Tom at Heartwood

I'm wondering if a petrol engined hydraulic power pack such as a Panther Midi would have a high enough flow rate to run a smallish log splitter (say 6 to 8 tonne) at a reasonable speed. I would like to have a compact power source and splitter that I could transport in a van and unload with with a swing lift. The flow rate of the Panther Midi is 20 litres per minute (at 140 bar / 2000 PSI). I'm thinking of the type of splitter designed for mounting on a compact tractor three point linkage. If anyone has experience or advice on this then I would be glad to hear. Cheers, Tom.

Yes, useful tractor but aren't the hours quite high for a relatively small engine. To make it into a robust winch tractor it would benefit from caging and guarding and the exhaust angle reworking. A blade or loader on the front would be handy. That could end up as an expensive package.

How did last year's log splitter building project go? It would be good to see some pictures! Cheers, Tom. Welcome to Heartwood Enterprises

I've been giving some thought to the costs involved in owning and operating a tracked MEWP. I have picked through the various threads on the forum and got some useful info about preferred makes and models but I have a few questions that I would be glad to hear your responses on. They might be a bit like asking 'how long is a piece of string' but here goes: 1. What is the useful life in hours of a lightweight narrow tracked MEWP? I guess like any piece of kit it will depend upon how it is used and how well it is maintained but some pointers would be useful. 2. What and when are the major service needs? 3. Have some makes and models proven themselves to be long-lived or cost-effective in terms of hours worked per £. 4. What would be a reasonable depreciation figure or percentage for typical use. 5. Is there a point at which older models become obsolete due to LOLER testing requirement? Your thoughts would be very welcome. Best wishes, Tom. Welcome to Heartwood Enterprises

This is a better image of Ficus religiosa in Pokhara. Tom (Welcome to Heartwood Enterprises)

I have worked in Pokhara, Nepal on a couple of occasions. I really like the street trees such as these (Pipal, sacred fig, Ficus religiosa).

Have a look at WTRA Enduro & Rallies I did the Cambrian Rally last year on my KTM 950 Adventure. First ever event for me but great fun. Tom.

What are the Stein boots like for climbing in? They look quite heavy and bulky.

Has there been any word on the price of the new T540?