BunyipBen

Looking at a EUROCOMACH ES57ZT to fit a rotating log grab and potentially look at setting up with fixed tooth flail mulcher. Any experience with these machines?

New front bar with Superwinch H15P goes on

The ArbMog is coming along

I am checking out a Hyundai Robex R60CR-9A up for auction here in Australia, how do you think it would go with a similar setup to the video? I am trying to match a digger with trailer to tow behind my Unimog 1300L, looking at a 10t tandem axle plant trailer that can carry up to 7800 kg. I would ultimately go for a Mecalac 8MCR but not many over here on the used market, have thought about buying in Europe and shipping over. I guess I am trying to get the biggest machine possible without overloading the truck. Also any advice on dipper arm length for tree work? Is it best to go longer for more reach or go standard for max lift? Cheers Ben

Sennebogan down

Nice setup, Mecalac MCR 10 with Steelwrist X12 XControl https://www.mascus.co.uk/construction/used-midi-excavators--7t---12t/mecalac-mcr-10/ldsqxbpg.html

I will try to post some pics of jobs here in Australia

Not in most trucks, a few later model U1750 were used by the Defence Forces fitted with OM366A and may have fast axles but they are rare. The older New Zealand Army U1300L came out with fast axles but non turbo OM352

I see what you mean LGP Eddie regarding the extra ability an excavator bucket ram has, but I am still thinking the advantages of a swinging grab might be what I am looking for. I like the idea that the swinging grab is always facing down so removing one control from the operators mind when feed ing material. I also think the swinging option reduces the forces on the grab, rotator and machine and may withstand a lot more hard work? I have seen video of operators flipping a swinging grab up to a vertical stem or trunk which allowed for assisted felling, not sure how easily this is done in comparison to a fixed rotating grab? I like the looks of this setup

The 2 main companies in SA are Austral Tree Services and Taking Care of Trees

Hi Ed There are a few Facebook groups that advertise vacant positions and you could post for employment wanted. The best thing would be to look into the working holiday visa and apply first, this allows you to work for 12 months. If you do 3 month of work in that time in certain rural areas you can qualify to extend your visa for another 12 months, this is a government incentive to attract workers to places most Australians don't want to work. I would recommend aiming for the 24 months stay as entry to Australia is getting tighter and that amount of time would allow you to see a lot more and also meet various companies for potential sponshorship and Temporary Skills Shortage Visa application if you decide you would like stay longer. I am sure you will find a job if you come with a basic climbing kit skills and a positive attitude. I could recommend some companies to contact in SA, Victoria and NSW remember it is cooler during our winter in the Southern parts of the country, better to aim North if you want to escape the British climate and sweat it out all year round.

Link to the Army auctions https://www.australianfrontlinemachinery.com.au/

Yes there are a lot of ex ADF U1700L38 trucks coming onto the market and the price they get at auction has come right down, you can expect to pay just above or below $20 000 Aud and they come up every month. They are just a bigger heavier truck than the U1300L 7t empty vs around 5t and can carry more 12t vs 7.5t and I don’t think I need the extra payload, when towing the U1700L38 can pull 12.5t and the U1300L 10.5t. I really wanted the fast axle ratio as Australia is a big place with some distance between towns and I will be doing some highway travel, the OM366A engine seemed more desirable over the OM352A.

Hi Guys I imported a exBW U1300L Unimog from Germany to Australia and had the right hand drive conversion done. It has also had CLAAS overdrive fitted, it is powered by the OM366A and has fast axles. It was a 1987 build that went back to MB factory in 1997 to be refurbished and come out with a new compliance plate. The fabrication of a 3 way tipper started with the purchase of hydraulic cylinder and pump from Atkinson Vos and the rear body is made with drop sides, rear barn doors and it has a removable canopy with top hinged sides and the walls and roof are made from 3mm aluminium. All the fabricated parts have been powder coated and are now to be assembled back on the truck. I am getting workgroup gearbox fitted and hope to add exhaust brakes. A custom winch bar with Superwinch H15p on the front and helper springs in the rear will almost finish it off. I would like to add an intercooler and an exhaust system that exits out the rear to allow for more underbody storage space and get a toolbox to fit. An uprated Ringfeder hitch will allow to tow heavier loads but the current NATO hitch will be sufficient to tow my Rayco RC1824 chipper at 4.3t. I can't wait to get it on a job, we have a lot of hilly country here on the North Coast of New South Wales and a red volcanic soil with a lot of clay that is slippery when wet i don't think I could dream of a better setup. I will post updates as it comes along. Cheers Ben

Hi Guys I am interested in setting up a 5-8t excavator with a rotating grapple for tasks such as feeding a wood chipper, loading logs and pushing trees. Can anyone fill me in on the the pros and cons of a fixed grapple vs a swinging unit? I am interested in a tilt rotator setup like Engcon to be able to use with buckets and other attachments, any views on doing it that way or just having the grapple with rotator? Cheers Ben