Wood wasp

Did you quote me and then edit said quote?

Do you really get decent enough return out of firewood to justify all the expensive gear needed to process it??

I didn't say manually. My understanding is that people are suggesting processing at forest into bulk trailers rather than hauling timber back to yard. If you can deliver from forest direct to customer then great you've cut out one stage of handling. If not direct to customer then I don't see any advantage. In fact as a bulk trailer holds less tonnage, has more airspace and is pulled by a slower vehicle (albeit reduced running costs) then it's arguably less efficient way of transporting timber.

I'm all for cutting down handling at every opportunity as firewood margins are far too low. However, there must surely be limited amount of local customers who can take delivery of a grain trailer full of logs?

Ok I'll give Dormer a try, thanks for advice. Are the Dewalt extreme bits any good? I don't want to buy cheap as been there done that, I want to buy tools that do the job. EDIT: now 3 votes for dormer so dormer it is, forget the Dewalt query Edit2: now 4 votes.. That's why I like Arbtalk, thanks all for advice

Hello I need to get some quality drill bits as fed up of crap that makes a dimple then are blunt. Typically need to drill holes 3mm to 10mm diameter in forestry machinery and could be anything from light body work to chassis. I don't mind spending reasonable cash to get quality kit but all the different classifications (cobalt coated, titanium coated etc etc) mean I'm unsure which are actually most suited to my needs. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance

Tractors speed up (slightly) - Telegraph

In my experience privately owned woodland is far better managed than FC. For example today I drove through a FC plantation, on one side of the road was mile after mile of forest planted circa 40 years ago and never been touched since. Result is a choked mass of stunted trees all competing for limited resources. On the other side of the road was hectare after hectare of bare ground which had been harvested years ago but still not replanted. Both situations are hardly the template for good forest management and although lack of management also occurs in privately owned land it is far rarer. Once home I picked up my local newspaper to read article in which the FC advise they're closing a path and clearing timber to replant with native woodland. What is this groupthink that has seized the FC and other relevant bodies? Why must all new planting be native woodland? Where is the balance, where will tomorrow's timber come from?

You have to look at the overall picture. Of course there is a need for amenity woodland but there is also a need for the UK to develop a coherent commercial forestry policy. The FC was formed to replenish and manage the nation's forest estate after WW1, unfortunately in recent years maintaining a sustainable source of commercial timber is no longer a priority. So something has to change and privatising the FC is probably the best way to do it, however it's very unlikely we'll get a reasoned debate about what the best way forward is. I don't know Forest of Dean but if it has great amenity value it shouldn't be hard to transfer it to another NGO who can maintain it. But remember, everything is about balance and we have a major issue that needs addressed urgently.

50t a day in first thinnings with a stroke head won't happen and is big ask even for a roller head. There are no bottom knives on that Keto, do trees need brashed for it?

The OP gave outline of a product for sale and then asked for interested parties to get in touch. The responses here are abrupt one sentence questions. That's an unusual way to do business and not really conducive to building a relationship either.

You won't beat any production records but they plod away consistently and 600 does a reasonable sized stick. New 600 is £26k not inc rotator or fitting

They won't post, you'll have a one or two day window to collect and you'll need to have your receipt with you.

Thanks Andrew, will see how I get on with the FMG for a bit before investing into a rewire. Attached are couple pics of other machines. The Lokomo is a lovely wee machine and in great nick. I've just given it a full service including new central pivot bearing, some new seals, a new ram, some new hoses (including under cab), done injectors etc etc. At time of writing there's not one oil leak on the machine.. we'll see how long that lasts! Haven't put the headboard back on it yet as too busy pulling the Osa to bits I've done quite a bit of work on the Rottne too but it's just our yard machine as wee bit play on central pivot and currently only brakes on the front wheels. Solid simple machine though and it's got a big able crane so ideal for loading log deck etc

Was there anything sitting on the bunk of it?

Always happy to take advice from those with more experience!

Ok thanks for Richard C details, I'll file them away for future use. Yes fmj machine. Not got pics yet but will get some sorted soon

Jesus, I had to stop watching!

I've read a few articles over the years about a guy who measures solar activity (think that's what it was), he allegedly had a good forecasting record way ahead of met office for example. It'll come back to me who he was and what he did

Happy days! I'll have lots of work for him!

Does this Richard chap travel the UK doing electrics on forestry machines? If osa turns out mechanically sound I'd consider giving it a full rewire, difficult getting auto electrician with right knowledge and attitude for a machine like this though.

I've recently added to my geriatric fleet of forwarders with purchase of an Osa 250. Only had it a day so plenty of time for disaster to rear it's head but so far so good and it seems reasonable enough nick given age and price. I'm going to give it service next week so will lift the cab, I'm bit wary of this given all the electrics but needs done. Is there anything I should be especially cautious with when doing this and also check while it's tilted? Thanks in advance for any advice

Sorted it out by tracing back from injectors as was suggested, turns out it was drawing air at glass bowl filter. With injectors being done it's now purring like a pussy and roaring like a lion. Thanks for all help, was depressing doing stuff to make it better and ending with it worse!

Friend told me about time he was coming down steep hill in an osa 250 and a log launched itself over the headboard and came right through rear window and down the side of seat. Needless to say the loads going forward were wee bit smaller

I've done that too, you see it coming but still sh*t yourself with the bang it makes! Was a small tree I was moving out the way, dropped it from height and it landed on tip then bounced back like an Exocet with butt coming into cab!