Treemover

Just about to order a compact tractor. Kioti ck3510 to be exact. It will do a variety of jobs from ploughing with a reversible plough; digging potatoes, running branch logger; and various farm and Hort roles. The ploughing is my main concern and this could even run to several acres at a time. I really like the idea of a hst and we already have a kubota b6200 hst. Has anyone had a hydrostat blow or fail? I had one go in a Fendt and hence my reluctance. If I omitted the ploughing it would be a no brainer; tried hiring in contractor to plough but not interested in small acres or fields.

I buy local, pay the going rate; but going to make my own. I'd rather be able to fix and repair chains; as I find when I shell out on new chains I always end up hitting something that just ruins one cutter. Plus the convenience of having my own gear rather than track into town. Be nice if there was an offer with kit for people like me to get on??!!

Why don't you add a second axle, or run it up onto a tandem axle trailer? Are you trying to keep below the 750kg limit and licence?? If so just do the test?

Are soles that are stitched on any better? I have a cheap pair of Oregon boots; I have them 3 years now, but I only use them 2 days per week. I notice climbing is the hardest thing on them, it's like a days climbing takes more of a toll than a few months on the ground?

Any chance you could give members from here a discount?

I have an awkward report on my hands. Four trees in an industrial estate, or tech hub to be more accurate. The trees are Pines, but paths, kerbs, etc all within feet of the stem. To me the trees look like they have inadequate rooting, and my greatest fear is that the developer most likely had little regard for the trees, ie no rpa etc. The insurance company wants the trees surveyed, so I am reluctant to sign of on the trees soley on the rooting issue. Im trying my best to keep everyone happy, my client, their client etc; but my gut tells me to tell it how it is. What I dont understand is how so many trees in urban settings, are not uprooting? I see numerous trees in urban settings with what looks to me to be restricted rooting; but yet somebody is signing off on it? DO I kick the rooting issue to touch? Cheers

Your going to have to decide on lift capacity first; this will quickly eliminate machines. Then budget or vice versa. We ran a Kramer 512sl for a decade; would lift 2 ton; yet, compact and extremely agile. The 312 is even smaller and I think rated to lift 1.5 tons. Go for the deutz powered ones; the Perkins ones gave a lot of trouble and though younger are worth less than the older ones. They sell for anywhere from €2500-8000 depending on hours and condition.

We have a kubota b6200hst. It's no spring chicken, but being diesel, it's a leap towards petrol. I bought a 58 inch deck on eBay £400 and an as new blower collector for £200. I have a John Deere blower collector for sale. Having 3 point linkage and pto allows me to power Harrow and Rotovate small area; plus it will out pull the quad at timber; plus no need for petrol. Wouldn't be without it, liked it so much I'm hoping to buy a 35 Hp kioti.

That's a great tip!

I'd love to hear best case - worst case scenarios? I'm not sure if Scotland will pull or if this is all just to get a better deal from London. But if they pull, I cannot imagine it not affecting England and Wales long term. Sterling is dropping, but for how long. How far will it slip. Currency movement is a good thing if it's temporary; but this is a real stress test. With jobs, I cannot fathom how things now will get better as a result of this exit. Same with NHS, and if I was a junior Doctor from another country; I would put the UK bottom of my list; as this exit clearly shows the world that half if not more of the U.K. Citizens do not like immigrants, be they hard working, intelligent or simply fleeing peril. Best case, sterling will rally in a few weeks and find a new level that serves the economy best; not the Eu economy. The economy will grow, jobs will be created and prosperity and opportunities will follow. Everyone will say the exit was the smart move. The only problem with the best case scenario is that is based on the fact that the UK stays intact (which is now being tested) and that the rest of the worlds economies or financial institutions do not fight or manipulate the UKs financial markets. There is great opportunity now for the US, China, Russia and the EU to knock the UK financial hub further down the food chain. Divide and conquer!

I have a few small contracts that require clearing of small regeneration; presently just cut with a saw, and chip but it seems terribly slow and expensive to the client. I have been looking at the small flails for compact tractors, and would like to hear from anyone that has one or runs one in the 30-50hp category. I know all about the larger units; but Im after the stuff where the heavier machines cannot operate.

If you find a good one, there rare, but some truck. The new v6 seems good on paper and hopefully removes the engine fiasco. I know several lads that had them but only for a year. Funny they moved into discos or land cruisers? Ford ranger /Mazda is supposed to be very well built and economical, but nowhere the power of the larger motors. Plenty of choice!

I wrote off a 18ft tri axle and land cruiser on a motorway 10 years ago. I had 2 ton of spuds evenly distributed. I had the jeep and trailer 4 years and was well accustomed to snaking; but what occurred on my fatal day was sudden and violent. I hadn't the power to accelerate fast enough and I couldn't brake hard enough either, as I need my back wheels were gone. This is one event where electric brakes would be a godsend. I spoke to ifor Williams about this, and they said it was common on tri axles, especially those with wheels underneath. It's a terrible feeling when you know you've lost control and what's about to happen; but it's worse when it's not down to bad driving, but engineering or the way we design trailers.

My 357xp had to be rebuilt, as decompression hose sprung a leak. Faced with similar rebuild costs to a new 550 I opted to rebuild the saw. Not a fan of these auto tunes and their appetite for expensive 2 stroke

Ah now I see! I thought it was the other way around. That's great news, no down time etc. It's such a shame to hear such a cracking "hot" saw is going to be destroyed. I just hope the 2610 will be as good if not better?!

Rob, I think echo should at least give us a third option that is to get the larger 360. I was never interested in the 280, as it was the power to weight ratio of the 2510 I was after. Now that's out the window. Many customers will have different requirements. I don't need 2 small saws. The larger unit would be a better fit in my scenario. I'd be interested to hear what others think?

Looked at a job today, 60-70 inches access by side of house; Large poplar and 30 leylandi to be removed. Bit of a drag to be honest? How do you guys do this? Do you just drag it! Or chip and leave? I know I can get a chipper in, Was thinking of hiring or building a small 5 ft tipper; or else use a dumper?? Has anyone blown chip through a pipe? I'd imagine 6-8ft would be max?? Too short for this job.

Kev, I priced the same with a Echo dealer and thought it was a tad high. I think the Echo rep for Ireland needs to take note! Hence why I bought from Rob. The carriage was cheaper than me driving to same local Irish dealer!! go figure

Can I use that Stihl file system, the one that has two round files and a flat file? I find it a handy thing for on site touch ups; but find it really good on the small chain on my Stihl ms 181

Rob, others, what is the best system for sharpening these icky little chains?

I just got mine today; and it's a bitter sweet thing. It is so small and light! It even makes my Stihl ms 181 look a beast. But most of all, fired right up on first or second pull with aspen. Boy is the chain a small thing!! It's nearly a bracelet!!! As a customer I'm in no doubt about the recall; and I'm impressed by how it's dealt with.

I agree, I bought an echo just the other night off Rob; super deal!!! Sad to hear they are having issues; but also agree that echo have put us first. I have always bought husky and Stihl; but not a fan of new offerings or deals passed down to my dealers. Viva la revolution!!

I have a Stihl ms170 and even though it's very small, I like using it for small bits. With regards mid sized saws as you request, I run a husky 357xp, but miss my 372xp which was stolen. Can't comment on equivalent Stihls but quite a few husky forestry guys are switching to echo, for reliability.

I was mulling over which brand to buy; and then it dawned on me which ever brand I buy; I'll more than likely stay with as I'll have the batts and charger. So with a wider base to consider; between Stihl and Husqvarna; has anyone any comments on the battery blowers, hedgers, brush cutters etc. They should be giving the top handles foc to get us locked in!!! Wonder will dyson get into this market?

I even recommended using aspen in future!