 1 tonne close in would be a pretty fair guess, but Charlieh raised a good point when he had a little play on it and that's it would actually stand a fair bit bigger grab on it to speed the cycle up a little. It always seems to easily lift what it grabs no issues, and gives very quick operation with little revs required on the base machine. I'm hoping to persuade Greg to move the grab operation to a foot pedal via cable to the block, which would make it a true 2 handed operation. Regarding fuel, I'd say despite being the larger engine than the Kubota version it's actually very close in consumption. Working on approx 40 litres per day over a range of work won't be too far off and pricing at 50 litres would see you completely safe. Eddie.

Yes it is the very same 'Ultimate Forwarder' and I don't have the time here to heap enough praise on it!! Greg has done a great job of just sorting out a few bits and pieces, and we've had some serious work out of it in a wide range of applications. It actually works best alongside my own 8 tonne excavator that can load it extremely quickly, allowing it to traverse site and then unload at it's own pace. The resulting time between loads allows me to sort everything out ready for quick loading, and crush/stack brash together also if it's going to the fire. The dumper can deal with brash just as effectively, taking a decent load from the excavator and placing straight onto the fire, plus tidying the fire if required. They can clear a fair area together in a day with hardly a mark and everything tidy. We had a recent application that involved transporting rocks to the excavator for placing, and again it came into it's own. Rocks were delivered to a suitable pint with a larger dumper and then simply self loaded, before being transported to me with no mess and total safety. The machine seems to get all those 'can you just' jobs like fetching buckets, bog mats, fuel tank etc and once again is brilliant because it can do them all quickly and safely. A top bit of kit. Eddie.

Hi Logrover, sounds like you have some interesting kit? What are your excavators? We do a fair bit of this and just laugh at the concept of 'Bandtracks'? They are far more an aid that is designed to provide as much additional bite as floatation in my opinion, and simply no comparison to something like a tracked dumper you may be considering. We generally go where others won't or where clients simply can't have the mess, and having this around now has transformed the work. Eddie.

Yes that's correct this model did have the swinging conveyor option and I'd say it's simply a must? It will easily do three bags or an Ifor trailer for example from one spot. Plenty of little things I liked including how the small table we had on demo simply clipped on the back for transport and even raised/lowered hydraulically to setup. The conveyor belt is in small sections bolted together and could be easily repaired on site without much cost or delay. it would take a fair lump and we made certain we tried it and not only the one! You're making some logs when you start and get some bigger gear into it I can tell you! One part of the demo we did at a friends house to put some big conifer through for him, hard to imagine but we ended up calling another friend to jump on his mini digger just to clear stuff out of the way we were making it that fast!! That's a 3ft bucket 5 tonner size for a bit of scale? The whole pile took approx 5 hours including setup and dismantling, with me placing it on the table with the 5 tonner and grab and just one other operating the processor. Apart from roping in another to move the pile! As I say it never went back and another will be coming shortly. Eddie.

I suppose it's always hard to embrace going with what can be considered a luxury when simple levers would do the job perfectly, however once used I doubt you'd want anything but the joystick? One thing I did find, as I was doing the loading I didn't get too much time at the controls peronally but a number of people did spend good time at the controls and I got to see how their differing styles could really impact upon production? The best method seemed to be to learn to operate the Joystick with your left hand, and have your right ready to open the cover should any issue arise? This immediately stops all the operation and it's usually just a case of flicking a round into place that's got a little crossed up. The other thing that really showed was the Operators who took that little bit more time got the best production? The operation is very fast and some simply took the approach that if you keep pulling the lever the machine will do it all? There's always something to be looking at with a processor? I'd say you 'Operate' them not 'Drive' them like any machine and a few moments here and there to clean things out etc can make all the difference to output. I had a look through and sadly only took a few pictures but there's loads more about from all the visitors we had. As with anything take a good look yourself and see if it'll work for you but 100% worth getting over in the first place and Kilworth seem very switched on compared to most suppliers. Eddie.

Both a friend and myself had one on hire/demo from Kilworth and put approx 80 tonne through it, mainly of Larch and some Conifer right up to the max it would take. It turned out a consistent product at a fantastic rate and really can cope with some pretty large material for it's size. The joystick control is a pleasure to use and everyone took to it straight away. I simply can't praise it enough and we only had one very simple issue which was sawdust building up in the outlet and preventing the bar returning enough. There is a grille over the outlet for safety I assume and obviously cutting this out would help but a bit naughty? However there is an optional sawdust extractor to bag the sawdust up which can be electric or hydraulically operated which in the video looks extremely effective and would clear any issue I suspect. One call to Andy at Kilworth mid Saturday afternoon when this first occurred, had a brilliant response. After much checking via the phone, he promised to get someone out to us and he certainly did! Towing another complete machine all the way out just in case, and to add insult to injury we found the issue by chance just as they arrived! It really only was half an inch the bar needed to travel and a good future learning exercise for all anyway. If you need to transport a processor regularly it folds up brilliantly and fitted nicely with the width of the Valtra N series. Needless to say the unit didn't go back and another will be coming for either myself or another friend once we sort who's going to run it. Eddie.

Yes Transport is obviously a major factor and we're not trying to be to the pound here. It wasn't an argument, just a point that came up and nobody could realistically answer it? I'd reasonably assume that something like £30-35 per cube for Softwood delivered fairly local would be somewhere near the mark? I suppose it just suits some peoples setups or a quick way to bulk out stocks if required? Thanks for the replies. Eddie.

A big discussion broke out in the brew cabin this morning regarding logs/processors/builders bags and the usual stuff. But nobody could put a value on simple softwood processed logs delivered in Artic Bulkers, ready to just bag up? Again the discussion led to bulkers carrying 45 cube, but 60 was mentioned? We're well aware of roadside prices etc, but what's it cost for someone else to do the lot and deliver it per cube? Eddie.

Mikey, the 3 Roller setup looks brilliant and I'm hoping to source components myself for such a setup. Did you manage to purchase the motors/rollers and as complete units or source /make up components? I think the 3 motors will be considerably less hassle than a chain drive setup? Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Eddie.

A pretty accurate summary really from a brief operating experience, the simple fact we associate engine revs/noise with speed/power makes everything so alien. I didn't have more than a few minutes on it, but Andy who operated it took a few days to fully accept it. Unfortunately it didn't arrive full and I wasn't on site to get accurate fuel consumption, but it seemed very frugal. The client loved it and I'll ask for another next time to see what the real world savings are. Eddie.

Just an update on how the 'Ultimate forwarder' is getting on in it's new Staffordshire Moorlands home. It was great to go up with Greg when he made the purchase and meet Stephen who really is a top bloke! Greg has made quite a few bits of mods before putting it to work, including some belly plates and a grab bar that allows the crane to stow nicely forward. We have just been doing some moorland access improvements and ditching where it's really been a useful bit of kit, but it's into the woods in earnest on tuesday, so we'll see how it performs with some forwarding. It should be a brilliant match to my excavators on projects. I ordered a 20 tonner this week and had a little shock when this thing landed, a bit posh for raking up brash! Eddie.

Just a big grapple we have specced for a client to make use of his own 20 tonne machine whilst we do some clearance work for him. It arrived today and certainly looks a monster! Eddie.

It really is a sad state of affairs, but with current prices you don't need much of a raid to negate all the savings a bulk buy could bring. I have witnessed some shockers in the Plant game, worst being somewhere in the region of 5,000 litres taken from a quarry restoration job I was working on over the weekend. They had emptied Dozers, Dumptrucks and the whole Bowser filled up on the Friday. These were professionals on this site, taking the gearbox from the 4x4 Bedford water tanker twice (shouldn't laugh, but the boss jumped in both times and no gears!). Then they had his couple of week old Defender 90 off the job too! No easy answers and I'd be keen to see a properly setup 4x4 delivery setup that could access sites and do a fill up directly in the field. Done well it could do away with all the on site fuel/storage hassles, but cost and maintaining a reliable service would be the key? You can't afford kit standing awaiting fuel. Eddie.

I know exactly where you're coming from as I'm always in this dilemma. My local fuel place offers Red off the pump at 84p including vat, but they actually do me a much better deal as I use so much from them. It's really handy for me they're open 6 days from 6.00am and I can just collect a few days worth of fuel. I take my Fuel Cube straight to them for larger jobs and again they're good on the rate for me, but for when I have something like a 20 tonner on hire they will fill a Chieftain twin axle bowser that I simply hire in at a better rate again. I try my best to store no fuel on site and pretty much have about exactly what I need, safe in the knowledge all cans and tanks are clean plus the diesel fresh. The cost of buying and locating a decent tank setup would be considerable, and hanging onto the stuff is another matter entirely! I'd say stick with one supplier and negotiate with them if the monthly amount starts adding up. Eddie.

A great thread with many good points raised. I too have pretty much the same dilemma with the 13,000kg Hydraulic Superwinch fitted to my 8 tonne excavator. I have tried will little success to source a suitable snatch block of over 26,000kg rating that is suitable for the 20mm wire rope fitted. However in my own instance, the winch is simply large enough in a single line pull and I have a 15,000kg block if any direction changes are required. The forces generated when doubling up a 13,000kg winch can get pretty scary, and would impart high loadings on the attachment point back at the machine. However there may be instances where I may require a double line pull to reduce speed and increase power a little such as de-bogging and I would be pretty much in the same position? Do I simply use the 15,000kg block knowing I'll never get to 26,000kg anyway and the block has a good safety factor or risk flattening the rope on a larger block? I simply keep away from such instance personally, but fully understand the dilemma? My view always relates back to the inquest on safety? Putting yourself in the dock and imagining the highly paid Barrister asking the question 'what is the maximum line pull the winch could have imparted and was the equipment rated for this?' In my own instance this would require a block of 26,000kg to answer Yes. Interesting 'Common Sense' has come up a few times, but unfortunately due to the culture we now find ourselves working under this phrase has long been replaced by 'Method Statement, Risk Assessment'! I'd say get the lightweight 7000kg job for your day to day along with a full at least 12 Tonne item to have with you at all times. If you have the slightest doubt use the larger block when required. Eddie.

I have my machines moved any distance on a 6 wheel Plant lorry, but in some respects I suppose I pay what I would consider slightly over the odds because it is a full spec unit with large Hiab Crane fitted. I pay £60 per hour, but for this I get a top professional service with fantastic communication, punctuality,equipment and real care. The simple fact I know this company is fully insured and probably has resources to cover the value of the machine themselves if required. However for a straightforward spot hire from a decent Haulier with a standard 6 wheel plant lorry, I'd expect to pay about £45 per hour. Fixed price is always best if you can get them to quote it. Eddie.

When I picked up my Defender 90 from new I was fully anticipating the almost road pattern General tyres they were fitting at the time. My plan was to fit either the General Grabber AT2 which I think are superb or try out some Coopers which appear to be gaining in popularity. Much to my surprise I had the first set of Continental Cross Contact AT into the dealership which looked pretty handy so I thought I'd leave them on. After 42,000 miles these tyres still look pretty much like new and the performance across a whole range of conditions has been truly remarkable. They are quite a narrow profile and I'd prefer something a little wider in some applications, but after 3 seasons of hard work they've not let me down and the wear rate seems excellent. I'd be interested in any Cooper ST reviews? Eddie.

Many Congratulations Joy, and I'll second the fact it's great to see people moving forward from all the hard work they put in. You'll never see Rohan now out on site with all the toys, but he's not getting the mobile canteen back it's been our salvation this winter! Eddie.

It's hard to say how much the mods raised the machine but I suspect approx 100mm? When it was widened, the angle of the track frame means the widened portion is actually pointing downwards hence lifting the machine up slightly. With an Hitachi there is no need for any of this extra work just bolt the pads on and go, but the top roller mods are worth doing for longer term or heavier applications. Eddie. Some pics that will show better how much it's raised and also follow the angle portion of the track frame to find the join? The standard track pad is sitting on the new pads and if that won't pull her out she's not coming!

No problem, I've dug a few pics up that hopefully show what I mean about the top roller mods and my 900 pads over standard. You'll perhaps note the extra clearance the widening gives by raising the machine. Eddie.

I'd suggest you go for an Hitachi ZX70 on steel tracks if this is within budget or an nice late EX60 will be a cheaper option otherwise. With one of these it is a simple operation to bolt on wider pads up to 800mm which will give plenty of floatation as the Hitachi is quite a light unit anyway. I do believe it's possible to even squeeze 900mm pads on without mods but without measuring I couldn't confirm this. You can easily fabricate bolt on blade extensions so it will all go back to standard if you move it on. The only mod you would really need if you run this configuration longer term is to replace the single top roller with two bottom rollers on fabricated mountings. Again very easily done which will help carry the weight of the pads and keep the track more retained as it runs along the top. Hitachi's are brilliant machines and I've never had any issues with them at all. To be perfectly honest they would be my first choice excavator most of the time, but in the 8 tonne class they lack a large diameter slew ring (hence easy to put big pads on) and are a lighter build than the Kubota in some important areas. Eddie.

I did see quite a number out in Sweden at the big plant show there, and they do seem to have a broad range of models plus some unusual specs. They are a tidy looking bit of kit and their small Rubber Duck is certainly an impressive bit of kit. Perhaps the fact that they make the smaller CAT excavators for them now says something of their credentials? I suppose price would be the factor that has people looking at them, but I really don't know where they sit in the marketplace? However for me I'll take a look at the Takeuchi tb285 just to settle my mind, but I really hope to get one of the very first Dash 4 8 tonners into the UK, before sending it to Scotland for some reworking. Eddie.

I suspect the Dash 4 Kubota is going to be a substantial chunk of money more than a Dash 3 Alpha, rumours are around high 50's and I believe they will both run alongside each other for a short while. I've done some searching for specs and I believe the Dash 4 is going to be pushing out 70hp now, but I'm hoping to make my way over to BAUMA in Munich next month to see it in the flesh and make my mind up from there. I don't think there's much wrong with Neuson products and they do make some unusual high spec variants of their machines. If you have a sound local dealer for backup certainly worth a look? Anyone looking for smaller machines that are Zero tailswing without the compromise cab, take a look at the new Kubota U35-4. How Kubota have managed to get basically the same cab as my 5 tonne KX57 onto a 3.5 tonne zero swing machine is beyond me, but reading through the specs it looks like they've raised the bar more than a few notches over the competition and finally float position for the blade. Eddie.

The ram is certainly the ideal way to improve the job and if the Takeuchi had two way auxiliary we'd be doing the same thing. To be honest I've never looked to see if it has a two way setup as standard, but if it does then perhaps we'll look for a ram instead of tractor top link. For the money brilliant value and all credit to Digbits who had them on the shelf. Eddie.

Just an update to show the finished job last week. It took a fair bit of sorting out and the previous occupants had certainly left the site in a mess and there were rocks simply everywhere! I got a bit of heavier muscle in for a couple of days to move material about and finish the larger flat area and the landowners were happy with the results. Eddie.