Articulated loaders (other options?)

[southsoundtree]

If i had the reach and capacity I'd want power rotation.

 

[oceans]

If i had the reach and capacity I'd want power rotation.

Once you have it you’ll never want to be without!

 

[southsoundtree]

I wonder about an Articulated Loader with power rotation versus a mini-excavator with a power rotation for off-road stability, capacity, etc.

 

[Lumberjack]

A wheel loader is better for forwarding material, an excavator is better for handling material... there's overlap in their abilities, but different strengths for sure.

 

[oceans]

I wonder about an Articulated Loader with power rotation versus a mini-excavator with a power rotation for off-road stability, capacity, etc.

I use a mini excavator. If turf protection is a factor, we use all our mats and make a road. If turf is not sensitive, the excavator is hands down a better tool…in my opinion. I have a Bobcat E26, and if only a few travels are required, you can get away without the mats when operating carefully. I sometimes leapfrog a log pile to the landing to save on trips across the lawn.

 

[oceans]

That said, I wil one day own a rubber tired option. I like the looks of the Multione 9 Series.

 

[27RMT0N]

Literally everyone in my neck of the woods uses excavators and I work with machines in the 6,000-20,000 pound range somewhat regularly. But it's hardly 'residential' work.... One company bought a tracked mini-skid and got rid of it almost immediately since it kept tipping over on our sloped and rough ground. Hardly a flat lawn in the entire county, and when dealing with endless large firs and clearing projects, moving big logs, way bigger than a mini-skid can handle, is critical.

 

[Sfoppema]

Get yourself a power rotatating grapple for that giant and your going to have much more control. Good luck and enjoy the loader. We love ours. It's our ace in the hole. My loader is 2 years old and has 860hrs. We use it just about everyday.

This is a 2018 with 875 hours. Do you ever have problems with the rotator wire being disturbed? I've used a rotating grapple with an avant 528, which required a very tiny wire to run from the machine to the grapple. Naturally, it was impossible to protect the tiny wire from being snagged on branches. When it got snagged, the rotator wouldn't work, and it had to be turned manually. It was almost impossible to turn manually. I hated it. By the looks of the giant, the rotating function would be attached similarly.

I'd rather have a little less control and no chance of getting stranded, especially when cheaper. Been using the standard bmg for years and never been stranded once because of the simple design. Within two weeks of using rotator grapple with avant I was stranded often. Very frustrating. Couldn't use my bmg on it because of the proprietary mounting plate. It was admittedly nice to have the function, but was more trouble than it was worth.

 

[Helmstein]

This is a 2018 with 875 hours. Do you ever have problems with the rotator wire being disturbed? I've used a rotating grapple with an avant 528, which required a very tiny wire to run from the machine to the grapple. Naturally, it was impossible to protect the tiny wire from being snagged on branches. When it got snagged, the rotator wouldn't work, and it had to be turned manually. It was almost impossible to turn manually. I hated it. By the looks of the giant, the rotating function would be attached similarly.

I'd rather have a little less control and no chance of getting stranded, especially when cheaper. Been using the standard bmg for years and never been stranded once because of the simple design. Within two weeks of using rotator grapple with avant I was stranded often. Very frustrating. Couldn't use my bmg on it because of the proprietary mounting plate. It was admittedly nice to have the function, but was more trouble than it was worth.

The picture shows where its plugged into. The wire runs on the inside of the yellow chafe sleeve. Never once in 860 hrs has it been damaged, only unplugged and needed to plug it back in again.. But I could see how it would really put a damper on things if it was. With that being said I would only have the rotator function with a giant. How it's momentary function is wired to the joystick is really intuitive. It really shines with the bmg scoops.

 

[Helmstein]

I wonder about an Articulated Loader with power rotation versus a mini-excavator with a power rotation for off-road stability, capacity, etc.

With the low gpm of an small articulating loader "254t" the rotator function has limited ability to rotate a heavy peice that is 100% on the ground. Once in the air it's no problem Or if you have one end of a brush pile lifted and forwarding backwards you can manipulate it side to side easy. Does that make sense. I'd imagine a small excavator could really get into a sticky situation with the power" high gpm"

 

[Sfoppema]

What model grapple is that? Maybe I will try it

 

[Helmstein]

What model grapple is that? Maybe I will try it

56″ T1010 BMGR but Bmg makes a hd one that I would spring for seeing as its beefier and less prone to slight bending. The HD model is 56″ T1036 BMGXR2​

I see 254t without the rotator and imagine all the potential they must be missing out on. also make sure your tires are foam filled and you have the optional counter weight for the back. With those options and my brother "180lbs" on the back of the machine we can literally lift the maximum amount of weight. anymore and the hydro arm won't raise. I hope that makes sense

 

[Helmstein]

Good Question
I have only used the chains in the snow
Out in the woods - I imagine they will wear out quickly
Don't think the MFG made them for what you and I will put them through

Its dry right now up at my tornadoed damaged woods in WI. This winter, or if she gets wet this fall
I will put the chains to the test

No Giant has not made those lugnut tie downs. I have asked them
Butt THE Avant 528 ones should fit on theGiant 254's

Thank you for the info about the lug nut tiedowns. They do fit. Had to really work my charm to get the avant parts guy to sell me the part without a Vin number for a avant.

I still need to contact you for the wheel spacers. After that my giant might be complete

 

[tnttree]

This is a 2018 with 875 hours. Do you ever have problems with the rotator wire being disturbed? I've used a rotating grapple with an avant 528, which required a very tiny wire to run from the machine to the grapple. Naturally, it was impossible to protect the tiny wire from being snagged on branches. When it got snagged, the rotator wouldn't work, and it had to be turned manually. It was almost impossible to turn manually. I hated it. By the looks of the giant, the rotating function would be attached similarly.

BM's powered rotating grapple buries the wire in with the spiral wrap on the hoses - we have not had any complaints about wires being pulled out. The Avant Brand "Timber Grab" in my humble opinion has a few design flaws.
You can see some of the wire exposed on the supply lines - ( could of added another 6" of spiral )

FYI
Avant uses the standard European Hitch plate - same as Multi one used (now vermeer) it is not proprietary to Avant only. Branch Manager has been making "Euro" (Avant) hitch plates for 20 years

 

[tnttree]

Thank you for the info about the lug nut tiedowns. They do fit. Had to really work my charm to get the avant parts guy to sell me the part without a Vin number for a avant.

I still need to contact you for the wheel spacers. After that my giant might be complete

Ha, I am working on other 254T after market stuff ( Cas cap guard, saw scabbard, combo counterweight tool carrier, and the highly secretive BMBBBE ) Don't forget the faster if you switch out your Attachments frequently

 

[tnttree]

View attachment 77485
Just jumped on the bandwagon. 2018 with 875 hours. Not selling my ditch witches, but excited to add it to the arsenal. Got dropped off this morning!

AHHHH the red ones were my private labeled Branch Manager Editions, some of the first ones to come over, we worked with Giant convincing them ot use the Toro universal Hitch and the 13 function Joystick. that might be a 2016 you have their -- the first 2 digits of the serial number will tell you the year it was made.
We didn't have the HD model then, but still a stupid dependable great machine , like Fred said he has 4000 trouble free hours on his

 

[Sfoppema]

AHHHH the red ones were my private labeled Branch Manager Editions, some of the first ones to come over, we worked with Giant convincing them ot use the Toro universal Hitch and the 13 function Joystick. that might be a 2016 you have their -- the first 2 digits of the serial number will tell you the year it was made.
We didn't have the HD model then, but still a stupid dependable great machine , like Fred said he has 4000 trouble free hours on his

Yes, I almost bought one from you back in the day, but ended up going for a bigger chipper, then newer chipper, then a bigger mini.... Finally have some extra jingle in my pocket and saw this on FB marketplace. I guess I just trusted the guy that it was a 2018, not that it really matters... Came with standard bmg, bm mulch bucket, regular bucket, forks, auger, and brush grapple for 32,500. Thought that was a decent enough deal. Got it from a guy on Long Island. Pretty stoked to have the special edition! Guess I should try out that rotating grapple........

 

[VenasNursery]

AHHHH the red ones were my private labeled Branch Manager Editions, some of the first ones to come over, we worked with Giant convincing them ot use the Toro universal Hitch and the 13 function Joystick. that might be a 2016 you have their -- the first 2 digits of the serial number will tell you the year it was made.
We didn't have the HD model then, but still a stupid dependable great machine , like Fred said he has 4000 trouble free hours on his

Yes, I almost bought one from you back in the day, but ended up going for a bigger chipper, then newer chipper, then a bigger mini.... Finally have some extra jingle in my pocket and saw this on FB marketplace. I guess I just trusted the guy that it was a 2018, not that it really matters... Came with standard bmg, bm mulch bucket, regular bucket, forks, auger, and brush grapple for 32,500. Thought that was a decent enough deal. Got it from a guy on Long Island. Pretty stoked to have the special edition! Guess I should try out that rotating grapple........

I have a question about your machine does the back end turn when you turn your steering wheel while not in motion or does the front end turn back and forth
I ran a avant and when I would go to load wood in the back of the truck I couldn’t move a movement side to side like a skid steer could
But ran a cat 906 and the front turned instead of the back which I liked
Did not like the back end movement instead of the front
Hope I’m explaining myself clearly
So if I was going to pick something up and was off on position I would have to back up or pull forward to get to position vs just turning the steering wheel for a better position

 

[Sfoppema]

Yes, I almost bought one from you back in the day, but ended up going for a bigger chipper, then newer chipper, then a bigger mini.... Finally have some extra jingle in my pocket and saw this on FB marketplace. I guess I just trusted the guy that it was a 2018, not that it really matters... Came with standard bmg, bm mulch bucket, regular bucket, forks, auger, and brush grapple for 32,500. Thought that was a decent enough deal. Got it from a guy on Long Island. Pretty stoked to have the special edition! Guess I should try out that rotating grapple........

Looks like there are threaded holes for a hitch or weight kit on the rear end. Where do I find a weight kit for this puppy? Also, what is the black tube on the left for?

Serial number starts with 17. Maybe the guy got it in '18... who knows.

 

[Sfoppema]

I have a question about your machine does the back end turn when you turn your steering wheel while not in motion or does the front end turn back and forth
I ran a avant and when I would go to load wood in the back of the truck I couldn’t move a movement side to side like a skid steer could
But ran a cat 906 and the front turned instead of the back which I liked
Did not like the back end movement instead of the front
Hope I’m explaining myself clearly
So if I was going to pick something up and was off on position I would have to back up or pull forward to get to position vs just turning the steering wheel for a better position

It is opposite of the avant. The avant you're sitting on the front, giant you are on the back.